Energy Savings

Worried about energy costs - in money and our planet? Consider the following:

• American homeowners are eligible to receive $1500 in federal tax credits this year and next toward the cost of a new furnace or other energy-saving improvements. Click for details.
• Seal leaky windows, doors, and attics against drafts and energy losss.
• Consider replacing lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Unplug coffeeepots, TVs and other small appliances that consume electricty even when they're not in active use or use power strips that cut the power automatically.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Set your water heater to 120 degrees.
• Wash full loads of laundry and use cold water. Air dry when possible.
• Check your faucets and fix leaking ones. Install aerators and low-flow showerheads.
• Use drip hoses to water your garden plantings.

Gardening Organically

Did you know it's estimated that approximately seven million wild birds are killed each and every year due to pesticide use by homeowners?

Did you know that to make 200 bags of chemical fertilizer it take the same amount of natural gas that could heat the average American home for a year?

Did you know that each year Americans use more than 800 million gallons of gasoline to mow and trim their lawns?

Tips:

• Save money and conserve resources by gardening organically.
• Have your soil tested and add only what is really needed.
• Can you say compost? Add a top dressing of compost twice a year.
• Spray with compost tea and fish emulsion - natural fertilizers.
• Mulch your grass clippings. Clippings are high in nutrients and will reduce the need for additonal fertilizer by 25 %.
• Consider replacing your gasoline lawnmower with a reel or electric one.

Save the planet. Just say no to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.