"Going Green" with your hummingbird feeders

Everywhere you turn people are talking about "Going Green" and being eco-responsible. In this time of climate crisis, we all need to do our part to help reduce the strain on the Earth's resources. Changing your old lightbulbs to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), drinking filtered water in reusable instead of disposable bottles, ride-sharing and carpooling are all wonderful ways to help reduce energy and resource waste.

It's easy to talk the talk, but what about walking the walk? You're probably doing a lot of things right in your garden - helping to build a healthy environment for you, your friends, your family. Xeriscaping, water conservation, composting and mulching all make your garden more beautiful and efficient, but what about your accessories and garden decor? Even something as simple as the hummingbird feeders you use in your yard can impact the environment.

Here are a few factors to consider when you visit online stores or your local garden centers:

1. Pick feeders that are made from recycled materials. Typically hummingbird feeders are made in glass, ceramic, plastic or metal. Recycled versions are usually heavier and more durable than first-production, non-recycled feeders. Using post-consumer materials keeps valuable resources out of landfills, and less trash means more opportunities for growth.

2. Pick feeders that will last more than one or two seasons. Recycled glass feeders are better options than plastic styles. Plastic will discolor over time, and bacteria can adhere to and even breakdown the feeder - making it unusable. Instead of replacing plastic feeders, use recycled glass feeders that will keep their bright colors and shapes for years to come. You'll save production, packaging, and shipping impacts by only buying lasting products.

3. Pick feeders that are made by people, not machines. Feeders made by artisans not only have craftsmanship and artistry but help support families and not big-box stores and suppliers. Mass produced and production molded feeders don't improve anyone's life. We're in this together - and it's important to make connections with people and companies that value the person and not just the product.

Making a positive change in your life can make a positive change in the world.