UF Studies Show Home Buyers Like ‘Green’ Features but May Not Understand Green Living

December 17, 2007
Topic(s): Conservation, Finances, Florida Friendly, Green Living, Landscaping, Lawn & Garden

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Home buyers appreciate the benefits of “green” communities, but residents don’t necessarily lead more eco-friendly lives than their neighbors in traditional homes, according to two University of Florida studies conducted in the fast-growing state.

The findings could mean some homeowners in green communities don’t know enough about how to reduce their environmental impact, said Mark Hostetler, an associate professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (more…)

Playing Santa for Oneself Can Lead to a Debt-Filled New Year, UF Expert Warns

December 10, 2007
Topic(s): Economics, Finances

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With more than half of us expecting to play Santa for ourselves this holiday season, a University of Florida family finance expert warns that being self-indulgent - even at bargain prices - can lead to a bad case of buyer’s remorse.

According to an annual consumer survey conducted for the National Retail Federation, 56 percent of us expect to treat ourselves this season, taking advantage of holiday sales. Another 30 percent aren’t sure, and 13 percent say they can resist temptation. (more…)

Seriously Evaluating Poinsettias (stand alone photo - no story available)

December 6, 2007
Topic(s): Cultivars, Lawn & Garden, Stand-Alone Photos

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In this photo released from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Susan Crosson of Gainesville takes notes at the annual poinsettia open house and field day on UF’s main campus in Gainesville – Thursday, December 6, 2007. (more…)

Space Station Experiment to Test Bacteria Hitchhiking to the Red Planet

December 5, 2007
Topic(s): Invasive Species, Research

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If a trip to Mars seems like it would be a tough journey, imagine what it would be like on the outside of the spaceship.

Earth bacteria can be extraordinarily tough—rugged enough, in fact, to survive on the outside of a space capsule. Now, a set of experiments on their way to the International Space Station via this week’s scheduled shuttle flight is designed to test exactly what effect the rigors of space could have on bacterial spores on a Mars-bound vessel. (more…)