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Pollution Prevention

Water Quality

• Use phosphate free laundry soap

• Don't pour oil or other hazardous substances down the drain or onto the ground

• Give away unused materials

• Use substitutes for cleaning, vinegar is great for cleaning glass

• Dispose of products safely

• Plant grass and trees on loose soil to help keep the soil from washing away

Pest Control and Pesticides

• Attract birds by planting bushes and trees they like

• Put out birdbaths and bird food

• Protect things like purple martins, lady bugs, spiders, centipedes and miniwasps -- they eat the "bad" bugs

• Spade and hoe to cut weeds

• Handpick weeds from your garden

• Use a flyswatter

• Mulch your garden and lawn to help control weeds

• If you must use pesticides, use them safely and wisely

• Never dump pesticides down any drain

• Avoid the use of household pesticides

Safe Alternatives for Common Household Products

• Ants in the house - Locate every point and seal with caulk. Kill visible ants with soapy water. Remove all food sources.

• Air Freshener - simmer cinnamon and cloves

• Aluminum Spot Removal - Use two tablespoons cream of tarter and quart of hot water

• Bleach - Use borax

• Brass Polish - Polish with Worcestershire sauce

• Car Battery Corrosion Control - Use baking soda and water

• Chrome Polish - Polish with apple cider vinegar

• Cleaners (General Household) - Use one teaspoon of liquid soap plus one teaspoon borax plus one squeeze of lemon in a quart of warm water

• Coffee Cup Stain Removal - Wash with moist salt

• Coffee Pot Stains - Soak with vinegar

• Copper Cleaner - Clean with lemon juice and salt

• Decal Remover - Soak in white vinegar

• Dishwashing for Cutting Grease - Use liquid soap and vinegar

• Drain Cleaner - Use plunger followed by 1/2 cup baking soda plus 1/2 cup vinegar mixed with 2 quarts boiling water

• Fertilizer - Spread compost

• Furniture Polish - Use linseed or almond oil

• Garbage Disposal Deodorizer - Place lemons or baking soda in disposal

• Grease Removal - Use borax on damp cloth

• Hand Cleaner (paint/grease) - Use baby oil

• Ink Spot Remover - Wash with cold water plus one tablespoon cream of tarter and one tablespoon lemon juice

• Insects on Plants - Use soapy water on leaves then rinse

• Laundry Detergent - Use basic soap, phosphate free

• Linoleum Floor Cleaner - Use one cup white vinegar plus two gallons of water

• Mildew Remover - Wash with equal parts of vinegar and salt

• Mosquito Repellant - Burn citronella candles or citronella oil

• Moths (clothes) - Clean woolens before storing, enclose cedar chips in cotton sachets

• Oil Stain Removal - Rub white chalk into stain before laundering

• Oven Cleaner - Wash with two tablespoons liquid soap plus two teaspoons of borax mixed with warm water into stain

• Paint (oil based/stain/spray) - Use water-based, non-aerosol paints

• Paint Brush Softener - Soak in hot vinegar

• Perspiration Spot Remover - Use white vinegar plus water

• Pesticides - For specific pest information contact Industrial Pretreatment at 292-9731 or your county extension agent at 321-4774

• Pet Odor Remover - Use cider vinegar

• Porcelain Stain Removal - Use baking soda

• Refrigerator Deodorizer - Place open box of baking soda in refrigerator

• Rug/Carpet Cleaner - Use club soda

• Rug Deodorizer - Liberally sprinkle baking soda over carpet, wait 15-20 minutes, then vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Also works on fleas, but repeated treatment is needed and bags should be disposed of in trash.

• Rusty Bolt/Nut Removal - Use carbonated beverage

• Scorch Mark Removal - Use a grated onion

• Scouring Powder - Use baking soda

• Shaving Cream - Use a brush and shaving soap

• Slugs and Snails - Remove tall grass and debris from vicinity of garden. Use beer traps or perform late evening search and destroy.

• Spot Remover - Use club soda, lemon juice or salt

• Stainless Steel Polish - Use mineral oil

• Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Use a paste of borax and lemon juice

• Upholstery Spot Removal - Use club soda

• Water Softener - Use 1/4 cup of vinegar

• Window Cleaner - Use 1/4 cup of vinegar in 1 quart of warm water

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