Home Maintenance & Lawn Care Initiatives

• Buy household products such as cleaners and furniture polish labeled "non toxic." Use small quantities and purchase only the amount you need. 
• Properly use and store all toxic products, including cleaners, solvents and paints. Use up paint cleaners and other products or share leftovers with a neighbor. 
• Take household hazardous materials and containers to a hazardous material collection center. 
• Use kitty litter or other absorbent materials to clean spills. Depending on the substance, dispose absorbents in the trash can or at a hazardous materials collection center. 
• Rinse water-based paint brushes in the sink. Filter and reuse paint thinner or brush cleaners. Dispose of used thinner, oil and latex paint at a hazardous materials collection center. 
• Recycle reusable materials. Throw litter into trash cans and keep cans tightly covered to prevent foraging by animals. 
• Control erosion during construction to prevent dirt and debris from entering storm drains. 

Lawn and Garden 

• Use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in accordance with label instructions. Do not apply before rain, or during strong winds, and dispose leftovers at a hazardous materials collection center. 
• Use a broom rather than a hose to clean up garden clippings. Put leaves and clippings in a trash can or a compost pile. 
• Divert rain spouts and garden hoses from paved surfaces onto grass to allow water to filter through the soil. Water only your lawn and garden. 
• Pick up animal waste and dispose in the trash can.