Increase Comfort and Reduce Energy Bills This Winter

Windows and exterior doors are, of course, necessary elements of any home, but if they are old and drafty, you may wonder about how to make them more energy efficient.  Whether you live in an historic home, or a home that has only single-pane windows, there are some relatively inexpensive and easy fixes you can [...]

Energy Efficient LED Holiday Lighting

Looking for a way to brighten up both the interior and exterior of your home for the holidays without running up your electricity bill?  Super efficient LEDs, or Light Emitting Diodes, are the answer!  LEDs use 80-90% less energy than conventional incandescent lighting, plus they don’t heat up like incandescents.  In addition, they last much [...]

Fall Fix-Ups for the Yard, Part III

Autumn, with its pleasant temperatures and colorful beauty, is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the outdoors.  It’s also the perfect time to get out in the  yard to plant trees & shrubs, and of course, rake leaves. In previous posts, I covered “Fall Fix-ups” for the lawn and garden, and here, woody [...]

Party for Parks

Our national parks are full of splendor and beauty, and inspire visitors to want to protect these magnificent, natural treasures.   The Sierra Club welcomes those who want to help celebrate and preserve our great parks for generations to come, with “Party for Parks” events across the country on September 20th.
The non-profit organization will provide party-goers [...]

Fall Fix-ups for the Yard, Part II

In part one of my series on “Fall Fix-ups”, I covered eco-friendly lawn etiquette.  Here, bulbs and flower beds will be the focus.  Of course, to keep it green, the use of native plants is highly encouraged.  By planting native (non-invasive) flowers, you’ll provide the proper nourishment for native birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinating [...]

Fall Fix-ups For the Yard, Part I

Here in Southeastern Pennsylvania, the leaves are just beginning to make their annual journey from the tree tops to the ground below.  It reminds me that Autumn is a wonderful time to get outside amongst the brilliantly-colored leaves and the crisp air, and get the yard ready for next Spring.  By following these tips, you’ll [...]

The Importance of Native Plants

As development progresses across once undisturbed land, native plants are being bulldozed and destroyed.  Combined with the introduction of invasive plant species in many regions, this can have a devastating effect on the environment.  Not only is the appearance of these natural areas degraded, but this has a detrimental effect on birds, bees, butterflies, other [...]

Recycled Glass Adds Pizazz to Landscapes

Pictured here, tumbled, recycled glass creates a striking and unique landscape with a “river” that winds through the yard.  Imagine its use in fountains, firepits, fish ponds, pathways, mulch beds, and gardens. How beautiful it would be in desert-scapes to bring in color without the use of thirsty plants!  From post-consumer bottles to post-industrial window [...]

How Green is Your Backyard?

Summer is the time for fun in the sun, and what better way to enjoy the warmer months than by spending time outdoors.  If you’re looking for ideas to green up your backyard this season, here are some earth-friendly tips:

Plant trees, such as deciduous shade trees on the south and western sides of your [...]

Low-Maintenance Lawns

Want a great looking lawn without all the mowing, fertilizing and watering?  There’s good news:  special blends of various types of grasses have been designed to create eco-friendly landscapes.  Whether you’re starting your lawn from bare soil or converting small sections of established turf at a time, there’s a low-maintenance option for you.

keep looking »