LED Holiday Lights

LED stands for light-emitting diode and these type of lights will save you 90% energy than traditional bulbs.

Burning 10 strands of lights with 100 lights per strand, eight hours per day for a month costs $175 for incandescent bulbs vs. about $1 for LED mini-bulbs. Sounds good, huh?

Because they barely heat up means they are less of a hazard with children being burned by a bulb.

This year I purchased the C7 lights which resemble the old fashioned larger multi color bulbs. Yes, I did say COLOR. Aren't you tired of clear lights yet? Please bring back the color in Christmas!

You can find these online or at Walmart or Kmart (if they still have them) I got them early and sold out fast at my local store. They are likely available elsewhere if you look.

Eco - Friendly Bathroom Surface Cleaners

Which ranks tops? You can find out here at National Geographic's Green Guide.
http://www.thegreenguide.com/products/Housekeeping/Bathroom_Surface_Cleaners

I've been using Seventh Generation bathroom cleaner which cleans a smooth surface tub, the outer toilet, and bathroom counters very well.

My shower stall on the other hand contains ripples on the floor and requires something with a little more power to penetrate those darn nooks and crannies. I may give the BonAmi a whirl for that, although being a powder may be something I would have to get used to.

Experts Offer Toy-Buying Safety Tips

How to identify and avoid hazardous toys

With so much scrutiny on the toy industry, some consumer advocates say toys may actually be safer this holiday season than they have been for years, but they are still warning that there are almost certainly dangerous toys on store shelves.

Full Article: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/toy_shopping.html

Gun Owners/Hunters: Lead Shot Causes Lead Poisoning To Birds

PENDLETON -- In April, a golden eagle was brought to Blue Mountain Wildlife, a raptor rehabilitation center in Pendleton. Center director Lynn Tompkins said the bird was suffering from classic symptoms of lead poisoning.

The poisoning caused nerve dysfunction to such a degree that the eagle clenched its talons and couldn't unclench them. They were so tightly contracted the bird was walking around on his knuckles, Tompkins said.
In addition, the eagle was emaciated because poor muscle control prevented hunting.

Tompkins took the eagle to Pendleton Veterinary Clinic where a lead toxicity test was done. The eagle had a lead level of 66.4 micrograms per deciliter. A normal level is less than 6 micrograms per deciliter.

Full Article http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071118/STATE/711180316/1042

Please use an alternative!

Don't Forget to Feed The Birds, But Do it Right

When it snows it can be difficult for outdoor birds to find enough food. Feeding wild birds can be an enjoyable experience. If you're new to this activity you want to do it right. Below are helpful links to get you started. It is important to know that while you are tending to wild birds there is some upkeep involved and necessary so that they do not become ill. If you're going to start bird feeding take it seriously so that you do no harm.

Besides helping the birds get through winter it also provides you with an opportunity to learn more about various species and if you have a professional digital camera to take pictures of your new friends.

My Tips:

I do not recommend bird baths unless you have a lot of time on your hands to tend to them. Birds use baths to lounge, drink, and bathe in which means dirty water. E.Coli can be spread easily via a bird bath.

If you got the time and eyes to watch it then it will be worth the effort. Just know that I usually have to change my water several times a day and once a week scrubbing it down with a sink brush. My baths attract a large number of birds. So be prepared. They invite their friends to the pool.

You've probably seen those netted bags with seed in them. I also discourage from using those. Birds can easily get their nails caught in them.

My last tip is to not let your bird feeder become empty. I once found a bird that managed to get inside my feeder by liftng the plastic portion. This is what I mean by watching your feeders closely.


Learn more about bird feeding and getting started here

http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/wildlife/420-006/420-006.html
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/attracting/feeding/

Tis the Season: Earth Friendly Tips

1) Consider purchasing gift certificates to movies or other places. This cuts down on using gift wrap.

2) Have toys or clothing you no longer want? Donate to Salvation Army.

3) Purchase paper and cards that have been made from recycled paper.

4) Use paper as opposed to metallic and plastic type wrapping which doesn't decompose as easily.

5) If you're going to purchase Christmas tree lights this year; consider buying LED light sets - they'll last far longer and use less electricity. My recent purchase will save me 90%. Don't be surprised though they are a bit more expensive.

6) Don't leave the outdoor light sets on. Purchase a timer. Save money on electricity.

7) Take your own bags while you are shopping. No sense in bringing home more plastic bags. If you do, remember to recycle them.

8) Shop online. Save gas money. Chances are you will get a better deal anyway if you are a saavy shopper that is.

9) If you are one that must use candles try beeswax. Please remember proper safety habits. If you have a pet of any kind I don't recommend candles at all.

10) Buy an environmentally friendly basket filled with "green" products and introduce friends to a better way of living.

Donate Your Old Furs to Wildlife

"Do you have an old fur coat in your closet? Many of us have fur apparel that we no longer want or that was left to us by a family member. Some aren't comfortable selling it or giving it to charity, because they feel people should not wear animal fur. So what should people do with it?

Give it back to the animals. If you would like to see that old fur put to a good use, donate it to The Humane Society of the United States' Coats for Cubs program. The fur will aid and comfort wildlife."

Follow this link http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/fur_and_trapping/donate_your_old_furs_to_wildlife.html