Making your home more energy efficient through the use of efficient appliances, electronics, equipment and lighting, along with better insulation and other weatherization steps, is an extremely effective way to cut your energy bill as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. It can also help to reduce air and water pollution caused by certain types of energy generation and helps avoid negative impacts on critical ecosystems. So using less energy is good for the planet, the nation’s economy, as well as your wallet.

Mni Wiconi - Water is Life. Every living thing on earth needs water to survive making it one of our most precious resources. Water covers 70% of the earth, but only 3% of that water is fresh water. And of that 3%, only 0.01% is readily available in surface waters. The rest of it is underground or in the form of ice. Thus, it is critical that we take approaches to conserve and protect our water resources.

Waste, little more than an afterthought to most people, has huge implications for our wildlife, landscapes, water supply, health and safety, and ultimately tax-payer dollars. While we gaze upon mountains of trash, it forces us to think about materials in terms of life-cycles; from cradle to grave, or raw materials to disposal. What is the true cost and how can we minimize the adverse and long-term effects of what we throw “away?”

Landscaping is a significant part of the built environment — a living, perishable part. Designing a low-maintenance landscape that preserves natural resources and is tailored to each site and climate is in the best interests of everyone connected with a residential project. Yet all too often, the landscape takes a back seat to the house. Part of the reason is that builders and homeowners are still trying to wrap their heads around the idea of sustainable sites.

What you eat, how it was grown, and the trip it takes to get to your plate all have huge implications for the sustainability of our planet. Food production depends on many natural resources which are feeling the pressure from population growth and other factors. There are many ways each of us can eat healthier for ourselves and the environment, which also provide benefits to our local communities. Eating local foods, reducing food waste, and home gardening are just a few ways to start.