Page 16 - 10-10-22

Page 16, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, October 10, 2022

Fall Home & Garden

FROM PAGE 15
Reclaiming control to fill the calendar with plen- tree. Pets may sniff around the tree or investigate it close- Steps anyone can take to
Mastering control of one’s ty of activities to enjoy in ly, which can increase the
time can take some trial and your leisure time, which can chances that it tips over. That
error. However, there are help to offset the demands poses a significant safety protect local wildlife
some tips that can make it of work. hazard and underscores the
easier to achieve. · Prioritize and assess fre- importance of using a sturdy The opportunity to experience local wildlife is one of the
· Set limits (and stick to quently. Everyone has differ- stand. Fastening the tree to many alluring features of spending time in the great out-
them). Don’t overschedule ent priorities. Remote work a wall, much like one might doors. Unfortunately, wildlife is being threatened in many
yourself. Figure out what may help you realize those do with a television that isn’t parts of the world as the human population increases and
you can handle in terms of priorities more easily, such mounted, adds a further layer spreads to regions that historically have not been home to
work and home responsibil- as working specific hours to of protection from tip-overs. large numbers of human beings.
ities and limit those actions. be able to care for an elder- · Block off the base of a Numerous local, national and international environmental
· Detach from work. Try to ly parent or an infant. Don’t live tree. Live trees need water to stay green and keep their organizations are dedicated to protecting local wildlife. But
keep work equipment in a feel the need to compensate needles throughout the season. That water could prove en- such organizations can always use a helping hand, and the
separate area from the living by taking on more work. ticing to thirsty pets. Drinking water from a tree stand could following are some simple steps
room or kitchen. This way Remote work benefits increase the risk of the tree tipping over and the water could anyone can take to protect local
you can turn off the comput- many people. But to benefit upset the stomach of pets if the tree was treated with pes- wildlife.
er and call it a day. Turn off fully from such situations, ticides prior to being brought home. When decorating with · Sign up for local trash pick-
alerts on your phone when professionals may need to a live tree, make sure the base of the tree where the water ups. The organization Environ-
the work day ends. make a concerted effort to will be is blocked off. A small fence around the tree could ment America reports that sci-
· Schedule fun times with achieve a greater work-life keep curious pets away. The room where the tree is located entists have found fragments of
the family. Make it a priority balance. should be locked or inaccessible when pets are home alone. plastic in hundreds of species.
· Inspect and conceal light wires. Wires can become frayed For example, researchers found
How to pet proof your over time, and that could pique pets’ curiosity. Lighting wires such fragments in 44 percent of
all seabird species. Local park
should always be inspected prior to decorating and frayed
home when decking the or damaged wires should be thrown away, even if it means and beach cleanups can help re-
duce that figure and make these
replacing lights. If wires are still sturdy, conceal them along
beloved spaces look even better.
halls the base of the wall using a cable concealer, which prevents Signing up for park or beach clean-ups also provides a great
pets from chewing on them.
· Avoid lighting candles. Candles should not be lit in homes reason to get outdoors.
with pets. Even candles on shelves that are seemingly be- · Make an effort to cut back on your energy consumption.
The holiday season is a special time of year. Many factors This effective approach can benefit local wildlife and ani-
combine to make the holiday season so unique and festive, yond pets’ reach can be hazardous, as pets, especially cats, mal lovers’ bottom lines. The Animal Welfare Institute notes
and that includes all the effort people put into decorating their have a way of accessing spaces they seemingly shouldn’t be that many power plants rely on fossil fuels, the extraction of
homes. able to reach. Use electric candles in lieu of traditional ones. which can be harmful to local habitats. That ultimately and
Much thought is giving to holiday lighting arrangements · Speak to a vet about seasonal plants and flowers be- adversely affects local wildlife. Reducing energy consump-
and which tree to buy, but it’s equally important to consid- fore bringing them into the home. Pet owners can speak with tion can cut back on the need to extract fossil fuels, and it
er pets when decorating. Many common household pets their veterinarians before bringing poinsettias, holly and oth- also can lead to lower energy bills for consumers.
are naturally curious, and that curiosity can make it difficult er seasonal plants and flowers into their homes. Some pets · Support eco-friendly legislation. Legislators fighting to
to decorate safely come the holiday season. But various could suffer allergic reactions if they eat certain seasonal protect local wildlife need all the help they can get. Indi-
pet-proofing strategies can ensure holiday decorations and plants, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and speak to viduals can lend a hand by supporting legislators who are
displays aren’t compromised by four-legged friends this sea- a vet before including live plants and flowers in decorative working to maintain local habitats so wildlife can continue
son. displays. to thrive. Share information about political issues related to
· Secure the Christmas tree. Much like other residents of Decorating is part of the holiday season. Pet owners must local wildlife via social media and volunteer to help local pol-
the home, pets may be mesmerized by a glowing Christmas exercise an extra bit of caution to keep their pets and homes
safe when decorating during this special time of year. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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