It is time to go green in 2013! 

The following list of 10 ways to go green will motivate you to take that next step towards environmental awareness.

1.  Conserve Water
Install a low flow aerator to your kitchen sink. An aerator cuts water usage by 33 percent. This is a great way to save money and conserve water. Find one at your local big box or home improvement store.

2. Energy Efficient
Light Fluorescent lights use significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs. Install a dimmer switch to reduce your homes electrical usage even further. Fluorescent light bulbs last between 10 and 15 times longer than a standard bulb. 

3. Programmable Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat. You decide the time and the temperature that your heating and cooling system will run. Set the thermostat to not run until 30 minutes before your family returns home. A programmable thermostat saves you money and lessens your carbon footprint.

4. Set Your Thermostat at A Set Temperature
Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees in the summer. Your energy costs rise by
three percent for every degree over 68 and 76. This simple act reduces your home's energy consumption dramatically.

5. Home Automation
Install a home automation system such as Vivint. These highly energy efficient automation system's will integrate your home's major functions. You will save energy by automating the following functions. 
· Lighting 
· Heating and cooling 
· Security system 
· Appliances 
· Irrigation systems

6. Low Flow Toilet
Install a low flow toilet in all of your bathrooms. A low flow toilet uses 1.3 gallons of water a flush, compared to
more than three gallons a flush with a regular toilet.

7. Take a Shower
The Environmental Protection Agency states that taking a bath uses 70 gallons of water. A five minute shower requires around 15 gallons of water. Switching from a bath to a shower has the potential to save more than 20,000 gallons of water in one year.

8. Clean Responsibly
Use only environmentally friendly products to clean your home. Organic cleaning products save energy and preserve natural resources. A simple solution of one part vinegar to four parts water effectively cleans most surfaces.

9. Air Dry
Air drying one load of laundry will save you a little more than $1 in energy costs. The more loads you air dry, the more energy and money you will save. 

10. Turn Off the Faucet
Turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth saves eight gallons of water a day. Multiply that by 365,
and you will save more than 2,900 gallons of water in 2013.

Would you venture deep into the wild to investigate a create called an African Werewolf?  Or drink banana beer at the base of Kilimanjaro?  Adventurer Richard Terry does just that and more on National Geographic Wild’s new exploration show, “Man v Monster”.  

Richard Terry is a veteran of providing viewers with beautiful scenery, interesting nature stories and original subject matter.  

Terry even interacts with viewers of
“Man v Monster” on Twitter https://twitter.com/RichardITerry/  


The next airing of  “Man v Monster“ on Nat Geo Wild is  Friday, November 9 at 10PM ET.

Show Details: From the remote swamps of eastern India, reports are coming in of villages full of widows -- their husbands killed by a creature that attacks unseen and unprovoked. The culprit is one of nature's most revered animals: the Bengal tiger. Normally, tigers shy away from people, but in this region thousands of innocent locals have died at the jaws of these cats, and it's only getting worse -- but why? Nat Geo joins adventurer Richard Terry as he investigates this pattern of strange animal behavior.

National Geographic Wild 
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/man-v-monster/

With the urban development across the major cities of British Columbia, there is a fear of over-dumping of landfills and increased waste pollution. Especially, glass and plastic waste has been increasing in the recent times. We find a lot of waste comprising of plastic bottles, glass  bottles, beverage cans and tins, alcohol containers etc.

This has led to  a massive dumping of the  landfills across different centers of British Columbia.  The Vancouver city is  no longer untouched of the menace of over-crowding  landfills and waste dumps. In order to fight this present situation, recycling  has become a sort after method. It can be used to curb the waste deposition and  increase the reuse of  various reusable waste material such as plastic and glass.  More often than not,  we tend to overlook the potential of waste as a potential  commodity that can be  reused after quality and professional recycling processes.

The latest to  hit the recycling horizon is the concept of profitable  recycling. There are  many recycling centers and bottle depots across the BC  region that offer the  consumers to come and deposit their plastic and glass  bottles, cans, beverage  containers, alcohol bottles etc and earn some extra  money. The initiative has  been taken up by some  BC bottle depots that are  targeting the end users to  become aware of the rising
issue of waste pollution  in their area and help  in the environment cleaning procedures. And if you can  earn some extra money in  the process then nothing betters that.

Some of  the important reasons  identified for the need of recycling include the  following: 

Removal of  wastes

An important aspect of recycling is  removal of waste; harmful  and otherwise. With the recycling of bottles and  glass, we can clean the  environment and keep it free from the effects of land  and water pollution.

Conservation of Resources

The reuse of  waste material for the  benefit of the environment results in the conservation of  resources that can be  used for other vital processes.

Protection of  landfills

The  protection of landfills is also a crucial aspect for the promotion of recycling  all around the globe. The landfills are getting over-dumped with the chances of  harmful toxins being spread in your own 
neighborhood. Hence, it becomes our  prime duty to protect hem for better use. 

Earn and don’t spend

The process of recycling is cost-effective  and with the introduction of  profitable recycling, one can also earn by  deposition of wastes at the bottle  depots and recycling centers in BC and earn  some extra money for their efforts  in conserving and protecting their Mother Nature.


About The  Author
Bryn Desouza;  BC Bottle Depot, one can deposit their plastic  and glass  bottle waste and earn by
helping in the initiative of Recycling  Bottle and  protecting the environment from the hazards of waste. One can find  various  bottle depot and recycling centers across BC in East Vancouver,  South Vancouver,  Maple Ridge, Guilford, Walnut Grove and Scott Road.

Wind Turbine Energy: A New and Green Alternative 

When people think about finding green sources of energy, they often turn to solar power. While it is true that solar energy is a clean alternative to using traditional fuels such as gas and electricity, it is not the only green option available. Wind turbine energy is method of generating energy that is not new in theory since there are many who know how to generate electricity using wind. However, wind turbine energy is still a new form of powering an entire home. 

Wind Turbines vs Solar Panels 

Both solar panels and wind turbines generate power that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. Since solar energy and power generated using wind turbines is clean and easily renewable they can both be used by people who are looking for ways to reduce their carbon foot prints by reducing the amount of fumes that are emitted into the atmosphere. It is believed that if the planet turned away from traditional forms of power such as oil and coal the greenhouse affected (the warming of the Earth's climate) could possibly be reduced. 

The problem is, people who are interested in clean power do not know whether they should choose solar power or wind turbines. When making your choice think about your climate. If your home does not receive direct exposure to the sun on a regular basis, you might want to consider wind turbines. Remember, the energy stored by solar panels is depleted as electrical appliances are used, so if you are not able to constantly renew your solar energy wind turbines are the best, green, alternative. 

Saving Money With Wind Turbines 

The cost of installing a home wind turbine might be enough to discourage many homeowners. Since using wind turbines to fuel homes is still new, manufacturers and installation specialists have not had enough time to develop cheaper ways to build and install wind turbines. Having a wind turbine installed for private use can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars. 

The final cost is determined by the amount of energy you and your family will be using since this will influence how much power your wind turbine will need to generate. However, it is important to remember that after the wind turbine is installed you will have a limitless amount of energy at your disposal. Once a wind turbine is working you will no longer have to worry about paying monthly electricity bills which will save you thousands of dollars each year. In fact, your wind turbine should be able to pay for itself after only a year or two. 

Going green is a choice that will help you and the environment. By switching to turbine fueled energy you and your family will be able to drastically decrease your monthly electricity costs. Also, switching to wind generated energy will help the environment by reducing the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. You might also be able to further help the environment by starting a conservation trend in your neighborhood.

If you live in any part of the country where Deer Flies and Horse Flies are found, then you're probably familiar with these annoying insects. When the summer days heat up, these insects become more active. Although they differ in shape and looks, these large, fast-flying cousins are hard hitting blood suckers who prey on unprotected skin. Their bites are painful, and the bite site can itch for days afterwards. Read this informative article and learn about some homemade remedies to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you!

Deer Flies and Horse Flies can be found most anywhere, but they hang around swamps, ponds, streams and lakes because these places are prime breeding grounds. So, these flying insects can be found right in your yard. But you need to protect yourself from their attacks even moreso when you head to the water or woods to go fishing, swimming, hiking or hunting.

Cover Up  
Just like blood-sucking mosquitoes, Deer Flies and Horse Flies attack human bare skin. So, your best line of defense is to wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks.

For some reason, though, these fliers love to buzz around your head. So, a homemade remedy to keep them from feasting on your flesh is to wear a hat. Preferably, a hat with a wide brim and a bug net attached.

Also, Deer Flies and Horse Flies are supposedly attracted to the color blue. So you may want to stay clear of that color when you're choosing your protective clothing.

Sticky Fly Strips  
Another homemade remedy to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you is to attach a couple pieces of sticky fly strips side-by-side onto the back of a hat. For another unknown reason, these insects tend to land on their victims a couple times before they finally bite. But, when you wear your hat with the tape attached, these insects will actually land on, and get stuck to, the tape.

Visit your local dollar store and you can find fly strips for cheap. All  you need to do is use a sharp pair of scissors to cut a couple strips about four or five inches long. Press the two strips beside each other onto a hat, and you'll be protected from these blood-suckers.

Granted, this homemade remedy makes for a "sticky situation". But, when you consider the fact that you're protecting yourself from being attacked by two flying insects that cause painful bites, isn't it worth it? You see, these flies don't just bite you, they actually make a tiny incision in your skin with their  scissors-like mouth parts. Then, when your blood begins to flow from the cut, they suck it up.

Also keep in mind, that, just like mosquitoes, Deer Flies and Horse Flies can carry and spread diseases.

Aim High  
According to Connecticut's popular state song, "Yankee Doodle stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni." Another homemade remedy to keep Deer Flies and Horse Flies from attacking you, is to stick a feather in your hat and call it protection from bites. Since these fliers tend to buzz around your head, placing a long item such as a feather, flower, or small branch in your hat can help keep these pests away from your head and off
your skin.

Use These Scents  
The same bug sprays that help keep mosquitoes and other flying insects away from you aren't very effective on Deer Flies and Horse Flies. What is effective, however is Garlic Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil and Eucalyptus Oil. To use this homemade remedy, simply dab one of these oils on an old bandanna. Tie the cloth around your neck and you'll be protected from being attacked.

You can dab one of these natural oils on your clothing, but keep in mind that they may stain.

You can find any of these natural oils at your local health food store. Or, use your favorite search engine and the Internet to find suppliers you can order from.

If I had to say one nice thing about mosquitoes it would be, I like the way they attract birds.

Other than that - they must go!

Our cottage sits on 2.5 acres of South Algonquin Park, Ontario land.  About a third of the property is wetlands.  That means mosquitoes!  Billions of them!

Our approach to combating the pests was to cover ourselves and the cabin with netting, avoid the wetlands in the Spring and Summer, wear light colors and use deet.  

This year we opted for a deet-free easier solution. 

When I read that ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent was U.S. EPA approved and used by the U.S. Military, I figured it could handle our pesky place in the woods.  
 
This past weekend we tested ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent.  Three adults entered the woods; one with deet product, one with the ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent hand held [and hip clip] Appliance and the third person braved the
bugs without any protection.  The unprotected adult didn’t last long outside.  The deet-user was protected for about 15 minutes.  The adult with the ThermaCELL Appliance was protected the entire afternoon.
We tested the lantern as well with the same amazing results as the appliance. 
  

How it Works

ThermaCELL® Mosquito Repellent Lanterns and Appliances are powered by a single butane cartridge. Butane provides the cordless, portable heat that activates the patented devices.
 The heat generated by the butane cartridge is directed to a metal grill that  is part of the design of the Lantern or Appliance. A small mat, saturated with repellent, sits on top of the metal grill. Heat vaporizes the repellent, allowing it to rise into the air.

The repellent is allethrin, a copy of a repellent that naturally  occurs in chrysanthemum flowers. It repels up to 98 percent of mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums, and will not harm humans or pets.

Within minutes after turning on the Lantern or Appliance, the repellent creates a 15 by 15-foot (225 square-foot) mosquito-free zone, the size of an average deck, patio, or campsite. All ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent products use
the same refills, which contain both repellent mats and butane cartridges.

ThermaCELL is holding a contest where you can win products! 
http://www.thermacell.com/mosquito-repellent/outdoors/promotions

We highly recommend ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent.  It’s a safe, easy and economic way to enjoy the outdoors in the Spring and Summer.

For over a 1000 years, bannock, a simple bread made from the flour of a variety of grains, has filled the bellies of adventurers sitting around campfires. Its attraction is the simple base ingredients and its ease of cooking. A favorite way to make bannock is to cook it on a stick over a campfire.

Preparation of the Bread Dough

Mix all the dry ingredients. You can substitute or remove some of the ingredients as you wish. Traditional bannock was just flour and water. Modern recipes use baking powder to make the bread fluffy, salt brings out the flavors, powdered milk allows the bread to brown and butter adds flavor. You can add anything to the base to change the flavors. If you want a sweet bread add cinnamon and sugar. In the mood for something cheesy, then toss in some chunks of cheese.

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp powdered milk [optional]
1 tbsp oil or butter

In camp, mix in the oil or butter. Add water slowly until you create dough the consistency of play-doh. You want a firm dough that isn’t sticky. If you use the baking powder, set the dough aside to let it rise.


Take the bread dough and roll it into a snake-like shape then wrap it around a clean new stick. As you wrap, spiral the dough down the stick and compress and spread it, so the dough is less than a half-inch thick. Any thicker and the dough has trouble cooking through.

Find a distance above the campfire where the temperature is just right–if you hold it too close the outside will brown too quickly leaving a wet, doughy interior. Find the right distance by holding your hand over the fire. When you find a place you can hold your hand for around 10 to 15 seconds, you’ve found the right height.

Hold the bannock over the fire at the right distance and let it cook. Rotate the bread so all the sides cook evenly. At first, rotate the bread more often to help stop any sag in the dough. Be careful not to allow the bread to get to close or you’ll end up burning a side. It takes around 10 minutes to cook the bannock.

When the bannock is finished, it should easily come off the stick. If it’s not done, the bread dough will stick making it hard to slide. You want bread that’s dry and fluffy. To help remove the dough, rotate a small section until it breaks and pulls off. Work the rest of the bread off the stick. Enjoy. 

SOLAR POWER BENEFITSAdvantages of solar power are many. Although solar power is an energy source that we have only recently tapped into, it may easily become the most important energy source of the future.

• Solar power is a renewable and natural resource. 
• Solar power is non-polluting. Unlike oil, solar power does not emit greenhouse gases or carcinogens into the air. 
• Light and energy from the sun costs nothing. Once you purchase the equipment to collect and convert energy from the sun, it costs you nothing to run.
• Solar cells require little maintenance.
• Solar cells can last a lifetime.
• Solar power is silent.

Other facts about solar energy:

• Solar energy can be used to heat water, dry clothes, heat swimming pools, power attic fans, power small appliances, produce light for both indoors and outdoors, and even to power cars, among other things.

• In 1990, an aircraft powered solely by the sun crossed the United States.

• Solar energy products can be very expensive. The initial cost is, perhaps, the main disadvantage of solar energy.

• To reach maximum level of efficiency you need a relatively large area to install solar panels.

• Depending where you live (Arizona vs. Alaska, around many shady trees or in the desert, etc.), you will get different results with solar energy systems.

• If you have a really good solar energy system, one that produces even more energy than you use, your utility company might buy that extra energy from you.

• When you use solar energy, you and your home become independent on foreign or other sources of energy which raise costs quickly.

• To run a solar energy system, you do not even need to connect to a gas or power grid.

• Solar energy cannot be produced at night or if there is a lot of pollution in the air or clouds over the sun.

• Of course, realize you can have a battery backup system for your solar energy system that will take care of the problems that could arise when the sun does not.
• You can install solar energy in remote locations.

• If there is a power outage, but you run on solar, you will still have electricity!

• As your energy needs grow, you can add more solar panels

• Solar powered cars are not yet up to par with other cars. They have a much slower speed.

• Technology for solar energy is constantly improving.

Directions From I-4:
Exit onto Hwy. 535 and head south.
Follow 535 to Poinciana Blvd. Turn right (south) onto Poinciana Blvd.
Follow Poinciana Blvd. approximately 15 miles until you reach the intersection of Poinciana Blvd. and Pleasant Hill Road. Turn right onto Pleasant Hill Rd.
Continue to the first stop light, which is Dover Plum.
Turn left onto Dover Plum and continue until you come to the second stop sign, which is at the end of Dover Plum.
Turn right and shortly thereafter turn left at the first left drive onto Scrub Jay Trail following it into the preserve to the parking lot.


Hours The preserve is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m daily. Please call the preserve before visiting (407) 935-0002 as the preserve may have limited access due to flooding or restoration activities.

Contact Us The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve
2700 Scrub Jay Trail
Kissimmee, FL 34759
Phone: (407) 935-0002