Kids love to learn about wildlife, and offering experiences that revolve around the outdoors provides motivation to learn more about the natural world. The actions of migratory birds offer an interesting study of how animals interact with the environment. Investigating hummingbirds can provide attention-grabbing lessons about these roaming creatures. There are around 340 different types of hummingbirds which can be found in the Western Hemisphere, throughout the North and South Americas. Most are tropic residing, with some having a preference for spending their summers in North America, and colder days in tropical climates. Hummingbirds use up enormous amounts of energy,… read more

The world of design has some inspiring, environmentally driven artists who have made a true difference with their talents. Designers that use their skill in combination with eco friendly undertakings to produce art and projects that give back in some way, through reducing waste or helping others, have more than just a physical ability. However, inspirational missions aren’t just reserved for the exhibition spotlight. There are some outstanding examples of those who have taken their visions and turned them into proactive, meaningful events for children on their home front. One such case is The Edible Schoolyard Project. Nearly two decades… read more

Peppermint can be used in cooking and also has many medicinal advantages. Originally from Asia and Europe, some types of peppermint are also native to South Africa, South America and Australia, and were later established in North America. It can be easily grown indoors or out, requiring only indirect sunlight and a relatively warm temperature. The plants will go dormant during cold months and reappear when weather warms. The perennial, as with other mints, are notorious for taking over whole yards so keep this in mind when choosing where to plant it. Peppermint grows ideally in container gardens. When grown… read more

What could be more romantic than a cozy fire? A crackling fireplace has long been embedded in our ideal of a home. The only downside to this woodsy comfort is the numerous pollutants released when the lumber is burned. One of these pollutants is carbon monoxide. Among many things, carbon monoxide can contribute to the development of cancer. It has no odor or color, which makes it hard for people to detect until they have been harmfully affected by it. But for those who still wish to benefit from fire’s warmth and whimsy, there are other ways to go about it…. read more

When summer comes the warmer temperatures mean electricity bills shoot up as everyone turns on their air conditioners, cooling ducts, and other heat reducing equipment. This year make sure you tap into the newest & trendiest way to keep cool by installing a rooftop or terrace garden. The rooftop garden actually came about because many houses which were cramped up in the city had no way to access any natural light and greenery. The closest they could come to nature was the vista of trees & bushes from their windows. But the beauty and advantages of these artificial gardens forced the villa owners… read more

Tattoos can be visually absorbing, but many may not think of the ingredients in the inks and their possible effects. There are many risks associated with getting tattoos, and possible poisons in the ink are only one of them. Inks vary, but can contain toxic heavy metals including lead, cadmium, chromium and arsenic, among many others. Red inks have some of the highest levels of contaminants which can include mercury. These are all environmental and human health hazards. The American Environmental Safety Institute has given the example of an index card, which is 3 inches/7.6 centimeters by 5 inches/12.7 centimeters… read more

Although an item may possess the ability to biodegrade, that does not ensure that it will. It is the environment that will either enable or prevent the bio-degradation of any object. Grapes and corncobs in decent shape have been found in landfills decades after they were thrown out. Whether or not an object is natural, the anaerobic environment of landfills are clearly not suited for the natural breakdown of organic waste. This is what makes composting important not only for the health of your garden, but as a measure of waste reduction. Even if you don’t own a yard, there… read more

Scientifically appointed plant names are more than a sophisticated, pretentious alternative to a plant’s common name. While vernacular or common names may be more identifiable to gardeners – and easier to remember – they are no substitute for botanic names. As with medical terms, botanic names have information attached to them. Botanical names are binomials that draw on Latin genus and species, and for a binomial to be legitimate, it must conform to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. Unlike medical terms, however, what the name makes reference to may be less obvious, as it could pertain to the appearance,… read more

Did you know that when you have finished your morning brew, whether it be a good old cup of joe or the fanciest of espressos, that those coffee grounds could go on to greater things? Yes, that’s right! Coffee grounds can be upcycled and there are several companies already recycling this waste item with great success. Back to the Roots is a company developed by two former college students. The idea behind Back to the Roots is growing gourmet mushrooms out of soil made from coffee grounds. Presently, Back to the Roots manages to collect, divert, and reuse 3.6 billion… read more

Wise farmers and biodynamic growers have long understood that you can use the moon as an agricultural implement. Numerous cultures still use forms of lunar gardening and abide by its guidelines for planting. Whether harvesting crops by the moonlight or growing by its phases, the natural rhythmic combinations of the earth and moon can be used to a gardener’s advantage. According to this form of planting there are different progressions similar to calendars that revolve around the moon’s cycles. These are the synodic, or waxing and waning phases, ascending and descending phases, and the sidereal and apogee-perigee cycles. Each cycle… read more