DYP Columns

The sounds of spring are most definitely here. You know, the loud buzz of the lawn mowers, the piercing sound of leaf blowers, the incessant whir of the trimmers. Not only is there the noise pollution to contend with, there is also the air, land, and water pollution that comes with gas powered lawn equipment. This summer, Do Your Part to pick smarter equipment that will not only cut down pollution but will cut down on your lawn maintenance costs.

Let’s start with what really gets under my skin. The loud noise of gas powered lawn equipment. The National Pollution Clearinghouse contends that an ordinary gas fueled lawn mower can actually be heard at least a quarter mile away. Then, there are the other pollution concerns. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 17 million gallons of fuel and oil are accidentally spilled while servicing all this lawn equipment. That’s right – 17 million gallons! And, here’s another startling statistic for you; gas powered lawn equipment produces roughly five percent of the air pollution generated in America. The exhaust from the gas-powered equipment sends tiny particles into the air, quickly creating unhealthy conditions. The fumes from the engines also add to the creation of ground level ozone and smog. To help put those numbers into perspective, think of it this way. A gas-powered lawn mower emits as much pollution each hour as 11 cars on the road.

The good news is that there are better (and quieter) options out there. The cleanest option is to use human powered equipment. Reel mowers are ideal for small lawns. There are many different styles too including some which have an attachment to catch grass clippings. You can also do what I do which is to go electric.

Electric mowers win hands down when it comes to convenience. They start with the push of a button and you never need to fill up the gas tank or replace the oil. The electric mower is lighter than its gas-powered alternative and it’s much quieter too! Now, electric mowers do generate pollution but at drastically lower levels and not in your backyard. They are also more expensive than their gas-powered cousins but they are a lot less expensive to operate and maintain. An electric mower will cost you about $5 a year to operate, which is the cost of electricity to power or charge the mower. If you opt for the more convenient cordless electric mower then you should know that the rechargeable battery contains lead and should never end up in a landfill. Fortunately, there are many resources available for recycling rechargeable batteries of all shapes and sizes. You can also find electric blowers, trimmers, tillers and more. Some states offer incentives for purchasing electric equipment so be sure to check.

When it comes picking out your next piece of lawn equipment, Do Your Part and make an economical and eco-friendly choice. It’s a whole lot better for you, your neighbors, and the planet.

Temperatures are on the rise. The school year is starting to wind down. And, that means prom season is heating up. Whether you’re a high school student or prom parent, Do Your Part as you plan for what to wear, the accessories you’ll need, where to dine, and how to get around. A few smarter choices will help you spend less and look fabulous while treading a bit lighter on the planet.

Who doesn’t love the smell of a baby right after a bath? You know, the familiar scent of soap, lotion, and powder all wrapped up into one little bundle of joy. However, when parents and caregivers find out what’s really in some of the most popular baby products those scents are suddenly not so sweet smelling. Do Your Part to make sure your baby’s sensitive skin is getting what it really needs and not what it doesn’t.

It all starts with smart shopping. It can be incredibly difficult to determine what chemicals are in personal care products for babies because the makers aren’t required to list all the ingredients on the label. Some chemicals used in popular brands can actually cause serious health problems including damage to the nervous system and respiratory issues.

Some personal care companies also hide harmful ingredients under the term ‘fragrance’. That term is used to avoid listing things like phthalates, which can alter hormones. CosmeticDatabase.org is an easy to use resource to easily find what’s in all the products so you can choose ones with the safest ingredients. Another good bet is to avoid products that contain the ingredients: quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea formalin, and methylene oxide.

To make it easier for you to shop, opt for products that are made from organic ingredients. That way you will know that these products are produced without using any harmful chemicals and are usually free of chemical preservatives, like parabens, that are suspected of causing more health problems. Organic products will also not contain artificial colors or synthetic fragrances.

Another safer option is to purchase products that contain mostly ‘natural’ ingredients. Most of these items are paraben and phthalate free but aren’t produced using organic materials. Remember, the word ‘natural’ can mean whatever the manufacturer wants it to so do your homework to make sure you’re really getting what you want.

It can be difficult to keep track of the ingredients you should be looking for and ones to avoid. So, your best bet is to keep it simple. The fewer ingredients listed on the back of the product’s label, the better. Remember, everything that goes on our family’s bodies eventually goes right back into the planet. That’s why picking the eco-friendliest options are an important way to Do Your Part for your child’s health and the health of the planet.

Additional Resources:

Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Database

DYP’s Video on Safer Shampoos, Soaps, and Skin Lotions

It can be staggering to think that nearly half of all above ground water sources are contaminated by human activities including what we put down the drain. In fact, what we put down the drain inside our homes and let go down the storm drain outside all take their toll. Do Your Part to know what the biggest polluters are. Here’s a list of five things that should never go down the drain.

1) Grease

It sure is tempting to pour used cooking grease down your sink drain. STOP! That grease not only backs up your drains but those in your neighborhood too. That’s because when grease hardens it can easily clog up sewage pipes and can actually force raw sewage back into your home or into the homes of others on your street. I keep a large container under my sink to collect cooking grease and when it’s full, I take it to a full service-recycling center. Sure, it’s a little more work but a whole lot more pleasant than dealing with the alternative.

2) Used Motor Oil

Whatever you do, don’t pour oil down a storm drain. Those drain directly to local waterways and just one gallon of motor oil can contaminate a million gallons of water. Used motor oil is another item you’ll need to drop off at a full service-recycling center. And, if you go somewhere to get your oil changed, make sure to support those businesses that recycle their used oil.

3) Fertilizers and Pesticides

Excess nutrients are another major source of contamination. When we use too much fertilizer on our yard, the excess is picked up by storm water runoff and dumped right into our waterways. This nutrient overload causes algae to bloom which removes oxygen from the water. That literally chokes the life from vital water creatures that help improve the water’s quality. To avoid all that, use only the amount of lawn chemicals you truly need and only when and where you need it.

4) Old or Unwanted Medicine

If you have medication you are no longer taking or is past its expiration date, don’t flush it unless it specifically says so on the bottle. Instead, throw the medicine in the trash in a sealed bag with coffee grounds or find a responsible medicine disposal company. Many pharmacies partner with companies that will take care of your old prescriptions properly and some of those companies allow you to return your medications to them directly. Go to DoYourPart.com/Columns for more resources.

5) Pet Waste

And finally, don’t forget to Do Your Part and scoop the poop. Pet waste is considered raw sewage because it contains parasites and harmful microorganisms that can be transmitted to humans. When it rains, these parasites and bacteria can be washed into nearby storm drains. Best to clean up after your pet and dispose of it in the trashcan.

Many times when we talk about “going green” we think about how much green it will cost us. However, there are many ways to live a healthier life and be gentler on the environment without spending a single penny. Here are five simple ways to Do Your Part and not only are they all free – some solutions will also save you money.

Stop Buying Water

Ditching plastic bottles of water and using reusable containers will save big bucks in the long run. But there are other situations where we pay for water without realizing it. Opting to buy concentrated juices is a cheaper alternative to buying many jugs of juice. You’ll save about a nickel on ounce. And, instead of using expensive irrigation systems in your yard, rain barrels or other collection devices will do the work for free.

Sell The Small Stuff

Got gadgets and other electronics collecting dust around your home? They are valuable even if they don’t work. Many major retailers now accept old electronics and will give you a store gift card in return. And, many online sites will pay to have you ship them your stuff and you’ll get a check after they receive it. These items get resold or recycled for metal. Check DoYourPart.com/Columns for a list of resources. Also, consider taking gently worn clothing, sporting equipment, and even children’s gear to consignment shops to earn a few dollars.

Refuse to Waste Gas

No one likes what it costs to fill up our cars at the gas station. To maximize your fuel efficiency and lower toxic emissions, make sure to keep your tires properly inflated, avoid aggressive driving where you accelerate and brake frequently, use cruise control on flat terrain, avoid driving around with extra weight, and keep up with routine maintenance. Another smart idea is to turn the engine off when you’ll be idling for more than 30 seconds in places such as carpool lines.

Put an End to Paper Towels

What’s worse than throwing out barely used paper towels? Spending all that money on them. The cheapest paper towels on the market are about a dollar per roll. If you go through two rolls a week, that’s more than $200 a year! Save that money and keep dish towels and rags handy. It’s much more eco-friendly to launder them than it is to keep buying one-use paper towels.

Lighten Your Laundry’s Load

Get this, up to 85 percent of the energy used to wash clothes comes from heating up the water. When you switch to cold water you’ll see instant energy savings and your clothes will still get clean.

When we think about being healthier and more eco-friendly at home, the bedroom is usually one of the last places we consider. However there are easy ways to Do Your Part to clean up the air inside your family’s bedrooms and reduce your utility bills at the same time. Here are a few places to start:

Lighten the Mood

There is a bigger selection than ever when it comes to energy saving light bulbs. Halogens, compact fluorescents (CFLs), and LEDs are a few options. All will last at least 25% longer than traditional incandescent ones. The key is to pick the right bulb for your specific fixtures. Some bulbs are not suitable for dimmable lights, for instance. Make sure to check the label before you buy. New, more efficient incandescent bulbs are also beginning to appear on store shelves, so look for those too.

Buy Better Bedding

So-called “wrinkle free” bedspreads, sheets, and pillowcases are usually loaded with chemical products that actually release formaldehyde, which can’t be washed away. Instead, opt for bedding made from natural fabrics such as cotton or flannel.

Fans are Your Friend

A simple way to lower your utility bills is to use a ceiling fan to keep the treated air moving. In the colder months, your fan blades should turn in the clockwise direction to force warmer air collecting at the ceiling down toward the floor.  You can tell that the blades are turning in the wrong direction for the colder months if you feel a breeze pushing down on you when standing directly under the fan. Reverse the blade direction in warmer months.

Clean out the Closets

Are your closets jam-packed with clothes that you and your family no longer wear? Don’t let them take up valuable space when they could go to someone who wants or needs them. Many well cared for clothes hold a lot of value and can be sold in consignment shops or online sites such as eBay. Of course, you can also donate them to a local charity and claim a tax deduction for the value of your goods.

Select Safer Scents

Many of us use candles or other air fresheners in our bedrooms. However, when you burn many popular candles made of paraffin, you are actually polluting your air with petroleum by-products.Better candle choices include ones made from natural beeswax or soy. Another option for a sweet smelling room are to use essential oils. You can add a few drops of these plants based oils on cotton balls and place them around the room or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water to spray over larger areas.

More Information:

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