Environmental responsibility is everyones responsibility.

Environmental responsibility is everyones responsibility. Today, instead of having only 17 thousand EPA employees working to protect the environment, we now have over 300 million Americans as environmental partners making environmentally protective choices. By equipping this growing army of environmental stewards with the tools they need to meet todays challenges, EPA is helping America shift into a green culture.

Save Energy Use Water Efficiently Reduce / Reuse / Recycle Environmentally Protective Choices

Save Energy

Reduce your carbon footprint! Leaving your car at home twice a week can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 pounds per year. Save up errands and shopping trips so you need to drive fewer times. If you commute to work, ask if you can work from home at least some days, and you'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. Reduce greenhouse gases on the road.

Reduce greenhouse gases on the road.

The burning of fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, but these emissions can be reduced by improving your cars fuel efficiency. You can take the following actions to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, reduce the nation's dependence on oil and save money. For more information, there are also a number of transportation tools available to estimate emissions from transportation and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that can be reduced through specific activities. 1. Buy smart Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even before renting a vehicle), check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the jointly-run EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide. These resources provide information about the emissions and fuel economy performance of different vehicles. The Green Vehicle Guide provides detailed information on emissions (including Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas scores for each model) and the Fuel Economy Guide focuses on fuel efficiency (including side-by-side fuel economy comparisons and a customized fuel cost calculator). These websites are designed to help you choose the cleanest, most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. There are a wide range of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles available on the market today that produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Drive smart Many factors affect the fuel economy of your car. To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel economy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and cruise control on your car if you have those features. For more tips to improve your gas mileage, visit the Fuel Economy Guide. 3. Tune your ride A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable, and is safer! Keep your car well tuned, follow the manufacturers maintenance schedule, and use the recommended grade of motor oil. Also check and replace your vehicles air filter regularly. For more details, including potential savings from these actions, visit the Fuel Economy Guide website. 4. Check your tires Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel economy by up to 3 percent and leads to higher greenhouse gas emissions and releases of air pollutants. If you dont know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, you can find it listed on the door to the glove compartment or on the driver's-side door pillar. More details on the Fuel Economy Guide website. 5. Give your car a break Use public transportation , carpool or walk or bike whenever possible to avoid using your car. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. Whenever possible, combine activities and errands into one trip. For daily commuting, consider options like telecommuting (working from home via phone or over the Internet) that can reduce the stress of commuting, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money. 6. Use Renewable Fuels Both E85 and biodiesel are renewable fuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle. E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol that can be used in certain vehicles called Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs). FFVs can be fueled with E85 or with traditional gasoline. There are approximately 6 million FFVs on the road today. To find out if you own one of them, check the inside of your car's fuel filler door for an identification sticker or consult your owners manual. If you own a diesel vehicle, consider filling up with a biodiesel blend such as B5, a fuel blend containing 5% biodiesel. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from agricultural resources such as vegetable oils. The Department of Energys Alternative Fueling Station Locator can help you locate both E85 and biodiesel fuel stations in your area.

Don't idle! Remind your school system to turn off bus engines when buses are parked. Exhaust from idling school buses can pollute air in and around the bus, and can enter school buildings through air intakes, doors, and open windows. Constant idling also wastes fuel and money, and school bus engines really need only a few minutes to warm up. More about reducing engine idling.

More about reducing engine idling.

Idle-Reduction Background
Unnecessary school bus idling pollutes the air, wastes fuel, and causes excess engine wear. Fortunately, it's easy to implement practices that reduce school bus idling.

Save Money and Reduce Pollution

Air Pollution
Idling school buses can pollute air in and around the bus. Exhaust from buses can also enter school buildings through air intakes, doors, and open windows. Diesel bus exhaust from excessive idling can be a health concern. Read more about health concerns.

Wasted Fuel and Money

Idling buses waste fuel and money. When idling, a typical school bus engine burns approximately half a gallon of fuel per hour. School districts that eliminate unnecessary idling can save significant dollars in fuel costs each year. Try the idling calculator to estimate the fuel saved by reducing idling in your school bus fleet.

 Engine Wear-and-Tear
School bus engines do not need to idle more than a few minutes to warm up. In fact extended idling causes engine damage. Engine manufacturers generally recommend no more than three to five minutes of idling. Caterpillar Inc. cautions drivers to "... Avoid excess idling. If the vehicle is parked for more than five minutes, stop the engine. Excessive idling can cause carbon buildup and/or excessive idling can cause the engine to slobber. This is harmful to the engine." IC Corporation's engine manual states that "...Excessive idling reduces fuel economy, and may decrease oil life." Cummins Inc. suggests idling for only three to five minutes before operating with a load.
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Idling Myths
Myth: Fact: It's important to warm up the engine with a long idle period, especially in cold weather. With today's school bus engines, bus and engine manufacturers routinely suggest a warm up time of less than five minutes. In fact, running an engine at low speed (idling) causes significantly more wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular speeds. It's better for an engine to run at low speed (idling) than to run at regular speeds. Running an engine at low speed causes twice the wear on internal parts compared to driving at regular speeds. The engine must be kept running in order to operate the school bus safety equipment (flashing lights, stop sign). It's impossible to run this equipment off the internal circuitry of the bus because the battery will run down. Safety equipment can be operated without the engine running through re-wired circuitry for up to an hour with no ill-effects on the electrical system of the bus. Idling is necessary to keep the cabin comfortable. Depending on the weather, many buses will maintain a comfortable interior temperature for a while without idling. Idling is also not an efficient way to keep the cabin warm. Bus routes should be timed so children and drivers do not need to spend a lot of extra time on the bus when it is not en route, particularly in hot or cold weather. In addition, auxiliary heaters can be purchased and installed to keep the cabin comfortable. Its better to just leave the engine idling because a "cold start" produces more pollution. A recent EPA study found that the emission pulse measured after the school bus is restarted contains less carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants than if the school bus idled continuously over a 10-minute period. The analysis indicated that continuous idling for

Myth: Fact:

Myth:

Fact:

Myth: Fact:

Myth: Fact:

more than three minutes emitted more fine particle (soot) emissions than at restart.

It's electric! You can check how much of your electricity comes from renewable "green" power sources, such as wind or solar. Green power produces less carbon emissions, reduces air pollution, and helps protect against future costs or scarcity of fossil fuels. If green power is a consumer option, check price differences from suppliers before you buy. The green power locator.

The green power locator.

In the United States, electricity is generated in many different ways, with a wide variation in environmental impact. Electricity generation from the combustion of fossil fuels contributes toward unhealthy air quality, acid rain, and global climate change. Many electricity customers can choose their provider of electricity or can purchase green power from their utility. In fact, you might now have the option of choosing cleaner, more environmentally friendly sources of energy.

Power Profiler will:

Determine your power grid region based on your ZIP code and electric utility Compare the fuel mix and air emissions rates of the electricity in your region to the national average Determine the air emissions impacts of electricity use in your home or business

Tread lightly! Use public transportation, carpool, walk, or bike whenever possible to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs. Leaving your car at home just two days a week will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,600 pounds per year. If you can work from home, you'll reduce air pollution and traffic congestion - and save money. Reduce your carbon footprint.

Reduce your carbon footprint.

Home Improvement: Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency with ENERGY STAR
Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Improving energy efficiency is also an important first step for homeowners interested in green remodeling. ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more efficient whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional

Make your home an Energy Star! When you do home maintenance, also do a home energy audit to find out how you can save money by making your home more energy efficiency. And if every American home replaced just one conventional light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year. Find more energy savings.

Find more energy savings.

At School
Related Links Printable Version: What You Can Do at School (PDF) (1 pg, 230K, About
PDF)

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Newsroom

Students, educators and school administrators can all play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Here is a directory of some education and action planning resources to help you: Students

Climate Change ListServs Cool School Challenge

Related Educators Links Energy Star

1. Bring science to life Explore A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change to K-12 School Districts learn more about the science and impacts of climate Portfolio Manager change. The site also provides videos, animations, and interactive expeditions where students can explore and learn how climate change will affect places around the Did You Know? world. The site helps students, their parents, and their teachers learn about solutions and what actions they can About one-sixth of all the electricity take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. generated in the US is used to air 2. High school students check your school's climate condition buildings. impact High school students can investigate the link between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Using EPA's Climate CHange Emission Calculator Kit (Climate CHECK) (WinZip of Excel spreadsheet, 3.4MB) students can learn about climate change, estimate their schools greenhouse gas emissions and conceptualize ways to mitigate their schools climate impact. Students gain detailed understandings of climate-change drivers, impacts, and science; produce an emission inventory and action plan; and can even submit the results of their emission inventory to their school district. You can also use Portfolio Manager to compare the energy use of your school with other schools nationwide, and earn the ENERGY STAR for your school if it qualifies as a top performer. 3. Get Involved at your College or University College students can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions at their colleges or universities by reducing their emissions from energy they use in dorm rooms. Students can also work with school administrators to: increase energy efficiency on campus, reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by using green power, create a campus climate action plan , or develop an inventory of their school's greenhouse gas emissions. Educators 4. Teach students about climate change and ecosystems o Use the Climate Change, Wildlife and Wildlands: A Toolkit for Formal and Informal Educators to learn about the science of climate change and its potential effects on our nations wildlife and their habitats. o Download and share EPAs eight-page brochure, Frequently Asked Questions About Global Warming and Climate Change: Back to Basics (PDF) (8 pp, 1.6MB, About PDF), which provides illustrated answers to frequent questions. 5. Engage middle school students in estimating emissions Enhance critical thinking skills by introducing the Global Warming Wheel Card Classroom Activity Kit to middle school students. A hand-held wheel card and other resources help students estimate household greenhouse gas emissions in order to encourage students to think about ways to reduce their personal, family, school and community contributions to climate change. If you are an informal educator, simply use the Global Warming Wheel Card as a part of your field activities. 6. Learn from other educators Investigate what other schools and organizations are doing to educate their audiences on climate change by clicking on Educators Links, a searchable database offering links to resources such as lesson plans, videos, books and toolkits.

Administrators 7. Save money and the environment The least efficient schools use three times more energy than the best energy performers. By partnering with the highly successful ENERGY STAR for K-12 program and using Portfolio Manager to track and rate the energy performance of your portfolio of school buildings, school districts can serve as environmental leaders in their community, become energy efficient, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money! 8. Estimate your emissions and take the challenge School Administrators can also work to reduce their school's greenhouse gas emissions by developing an inventory of their school's emissions or by taking the 20082009 College & University Green Power Challenge. 9. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Recycle school or classroom paper, newspapers, beverage containers, electronic equipment and batteries. Reducing, reusing and recycling at school and in the classroom helps conserve energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufacturing and disposal. You can reduce, reuse and recycle at school or in the classroom by using two-sided printing and copying; buying supplies made with recycled content; and recycling used printer cartridges. For your old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to schools or other organizations.

eCycle it! Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to an electronics recycling center. Reusing and recycling materials like copper, gold, and others saves natural resources and reduces mining and processing. eCycling also helps avoid land, air, and water pollution by capturing and reusing hazardous substances such as lead or chromium. Find eCycling centers near you.

Find eCycling centers near you.

Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronic Products?
Related Links

Recycle your cell phone. Its an Easy Call. | Dle nueva vida a su viejo telfono celularrecclelo.

Plug-In To eCycling

Learn more about eCycling programs where you live

Electronics Recycling Web Portal

Find a Local Program Manufacturer and Retailer Programs Government-Supported Donation and Recycling Programs

Find a Local Program

EcoSquid
EcoSquid is a web search platform that helps consumers identify the best options to resell, recycle, or donate new and used electronics. EcoSquid enables consumers to find opportunities to earn cash for electronics that have value, or recycling or donation options for those that do not.

Earth 911

Earth 911 is a comprehensive communication medium for the environment. Earth 911 has taken environmental hotlines, web sites and other information sources nationwide, and consolidated them into one network. Once you contact the Earth 911 network, you will find community-specific information on eCycling and much more.

 Electronic Industries Alliances Consumer Education Initiative

The Electronic Industries Alliances eCycling Central website helps you find reuse, recycling and donation programs for electronics products in your state.

TechSoup

TechSoup has compiled a comprehensive body of information to promote computer recycling and reuse. This site provides resources for those who would like to donate hardware, those who would like to acquire recycled hardware, and refurbishers.

Call2Recycle Rechargable Battery and Cell Phone Recycling Locations

Call2Recycle can help you recycle cell phones and rechargeable batteries commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys.

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Manufacturer and Retailer Programs

Manufacturers and retailers take different approaches to give you several options to donate or recycle your electronics. The following programs developed by EPAs Plug-In To eCycling partners may be national or regional in scope and may:

Offer takeback, mail-in, or trade-in programs; Support local organizations that collect equipment; Host collection events at retail locations; or Support local recycling events with cities and municipalities.

AT&T Reuse and Recycle

Reuse & Recycle Program offers you the option to bring unwanted cell phones, Personal Data

Assistants (PDAs) and other accessories (regardless of the manufacturer or carrier) to an AT&T operated store or participating authorized dealer store near you. Use the store locator to find a participating store near you. For information on holding a cell phone recycling collection at your business or in your community, please visit AT&Ts online starter kit for donations.

Best Buy

Best Buy offers consumer electronics recycling programs in all Best Buy US stores. Best Buy

will accept most electronics, including TVs, DVD players, computer monitors, cell phones and more. Consumers can bring in up to two items a day per household. See Best Buy Recycling for details. Drop off old cell phones, rechargeable batteries, and ink-jet cartridges at the free recycling kiosks located just inside the door of every US Best Buy store. Trade in unwanted electronic products for Best Buy gift cards or just recycle it for free. See Best Buy Trade-In for a step-by-step process for Tech Trade-In.

Dell

 Dell RECONNECT is a comprehensive electronics recovery, reuse and environmentally

responsible recycling partnership between Goodwill Industries and Dell, Inc. for consumers in participating communities. See participating locations. How it works Recycling and Donation Asset Recovery Services

eBay

Rethink Initiative provides information, tools and solutions that make it easy to find new users
for idle computers and electronics, and responsibly recycle unwanted products.

Hewlett-Packard

Product Recycling (including hardware, LaserJet supplies, and Inkjet supplies) Trade-In Program

Intel

Students Recycling Used Technology (StRUT) provides technology-based education for K-16
students through the process of refurbishing donated equipment for schools. Silicon Valley StRUT Arizona StRUT Oregon StRUT

LG Electronics

Offers consumers a free mail-in recycling program for old cell phones and their accessories

(any make or model). Simply box up your old phone and accessories, print off the pre-paid mailing label from their website and mail in the phone for recycling. Offers consumers free take back and recycling of any product such as televisions, monitors, audio equipment, video cassette players and recorders, DVD players and recorders, combination TV/VCR and TV/DVD units, set top boxes and accessories associated with those products that have the LG, ZENITH or GOLDSTAR brands. Consumers can drop off up to five items at any one time for free at any of these locations.

Office Depot

Tech Recycling Boxes ($5-$15 depending on size) are available at participating stores. You can
fill the boxes with as many used consumer electronics (cell phones/PDAs, computers, televisions, etc) as will fit and drop the unsealed boxes off at any Office Depot store to be recycled. Every store has kiosks where consumers can drop off used cell phones, batteries and accessories.

Samsung

Offers a mail-in recycling program to customers who want to recycle Samsung cell phones and
accessories. Simply box up your old phone and accessories, print off the pre-paid mailing label from the website and mail in the phone for recycling.

Sony

Take Back Recycling Program

Staples

EcoEasy offers consumers in-store recycling of computers, monitors, printers, desktop copiers
and other electronic waste for a fee of $10 per item

All Staples stores offer in-store collection bins where consumers can drop-off cell phones,

PDAs, chargers, other handheld electronics, and ink and toner cartridges for recycling ($3 rebates are available for some eligible toner cartridges).

Verizon

Verizon Wireless HopeLine program collects no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in
any condition from any service provider. The used phones are either refurbished for reuse or recycled. Used phones can be returned to any Verizon Wireless retail store across the country. Use the Store Locator to find the Verizon store closest to you. Wireless phones and equipment donations can also be sent to: Verizon Wireless HopeLine c/o CMB Wireless Group 630 Broadway Avenue Holbrook, NY 11741 Additional initiatives that support reuse and recycling

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Government-Supported Donation and Recycling Programs

Preventing waste in the first place is usually preferable to any waste management option...including recycling. When you outgrow your computers, cell phones and other equipment, and pass them on to new users, thats reuse. Learn more about the benefits of Reusing and Donating Electronics. If donation for reuse or repair is no longer practical, you can send your used electronics for recycling. Electronic equipment can be recycled for recovery of metals, plastics, glass and other materials. To find a program in your community, you might want to start with your state or local governments website. The following websites provide examples of government-supported ecycling programs and additional sources of information:

e-cycle St. Louis: Electronics Recycling for the Region

This consumer electronics collection program has been developed by the St. Louis Regional Partnership for Electronics Recovery to encourage reuse and recycling of unwanted electronics in the St. Louis region.

 eRecycle.org

This website provides guidance and information to consumers in California about recycling electronics.

Federal Electronic Challenge

If you are a government agency or a business, check out the Federal Electronics Challenge for tools on how a large institution can donate or recycle its used electronics.

www.ecyclingtools.com

This resource kit provides information on the entire lifecycle of electronics and contains useful information to help you address your e-waste concerns.

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Everyone can make a difference! High school students can study links between everyday actions at their high school, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Become a "climate ambassador" leader in your school or neighborhood and motivate friends, schools, and community leaders. Talk to you friends - help spread the word! Learn more at school. Top of page

Use Water Efficiently

1. Make it a full load! Run your dishwasher only when it's full. Don't pre-rinse dishes - tests show pre-rinsing doesn't improve dishwasher cleaning, and you'll save as much as 20 gallons of water per load. When you buy a new dishwasher, look for one that saves water. Water-efficient models use only about only about 4 gallons per wash. More about using water wisely.

2. Be sensible! The Earth might seem like it has abundant water, but in fact only one percent of all water on the planet is available for humans. Buy fixtures and products that are water efficient - you can use less water to get the same job done just as well. When you go shopping, look for the WaterSense label to find water efficient products. More about WaterSense.

3. Shower power! A full bathtub requires about 70 gallons of water, but taking a five-minute shower saves water by using 10 to 25 gallons. Put a little timer or clock near your shower so you can see how fast you are. Save even more water, and money on your water bill, by installing a water-efficient showerhead, or ask your landlord to install one if you rent. More about using water wisely.

4. Don't be a drip - fix that leak! Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, like money down the drain. Repair or replace old or damaged fixtures. If you're not sure you have a leak, check the water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. More about saving water.

5. Make it a full load! The average washing machine uses 40.9 gallons of water per load. If you buy a a new washer, shop for a high-efficiency washer that needs less than 28 gallons of water per load. To achieve even greater savings, wash only full loads of laundry or be sure to choose the appropriate load size on the washing machine. More about using water wisely.

Reduce / Reuse / Recycle

Compost it! Compost helps improve soil so it holds more water and plants grow better. Allow grass clippings to stay on the lawn, instead of bagging them. The cut grass will decompose and return to

the soil naturally. Food scraps and kitchen waste also make good compost, and you save money on fertilizers or other additives. More backyard composting ideas.

More backyard composting ideas.

Yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 27 percent of the US municipal solid waste stream. Thats a lot of waste to send to landfills when it could become useful and environmentally beneficial compost instead!

Proper maintenance reduces waste! Keep your appliances in good working order and follow the manufacturer's suggestions for operation and maintenance. Shop for products with high consumer satisfaction and fewer breakdowns. If kept in good working order, your appliances should last a long time and not end up as waste before their time. More ways you can reduce waste.

Tip 4: Maintain and Repair Durable Products

f maintained and repaired properly, products such as longwearing clothing, tires, and appliances are less likely to wear out or break and will not have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently. Although durable products sometimes cost more initially, their extended life span may offset the higher cost and even save money over the long term. Consider long-lasting appliances and electronic equipment with good warranties. Check reports for products with a record of high consumer satisfaction and low breakdown rates. Also, look for those products that are easily repaired. Keep appliances in good working order. Follow manufacturers' suggestions for proper operation and maintenance. Manufacturers' service departments may have toll-free directory assistance at 1 800 555-1212 to find out. High-quality, long-lasting tires for cars, bicycles, and other vehicles are available. Using them reduces the rate at which tires are replaced and disposed of. Also, to extend tire life, check tire pressure once a month, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for upkeep, and rotate tires routinely. In addition, retread and remanufactured tires can reduce tire waste. Mend clothes instead of throwing them away. Where possible, repair worn shoes, boots, handbags, and briefcases. Whenever intended for use over a long period of time, choose furniture, luggage, sporting goods, toys, and tools that will stand up to vigorous use.

Consider using low-energy fluorescent light bulbs rather than incandescent ones. They'll last longer, which means fewer bulbs are thrown out, and cost less to replace over time

Don't trash it - reuse it! Be creative as you look for new ways to reduce the amount or kinds of household waste. Give cardboard tubes to pet hamsters or gerbils. Plant seeds in an egg carton. Make a flower pot out of a plastic ice cream tub. By thinking creatively, you will often find new uses for common items and new ways to recycle and reduce waste. Other creative tips to reduce waste.

Other creative tips to reduce waste.

Tip 12: Be Creative - Find New Ways to Reduce Waste Quantity and Toxicity
here are many ways to reduce the amount and the toxicity of solid waste. By thinking creatively, many new uses for common items and new possibilities for source reduction and recycling can be discovered. Here are just a few ideas. Now, try some of your own! Turn a giant cardboard box into a child's playhouse. Transform a plastic ice cream tub into a flower pot. Give pet hamsters or gerbils paper towel and toilet paper cardboard tubes with which to play. Use an egg carton to plant seedlings. Turn used tires (not steel-belted) into children's swings or other playground equipment. Select nontoxic inks and art supplies. Combine source reduction techniques. For example, try storing coffee bought in bulk in empty coffee cans.

Choose beverages such as water or milk in reusable containers, where appropriate. Place an order through the mail with a group of people in order to save money and reduce packaging waste

Just bag it! Help protect the environment when you shop. Keep reusable bags on your car seat or near your door so they are easy to grab when you go. And you can even combine shopping bags just tell the cashier that you don't need a bag, then put all your purchases together in one bag just be sure to hang on to your receipts! More tips for shopping.

More tips for shopping.

Lets Go Green Shopping

EPA530-K-04-003 April 2004 View and print this booklet (12 pp, 266K, about PDF)

You can conserve resources, save energy, and prevent waste by buying products that:

Are energy efficient Are used or reusable Are made with recycled content or are recyclable Have no packaging or reduced packaging

Everything you buy affects the environment, but some choices are better than others.

Did You Know?

Since your parents were born, the amount of trash each American generates has doubled.*

Green purchasing means buying smart. Shop with the environment in mindthat is, buy products that help conserve natural resources, save energy, and prevent waste. Green purchasing can also mean not buying things you dont need. By educating yourself about the products you buy, you can make a difference in protecting the environment. Green purchasing involves learning about all the ways that a product can affect the environment during the course of its life cyclefrom the materials used to manufacture it, to how you use it, to what you do with it when youre finished with itso that you can make smart choices. Use the tips and resources in this brochure to make yourself an educated consumer.

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Did You Know?

For every 42 notebooks made with 100 percent recycled paper, one tree is saved.*

Shopping Tips
Buy smart. Take some time to think before you buy somethingmaybe you dont really need it. Maybe you can think of an alternative to buying a product, such as renting a DVD instead of buying it or sending a free e-card instead of a paper birthday card. Shopping with the environment in mind will conserve resources, prevent waste, and save money. Buy durable products. Instead of buying disposable products, which are wasteful, buy things that will last a long time, such as rechargeable batteries and reusable plastic mugs for drinks. Avoid excess packaging. Look for products that have less packaging, or buy in bulkyoull have less to throw away. You can also buy items with packaging that can be reused or recycled. Buy used. Buying things that have been used before means that your purchase doesnt use more resources or energy. If the item is still reusable when youre through with it, then the next person to use it is not using additional resources either. You can find authentic retro clothes, room accessories, and even sports equipment at your local thrift store. Shop online or at local stores to buy used CDs and books.

Did You Know?

Young people spend or influence the spending of $300 billion a year, or about 1 in 3 dollars spent.*

Share with friends. Another way to save resources and energy is to swap with friends and family instead of buying brand-new products. Maybe you and your friends like the same video games. Why not share your games instead of each of you owning the same game? Or maybe you can rent the game first to see if you really want to own it. Buy energy-efficient items. Look for the ENERGY STAR logo when buying electronics such as TVs, CD players, DVD players, and computers. ENERGY STAR is a program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products. Buy recycled. Buying items made with recycled-content materials means that fewer natural resources, such as trees, were used to produce the products. Products made from recycled paper, plastic, and other materials are usually easy to recognize in the storejust read the labels. Try starting with school supplies. Many stores carry recycled notebooks, pens, and other products.

Did You Know?

67 percent of parents buying a new car base their decision on advice from their kids, who are not even old enough to drive.*

How do my purchases make a difference?

Buying green lets companies know that you care about the environmental impact of the products you buy. Why would a big corporation care what you think? Because your current and future purchasing power is extremely important to them. In fact, companies spend $12 billion a year marketing their products to you.* Shopping green sends a message to the companiesthat you care about the environment, and youre not afraid to use your buying power to prove it. Your purchasing choices affect what your parents buy. Your parents buy groceries and other items based on your likes and dislikes, and they might even buy a car input from you and your siblings. Your friends also listen to what you have to say when they decide what to buy. Use your influence to help others shop smart and protect the environment.

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Wait for the storm to pass! Don't fertilize before a rain storm. Your fertilizer - along with your money - can just wash off your lawn and down the storm drain. Fertilizer runoff can pollute rivers, lakes, and bays, and cause problems in recreational areas or fishing grounds. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and wait for the storm to pass. More on greenscaping.

More on greenscaping.
Homeowners
Why GreenScape? | Steps to GreenScape | Calendar | Composting Instructions | Rebuy | Resources

GreenScaping: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard

Why GreenScape?

Highlights

View and print this brochure (PDF) (16 pp, 2.1MB, about PDF) | en Espaol (PDF) (16 pp, 2.7MB, about PDF) Backyard Composting: Its Only Natural (PDF) (2 pp, 627K, about PDF)

Watch the video: EPA GreenScapes Program Manager, Jean Schwab, discussed environmentally-friendly lawn and garden tips for fall at EPAs GreenScapes exhibit held at the National Botanic Garden in 2008. Podcast available

Our yards are our outdoor homes: fun, beautiful, great spaces for relaxing. By taking care of our lawns and gardens properly, we can save money, time, and help the environment. GreenScaping encompasses a set of landscaping practices that can improve the health and appearance of your lawn and garden while protecting and preserving natural resources.

By simply changing your landscape to a GreenScape, over time you can save time and money and protect the environment.
Save Money by eliminating unnecessary water and chemical use Save Time by landscaping with plants that require less care Protect the Environment by:

Conserving water supplies Using chemicals properly and only when necessary to keep waterways and drinking water clean Reducing yard waste by recycling yard trimmings into free fertilizer and mulch

Put nature to work in your yard

In nature, soil recycles dead plants into nutrients for new plant growth. Plants are adapted to the water, sun and soil available in their site. Maintaining a wide variety of healthy plants, soil organisms, beneficial insects and animals can keep most pests and diseases in check. By working with nature, you can have a great-looking yard thats easier to care for, cheaper to maintain and healthier for families, pets, wildlife and the environment.

Travel green! Look for hotels that encourage guests to use less water or energy. Hang up your towels to dry so you can use them again. Use the sheets more than a night or two. When you go out, look for local foods and souvenirs to reduce transportation. Before you go, unplug your computer, DVD player, and other electronics, and turn down your thermostat. More ways to save when you travel.

More ways to save when you travel.

Questions About Your Community: What Can I Do to Help The Environment When I Travel for The Holidays or an Upcoming Meeting? Back to Office, House & Yard Did you know that the travel industry is the fastest growing industry in the world? Last year alone, there were over 715 million international arrivals worldwide according to the World Tourism Organization. And, each arrival leaves its footprint behind. While traveling for business or pleasure try to minimize your impact on the environment. Whether you are traveling to a conference, important meeting, island retreat or an amusement park, you can be conscious of your impact on the environment. Here are some green traveling tips to help you have a fun and eco-friendly trip.

Planning Your Trip:

Look for hotel accommodations and tours that carry environmental friendly certifications or memberships in green industry associations - such as Green Seal or Green Leaf. Several organizations have developed standards to measure the environmental initiatives of hotels and tours. Standards vary depending on the organization; however, green hotels and tours include reducing energy consumption through fluorescent lighting, instituting recycling programs, conserving water either through installation of energy star products or by asking patrons to reuse towels and by purchasing local organic foods. When hotels and tours meet these standards, they are certified as green.

Select a hotel close to public transportation or near the places you are going to visit during your stay. When flying, book electronic tickets. It reduces paper waste and you are less likely to lose your ticket.

Before You Go:

Pull the plug on any unnecessary appliances - such TVs, VCRs, stereos, toasters, and microwaves. These items can still use energy in their off mode. Set your thermostat and water heater at low settings so that energy isn't wasted while you are gone. Stop your newspaper or donate the paper to a school while you are gone.

When Youre There:

If the hotel has an environmental program, participate as much as possible. If you have any questions about how, simply ask when you check in. Never leave lights on when you are not in the room. Lower the thermostat when you leave the room for long periods of time. If your destination is a warm climate then close the drapes. Or, if you have Venetian blinds, angle them up to bounce the sunlight off the ceiling. This will keep the room cooler. Conversely let the sun warm up your room during the day if you are in a cooler climate.

Leave unopened shampoo, soap, and other items in the hotel unless you are taking it home to use. Avoid room service and carry-out which increase waste. Use water sparingly. In some places this is a very scarce resource. Never buy items made from endangered species. Walk or use public transportation. Grab only the maps and brochures that you will actually use. If in a large group, share brochures whenever possible. Take pictures and leave the location as you found it. Never remove wildlife from its natural environment including shells, flowers and coral. When hiking or camping, stay only in marked areas to avoid destroying vegetation. Buy locally produced produce in order to reduce the pollution required to import goods.

When You Come Home: Write a letter or email to your hotel or tour guide telling them that you appreciate their efforts to minimize the impact on the environment. This will encourage them to promote and institute more environmentally friendly activities

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Environmentally Protective Choices

Protect yourself from sun overexposure! In summer, always apply sun block SPF 15 or more to protect your skin from solar UV radiation. Just five or more sunburns can really increase your risk of developing skin cancer. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so at those times, seek shade or wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt. Sign up to get free UV alerts.

Sign up to get free UV alerts.

UV Alert It's critical to know the level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation before you plan outdoor activities. The UV Alert system issues a notification when the level of solar UV radiation is predicted to be unusually high, and consequently the risk of overexposure is greater. The UV Alert provides SunWise action steps that you should take to reduce risk of overexposure. We encourage you to check the UV Index daily or to sign up using our free EnviroFlash service to receive the UV Alert by email. Be SunWise: Sign up for UV Alerts ! Frequent Questions about the UV Alert Q: What is the UV Alert and what does it mean?

A: The UV Alert is a notification that the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching a given locality is expected to be unusually intense compared to historical levels in that locality. For example, if an area usually has moderate UV levels in the springtime but experiences a sunny day with higher than normal UV, there may be a UV Alert for that day. Q: Is the UV Alert the same thing as the UV Index? A: No, but the UV Alert is based on the UV Index. The UV Index is a scale, ranging from 1 (low) to 11+ (extreme), that indicates the intensity of solar UV radiation reaching the surface on a given day. A UV Alert is issued only when the UV Index forecast is at least 6 and also is higher than normal statistically (at or above the 95th percentile) for the date. Your area has a UV Index forecast every day, but there might be a UV Alert only a few days per month, or none at all. Q: Why is EPA providing the UV Alert? A: EPA is providing the UV Alert because overexposure to UV radiation from the sun is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. The UV Alert, along with the UV Index, notifies you that the risk of overexposure is greater than usual and provides a few simple SunWise action steps that children and adults can use to protect themselves. Q: How can I find out if there is a UV Alert for my area? A: The UV Alert, if one has been issued for your area, will accompany EPAs UV Index forecast. You can also find UV Index forecasts by ZIP Code. Also, you can sign up to receive emails with your areas UV Index forecast and the UV Alert at EnviroFlash. Q: What should I do if there is a UV Alert for my area? A: If EPA has issued a UV Alert for your area, you should take the following simple SunWise action steps:

Minimize time in the sun, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Cover up with clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to any exposed skin.

Contact the SunWise Web editor to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

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Heading to the beach? Check out the beach water before you go! We Americans take almost two billion trips to the beach every year, but people who swim at the beach sometimes get sick because the water is polluted. The good news is in the state where the beach is located, you can check with the state office to find out about the beach water - before you go Beach water qualitywhere you live.

Be extra aware of environmental conditions where older people live! As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to chemicals and environmental conditions. So you should carefully use products such as pesticides or cleaning solvents near areas where older adults live and sleep. Always follow the directions on the product package or label. Reduce exposure for older people.

Reduce exposure for older people.

Reduce your exposure to contaminants

Help control heart disease and stroke.

There are many simple but effective steps you can take to reduce your exposure to contaminants and related environmental problems. This page describes environmental hazards that could affect heart disease. For more detailed information, please see our series of easy-to-follow facts sheets and brochures.

Help control heart disease and stroke

Reduce exposure to traffic and outdoor air pollution: Pay attention to

Air Quality Index forecasts to know when the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Lower your activity level when the AQI is high. Keep smoke out of indoor spaces: Avoid smoke from tobacco. Encourage smokers to smoke outdoors. Do not use or limit use of wood-burning stoves and fireplaces.

 Use caution when working around the house: Improve ventilation when

Help control heart disease and stroke (PDF) (4 pp, 223 kb, About PDF)

painting by scheduling indoor painting for times when windows can be left open and by using fans. Take frequent fresh air breaks when painting. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: Never leave a car running in a garage, even with the garage door open. Keep gas appliances properly adjusted. Install and use exhaust fans. Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up your central heating system. Prevent heat stress: Use your air-conditioner or go to air-conditioned building. Drink plenty of water. Take a cool shower or bath. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Ask your health care provider if your medications increase your susceptibility to heat-related illness. Drink clean water: To limit your exposure to lead through your drinking water, run cold water for at least 30 seconds, preferably 2 to 3 minutes before drinking. Testing for lead also may be advisable for people who get their water from municipal sources and live in older homes with lead service lines.

Resources
Additional Resources:
Aging Resources Online Order Form Find your Air Quality Index Basic information about indoor air Safe Drinking water

Read the label! You might not realize it, but on a pesticide container, the label is the law. Pesticide product labels provide critical safety information for handling and use. Pesticides are powerful substances, but when used according to the label they are safe and effective. So always use pesticides safely, at home or in the field. Always read the label. Read the label first!

Read the label first!

Read the Label First

By their nature, many pesticides may pose some risk to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. At the same time, pesticides are often useful because of their Need help with product labels? Click and explore the generic label. ability to control disease-causing organisms, insects, weeds, or other pests.

It will help you understand the different parts of a product label.

The pesticide label is your guide to using pesticides safely and effectively. It contains pertinent information that you should read and understand before you use a pesticide product. Read more on pesticide product labels.

Exercising outdoors? Regular exercise makes us feel great and keeps us healthy. Before you head out for your workout or run, check the air quality forecast for your local area. You can find out when air pollutants such as ground-level ozone or airborne particles are at acceptable levels where you live. Check your air quality.

Don't let pet waste run off! You can help reduce polluted storm water runoff by just picking up your pet's poop and dispose of it properly. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria or organic material to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies. So remember - always scoop the poop! More on storm water runoff.

More on storm water runoff.

After the Storm"

What is Stormwater Runoff? Why is stormwater runoff a problem? The effects of pollution Stormwater Pollution Solutions

What is Stormwater Runoff? Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation from rain or snowmelt flows over the ground. Impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent stormwater runoff from naturally soaking into the ground. Why is stormwater runoff a problem? Stormwater can pick up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants and flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream,

river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing and providing drinking water.

The effects of pollution Polluted stormwater runoff can have many adverse effects on plants, fish, animals and people.

Sediment can cloud the water and make it difficult or impossible for
aquatic plants to grown. Sediment also can destroy aquatic habitats.

Excess nutrients can cause algae blooms. When algae die, they sink
to the bottom and decompose in a process that removes oxygen from the water. Fish and other aquatic organisms can't exist in water with low dissolved oxygen levels.

Bacteria and other pathogens can wash into swimming areas and create health hazards, often
making beach closures necessary.

Debris - plastic bags, six-pack rings, bottles, and cigarette butts - washed into
waterbodies can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life like ducks, fish, turtles, and birds.

Household hazardous wastes like insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used

motor oil, and other auto fluids can poison aquatic life. Land animals and people can become sick from eating diseased fish and shellfish or ingesting polluted water. Polluted stormwater often affects drinking water sources. This, in turn, can affect human health and increase drinking water treatment costs. Stormwater Pollution Solutions Residential Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, and used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don't pour them onto the ground or into storm drains. Lawn Care Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off and pollute streams. In addition, yard clippings and leaves can

wash into storm drains and contribute nutrients and organic matter to streams.

Don't overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler. Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods whenever possible. Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams. Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects.

Septic Systems

Leaking and poorly maintained septic systems release nutrients and pathogens (bacteria and viruses) that can be picked up by stormwater and discharged into nearby waterbodies. Pathogens can cause public health problems and environmental concerns.

Inspect your system every 3 years and pump your tank as necessary (every 3 to 5 years). Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.

Auto Care Washing your car and degreasing auto parts at home can send detergents and other contaminants through the storm sewer system. Dumping automotive fluids into storm drains has the same result as dumping the materials directly into a waterbody.

Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground. Repair leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.

Pet Waste

Pet waste can be a major source of bacteria and excess nutrients in local waters.

When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method. Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into the storm drain and eventually into local waterbodies.

Education is essential to changing people's behavior. Signs and markers near storm drains warn residents that pollutants entering the drains will be carried untreated into a local waterbody.

Residential Landscaping Permeable PavementTraditional concrete and asphalt don't allow water to soak into the ground. Instead these surfaces rely on storm drains to divert unwanted water. Permeable pavement systems allow rain and snowmelt to soak through, decreasing stormwater runoff. Rain BarrelsYou can collect rainwater from rooftops in mosquito-proof containers. The water can be used later on lawn or garden areas. Rain Gardens and Grassy SwalesSpecially designed areas planted with native plants can provide natural places for rainwater to collect and soak into the ground. Rain from rooftop areas or paved areas can be diverted into these areas rather than into storm drains. Vegetated Filter StripsFilter strips are areas of native grass or plants created along roadways or streams. They trap the pollutants

stormwater picks up as it flows across driveways and streets.

Commercial Dirt, oil, and debris that collect in parking lots and paved areas can be washed into the storm sewer system and eventually enter local waterbodies.

Sweep up litter and debris from sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, especially around storm drains. Cover grease storage and dumpsters and keep them clean to avoid leaks. Report any chemical spill to the local hazardous waste cleanup team. They'll know the best way to keep spills from harming the environment.

Construction

Erosion controls that aren't maintained can cause excessive amounts of sediment and debris to be carried into the stormwater system. Construction vehicles can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater and deposited into local waterbodies.

Divert stormwater away from disturbed or exposed areas of the construction site. Install silt fences, vehicle mud removal areas, vegetative cover, and other sediment and erosion controls and properly maintain them, especially after rainstorms. Prevent soil erosion by minimizing disturbed areas during construction projects, and seed and mulch bare areas as soon as possible.

Agriculture Lack of vegetation on streambanks can lead to erosion. Overgrazed pastures can also contribute excessive amounts of sediment to local waterbodies. Excess fertilizers and pesticides can poison aquatic animals and lead to destructive algae blooms. Livestock in streams can contaminate waterways with bacteria, making them unsafe for human contact.

Keep livestock away from streambanks and provide them a water source away from waterbodies. Store and apply manure away from waterbodies and in accordance with a nutrient management plan. Vegetate riparian areas along waterways. Rotate animal grazing to prevent soil erosion in fields. Apply fertilizers and pesticides according to label instructions to save money and minimize pollution.

Forestry Improperly managed logging operations can result in erosion and sedimentation.

Conduct preharvest planning to prevent erosion and lower costs. Use logging methods and equipment that minimize soil disturbance. Plan and design skid trails, yard areas, and truck access roads to minimize stream crossings and avoid disturbing the forest floor. Construct stream crossings so that they minimize erosion and physical changes to streams. Expedite revegetation of cleared areas.

Automotive Facilities

Uncovered fueling stations allow spills to be washed into storm drains. Cars waiting to be repaired can leak fuel, oil, and other harmful fluids that can be picked up by stormwater.

Clean up spills immediately and properly dispose of cleanup materials. Provide cover over fueling stations and design or retrofit facilities for spill containment. Properly maintain fleet vehicles to prevent oil, gas, and other discharges from being washed into local waterbodies. Install and maintain oil/water separators

Pollute less with clean diesel! Encourage your hometown or state to spend road construction funds on newer, clean diesel equipment to help cut air pollution. Contractors, owners, and operators of diesel equipment can retrofit existing diesel engines with new technologies that pollute less, as well as replace old equipment. "Clean diesel" equipment.

"Clean diesel" equipment.

Older Diesel Vehicles Replaced with Natural Gas Vehicles in Virginia

Highlights 2011 Awarded Projects 2008-2010 Awarded Projects State Allocations Pre-DERA Projects About the Project

Photo Credit: Michael Kearns City of Richmond Grant Recipient: Virginia Clean Cities Project Locations: Spotsylvania, Richmond, and Chesapeake, VA Award Amount and Year: $1 million awarded in 2009 (Recovery Act) Clean Diesel Strategy: Replace four Spotsylvania school buses, one refuse hauler in Richmond and five refuse haulers in Chesapeake with natural gas-powered vehicles. The Story: Virginia Clean Cities (www.hrccc.org) works to improve air quality and economic opportunity in the Commonwealth of Virginia and increase U.S. national energy security primarily by encouraging increased use of alternative fuels and vehicles. VCC is part of a network of almost 90 coalitions operating under guidance from the US Department of Energys Clean Cities Program. On September 22, 2011, VCC hosted a workshop to engage regional partners and fleet owners in a collaborative discussion of natural gas supply and refueling infrastructure, natural gas vehicles and maintenance, and the observations of those implementing natural gas programs in the region. There was also a breakout session to discuss the state's effort to transition to clean domestic fuels

Compliance made easy! Compliance Assistance Centers help businesses and local governments save on materials and help you understand and meet your environmental requirements. Compliance Assistance can help you through plain-language materials, Web sites designed for specific industry types or operations, telephone "ask the expert" help lines, and more. Business compliance assistance.

Business compliance assistance.

Compliance Assistance Centers
This page provides links to non-EPA web sites. EPA is not endorsing these sites, and cannot attest to their privacy and security or the accuracy of their information.

Compliance Assistance Centers help businesses, colleges and universities, local governments, tribes, and federal facilities understand and comply with federal environmental requirements and save money through pollution prevention techniques. The Centers offer easy access to plain-language materials and other resources on environmental compliance through:

web sites targeted to industry sectors, virtual plant tours, telephone assistance, "ask the expert," email discussion groups, State Resource Locators that offer a wide range of topics on environmental compliance information for your state.

Compliance Assistance Centers are sponsored by EPA in partnership with industry, academic institutions, environmental groups, and other agencies

During hot weather, don't top off your gas tank. Refuel your car or truck in the early morning or the evening when it's cooler. A small fuel spill may not seem like much, but every spill evaporates and adds to air pollution, and fuel pumps with vapor recovery systems can feed a spill back into their tanks - after you paid for it. So, in hot weather - don't top off! Don't top off!

Don't top off!

Don't Top Off Your Gas Tank!
En Espaol

HELP PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT! SAVE MONEY!

Do you top off your gas tank and overfill it? When the gas pump nozzle clicks off automatically, do you add a little more gas to
round off your dollar sale?

Topping off your gas tank is bad for the environment and your wallet.
Here's why:

Topping off the gas tank can result in your paying for gasoline that is fed back into the station's tanks because

Gasoline vapors are harmful to breathe. Gasoline vapors contribute to bad ozone days and are

your gas tank is full. The gas nozzle is full. In areas of ozone nonattainment, recovery systems that feed back gas vapors into their tanks to prevent vapors from escaping into the air and contributing to air pollution. Any additional gas you try to pump into your tank may be drawn into the vapor line and fed back into the stations storage tanks.

a source of toxic air pollutants such as gas from overfilling can occur, contributing pay for the gas that evaporates or is spilled on the ground.

automatically clicks off when your gas tank benzene. Evaporation from the spillage of gas station pumps are equipped with vapor to the air pollution problem. Remember you

You need extra room in your gas tank to allow the gasoline to expand. If you top off your tank, the extra gas may evaporate into your vehicles vapor collection system. That system may become fouled and will not work properly causing your vehicle to run poorly and have high gas emissions.

Topping off your gas tank may foul the station's vapor recovery system. Adding more gas after the nozzle has automatically shut off can cause the station's vapor recovery system to operate improperly. This contributes to the air pollution problem and may cause the gas pump to fail to work for the next person.

Breathe easy! On unhealthy air pollution "action alert" days, wait to mow your lawn until it's cooler in the evening or early the next morning. You help reduce air pollution for everyone near you if you run gas-powered equipment, like lawn mowers, when it's cooler. You also protect your health by avoiding ground-level ozone during the warmest part of the day. Check your air quality now.

Check your air quality now.

Action days are usually called when the AQI gets into the unhealthy ranges. Different air pollution control agencies call them at different levels. In some places, action days are called when the AQI is forecast to be Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, or Code Orange. In this case, the groups that are sensitive to the pollutant should reduce exposure by reducing prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors. For ozone this includes: children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with lung disease, such as asthma. For particle pollution this includes: people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. Occasionally, an action day is declared when the AQI is Moderate, or Code Yellow, if the levels are expected to approach Code Orange levels. In many places, action days are called when the AQI is forecast to be Unhealthy, or Code Red. In this case, everyone should reduce exposure to air pollution, but especially the members of the sensitive group for the particular pollutant.

Get the lead out! If you're doing work on an older home or school building, be sure to follow leadsafe work practices. Contain the work area and keep kids and pets away. Minimize dust. And clean up thoroughly. Lead is harmful to adults and children, and common renovation jobs like sanding, cutting, or demolition can create lead dust and chips. More on renovating.

Be green from the ground up! Test your home for radon. Radon is a naturally occuring, odorless gas that can seep out of the ground into your home. But as the second leading cause of lung cancer, radon is responsible for over 20,000 deaths a year. Fortunately, a home radon test is easy to do, and homes with high radon levels can be fixed. Get a radon test

Get a radon test

Where Can I Get a Radon Test Kit? If you are interested in finding a qualified radon service professional to test your home, you wish to purchase a radon test kit, or have questions about a radon measurement device:

Contact your State Radon Contact to determine what are, or whether there are, requirements associated with providing radon measurement and or radon mitigations/reductions in your State. Some States maintain lists of contractors available in their state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own. Some states offer free or discounted test kits to the public.

The National Radon Program Services at Kansas State University offers discounted test kits available to purchase online. You may complete the test kit order form electronically and print it out to mail or fax in. You may download a Radon test kit coupon and mail it in. Go to http://sosradon.org/test-kits

Some home improvement stores/centers sell radon test kits. Follow the directions on the packaging for the proper placement of the device and where to send the device after the test to get your reading.

Who is Qualified to Test My Home? Contact your State Radon Contact to determine what are, or whether there are, requirements associated with providing radon measurement and or radon mitigations/reductions in your State. Some States maintain lists of contractors available in their state or they have proficiency programs or requirements of their own. Some states offer free or discounted test kits to the public. Contact one or both of the two privately-run national radon programs (listed below alphabetically) who are offering proficiency listing/accreditation/certification in radon testing and mitigation. (Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.)

The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) National Radon Proficiency Program Toll Free: (800) 269-4174 or (828) 890-4117 Fax: (828) 890-4161 Website: www.neha-nrpp.org/ Email: angel@neha-nrpp.org

The National Radon Safety Board (NRSB) Toll Free: (866) 329-3474 Fax: (914) 345-1169 Website: www.nrsb.org Email: info@NRSB.org

Play it safe! Children are curious but they are also more sensitive to substances in the environment. Protect children from accidental poisoning by locking up your household cleaners, pesticides, paint thinners, and other substances. Household products are safe and effective when used properly. Remember to read the label. More ways to prevent poisoning.

More ways to prevent poisoning.

Prevent Poisonings in Your Home
Esta pgina Web est disponible en espaol

Additional Pesticide Information

Pesticides and Consumers National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) 1-800-858-7378 Presidential Proclamation: National Poison Prevention Week, 2012 Transcript from Poison PreventionWeek Conference Call, March 19, 2012

(18 pp, 155k, About PDF)

Administrator Lisa P. Jackson on National Poison Prevention Week

Using total release foggers safely: read the label first

Poison Help Badge

Add the Poison Help Badge to your Web site

The Label Is The Law

Pesticide labels provide instructions about proper handling, use, and application rates of the Label directions are derived from scientific testing by manufacturers and evaluation by EPA
scientists to ensure that products can be used with minimal risk to people and the environment. READ THE LABEL FIRST! Learn more about what's on a product label. product, and precautions to protect people and the environment.

On this page:

Whats the danger? What chemical-containing products are in your home? What can you do to prevent poisonings? Poison prevention resources

Whats the danger?

Poison centers answer more than 4 million calls each year. Thats one call every eight seconds. According to the American Association of Poison Centers, children younger than 6 years old account for about half of the calls placed to poison centers. Whats more, poison center data reported over 150,000 calls made to poison centers with concerns about exposure to common household pesticides. These figures show the need for everyone to lock up pesticides and household chemicals out of childrens reach preferably in a high cabinet. EPA observes National Poison Prevention Week each year to increase awareness of the

danger to children of poisonings from pesticides and household products.

What chemical-containing products are in your home?

Household products should be kept in a locked cabinet and out of childrens reach. Common products that could seriously harm a child if ingested include:

bath and kitchen disinfectants and sanitizers, including bleach household cleaning or maintenance products, such as drain cleaner, paints, or glues automotive products stored around the home, such as anti-freeze or windshield washer fluid health or beauty care products such as medicines, hair and nail products roach sprays and baits insect repellents rat and other rodent poisons weed killers products used to kill mold or mildew flea and tick shampoos, powders, and dips for pets swimming pool chemicals

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What can you do to prevent poisonings?

Poisoning incidents can be prevented if parents and caregivers remember to lock up products that could potentially harm children. Yet, an EPA study found that among households with children under the age of five, nearly half stored pesticides in an unlocked cabinet, within reach of children. Poisoning incidents are preventable. Simple steps you can take to prevent poisonings from occurring in your home:

Always store pesticides and other household chemical products in a locked cabinet or garden
shed away from both children and pets.

Read the product label first and follow the directions to the letter. Use the safest possible cleaning products. Look for the Design for the Environment (DfE) label
on products.

 Never leave pesticides and other household chemical products unattended when you are using
them.

Re-close pesticides and other household chemical products if interrupted during application
(e.g., phone call, doorbell, etc.).

Use child-resistant packaging properly by closing the container tightly after use. Never transfer pesticides and other household chemical products to containers that may be
mistaken for food or drink.

Remove children, pets, toys, bottles and pacifiers before applying pesticides (inside or outside

the home). Follow label directions to determine when children and pets can return to the area that has been treated. To protect children and pets from exposure to mouse and rat poison, use products with a tamper-resistant bait station. Never use illegal pesticides (e.g., Tres Pasitos, unregistered Insecticidal Chalk). These products have not been reviewed by EPA and their use may pose a danger to public health. Always look for an EPA Registration ID number on the label. (Example: EPA Reg. No. 500123456) Get your home and child tested for lead. Have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home. Program the Poison Help number, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone. When accidents happen with pesticides, chemicals, medicine or household products, call Poison Help and get help right away from a local poison expert.

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Poison prevention resources

To raise awareness of how to prevent poisonings and exposures to household cleaners and pesticides, the following free poison prevention resources are available:

Protect your children

Play It Safe: Reduce Your Child's Chances of Pesticide Poisoning provides information on
366 KB, About PDF)

children's exposure to pesticides and ways to prevent poisonings. (Brochure in PDF) (8 pp,

En espaol: Vida Sana: Reduzca la probabilidad de que sus hijos se envenenen con pesticidas (Brochure in PDF) (8 pp, 366 KB, About PDF) Ten Tips to Protect Children from Pesticide and Lead Poisonings provides simple steps to save children from pesticide and lead poisonings around the home. En espaol: Diez Medidas Para Proteger a Sus Nios de los Pesticidas y del Envenenamiento Debido al Plomo. Poison-Proof Your Home One Room at a Time (PDF)(2 pp, 160k, About PDF) a checklist which provides a list of activities and action steps that can help parents and caregivers identify sources of pesticide and other household product dangers at home. En espaol: Haga de su hogar un lugar de prueba de venenos: Una habitacin a la vez (PDF)

Protect farm worker families

Aunque Cerca Sano (Living Healthy Close to the Fields) is a booklet that educates farm worker
on steps they can take to protect their families from pesticide exposures. To order copies call (703) 305-5017.

Educate your local community

Poison Prevention: Read the Label First! is a community action kit that includes training
materials for communities to use to heighten awareness about preventable poisonings caused by improper use and storage of household products. To order copies call (703) 3055017. Poison Prevention Week Planner provides ideas for organizing events and partnering with your local poison center to promote your events through media and community outreach. Poison Help widgets and badges are online tools about poison prevention designed to add an interactive feature to your Web site, personal blog, Facebook or Twitter page. To get the widget on your site, visit http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/what-can-you-do/badges-and-widgets/. Poison Help videos, audio messages, ringtone, tips sheets, magnets and other resources are available at http://poisonhelp.hrsa.gov/resources/index.html, or call your local poison center at1-800-222-1222 and ask for an educator. Free audio public service announcemnts (PSA), produced in spanish (espaol), on cockroaches and other pests, illegal pesticides and storing pesticides safely, are available. (Transcripts in english/espaol, audio in espaol)

Don't buy illegal pesticides

Protect Your Family: Know the Dangers of Illegal Pesticides is a brochure that alerts parents to
the dangers of illegal pesticides. Available in English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish. To order copies, call (703) 305-5017. Illegal Pesticide Products such as mothballs, insecticidal chalk, pet products, and antibacterial products may be sold on the street or in small neighborhood stores. En espaol: Los productos pesticidas ilegales, tales como naftalina, tiza insecticida, productos para mascotas y productos antibacterianos pueden aparecer a la venta en la calle o en pequeos almacenes del barrio.

Read household product labels

Read the Label First! Protect Your Kids (PDF)
(2 pp, 1.0 MB, About PDF) is a brochure that provides information on preventing children from being exposed to pesticides and household cleaners by reading and following product label instructions and precautions. Read the Label First: Protect Your Pets. Many common household products such as cleaners and pesticides could hurt a pet if not used and stored correctly. Use the Safest Cleaning Products Possible. Look for the DfE label on products. The label indicates that the product uses the safest possible but effective cleaning chemicals.

Store household products safely

Safe Storage and Disposal Web site contains information on proper storage and disposal of
household products.

Lock It Up poster (PDF)

(1 pg, 110 KB, About PDF) urges parents and caregivers to lock household products away from children. Call to order copies from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) at 1-800-490-9198.

Check your home to prevent poisonings

Poison-proof Your Home: One Room at a Time is a room-by-room poison prevention checklist
that helps parents and caregivers to identify sources of pesticides and other household product dangers at home. (Brochure in PDF)(2 pp, 163 KB, About PDF) En espaol: Haga de su hogar un lugar a prueba de venenos: Una habitacin a la vez: Lista para la prevencin del envenenamiento por pesticidas (Brochure in PDF) (2
pp, 163 KB, About PDF)

 Learn About Chemicals Around Your House is an interactive Web site designed to teach

children and parents about household products, including pesticides that may contain harmful chemicals. Get your home and child tested for lead. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/ Have a working carbon monoxide detector (CO) in your home. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html Up and Away is an educational program to remind families of the importance of safe medicine storage. http://www.upandaway.org/

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