Renewable Energy
The largest source of clean energy in the United States, it represented over 10% of electricity generation in 2023.
Wind power
About ___% of PA’s electricity comes from renewable sources, making our state rank ___ out of all states in terms of renewable energy generation.
3%
45th
Native plants often support a wider variety of specialist ______ than non-natives, contributing to the preservation of rare and endangered insect species.
Pollinators
A ______ plant is a native plant species that plays a crucial role in an ecosystem by supporting a disproportionately large number of other species, such as pollinators (eg, butterflies, bees, etc.).
Keystone plant
______ and _____ are infinitely recyclable.
Aluminum
Glass
This renewable energy source has the fastest growth rate worldwide. [Bonus: Which country produces the most of it?]
Solar power
China. The country also has 42% of the world's jobs in renewable energy.
This fuel drives the cost of renewable energy in PA.
Natural gas
_____ is essential to support monarch butterflies because it’s the only plant on which monarchs lay eggs and monarch caterpillars feed.
Milkweed
Native plants require up to __% less water than non-native species once established, significantly reducing garden maintenance and water bills.
70%
Gardening with _____ plants can provide natural pest control, support local pollinator and animal populations, and reduce watering needs.
___% of national greenhouse gas emissions come from electric power generation.
25%
These 2 states produce the most nuclear power.
1. Illinois
2. Pennsylvania
This plant commonly seen in lawns in our area attracts butterflies but is, in fact, non-native to North America and can actually damage the local ecosystem because it is considered invasive. One native alternative for attracting butterflies is milkweed.
Butterfly bush
Native plants can help reduce air pollution – one study found that native plantings along roads can reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by up to __%.
40%
_____ and _____ are two of the most energy efficient home heating and cooling systems.
Ground-source heat pump (geothermal)
Air-source heat pump
What is the most common use for geothermal energy?
1. Most commonly used for heating and cooling buildings
2. Also used for electricity generation in volcanic regions
These 2 states produce the most natural gas.
1. Texas
2. Pennsylvania
There are about _____ bee species native to the US. [Bonus: There are nearly ____ known bee species worldwide.]
4,000
20,000
Oak trees are a keystone species in the US, one of the most important trees for supporting high levels of biodiversity. For example, they support nearly ___ species of caterpillars.
900
In composting, “green” refers to materials that are high in _____ while “brown” refers to those that are high in _____.
Greens → Nitrogen (eg, coffee, vegetable & food waste, chicken & cow manure)
Brown → Carbon (eg, leaves, cardboard, straw, wood chips)
Renewable _______ can be harvested from landfills and used to heat homes, even here in PA.
Natural gas / methane
These 3 states produce the most coal.
1. Wyoming
2. West Virginia
3. Pennsylvania
Pollinators that support wildlife, plant communities, and healthy watersheds include bees, birds, butterflies, ____, and ____.
Bats
Beetles (among the earliest prehistoric pollinators!)
Some benefits of native plants over non-natives are:
- Support greater diversity of beneficial insects, especially local pollinators, than non-natives
- Require minimal or no watering
- Reduce noise and air pollution
- Have natural defenses against local pests, reducing need for chemical pesticides
A _____ _____ is an effective and safe alternative to chemical control methods, like fogging - it protects pollinators, other animals, pets, and people by safely targeting mosquito larvae without toxic sprays.
Mosquito bucket