Eastside Audubon is now accepting applications for two funding opportunities supporting local conservation and education efforts.
The Puget Sound Seabird Survey is looking for birders in King County to join this established Community Science program.
In the quiet of the woods the bubbling song of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet erupted, and the high trill of the Brown Creeper signaled its presence. The hormonal drive to breed had birds singing regardless of the weather.
The National Weather Service forecasts an above-average temperature for July, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Furthermore, the Seattle area has experienced approximately 6 inches less rainfall than usual, alongside a lower-than-normal snowpack. To address these issues, I would like to share some tips on reducing water waste while watering plants and containers.
Planting native plants in your garden or yard is a great way to help birds. These plants provide food, shelter, and nesting places for local bird species. Native plants are those that naturally grow in your area and are best suited for the local wildlife. Ask an adult to help you choose the right plants and watch as birds come to visit your garden!
Birds often migrate at night, using the moon and stars to guide them. Bright lights can confuse them and lead them off course. During migration seasons, which usually happen in spring and fall, ask an adult to turn off or dim outdoor lights. This simple action can help keep birds safe on their long journeys.
Many birds fly into windows because they see reflections of the sky or trees and think it’s a safe path. You can put special stickers or decals on your windows to prevent these collisions. These can be fun shapes or patterns that break up the reflection and make the window visible to birds. You can even make your own decals by cutting shapes out of paper and sticking them to the glass.
Create a cozy home for birds to nest in. Make sure it's safe from predators and placed in a quiet spot, then watch out for residents that move in!
Set up a bird feeder with seeds that are safe for birds to eat. Make sure to clean the feeder regularly and fill with fresh food! Remember, Bread is Bad for Birds.
Cats are natural hunters and can be harmful to birds. Keeping them indoors can protect birds in your area. If you have a cat that enjoys being outdoors, consider building it an outdoor enclosure so it can enjoy being outside while protecting the birds!
Read books about birds and share what you learn with friends and family. The more people know, the more they can help!
As we head into winter, consider leaving your leaves and twigs in the yard. My pollinator garden might look tired, but every time I step outside, I see birds nibbling on seeds or resting in the brush. There’s so much life hidden in there that we often overlook!
Nutrient-Rich Mulch: As leaves and twigs break down, they enrich the soil, preparing it for a healthier spring.
Wildlife Shelter: These natural materials provide shelter for bugs and critters, supporting biodiversity in your yard.
Compost Your Pumpkins! Break down your old pumpkins (remove any candles or paint) and compost them. Birds and critters will love the treat, but keep an eye out for unwanted guests like rats.
Add Wood Chips to Your Yard: Wood chips help retain moisture in the soil, which is crucial during dry spells. They also act as a natural barrier against weeds, as well as mitigating soil erosion and helping to keep your garden intact.
You can get free wood chips from local tree removal services or arborists. I’ve already put in a request and am eagerly awaiting my delivery. There are also websites where you can request wood chips, but be prepared to accept a large load whenever it’s available.
Happy thanksgiving!
According to National Geographic, plastic recycling rates are alarmingly low. In the United States, of the 40 million tons of plastic waste generated in 2021, only 5% to 6% (approximately two million tons) was recycled. As a result of so much plastic waste (everywhere), microplastics are emerging as a serious threat to birds and animals. We can and must do better in reducing our carbon footprint. If you’re reading this article, you’re likely already making efforts to be more environmentally friendly, but here are a couple of ideas to cut back on plastic usage:
Let’s do away with laundry jugs! They are cumbersome, mostly filled with water, and rarely recycled even if you put them in your recycling bin. Laundry sheets are a better alternative for the environment. Now the hard part: Which laundry sheets are best, and are they as effective as liquids? Finding a solution that works for you may take some trial and error, but for everyday washes, consider these brands: ECOS, Tru Earth, Eco Roots, HeySunday, Earth Breeze, and Blueland. Look for products made in North America, using non-toxic materials, B-certified companies, vegan ingredients, and packaged in recycled or compostable materials. For deep stains, though, you may still prefer liquids.
There are many options for dishwashing that minimize environmental impact. The editors at The Reduce Report reviewed over a dozen brands, considering ingredients, emissions, and plastic reduction. Their top picks include Ecover, Dropps, and Thrive Market dishwasher powder. These brands are phosphate-free, fragrance-free (optional), hypoallergenic, and chlorine-free. They also mention Seventh Generation as a budget-friendly option when Thrive Market is not on sale.
Sustainable Jungle recommends Claro All-in-One Phosphate-Free Eco Dishwasher Tablets for excellent cleaning results without phosphates or chlorine. They also rate Ecoleaf Dishwasher Tablets, which come with a built-in rinse aid.
See you next month!
The environmental impact of traditional toilet paper production is significant with millions of trees harvested annually and the use of chemicals contributing to water pollution. However, there are sustainable alternatives that can help reduce this footprint. Recycled and bamboo toilet paper are excellent options. For instance, brands like Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper and Who Gives A Crap offer eco-friendly products that are not only gentle on the environment but also on the skin. These companies are committed to practices like using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified bamboo and donating a portion of their profits to environmental and sanitation projects. Additionally, the use of bidets can further decrease the reliance on toilet paper, offering a cleaner and potentially more hygienic solution while also being environmentally friendly.
Making these small changes in our daily lives can contribute significantly to the conservation of our planet's resources and the betterment of global sanitation conditions. It's a step towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.
Our family has been buying Premium Bamboo toilet paper from Who Gives A Crap for the past several years and love both the company and their product. Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of their profits to build toilets in Third World Countries and is a B Certified Company.
Additional resources: The Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper (treehugger.com)
See you next month!
