Roughly 40% of the food produced for human consumption in the United States is wasted annually. To put this into perspective, imagine buying a bag of ten apples and throwing 4 of them straight into the garbage. Now imagine doing that with 40% of everything (follow this link for more information on food waste in…
For many of us in Maine, summer flies by like a golden dream—and the growing season seems just as sweet and fleeting. But if you keep a backyard garden, with a little planning, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest from early spring to late fall. Use this handy list to strategize a growing plan that…
Banish boredom with these fun ideas for bird feeders made out of recycled and household items. Bird feeders are a great craft project to make with kids of all ages any time of year—and they provide entertainment for everyone in the family as you watch the birds flock to your yard. Some of the steps…
Did you know buckwheat is not related to wheat at all but is actually a seed in the rhubarb family? It’s therefore gluten-free and it grows in Maine! Try this gluten-free pizza crust next time you make pizza, and bring your flavors that much closer to home. Check out our article “Recipes for the seasons” in the 2018 SunriseGuide…
Fall is a great time to prepare for the upcoming heating season, and many Maine homeowners are now relying on heat pumps for most of their heating. More than 20,000 high-efficiency ductless heat pumps have been installed in Maine homes and businesses in the past 3 years. So whether you are considering a ductless heat…
By Richard McLaughlin Beekeeping is a fun and fascinating hobby. Honey bees live and work together in large, complex societies that captivate our senses and curiosity. Many people are drawn to beekeeping for the science and others enjoy the products of the hive such as honey, wax, and pollen. In recent years beekeeping has become…
Did you know organic waste comprises about 40 percent of what goes into the average Maine trash can, and about half of that is food waste? That’s nearly a quarter of your trash that could instead be converted into nutrient-dense compost or farm fertilizer. The state has set a goal to recycle half of the…
Erin Covey-Smith Do you have a child in your life who is generally vying for a snack – primarily of the sweet variety? Next time the request comes in, take advantage of the opportunity to have some fun in the kitchen. You can make up something simple and sweet, without lots of extra sugar. The…
Now that warm, gentle breezes have finally settled in to replace those long-forgotten, icy, nose-numbing winds of winter, it’s time to open up our homes to the wonders of the season. Here are a few helpful cleaning tips that can also help you use less energy – and stay more comfortable – inside your home…
By Avery Yale Kamila Whether a rural homestead or a tiny urban lot, the most attractive gardens and landscapes buzz with bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Creating a landscape inviting to pollinators adds interest and action while providing a much-needed lifeline to critical species struggling to survive. It’s something all of us can do to…