The slow natural restoration of hazardous sediments mired beneath the Puget Sound is progressing, thanks to Mother Nature and a stiff dose of federal environmental regulations.

In Puget Sound, scientists and managers must restore endangered orca populations and Chinook salmon populations as they work to restore an entire ecosystem. The needs of these two species present a prime example of how previous single-species strategies do not work in ecosystem restoration.

As fall's cool days lead to winter's chilly nights, Puget Sound Energy is reminding customers on its Web site and in bill inserts that now is a good time to take some no-cost and low-cost steps to prepare their homes and, as winter's grip takes hold, to take some easy, inexpensive actions to save energy and money.