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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 [...]

Even on days with relatively mild temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach dangerous levels. While the windows of a car do not warm very much from the sun’s rays, the objects inside of a car absorb and radiate heat. A dark-colored seat or dashboard can reach temperatures of [...]

During the summer, we often think about how to stay cool while saving energy and money on utility bills.  While there are many adjustments you can make to your home cooling system to save energy, it’s also important to reduce heat build-up in your home so that your cooling system doesn’t have to work overtime. [...]

Snowy tree crickets, found through the United States, are around from July to October and are called “snowy” because of thier pale color. These crickets have a chirp that is easy to count and related to temperature.  Viewer Tip: Head outside after dark to listen for crickets. Count the number of chirps you hear in 13 seconds and [...]

Many states are experiencing impacts from drought or dry weather, including impacts on agriculture, water and energy supplies, fires and other environmental conditions. While humans cannot prevent droughts from occurring, we can do our part to avoid intensifying their affects through our water usage. Viewer Tip: Conserving water at home doesn’t have to be a chore.  [...]

Have you noticed more frequent encounters with yellow jackets recently? Yellow jackets are a type of paper wasp found across the country. Depending on the species, they either nest above or below ground in colonies with workers and one queen that lays eggs. During the spring and early summer, workers build-up the colony with chambers [...]

Ocean and lake beaches around the country get closed every year due to poor water quality from pathogens – disease-causing bacteria and viruses. One way that pathogens get into the water is from pet and wild animal waste being washed down storm drains when it rains. In most communities, storm drains discharge storm water directly [...]

On a hot summer day in the United States, a traditional roof can get as hot as 185 degrees! Hot roofs contribute to the urban heat island effect, where temperatures in cities are warmer that surrounding natural areas. One way to reduce the urban heat island effect in cities is to install cool roofs, using [...]

Some cities in the United States, such as Miami and Phoenix, receive over 3,000 hours of sun every year! In the summer, when temperatures can top 90 or even 100 degrees, a popular way to beat the heat is to take a dip in the pool. Unfortunately, in some states – including California, Florida and [...]

Peak water use season describes the time of year when communities experience their highest spike in water use—and their biggest water supply challenges. The average home uses 260 gallons of water per day, but that can rise to 1,000 gallons per day during peak watering season, and some homes can use as much as 3,000 [...]

Local wildlife – such as birds and small mammals – need a supply of clean water to survive periods of extreme heat and drought. Small animals often seen in our backyards typically don’t have large ranges, meaning that having fresh water close-by is extremely important for survival. Viewer Tip: You can lend a hand to [...]

Did you know that a swimming pool in the summer is just as attractive to wildlife as it is to us? While enjoyable for us, swimming pools can be dangerous for wildlife. Wildlife can become trapped and drown or be harmed by chemicals in the water. Viewer Tip: Luckily, there are many ways to help [...]

Making improvements to your lighting is one of the easiest at-home energy efficiency jobs you can take on.  According to the Department of Energy, an average household dedicates 11 percent of its energy budget to lighting.  Summer is a great time to take advantage of the long hours of sunlight during the day – using [...]

The sun emits radiation in the form of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation is at its highest when and where the sun’s rays are the strongest. This means that UV levels will be highest around noon on a clear sunny day, as well as during the summer months. UV levels will also be highest near [...]

When the temperature goes up outside, so does the demand for energy for cooling. Research shows that for every one degree Fahrenheit increase in outdoor air temperatures, demand for energy increases by 1.5 to two percent! Rising energy use can lead to an increase in air pollutant emissions, which impact human health and contribute to [...]

July is Smart Irrigation Month! Up to 50 percent of the water used on landscapes goes to waste from evaporation and runoff. Making the most of the water you apply to your landscape—whether from a hose or an irrigation system—can save you gallons and money on your utility bill. Viewer Tip: Take these steps for [...]

On hot, sunny days, surface temperatures of roofs and pavement can be from 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the air temperature! These hot surfaces contribute to “urban heat islands” where temperatures in cities are hotter than surrounding, less developed areas. The urban heat island effect can be particularly pronounced at night, when city [...]

Warm summer days mean lots of people head out to the Great Lakes to go boating and fishing. While you’re on the water, it is important to keep an eye out for silver and bighead carp, which are invasive fish that pose a threat to native Great Lakes species and even boaters. These fish were [...]

Summer fun can sometimes be hindered by pesky insects such as mosquitoes. Often our defense for this bothersome biter is to apply lotions and sprays or ignite repellant-infused candles. This is an effective way to deter the current mosquito population, but taking the time to prevent breeding and repopulation can significantly increase your summertime enjoyment. [...]

In the United States, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July each year than any other day. In 2009, fireworks ignited an estimated 18,000 fires, many of which were outdoor grass and brush fires. These fires can spread quickly, especially in areas that are experiencing dry weather or drought. Viewer Tip: The best [...]