Our furry friends seem to have it all figured out.  They weather the winter quite well.  They happily scurry and play in the snow and enjoy the food they have worked hard to collect all year long.  We can do the same!  We can enjoy this winter weather and protect our environment all at the same time in turn securing it for future generations of wildlife and mankind. Here are  few tips for weathering the winter while staying conservation minded...

• Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leak from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil.

• Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.

• Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.

• If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install a programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. Before leaving for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unneeded heat. You can also buy outdoor and indoor lights with timers so that lights don't stay on all night.

• Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.

• Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.

• Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.

• To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.

• If your heating equipment more than ten years old, it may be time for a replacement to a more energy-efficient unit. While initially an expensive investment, replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment saves more energy and money in the long run.

Read more energy tips from the United States Environmental Protection Agency HERE.

The Rain Barrel Art Project combines creativity and conservation in a fun way to promote the use of rain barrels throughout the Ohio River Valley. We are looking for artists to submit a design they would like to paint on a rain barrel to be auctioned off in April during Party for the Planet at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Here's what you need to do.
1. Go to the entry form and submit your idea for approval.
2. If your design is approved, attend the artist workshop on February 11.
3. Pick up your rain barrel at the end of the workshop. 
4. Return your rain barrel by April 1 and visit it at the Cincinnati Zoo.

What happens after I return the barrel?
1. Barrels are displayed throughout the Zoo between April 1 and April 20.
2. Barrels will be auctioned online between April 2 and April 19.  
3. In-person bidding will be available on April 20. 
4. The money raised from the auction will be used for environmental education at SaveLocalWaters.org and at the Zoo.

This project is organized by Save Local Waters and the Cincinnati Zoo. 

For more information on rain barrels and other conservation practices, visit our Backyard Conservation page!