Diggin’ In
“Green” around your yard is about more than just foliage and flowers.
The next time you shop for outdoor furniture, consider the “greenness” of what you purchase.
You can make a difference for wildlife when purchasing garden furniture, according to recent information from the International Wildlife Federation.
Tropical forests are rapidly disappearing and wildlife is pushed to extinction when those habitats are gone — often because exotic hardwoods are wanted to make outdoor furnishings for backyard paradises in America.
To help consumers know they are buying certified wood products that come from managed forests, the federation has established the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification logo. When you see that logo, you know the wood has been grown and harvested under a responsible stewardship program that protects water, soil and wildlife habitat, as well as the interests of indigenous people who live in that community, according to the wildlife federation.
So far, the score card features no companies that carry five stars for offering 100 percent FSC-certified wooden outdoor furniture or products sourced from forests working toward that certification.
Several, however, do carry four stars for substantial FSC-certified offerings, or 71 to 99 percent, including Costco.com, Crate & Barrel, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Cost Plus World Market and Pottery Barn.
Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Pier 1 Imports and Target rate three stars, meaning they offer a moderate range, or 36 to 70 percent, of certified products.
Two stars go to Frontgate and LL Bean for their limited offerings, or up to 35 percent.
JC Penney and Ikea each get one star for at least responding to the survey.
Remember, redoing old or repairing broken outdoor furniture is another form of going “green” in your yard. In fact, vintage and retro yard furniture like metal gliders and lawn chairs are very trendy; check out www.vintageglider.com to see what’s available in two- and three-seat gliders from the ’30s to the ’50s. You may also find what you’re looking for at local thrift stores or area yard sales.
Unplug your kids
Today’s kids spend an average of six hours a day in front of something electronic — and half as much time outdoors as they did when Boomers were kids.
Happily, I see kids swimming and canoeing, riding bikes and jumping on trampolines in my creek-snaked neighborhood.
To get your kids or grandkids outdoors exploring nature, using calories and muscles and enjoying some healthy sunshine, consider these activities — with the promise of ice cream treats afterward:
• Organize a nature scavenger hunt.
• Enjoy a five senses hike.
• Explore a local nature trial.
• Camp out in the backyard.
• Buy disposable cameras and take a nature photo safari.
• Put up a bird feeder and watch for visitors; use a book to ID them.
Source : www.dailypress.com
