This Earth Day, Let’s Reconsider Our Lawn Care

Purple wildflowers and weeks sprout up among blades of grass in a residential lawn

Today is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. Lately, while spending so much time at home, I’ve been thinking about the impact of our lawn and garden activities on our ecosystems. As I work in my dining room and go for walks around my neighborhood, I’ve become more aware of how many of my neighbors regularly have their lawns sprayed with synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides. The homogeneously green, weed-free grass might fit a contemporary perfectionist aesthetic, but I cringe each time I see a TruGreen or LawnDoctor truck roll down the street or notice the little flags in the yards designed to alert people that it was just sprayed.

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Some Upsides of Social Distancing, Part III

While practicing social distancing, the author's toddler looks at a goose from a few feet away

An important reminder: “We are all in the same boat. We are not all in the same storm.”

This is a continuation of my series on the silver linings of self-isolating. (Click for Part I and Part II.)

  • I’m using up things in my pantry. Limiting grocery shopping trips to once a week has encouraged me to be more creative and resourceful with the food I have. I’m turning excess fruits and veggies into smoothies, using flour and other staples to make baked goods and pancakes, and finding a purpose for random canned goods that have been sitting around for months or longer. I’m reducing food waste while also decluttering my cabinets
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8 Good Reasons to Take a Hike

Lush scene from a hike in the Pacific Northwest

I’m lucky to live in a beautiful place that offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation.  This year, my husband and I made a New Year’s resolution to go hiking at least once a month.  We felt like we hadn’t been taking full advantage of the landscape around us, and we thought the resolution would be a good incentive to spend more time together and work our way through our guidebooks to local trails and waterfalls.  We’ve really enjoyed our hikes so far and are looking forward to exploring a new spot this weekend.  If you need some inspiration to hit the trails, here are eight good reasons to get outside.

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