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Sustainability

For years, scientists have been decrying the dangers of air pollution and water pollution. We have seen the impacts that a buildup of harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and a suite of halogen-bearing gases (like fluorocarbons) that are derived from industrial activities can bring.  Evidence of man-made climate change confronts us on a daily basis as devastating heat waves, droughts, and forest fires devastate our nation. Water pollution from an overuse of toxic chemicals by industrial, agricultural and non-professional users have poisoned waterways, limited access to clean drinking water and disrupted eco-systems. Within the last 15 years however, another insidious form of pollution has been gaining the attention of researchers around the world. They have discovered that night-time light pollution is a serious threat with wide-ranging impacts to human health as well as to our natural environment. Many researchers believe that “immediate measures should be taken to limit artificial light at night in main cities and inside houses.” 

Early last year a sign appeared on a neighborhood house stating that the owners were asking for permission to demolish. Since we live in an “historic" neighborhood, many of the properties are protected. The house appeared to be in good condition, so we assumed that any demolition was for the ramshackle garage out back. We were flabbergasted this spring when the entire house as well as the falling down garage were removed. We were even more shocked when the neighborhood’s first — and hopefully last —McMansion was erected. What’s truly disappointing however, at least from my point of view, is the fact that the huge house is almost entirely surrounded by an ocean of stark white concrete. 

Growing up in mid-Missouri, June was the “firefly month.” Some of my fondest childhood memories are of catching fireflies and putting them in glass canning jars to create my own lantern for the evening. I loved watching them flash on and off until I had to let them fly off into the night sky again. Hearing my story,  my science-loving granddaughter was anxious to head into the yard and try her luck at it. Out we went, jar in hand only to meet disappointment head on. There were no fireflies to be seen. Like many areas across the country, our night skies are no longer filled with these well-loved creatures.

Rather than a place to relax and unwind, the idealized suburban landscape of perfectly manicured turf, neatly edged walkways and precisely pruned shrubs can easily become another back-breaking responsibility. There are ways however, to tweak a design that reduce the workload without sacrificing the beauty.

June 20th is 

WORLD BEE DAY

This year’s theme, "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all", says it all. Without the work that these little fellows do, our lives would be radically changed. 

We were in Phoenix a week ago, spending time at the world-renowned Desert Botanical Garden. The desert plants were in bloom, giving an entirely different feeling to what is usually an austere sight. While we strolled the paths, hummingbirds soared the skies above us, occasionally swooping down to stop and have a sip of nectar from a wildflower and then zooming away. Even though I logically knew I was much further south In Phoenix than at home and that the timing of seasons is slightly different, seeing so many hummingbirds in late March surprised me.

At the beginning of every year, I spend countless hours reading and researching the newest trends in outdoor living. Usually, as I read through my array of resources, I see a huge variety of suggestions for luscious new additions to and modification of outdoor spaces. Each source often has their own take on what are the leading trends of the year. This year was different. Instead of an assortment of vastly different ideas, there seemed to be a common thread running through the vast majority of articles I read. The overall theme for 2025 outdoor living trends seemed to focus on creating a personal connection to nature that permeates your daily life. 

After discovering so many new varieties of milkweed, my newest obsession for the spring season is to start a butterfly garden in my front yard that features a variety of milkweed plants. I think that it would not only be a great stopover site for migratory monarchs but would also nurture dozens of other pollinators as well. As an added bonus, it will blend perfectly with the “little patch of prairie” we put in a few years ago.