Viewer Tip: Look for light bulbs that have earned the Energy Star, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Consider these facts and figures:

• An average Energy Star qualified light bulb uses 75 percent less energy than a standard bulb and lasts about six times longer.
• Energy Star CFLs emit less heat than traditional light bulbs.
• Swapping one traditional bulb for an Energy Star bulb can save 40 dollars or more over the lifetime of the bulb.  Swap five and save over 200 dollars!

Get tips for purchasing CFL light bulbs – including choosing light intensity, color and size – at www.energystar.gov/ia/products/fap/purchasing_checklist_revised.pdf.

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(Sources: Energy Star. “Save Energy at Home: Lighting.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_save_energy_at_home, and “CFLs: Savings.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_savings)

Viewer Tip: Every October, government organizations, businesses, associations and individuals observe Energy Awareness Month with activities and programs to reduce energy consumption in our daily lives. Why not make your time at work more energy efficient?

• Up to 35 percent of the electricity used in an office building is consumed by lighting! If you have a desk lamp, replace a traditional light bulb with a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL). CFLs use about 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer.
• Have a window near your desk? Reduce energy needs for cooling and heating: Close blinds during warm weather to keep out the sun’s heat; on cold days, leave blinds open during daylight hours to let in the sun’s warmth.
• Keep air vents clear of papers, files and office supplies. It can take up to 25 percent more energy to pump air into a workspace if vents are blocked.

Energy Star has many more tips for going green at work. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=energy_awareness.awareness_you_can_do.

(Source: U.S. EPA and DOE. “Bring Your Green to Work with Energy Star.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=bygtw.showSplash)

Viewer Tip: Weather keeping you inside? Keep these water-saving tips in mind:

• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
• Wash summer fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water, and use a vegetable brush to clean them instead of rinsing.
• Scrape, don’t rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher, and wash only full loads.
• If you’re remodeling your bathroom or replacing plumbing fixtures this summer, look for the WaterSense label for products that save water and perform well.

This information is provided by the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense Program.  Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense.

Viewer Tip: Rip currents are typically found at low spots and breaks in sand bars, or near jetties and piers. Before you head to the beach, check the latest forecast for beach conditions at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/forecasts.shtml. Always swim at a beach with lifeguards on duty and heed their advice.  Nearly all rip current drownings occur at unguarded beaches.

Learn more, including how to identify a rip current and what to do if caught in a rip current, at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.

(Sources: NOAA National Weather Service and U.S. Lifesaving Association. “Rip Currents: What they are, the dangers, how to escape.” www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov/resources/Final%20Talking%20Points%20and%20Fact%20Sheet_041707.pdf)

Photo: Aerial view of several rip currents. Courtesy of Dr. Wendy Carey, Delaware Sea Grant

Viewer Tip: This is good time to remember some basic weather safety tips that will keep you and your family safe.

• Heat: Even when the outside temperature is relatively mild (about 70 degrees) the temperature inside a sealed car can rise quickly – up to 40 degrees in 60 minutes. Please don’t leave kids or pets alone in a car, even for a few minutes.
• Floods: As winter snow melts and rain falls, floods will occur in some parts of the country. Remember the National Weather Service’s advice to “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Never cross flooded roads or pathways in a car or on foot – find another, safe route.
• Lightning: If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. The only safe place when lightning is nearby is inside a substantial building or a metal-topped vehicle.

This information is provided by the American Meteorological Society, a partner in National Public Health Week.

Viewer Tip: You can perform a cooling system check-up yourself or ask a professional for help. According to EPA’s Energy Star program, a typical check-up should include:

• Tightening electrical connections. Faulty connections can be unsafe and reduce the life of your system.
• Lubricating moving parts to reduce friction in motors and increase energy efficiency.
• Checking the condensate drain. A plugged drain can affect indoor humidity levels and cause water damage in your home.
• Checking system controls for safe operation. Make sure your system starts, stops and operates as it should.
• Cleaning air conditioning coils for increased energy efficiency and to prolong the life of the equipment.
• Checking refrigerant level and adjusting if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant can affect system efficiency.
• Cleaning and adjusting blower components for good airflow. Problems with airflow can reduce an air conditioning system’s efficiency by up to 15 percent!

(Source: Energy Star. “Maintenance Checklist.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_maintenance)

• Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads and fixture connections. Find silent toilet leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots outdoors.
• Twist and tighten pipe connections. To save more water in the bathroom without a noticeable difference in flow, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
• Replace fixtures if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models.

This information is provided by the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense Program. Learn more at www.epa.gov/watersense/water_efficiency/fix_a_leak.html.

Viewer Tip: With so many water resources tied to San Juan Bay — the Mart­ín Peña, Suárez, and San Antonio channels, the Condado, Los Corozos, San Jose, Torrecilla, and Piñnes lagoons, and the Puerto Nuevo River – it’s important to remember that what affects water quality upstream may also impact water quality miles away. One of the easiest ways to protect local water quality is to recycle or properly dispose of household wastes that contain chemicals, such as paints, pesticides, solvents, car fluids and other products. When these products are dumped in the trash, outdoors or in a storm drain, they can be carried directly to local streams and rivers when it rains. Proper disposal ensures that they stay out of our waters.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: U.S. EPA National Estuary Program. June 2007. “National Estuary Program Coastal Condition Report.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nepccr/index.html;U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds. “After the Storm.” Available from: http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/stormwater.html.)

• Have this winter’s snow and cold temperatures influenced bird populations?
• Are there differences in bird diversity in cities, suburban, rural and natural areas?
• Are there any bird populations that are declining?

GBBC counts have also helped scientists record the spread of Eurasian Collared Doves, understand the impact of West Nile virus on crows, and capture the paths of Sandhill Crane migrations.

Viewer Tip: Anyone can participate in GBBC by tallying birds for at least 15 minutes on any day of the count. Simple instructions for counting and reporting birds are available at www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html. You can also find regional bird checklists, photo galleries, resources for kids and more!

GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and Bird Studies Canada.

Viewer Tip: Many commuters drive alone. Give these tips a try to slash time spent on the road and reduce air pollution:

• Telecommute. If you are able to work from home, give it a try! Telecommuting one day per week for a year can save the typical commuter 1200 miles on his or her vehicle and 58 gallons of gas.
• Carpool. A vehicle with four passengers achieving 15 miles per gallon is 2.4 times more efficient than four small sedans with one passenger, each getting 25 miles per gallon.
• Walk or bike. Leave the car at home for short trips to save gas and money.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Source: Texas Transportation Institute. Urban Mobility Report 2010. Released in December 2010. Available from: http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/mobility_report_2010.pdf; Federal Highway Administration. “It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air.” www.italladdsup.gov)

• Home Energy Yardstick: Enter information from your energy bill, your home’s square footage and your zip code to compare your household energy use to others around the country. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=HOME_ENERGY_YARDSTICK.showGetStarted.
• Home Advisor: With just a few pieces of information – your zip code, the type of heating and cooling equipment you use, and the type of water heater you have – you can get instant tips to save energy at home. Tips include low-cost actions, such as sealing air leaks and choosing efficient light bulbs, and long-term investments like replacing windows and purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput.

Season: Winter

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. “Home Energy Yardstick,” www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=HOME_ENERGY_YARDSTICK.showGetStarted; “Home Advisor,” www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput)

Radon is produced when uranium in soil, rock and water breaks down and gets into the air. It can be found anywhere in the United States and sneaks into homes and buildings through places like cracks in floors and gaps around pipes. You cannot see, smell or taste radon gas, but it can be dangerous to your health. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in the United States.

Viewer Tip: Winter is a good time to test your home for radon. When windows and doors are sealed tightly, radon levels inside your home can rise. Plus, people generally spend more time inside at this time of year, increasing risk of exposure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Surgeon General encourage everyone in the United States to test their homes for radon gas during the month of January.

A qualified professional can test your home or you can order a do-it-yourself test kit.  More information about each of these options is available at www.epa.gov/radon/radontest.html.

If you find out there are dangerous levels of radon in your home, EPA’s Consumer’s Guide to Radon Reduction: How to Fix Your Home can help you get started on finding a solution: www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/consguid.html.

Season: Winter

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “January is National Radon Action Month.” http://www.epa.gov/radon/nram/)

The first Christmas Bird Count (CBC) took place on December 25, 1900 – 27 participants counted and identified about 18,500 birds, mostly in the northeastern U.S. Today, CBC volunteers brave snow and chilly temperatures to identify and count birds throughout the 50 states and in Canada. Last year, over 2100 counts were completed and 59.9 million birds were reported! CBC data helps researchers understand how bird populations have changed over the past century. Forty years’ worth of observation data from the CBC show that 58 percent of North American bird species seen in the first few weeks of winter have shifted their ranges north. Sixty species have moved over 100 miles north – the wild turkey has moved a whopping 400 miles!

Viewer Tip: Anyone can participate in the Christmas Bird Count. CBC takes place in “count circles” that focus on specific geographic areas. Every circle has a leader, so even if you are a beginner birdwatcher, you’ll be able to count birds with an experienced birder and contribute data to the longest-running wildlife census. If your home happens to be within the boundaries of a count circle, you can count the birds that visit your backyard feeder.

To join a Christmas Bird Count in your area, visit birds.audubon.org/get-involved-christmas-bird-count and click on “Count Date Search” to find a count circle near you. Detailed instructions for joining a count can be found at birds.audubon.org/documents/cbc-circle-sign-instructions-participants.

Broadcast-quality slide show

(Sources: National Audubon Society.  “The 110th Christmas Bird Count: Citizen Science in Action. www.christmasbirdcount.org; National Audubon Society. “Birds and Climate Change: Ecological Disruption in Motion – A Briefing for Policymakers and Concerned Citizens on Audubon’s Analyses of North American Bird Movements in the Face of Global Warming.” February 2009. http://birds.audubon.org/birds-climate-change-move)

Viewer Tip: Development that occurs on or nearby coastal wetlands can lead to loss of habitat, changes in water flow, polluted runoff and other impacts. Even if you live inland, what you do on your property could affect coastal wetlands.

• Keep lawns and driveways free of pet waste, fertilizers and motor oil. These items can wash into storm drains and could eventually reach a wetland.
• Use native species when planting trees, shrubs and flowers to preserve the ecological balance of local wetlands.
• Use non-toxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care. Never spray lawn and garden chemicals outside on a windy day or on a day when it might rain and wash the chemicals into waterways.

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Celebrate Coastal Wetlands…Connecting Us All!” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm/pdf/coastal_final.pdf; “American Wetlands Month,” http://www.epa.gov/wetlands/awm; U.S. Geological Survey. “National Water Summary on Wetlands Resources: State Summary Highlights.” http://water.usgs.gov/nwsum/WSP2425/state_highlights_summary.html)

Viewer Tip: Hold on to the holiday spirit while saving energy and money this season. Look for holiday lights that have earned the Energy Star, which means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. Many Energy Star labeled strands use light emitting diodes (LEDs), which have several beneficial qualities:

• Efficient: Energy Star light strands use about 70 percent less energy than conventional incandescent lights. 
• Long-lived: LED light strands last up to 10 times longer than traditional strands.
• Safer: LED lights stay cool to the touch, which reduces the risk of fire.

Add a timer to your holiday lighting display to save even more energy.  Set lights to turn on at night and off during the day.

Learn more about energy efficient holiday lighting from Energy Star at www.energystar.gov.

Seasons: Fall, Winter

(Source: Energy Star. “Decorative Light Strings.” http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=DS)

Viewer Tip: Nitrogen and phosphorus in streams and groundwater supplies come from many sources, including wastewater discharges, fertilizer and manure applications on agricultural land, and rain water runoff from residential and urban areas. At home, you can help keep nitrogen and phosphorus out of our water ways with these simple tips:

• Never dump chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides or pet waste in or near a storm drain.
• Wait for dry weather to apply yard care treatments, like fertilizers or pesticides.
• Direct home downspouts to grassy areas instead of pavement. This allows rain water to soak into the ground rather than running off into the street and storm drain.

Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

(Sources: USGS Release: Elevated Nitrogen and Phosphorus Still Widespread in Much of the Nation’s Streams and Groundwater. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2599; Trout Unlimited, www.tu.org; U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, www.epa.gov/owow)

Viewer Tip: If you find Asian ladybugs in your home this fall, there are a few ways you can control them without spraying pesticides.

• Vacuum or sweep up the beetles daily. Dispose the beetles well away from the building, as these insects are strong fliers and will readily return.
• Purchase or build your own ladybug trap. Once captured release them outside.
• Locate entry points and seal up cracks and crevices to help reduce their numbers indoors. Window screens and doors should be tight-fitting.

You can also help scientists studying the status of native ladybugs species – across North America, ladybug species distribution is changing.  Several native ladybugs that were once very common have become extremely rare over the past 20 years, while ladybugs from other places have greatly increased their numbers and range.  This is happening very quickly and scientists don’t know how, why or what impact it will have on ladybug diversity.  Lend scientists at Cornell and South Dakota State Universities a hand by helping them chart the progress of native ladybug species in the face of the Asian ladybug invasion. The Lost Ladybug Project is asking you to join them in finding out where all the ladybugs have gone by taking photos of ladybugs you see in your home or community. For more information on how to submit your ladybug photos visit www.lostladybug.org.

Season: Fall

This information is provided by the Georgia Conservancy. Learn more at www.georgiaconservancy.org

(Sources: Garland, K. “A Houseful of Ladybugs.” The Georgia Conservancy)

In 2009, volunteers participated in 49 states, DC and Puerto Rico. Volunteers in Puerto Rico found that local waterways had an average temperature of about 82 degrees Fahrenheit (27.94 degrees Celsius). Warmer water holds less oxygen than cold water – all animals need oxygen in order to survive.

Viewer Tip: Get involved! You can test water quality in your community and report results back to the World Water Monitoring Day coordinators. Visit http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/Participate/Participate_Main.html to register your site and get a test kit.

Season: Fall

World Water Monitoring Day is coordinated by the Water Environment Federation and the International Water Association

(Sources: Water Environment Federation and International Water Association. 2009. “World Water Monitoring Day 2009 Year in Review.” Available from http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/; Montana Watercourse of the Montana Water Center, “Volunteer Water Monitoring Guidebook.” Available from http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/)

Viewer Tip: People who exercise or work outside are also at increased risk for health impacts from air pollution. Stay healthy and reduce your exposure by watching air quality reports from your local media or checking www.airnow.gov.  When conditions reach “Code Orange” or higher, consider rescheduling sports games and other strenuous outdoor activities for another day. If you do go outside, aim for the early morning or evening hours, when air pollution levels are likely to be lower.

Season: Summer

(Sources: American Lung Association. “State of the Air 2010: Air Quality Facts.” http://www.stateoftheair.org/2010/facts/; US EPA. “What Affects My Air Quality?” http://www.epa.gov/airnow/airaware/day2-detail.html; www.airnow.gov)