Extension News & Multimedia

Extension News & Multimedia http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news en-us Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:46:33 MST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 360 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Winter Squash Cooking Ideas http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8204 <object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6917156&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6917156&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6917156">Cooking with Squash</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/usuextension">USU Extension</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p><p>selection and cooking tips for squash </p> Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8204 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Conserving Money and Resources this Holiday Season http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8201 <p> </p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt">DO YOU HAVE TIPS FOR GOING GREEN THIS HOLIDAY?</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b> </b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Answer by: Joanne Roueche, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, Davis County</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b> </b></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">We seldom hear of holidays and conservation in the same breath, but as energy costs rise, it is more important than ever to cut where we can. Even small changes can have significant results. Consider these tips for conserving during the holidays.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Conserve resources, both financial and environmental, by reusing.  </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Turn old holiday gift wrap into gift cards or colorful paper chains.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Make creative gift wrap. Use old calendars, wallpaper, magazines, catalogs or </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">newspapers. Use brown paper grocery bags to mail packages.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">      • Make the wrapping functional. Use a dishtowel, napkin or place mat or select a </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">reusable bag or tote as part of the gift. </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Make gifts from items you already have. Make scrapbook pages from recycled paper, </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">camp quilts from old jeans or a crocheted tote from plastic grocery bags.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Buy recycled gift wrap, reuse gift bags and recycle paper and cardboard packaging.  </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Plastic packing peanuts can be recycled through the Plastic Loosefill Council’s Peanut Hotline at 1-800-828-2214.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Reuse packing shred or make your own. Run used gift wrap through a paper </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">shredder to produce colorful, inexpensive filler for gifts.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Donate to charity. A receipt for tax deductions can help you as you help someone else.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• For the family member who has everything, donate to a favorite charity, adopt an angel </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">in their name or contribute to preserve an endangered species. </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Consider buying a farm animal, seeds or water for people in developing nations. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Holiday lighting can increase energy use significantly. Make careful lighting decisions.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Strings of 25 large outdoor bulbs can cost two to three times as much in electricity as </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">100 miniature lights. </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• When replacing indoor and outdoor lighting, select energy-efficiency lights. New </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">LED string lights use only a fraction of the energy required by standard mini-lights. Though more expensive, they last up to 100,000 hours or 20 years. These lights produce very little heat and eliminate much of the fire hazard of other holiday lights. However, it is important to plug lights in before leaving the store. Many LED lights are not as bright as traditional holiday lights. A compromise might be to buy minis instead of C-7 or C-9 lights.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Place holiday lights on a timer and limit lights to six hours per day. </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Do not leave holiday lights up all year. The summer months cause wires to break down, </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">increasing replacement costs and the possibility of fire.  </span></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Stay in harmony with nature.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">•</span><span style="font-size: 12pt"> Consider a living tree that can be used for the holidays, then planted outdoors when weather permits.  </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Support local tree recycling programs to provide compost or mulch for future trees.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Trim with nature. The time spent stringing popcorn, cranberries or other items from </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">nature can provide wonderful memories.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Decorate an outside tree for birds and animals. Pinecones covered with peanut butter</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">and bird seed, carrot peels and bread crust help the animals and also teach children about nature.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• When the usefulness of an artificial tree has expired, make sure to dispose of it in an </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">environmentally friendly manner.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: -0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">            Shop locally.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Supporting local crafts people keeps money within the community and supports small businesses. Shopping locally also helps conserve gas, auto emissions and time. Plan shopping trips to include as many errands as possible. Car pool or use mass transportation when available. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">            Spend Smartly.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Start by simplifying your life. Remember what the holidays are really about. Re-check your gift and holiday card lists and see if there are things that can be eliminated.  </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Return gifts that are the wrong size, color or style. Many closets are filled with items </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">that are never worn.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Have a re-gifting party. Friends or family can bring gifts they have never used and trade</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">them for something they like or that would work for someone on their gift list.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">•  When buying appliances or electronic gifts, buy those that are Energy Star rated for the</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">most efficiency. Energy Star-rated appliances can cut bills by 30 percent.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Consider sending e-cards or email the family holiday letter.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.25in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Give yourself a holiday gift. Staying within your holiday budget will make the New </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Year bright.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">                                                                        *****</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 12pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Direct column topics to: Julene Reese, Utah State University Extension Writer, Logan, Utah, 84322-4900; 435-797-0810; <a href="mailto:julener@ext.usu.edu">julener@ext.usu.edu</a></span></div> Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8201 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Can Burning Wood Save You Money? http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8179 <p> </p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Contact: Taun Beddes, 435-752-6263</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">FIREWOOD A VIABLE ENERGY SOURCE</span></b></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">LOGAN ? With the weather turning colder and energy costs relatively high, many homeowners are using firewood as a heating source for their homes.  </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">According to Taun Beddes, Utah State University Extension horticulture agent, information on the amount of heat produced per cord is available for many tree species. This information can be found at the USU Forestry Extension Web site at <a href="http://extension.usu.edu/forestry/HomeTown/General_HeatingWithWood.htm">http://extension.usu.edu/forestry/HomeTown/General_HeatingWithWood.htm</a>.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt"> “In general, hardwoods or deciduous trees produce more heat than softwoods or conifers,” he said. “However, this is not the only factor to take into account when purchasing firewood. Other things to consider include how long the wood has been dried, how much smoke is produced, tendency to produce sparks and ease of splitting.”</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            As a general rule, wood should be dried for a full year before it is burned, he said. If you are going to purchase wood, find a reliable vendor to be sure you are getting a quality product.  Burning wet wood produces less heat since water must evaporate before the wood can burn and dirty smoke is produced that causes creosote buildup. This can lead to chimney fires.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            Additionally, Beddes said the resin content of wood impacts the amount of smoke and sparks produced. In general, hardwoods contain fewer resins and produce less smoke and sparks. Of wood available locally, Gamble’s oak (scrub oak) and bigtooth maple produce the least amount of smoke and burn the hottest.  </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            “If you are planning on cutting and splitting your own wood, the ease of splitting becomes very important,” he said. “Interestingly, this is less related to hardwood or softwood and more to the particular species. Some of the densest woods are relatively easy to split while other softer woods are more difficult.”  </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            Beddes said there are many options available for obtaining firewood. Permits can often be acquired for homeowners who want to cut their own wood. There are also many vendors who deliver for a reasonable price. Be aware that when purchasing from vendors, hardwoods generally cost about 50 percent more than softwoods. Landfills often allow cutting from trees left at their green waste facilities. In addition, many homeowners advertise free firewood from trees they have felled if someone is willing to cut it up. Construction waste, which is usually softwood, is fine to burn as long as it has not been treated or painted. Many arborists, wood working and pallet companies offer wood for burning. In fact, arborists can be a source of more difficult-to-come-by hardwood due to the number of shade trees they remove.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            Once firewood is obtained, be aware of safety when burning it. Chimneys should be swept and inspected at least annually. Avoid burning wet wood, and have sufficient carbon monoxide/smoke detectors. With these precautions, wood heat offers a viable and often less expensive source of heat.  </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">                                                                            ****</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt">               </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8179 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) EFNEP Celebrates 40th Anniversary http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8180 <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">USU EXTENSION HELPS NUTRITION PROGRAM CELEBRATE 40 YEARS</span></b><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">LOGAN ? The federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, also known as EFNEP, celebrates 40 years of nutrition assistance this year. In Utah, the program is in partnership with Utah State University Extension and others. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">EFNEP is designed to assist limited-resource audiences in acquiring the knowledge, skills, attitudes and changed behavior necessary for nutritionally sound diets. The program also contributes to personal development and the improvement of the total family diet and nutritional well-being. <br />            “County Extension family and consumer science professionals provide training and supervise peer educators and volunteers who teach EFNEP in their local communities,” said Paula Scott, Utah EFNEP Northern Region coordinator. “They provide nutrition lessons, free of charge, to families and youths to help improve their quality of life. They teach basic concepts of food and nutrition, shopping skills, meal planning, food safety and food resource management.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">            In 2008, there were 590,273 adults and youths served through the program nationally, and 13,800 served in Utah, she said. Nationally and statewide, program coordinators are seeing improved food safety practices, increased meal planning and shopping with a list.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">EFNEP graduate Miguel Soto told of the diverse things he learned from the program.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt"> “I learned to cook more nutritious meals, to plan our menus with my wife and to save money and time when shopping for food,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">            Scott said program leaders are also seeing increased reading of nutrition labels, making more healthful food choices and an increased intake of one serving of fruits and vegetables per day. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">“This is exciting and shows that the program is helping people become more nutritionally minded and is in turn helping them develop a healthier lifestyle,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">According to Siew Sun Wong, state director of Utah EFNEP, the strong and steady impact EFNEP has made in Utah is above the national EFNEP average. This impact is measured through entry and exit comparisons.  <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt">“On average, more than 97 percent of all adult participants made at least one positive change in their eating habits when they completed the program,” she said. “In 2008, the percentage of adults who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day increased from 58 to 81. Families reported saving 5 percent on groceries while also achieving a healthier lifestyle. Touching lives this way is one of the best rewards from working with EFNEP.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><strong><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt">            </span></strong><strong><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal">Outreach locations for the program are in Davis, Salt Lake, Weber and Morgan counties. Contact a local county Extension office for further information, or visit </span></strong><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt"><a href="http://utahefnep.org/htm/">http://utahefnep.org/htm/</a><strong><span style="font-weight: normal">. </span></strong></span><strong><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 3in; background: white"><strong><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal">     *****</span></strong></p> <p> </p> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8180 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Winter Energy Savings Tips http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7824 <p> </p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt">ASK A SPECIALIST: HOW CAN I LOWER MY WINTER ENERGY COSTS? </span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Answer by: Lou Mueller, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, San Juan County </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that sealing air leaks can save up to 10 percent of your total home heating bill. Since heat flows naturally from warmer to cooler places, use caulking and weather stripping to seal cracks and gaps that allow cold air to enter and valuable heat to escape from your home.  </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Visit your local hardware store for weatherization ideas and ask sales personnel for the best materials to remedy air leaks in your home. Caulking can be purchased in many widths and varieties, from semi-permanent to removable. Weather stripping also comes in different depths and widths. Weather stripping tape usually needs to be replaced annually. Felt strip and adhesive-backed foam are effective for one to two years. Tubular gaskets or vinyl tubing can last up to five years. Seasonal window and door insulation kits also help prevent heat loss. Consider these simple strategies to help seal air leaks in your home.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Identify leaks. Check your home’s exterior for cracking and gaps. Inside, pick a windy day with the furnace running and turn on exhaust fans and the dryer. Then light a stick of incense and move it around windows, doors, baseboards, ducts and outlets. When a draft is detected, use a piece of chalk to mark the area. Choose appropriate materials to cover the leaks.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• To be sure you purchase enough weather stripping, measure around leaky doors and windows and adjust for differences by adding 5 to 10 percent. Follow directions before applying weather stripping. Apply to clean, dry surfaces in temperatures generally above 20 F. Required temperatures may vary by product. Measure areas for weather stripping twice before cutting. Apply one continuous strip along each side and be sure there are no gaps at corners. Weather stripping should fit snugly and compress when windows or doors are shut. When using felt weather stripping, be sure to staple parallel to the strip.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Leaks around doors and windows may also be sealed using caulk, caulking cord or gaskets.  Follow instructions when applying caulk. Hold the caulking gun at a 45-degree angle and practice on a less visible area. Keep the bead uniform and overlap both sides of the crack. </span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">For exterior leaks, determine the proper width of caulk needed. If the gap is large, use void filler, a spongy material that comes in a variety of widths, then caulk over it. Void filler usually lasts from one to two years and should not be used in areas that will become hot or cold. Seal leaks around pipes, ducts and wires that penetrate exterior walls. Expanding foam caulk is especially effective. Seal rattling windows using removable caulk. Seal for winter and remove the seal, if desired, to open windows in the summer. Caulk can also be placed between the sash and the frame so the window can still be opened. Replace old caulking since it becomes hard over time and may need to be replaced.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• If you have single-paned windows, consider purchasing window insulation kits with a clear plastic liner and double-sided tape. Insulation kits are simple to install and protect windows from drafts and frost build up.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Check door sweeps and metal thresholds that may contain a rubber or vinyl gasket. Rubber and vinyl become brittle with age. Check for flexibility and replace when needed.</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">• Purchase insulation pads for outlets and light switches. Install by removing screws from faceplates, laying pads over the box and replacing the faceplate.</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">When budgets allow, consider more long-range solutions such as replacing old windows or adding attic insulation. For now, however, these low-cost strategies can help lower your winter energy costs.  </span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">                                                                        *****</span></div> <div style="text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="line-height: 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; background: white"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Direct column topics to Julene Reese, Utah State University Extension writer, Logan, Utah, 84322-4900, 435-797-0810, <a href="mailto:julener@ext.usu.edu">julener@ext.usu.edu</a>.</span></div> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7824 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) USU Extension's Food Pantry Garden Helps Utahns in Need http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7825 <p> </p> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Writer: Julene Reese, 435-797-0810</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="font-size: 12pt">Contact: JayDee Gunnell, 801-451-3411</span></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt">USU EXTENSION FOOD PANTRY GARDEN HELPS UTAHNS IN NEED</span></b></div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b> </b></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><b><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">            </span></b><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt"> KAYSVILLE ? Several Utah food banks were recent recipients of 7,112 pounds of produce donated by the Utah State University Extension Food Pantry Garden at the Utah Botanical Center in Kaysville.  </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">The first Utah Botanical Center Food Pantry Garden was planted last spring by three Boy Scouts for their Eagle Scout projects with the help of approximately 60 other people who planted 100 pounds of seed potatoes, 450 tomato plants, 4,000 corn plants and 200 melon plants. The 12,000 square-foot plot was maintained throughout the growing season and harvested in the fall by 1,100 community volunteers assisted by Utah Botanical Center staff members.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">“It has been great to see the goodness and enthusiasm of the community as they have volunteered in such huge numbers to support this effort,” said JayDee Gunnell, Utah State University Extension horticulture agent in Davis County. “In our busy lives, there is something therapeutic about getting back to the basics. Working in the dirt seems to cleanse the soul.”</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">Produce donations included 2,379 pounds to the Bountiful Community Food Pantry, 1,580 pounds to the Family Connection Food Bank in Layton and 3,153 pounds to the Utah Food Bank in Salt Lake City. In addition, 8,200 pounds of onions were donated to the Utah Food Bank by Boy Scouts volunteering at the Kaysville Experiment Station onion research plot.</span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt"> “The things they grew were wonderful, they were well accepted and people enjoyed them,” said Kathy Jones, assistant operations manager of the Bountiful Community Food Pantry. “We appreciate their donations and sincerely thank them for their generosity and kindness. Last month our facility served more than 1,900 people, so their donation made quite a dent in local hunger.” </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">Gunnell said the Utah Botanical Center staff looks forward to next year’s garden. </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">“Since this was our first year, we weren’t sure what to expect,” he said. “We were amazed and appreciative that well over a thousand people took time out of their summers to participate in this project with us, and we are grateful so many Utahns in need were the recipients of their labors. We anticipate that next year’s garden will be even bigger and better.”                                                                                              </span></div> <div style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.5in; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 3.5in"><span style="line-height: 200%; font-size: 12pt">****</span></div> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7825 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Science Fun with Magnets Part 1 http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7572 <object width="400" height="265"> <param value="true" name="allowfullscreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /> <param value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7397140&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" name="movie" /><embed width="400" height="265" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7397140&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1"></embed></object> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7397140">Science Lesson with Magnets</a></p> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7572 dennish@ext.usu.edu (Dennis Hinkamp) Science Fun with Magnets Part 2 http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7573 <object height="265" width="400"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7397179&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed height="265" width="400" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=7397179&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1"></embed></object> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/7397179"></a></p> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 MST http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=7573