57 Ways - 24. Dispose Of Auto Products Safely

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57 Ways To Protect Your Home Environment (and Yourself)

Caring for the Home Landscape

1. Aim for a healthy lawn rather than a perfect lawn
2. Cut the grass without gas
3. Prevent insect, disease, and weed problems in the garden
4. Identify fruits and vegetables that need fewer pesticides
5. Select native trees and shrubs that will thrive in your yard
6. Keep your tress healthy and safe
7. Plant “wild” in your backyard
8. Attract birds and butterflies to your backyard

Using Alternatives to Traditional Pesticides & Fertilizers - Where Practical

9. Scout for pests on the landscape
10. Consider microbial insecticides
11. Consider botanical insecticides & insecticidal soaps
12. Conserve beneficial insects
13. Monitor & control insects with traps
14. Use pest barriers in your garden
15. Solarize soil
16. Consider the potential of natural fertilizers

Using Chemicals on the Landscape - If Necessary

17. Know what to ask a lawn-care company and arborist
18. Understand pesticide toxicity
19. Read the pesticide label
20. Apply pesticides accurately and safely
21. Apply fertilizers accurately and safely

Storing & Disposing of Hazardous Chemicals

22. Store hazardous chemicals safely
23. Dispose of pesticides safely
24. Dispose of auto products safely
25. Dispose of paints and solvents safely
26. Dispose of adhesives, areosols, household cleaners & other hazardous waste safely

Managing Yard, Food & Other Household Waste

27. Reduce household waste
28. Recycle paper, glass, & aluminum
29. Reuse and respond
30. Recycle grass clippings
31. Create a compost pile
32. Use yard waste as mulch
33. Dispose of tree residues

Protecting Your Drinking Water

34. Know when & how to test your water
35. Test your water for coliform bacteria & nitrate 36. Test your water for pesticides - if necessary
37. Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water
38. Select effective water-treatment methods
39. Prevent contamination from septic systems
40. Know the pros & cons of bottled water

Protecting the Indoor Environment

41. Prevent contamination by lead
42. Test your home for radon
43. Reduce radon levels
44. Control dust, dust mites & other allergens
45. Reduce pollution from combustion equipment
46. Prevent contamination by formaldehyde and asbestos
47. Recognize tht it's not always necessary to control indoor insects
48. Select the right household pesticide
49. Control household pests with less toxic alternatives
50. Select household cleaners wisely

Conserving Energy & Water

51. Design new homes for energy effciency
52. Save energy in heating & cooling
53. Insulate & seal your home
54. Choose energy-efficient appliances
55. Save money & energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs
56. Use plants & other landscape tools to conserve energy
57. Conserve water in & around the home

24. Dispose Of Auto Products Safely
	The used oil from a single oil change can seriously contaminate a million gallons of fresh water—enough water to supply fifty people for one year. Your best disposal option is to recycle used oil through local oil distributors, auto-repair stations, or commercial recycling services. When storing oil before recycling, make sure it is in a clean, sealed container, such as a steel drum or plastic jug. Mark the container clearly as used oil and store it away from children.
	Oil filters should be ‘hot-drained’ and then taken to a hazardous-waste collection site, local service station, “quick lube,” or auto parts retailer. To hot-drain a filter, puncture the dome end and drain it for 12 hours. The air temperature should be 60 degrees or higher. Then place it in a sealable bag, coffee can with lid, or other leakproof container.
	Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can attract pets and small children. So do not pour antifreeze on the ground outdoors and do not put it in the garbage. Also, never dump antifreeze down a household drain or toilet if you have a septic system. If you’re connected to a municipal sewage plant, check before dumping antifreeze down a drain or toilet.
	The best option is to transfer antifreeze to a sturdy container, clearly mark the contents, and take it to a household hazardous-waste collection program. You might also check with a local service station or an automotive or radiator repair shop.
	Lead-acid batteries are those used in cars, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other vehicles. Because of the amount of toxic metals and corrosive lead-contaminated acids in these batteries, many states have made it illegal to put them in the trash. Recycle your batteries! Most stores that sell lead-acid batteries will accept used batteries for recycling.
	Tires take up a lot of space in landfills, attract mosquitoes, and can result in devastating fires. The most common way to get rid of old tires is to turn them into the retailer when purchasing new ones. If you have an old tire stashed in the back of the garage, contact your local or regional recycling coordinator to find out where to take it.