| The environment is an issue that is on everyone's | | | | to look at than a fence. Large trees do increase |
| minds these days. Global warming, climate change, | | | | real estate values; even one large tree on your |
| the Kyoto agreement, renewable energy and the | | | | property will increase real estate values. If the |
| list goes on. The issues just seem so big; it's too | | | | windows in your house face north, evergreen |
| much for one little person. Yet, protecting our | | | | trees will help to protect from cold winter winds. |
| environment starts with each person. If each | | | | For windows facing south, deciduous trees will |
| person made just one small change, it would add | | | | provide shelter from the strong, hot sun during |
| up quickly. So, what are some of the things you | | | | the summer. Fruit trees provide delicious fruits, |
| can do? Here's a list of 5 simple things to help you | | | | for either your family or the local wildlife. |
| get started. | | | | Buy locally. |
| Reduce fuel consumption. | | | | Buy locally grown produce when possible. Not only |
| Buy fuel efficient cars and reduce how much you | | | | will it be fresher and tastier, but it will have |
| use your car. Walk to nearby stores or take | | | | required less fuel to transport it. |
| transit where possible. Sign petitions asking your | | | | Reduce water consumption. |
| local government to increase the funding for | | | | Many cities and towns now have water |
| transit. | | | | restrictions and limit how much water can be used |
| Reduce the fuel you use in gardening by using | | | | to water your lawn and garden. Use rain water to |
| hand-powered tools and machines where possible. | | | | water your garden instead of tap water. To help |
| For example, use a rake or broom instead of a | | | | catch rain water, place buckets or barrels |
| leaf blower. Use a manual push mower instead of | | | | underneath water spouts and eavesdrops. Also |
| an electric or gas lawn mower. Not only will you | | | | look at the type of plants in your garden. Certain |
| help save the environment, but with rising gas and | | | | plants are more drought resistant than others. |
| energy prices, your wallet will thank you. For all | | | | Recycle and Compost. |
| your tools and machines, whether they are | | | | Don't throw out your old newspaper, cardboard |
| powered by hand, electricity or gas, keep them | | | | or glass bottles. Recycle them! Along with |
| well maintained. The tools and machines will last | | | | recycling programs, most cities are introducing |
| longer and perform more efficiently. | | | | composting programs. They work the same way |
| Plant trees. | | | | as recycling, where you place food scraps in a |
| Plant more trees in your yard, as trees remove | | | | container and the city collects the scraps once |
| carbon dioxide from the air. For smaller yards, | | | | every week or two. Most importantly, recycling |
| shrubs and bushes are a great alternative to large | | | | and composting reduce the amount of garbage |
| trees. Shrubs in the front yard are a great | | | | sent to landfills. |
| alternative to fences and may be more appealing | | | | |