Conservation

As the seasons change and warmer weather arrives, I always feel a little lighter and my smile becomes a bit brighter. With trees awakening and the sounds of more birds outside my window, I’m grateful for the extra moments of sunshine and I enjoy watching the furry friends in my neighborhood....

“It wouldn't be too bad outside if it weren't for the wind...”  What a wonderful Midwest saying as we are gearing up for the best season for wind. March is the windiest month of the year in Bloomington, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.6 miles per hour. Wind speed varies at a...

When the weather turns cold, windy, and snowy, many of us prefer to stay indoors and keep warm at home. However, for those who venture outside, clear and safe roads are essential for traveling any distance. Using road salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming. Salting...

During the holiday season, many hope for a white Christmas, and kids love to make snow angels while they are on school break. In Bloomington, Ill., where I'm located, January typically has the coldest average temperatures, with an average low of 19 degrees Fahrenheit and an average high of 33...

In the 16th century, St. Nick's counterpart, Krampus, was fictitiously known to gift naughty children coal in their stockings. By the early 1900s, coal grew in popularity as a gift, since many families used coal to heat their homes. While today most of us no longer receive coal in our stockings, it...

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while we might all celebrate differently, many of us are purchasing gifts for loved ones over the next few months. Before you start adding items to your shopping cart, here are some facts to consider about the environmental impact of holiday shopping...

Which of the following statements are true?  There are hundreds of types of plastics.  Since the 1950s, global plastic production has grown by an average of 9% per year.  80% of grocery bags and more than 1/3 of entire plastic packaging production is for short term use by US...

Around the world we see countries tapping into renewable energy as sustainability and innovation are becoming higher priorities. Investing in research on how we can better care for our earth and utilize renewable energy can reshape our lives for a cleaner and brighter future. However, the rate...