Cloning has been controversial ever since Scottish scientists announced in 1996 that they had cloned their first mammal, a sheep they named Dolly. While Dolly lived a painful, art
Cloning has been controversial ever since Scottish scientists announced in 1996 that they had cloned their first mammal, a sheep they named Dolly. While Dolly lived a painful, art
Should we expect to see "plug-in" hybrid cars anytime soon? Gasoline-electric hybrids now, like Toyota's popular Prius, don't need to be plugged in — you just fill
Untitled Document How can a residential or commercial roof be modified to provide environmental benefits? Most buildings are designed to shed rain and so are built with hard, impene
What green-friendly lawn and garden pesticides are available today? Pesticides have greatly boosted agricultural yields over the last half century, so it is no wonder, given th
Untitled Document What are the environmental pros and cons of corn-based plastic as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastic? Polylactic a
Untitled Document Recent NASA photos showed the opening of the Northwest Passage and revealed that a third of the Arctic’s sea ice has melted in recent years. Are sea level
Untitled Document What’s available now in lawnmowers that’s easier on the environment — and runs on something more than human power?
Untitled Document What’s the best way to keep cool indoors without running energy-hogging air conditioners all the time? According to Harvey Sachs of
Untitled Document Is it true that the DEET used in most mosquito repellents is toxic? If so, what problems does it cause? And what are some nontoxic alternatives for
Untitled Document The 2008 Summer Olympics in China is drawing a lot of attention right now for political reasons. Less known is that China has made an effort to mak
This weekend the anticipation became unbearable. I finally had to dig a hill of sweet potatoes in our garden. They looked beautiful and tasted great. Soon, we will dig all 50 plants and surely have an
This weekend the anticipation became unbearable. I finally had to dig a hill of sweet potatoes in our garden. They looked beautiful and tasted great. Soon, we will dig all 50 plants and surely have an
Prior to European settlers in Illinois, 60 percent of the 22 million acres was prairie. Today less than one hundredth of one percent of the original undisturbed prairie exists in the Prairie State. So
One of the worst things to tell a gardener is that their tree is heavily infested with a destructive insect. The U of I Extension office has received numerous calls about magnolia trees. A caller usua
Among the tents, livestock buildings, corndog and lemonade stands at the Illinois State Fairgrounds, fairgoers can see a wide variety of colorful plants. Just inside gate 2, visitors are greeted by ch
Last week in between the rain showers, I finally had the opportunity to tend to my flower beds. While not the most enjoyable outdoor task, weeding is necessary. Remember the saying, “one year
The other night while dozing I heard the buzzing of a mosquito. After about five minutes the culprit was glued to a flyswatter. Of all the bothersome insect pests, however, mosquitoes are
It’s essential for all of us to practive the three R’s of being a good steward of the earth: reduce, reuse and recycle. Last weekend I walked around my small town on community
Ready, set, plant! Mother’s Day weekend is not only a time to recognize Mom for all she does, but it is time to plant warm-season plants. This weekend, why not combine the two and t
This is one of my favorite times of the year — crabapples and tulips in bloom, peonies budding and perennial plants popping up all over the garden. It is also the time of year when we realize t
A container garden on your patio, balcony or roof top, a hanging basket or window box, all can be converted from flowers to edibles, said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture e
Springfield in Bloom — the community-wide beautification program that challenges homeowners, businesses and nonprofit groups to bring beautiful new color and life to their street-si
Bulbs provide a good investment for the money spent and they supply years of spring color in your yard. Fall is the prime time for planting hardy spring-flowering bulbs. Most bulb
Regular IT readers are familiar with Springfield in Bloom (SIB), the friendly contest encouraging streetside beautification projects which will be in its fifth year in 2009. Hundreds of neig
Are you sad at the thought that your cheery geraniums will soon fall victim to winter frost? Why not take them inside for the winter? Gardeners have several alternatives, includin
Untitled Document Every fall, people get upset when their evergreens undergo dramatic changes in color. “People are convinced that their plants must have some type o
Untitled Document Controlling and eradicating poison ivy can be a challenge, but for many people elimination of this noxious plant is imperative because it can cause nightmarish
Untitled Document Shade has always posed a challenge for gardeners. “Trying to find something unique and different, let alone being able to tolerate and perform well in t
Untitled Document There’s a lot of science behind the observation that homegrown tomatoes taste better than store-bought ones. “It’s not very hard to taste a
Untitled Document As the line between urban and rural settings continues to blur, human beings will undoubtedly encounter the wildlife they are displacing. Some, especially rabbi
During winter and summer, it is difficult to keep all the rooms comfortable for my family. They are either too warm or too cool, and it varies throughout the day. What is my best option to fix this?
During winter and summer, it is difficult to keep all the rooms comfortable for my family. They are either too warm or too cool, and it varies throughout the day. What is my best option to fix this?
Our house has plaster walls with many minor cracks. Is there a special paint that will camouflage these cracks? I can’t afford to replace the walls. Texture paint, a heavy-bodied paint that lea
I need to get a room air cleaner for my son’s allergies. I see advertisements on television for expensive ones with no fans and others called “HEPA.” How can I tell which air cleaner
I use my fireplace for extra heat, but it is a hassle. I am considering getting a corn or wood-pellet stove instead. Are they energy- efficient and low-maintenance? What are my options? A wood-pellet
Untitled Document A recent item on dealing with an infestation of crickets in a basement brought so many ingenious tips from readers that the subject seems worth a follow-up.
Dear Gene: My townhouse sometimes has a stale odor. I can’t open the windows for ventilation because they have no screens. What do you suggest? I would certainly take steps to install screens i
Dear Gene: Our house, built in the 1960s, has several inches of insulation in the attic. The upstairs rooms get warm in summer and cold in winter. Should we add new insulation to improve the comfort?
Dear Jim: I am getting rid of wall-to-wall carpeting because of the kids’ allergies. I want to replace it with hardwood floors. Will hardwood insulate as well as the carpet? Which woods are best
Dear Gene: Our basement is infested with crickets, and for years they have resisted our efforts to control them with sprays. We are considering trying an ultrasonic device because we do not like to us
Dear Jim: My family needs additional living space. I want a sunroom, but I cannot afford to have one built. Are there any do-it-yourself kits available? Can I build one from scratch? What design is be
