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The next time you bite into a slice of melon or take a sip of coffee, think about this: Worldwide, about 1000 plants used for food, beverages, spices, fibers and medicines need to be pollinated by animals in order to grow the foods and products we depend on.  About 75 percent of all plants, including [...]

Did you know that Tennessee is home to more than 61,000 miles of rivers? Freshwater rivers and streams sustain our communities by providing drinking and irrigation water, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and more. While it may seem like fresh water is an abundant resource – especially during times of heavy rainfall and flooding – the [...]

While only about 10 percent of thunderstorms occurring in the U.S. each year are classified as severe, it is important to be prepared for the heavy rains, high winds and hail that can be associated with severe thunderstorms. Straight-line winds and downbursts that accompany some thunderstorms can result in winds of 100 to 150 miles [...]

May is National Bike Month and May 13-17, 2013 is Bike to Work Week. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey shows that number of Americans commuting by bike has increased by 47 percent since 2000.  Hitting the road on two wheels has benefits for your health and the environment. Studies have shown that adults [...]

This is the time of year when migratory birds are on the move!  Migratory birds are traveling from their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central and South America to the U.S. and Canada, where they feast on abundant insects and plant foods during spring and summer.  How do they know when to leave and where to [...]

Mold spores are naturally present in the air at harmless concentrations, but with added moisture can grow to levels that spur allergies and asthma in susceptible individuals.  After heavy rains or when leaks or flooding dampen homes, dormant mold spores can grow explosively and release enough new spores to sicken people. Viewer Tip: It is [...]

Spring is the perfect time to give your home cooling equipment a check-up. Fixing any problems now will help you avoid air-conditioning problems when hot weather arrives for good.  And, well-maintained air conditioning systems cool more efficiently, saving energy and money. Viewer Tip: You can perform a cooling system check-up yourself or ask a professional [...]

March 18-22 is the National Weather Service’s Flood Safety Awareness Week. Flooding occurs from coast to coast at all times of the year – and there are many factors that contribute to flooding events. Snowmelt Flooding: When snow begins to melt, flooding can occur if the amount of snowmelt exceeds the capacity for soils and [...]

How much hazardous waste does the average American household accumulate in one year? The typical home accumulates over 20 pounds of household hazardous waste in just one year! Think of paints, pesticides, cleaning supplies, oil, antifreeze and other products that hide away in the basement, garage or shed. These products may contain corrosive, toxic or [...]

Are you ready for the kinds of severe weather that could impact the area where you live? National Severe Weather Preparedness Week takes place from March 3-9, 2013. This is a great time for you and your family to “Be a Force of Nature” by learning the importance of planning for severe weather events and [...]

For every two minutes a car idles, it uses about the same amount of fuel it takes to drive one mile. While it may be tempting to idle your car for a few minutes to “warm it up” during winter, 30 seconds is plenty of time to get going. Tailpipe emissions from cars contain pollutants [...]

A fire can be delightful during cold weather, but knowing where the wood comes from matters. Tree-killing insects and diseases hide in firewood, so it is best to buy and keep wood local. Some trees look healthy even though they are already infested. If you’re going camping, buy wood nearby your campsite so you don’t [...]

There are many options to consider when choosing a Christmas tree for your home, including a fresh cut tree, an artificial tree or a living tree. Fresh cut trees are grown on Christmas tree farms, an acre of which provides the daily oxygen requirements of 18 people and contributes other benefits to the environment such [...]

Energy use in the United States typically increases during the holiday season. At this time of year, festive holiday lights that decorate homes and neighborhoods across the country can drive up energy demand and home energy bills.

Depending on the type of heating fuel you use at home, your energy bill could go up a little – or a lot – when compared to last year’s heating season. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) Winter Fuels Outlook uses energy price projections and forecasted weather data from NOAA to predict winter heating bills [...]

Did you know that studies have shown that the air inside our homes can be more polluted that the air outside? Indoor air pollutants come from a variety of sources, including building materials and decorating products, as well as activities such as cooking, cleaning, heating, and cooling. Indoor air pollution can trigger health problems for [...]

The average household in the United States spends over 2000 dollars per year on energy (see regional data). While up to half of the energy used goes towards heating and cooling, other home features like water heaters, appliances and lighting contribute to energy bills. Swapping traditional light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) is one [...]

Extreme heat and drought over the summer took their toll on many food crops – but there is an abundance of pumpkins in many places for the fall season. Why? Pumpkins are one of few crops that do well during drought conditions. Lack of rain in many places this year actually protected the pumpkins from [...]

Did you know that commercial and industrial buildings account for up to half of energy use in the United States? Many of the simple energy-saving steps we use at home can be implemented at work, too. Viewer Tip: Every October, government organizations, businesses, associations and individuals observe Energy Awareness Month with activities and programs to [...]

Many homes and buildings are adjacent to woodlands and parks, which provide beautiful views and peaceful settings.  But wildfire risk can be especially high in this “wildland-urban interface,” where the built environment blends with natural landscapes. Viewer Tip: You can protect your home from wildfire by reducing the amount of flammable material between your home and a natural area. An [...]