Planting Trees: The Facts

*According to the U.S. Forest Service Center of Urban Forest Research, by plating 3 trees in the proper places around a house you can save up to 30% of energy use.

*By planting deciduous trees on the east and west side of your home, you will be keeping your home cool in the summer (reducing energy costs by up to 35%) and the sun can warm your home during the winter.

*Planting evergreen trees on the north and northwest sides of your home will help to create a wall to block cold winter winds, saving up to 30% on heating costs.

*Urban areas without trees can become "heat islands."  These are areas which have a higher temperature on average when compared to other areas which have trees.  By planting trees in urban areas of your community, you are helping to cool off buildings, playgrounds, parking lots and streets which will save on energy costs.

*Planting just one tree can save up to 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide per year!!

*Trees improve air quality, conserve water, moderate water, and improve wildlife.  Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particles, and then the rain washes the pollutants to the ground.

*Over-watering plants harms them and wastes water.  What can you do to help with this situation?  There are several things!!  Mulch holds moisture in the soil and prevents evaporation from the soil surface. Water the roots, not the leaves.  Drip irrigation uses 50% less water than conventional sprinkler irrigation. 

To learn more, visit the following websites:

Trees Are Good
www.treesaregood.com

Arbor Day Foundation
www.arborday.org

Tips for Going Green

So, you've heard a lot about "going green" lately.  Want to help out, but not sure how?  Here are some tips to help get you started!!

•  Set your thermostat a few degrees lower during the winter (and wear a sweater) and a few degrees higher during the summer (and wear shorts). 
• By replacing only 3 frequently-used lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs, you can save on energy costs.
• Unplug appliances when not in use (or use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are of and limits the use of energy). 
• Wash clothes in cold water when possible.
• Use a clothesline for drying clothes when possible so energy isn't being used to run a dryer.
• Take shorter showers and run less water when taking a bath.  Using a low-flow shower head can also be helpful. 
• Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden.  These plants need minimal watering. 
• Walk or bike to work if possible.  If this isn't possible, carpooling is another good idea.  Think about all of the gas money you can save!!
• Use a water purifier for tap water instead of drinking bottled water. Also, use a reusable aluminum water bottle to help cut back on the amount of plastic bottles being produced. 
• Borrow books from friends or the library instead of buying them new.  This will cut back on the amount of ink and paper being used to print new books. 
• Buy in bulk to help reduce the amount of packaging being used.  
• Keep electronics such as cell phones and computers as long as possible.  When you are finished with them, recycle the product.  These electronics are referred to as "E-waste," which contains mercury and other toxins that are harmful to our environment.
• You can purchase environmentally-friendly cleaning products at local stores.  You can also make your own non-toxic cleaning products to use at home by using items such as baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.  For more information on making your own cleaning products, visit http://www.worldwatch.org/node/1484.
• Instead of throwing away your unused things, have a yard sale or donate the items to charity.  
• Paper or plastic?  Both are harmful to our environment in several ways.  By purchasing your own eco-friendly reusable bags, you ar helping the environment greatly!!
• Looking to upgrade your computer?  Get a laptop instead of a desktop computer. This will cut back on three-quarters of the electricity used by your computer.  Be sure you turn off the power at the end of the day and use the sleep mode instead of a screensaver.
• Turn off lights when you are not using them.
• Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage.  Check you tires monthly to make sure there is enough air pressure. 
• When packing your lunch, reusable containers are the way to go!!  This keeps you from throwing away plastic bags everyday.
• Want to take your children on an educational field trip?  Take them to a landfill to show them that when we throw things "away," they don't actually go away.  This helps children (especially older children) to realize the impact we have on our earth.  This will be a good way to get children to start recycling. 
• Have double-pane windows installed in your home.  This will keep more heat inside your home, saving energy. 
• Buy organic food.  Also, by purchasing locally-grown foods, you are saving the amount of energy to transport the item to the store.
• Insulate the walls and ceilings of your home. 
• Use a push mower instead of a riding mower.  This is a great way to go green and get some great exercise!!
• Weatherize your home by caulking and weather- stripping your doorways and windows. 
• Looking to replace your older appliances?  Be sure you replace them with energy efficient appliances.
• Keep your water heater insulated.  Also, make sure your water heater thermostat is no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Wanting to buy a new car?  Make sure it's fuel-efficient.  Just a few extra miles per gallon makes a huge difference.  Another option is to purchase a hybrid car. 
• Simply changing your air conditioner filters when recommended can greatly reduce energy costs. 
• When buying printer paper, make sure it is 100% post-consumer recycled. 
• When running your dishwasher, make sure you have a full load. 
• Change your car's air filter monthly. 
• Plant a container herb garden.  You can have the herbs you need for cooking right at your fingertips.  By doing this, you are going green in several ways: no packaging is being used, you are not driving to the store to pick up that one little ingredient you forgot about, and the garden is environmentally friendly.   

To find out more information on going green, check out these websites:

Smiling Sage
http://smilingsage.com

World Watch
www.worldwatch.org


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 The following is from our Herbalist, Mary Hammond:

Cleaning with Essential Oils
This is a list of some fo the essential oils that have been known to kill different kinds of germs.  You can choose the ones you like to add to the formulas shown. 

Anti-Viral