(StatePoint) You may not think about it often, but wild birds use your lawn as a rest stop and place to call home. As you spruce up your lawn and garden for the season, there are simple steps you can take to protect them and help them thrive.

(StatePoint) If you are like most homeowners, you need to prune trees, shrubs, bushes and other plants in your yard from time to time. But do you know which tool is best suited for each particular job? Experts say that choosing tools wisely is key to maximizing beauty, and minimizing damage to plants.

(StatePoint) When warmer weather arrives, it’s all about spending time in your home’s outdoor spaces. Here are a few new ideas for transforming your porch, deck or yard into an oasis of relaxation.

(StatePoint) Whether you want to boost the beauty of your home for your own enjoyment or you’re looking to sell in the near future, experts recommend taking a top-down approach to evaluate the outside of your home.

(StatePoint) When you see a product labeled “eco-friendly,” or “environmentally sustainable,” it can be tempting to take this at face-value and feel good about your purchase. However, a new report shows that while many major companies are making claims that they are tackling the plastic pollution crisis, there are reasons to be skeptical.

(StatePoint) People are heading outdoors to prep lawns and gardens for the season and get their families ready for warmer weather. What’s the key common denominator for most of these activities?

(StatePoint) If you take a look at your home’s windows and doors in winter, you may notice condensation. As temperatures drop, it often appears on the inside and outside of these surfaces.

(StatePoint) Last year's long and brutal winter depleted road salt supplies throughout much of the U.S.  As a result, a number of cities have experienced significant price spikes when placing their salt orders this year. At a time when experts are highlighting the environmental and infrastructural damage caused by excessive salt use on roads, new technologies are helping American communities reduce their growing dependence on salt, while still keeping roads safe.

(StatePoint) In our grab-and-go culture, plastic is pervasive at the grocery store. But as more supermarkets worldwide adopt smart strategies for reducing single-use plastic packaging, experts say that these same changes are possible here in the U.S., so long as retailers, companies and individuals commit to making them a reality.

(StatePoint) If you are like many people, your winter wardrobe requires a bit of extra care. Between fine cashmere sweaters, favorite woolen outerwear and your snazziest cocktail attire, your special care garments should look as crisp at the end of the season as they do today.

(StatePoint) Transformative home renovations don’t need to be complicated, nor do they need to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of affordable DIY projects you can do in a weekend to add beauty to your home’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Here are a few to consider:

(StatePoint) For young and old alike, books make great gifts. To wow your favorite readers on the next birthday or special occasion, consider the following titles, which will allow them to become armchair explorers, travel back in time, or even take an inner journey to learn more about themselves.

(StatePoint) Once the domain of lawnmowers and gardening tools, today’s backyard sheds are being repurposed into unique, functional spaces (think: she-shed, bunkhouse or even a bar pub) complete with plumbing and electricity.

(StatePoint) Picture this: you’re getting ready for the day and check your phone to see what the weather will be like. Your weather app shows 58 degrees, so you throw on a light jacket and head out the door. By the time you reach the end of the block you’re hit in the face with a blast of wind and cold air. It feels more like 35 degrees.

(StatePoint) Do seasonal temperatures sometimes leave you frustrated with your home’s lack of insulation? Staying comfortable indoors is a top priority for most people, and luckily, it’s easy to ensure your home is an optimal temperature.

(StatePoint) The devastation of recent hurricanes has left an indelible mark and also served as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Worldwide, 281 natural disasters impacted more than 60 million people in 2018, according to the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters. As unexpected occurrences continue around the globe, it is important to plan how to keep your family healthy and safe in the event an emergency or national disaster strikes close to home.

(StatePoint) The games children play can inform the way they see the world. Here are some fun ways to make playtime an opportunity to help young kids explore new ideas and develop their interests:

(StatePoint) While a pest problem can cause embarrassment and concern, you can take comfort in the fact that not only is the problem is more common than you may think, but there are new ways of dealing with insects that can help you manage the problem without using harsh chemicals.