Around the Home
Hazardous Materials
Be aware that many chemicals found around the home are toxic. Select less-toxic alternatives, or better yet, use non-toxic substitutes wherever possible. Never pour unwanted chemicals down the drain; contact Lane County's Household Hazardous Waste Program for disposal options. Buy chemicals only in the amount you plan to use.Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Buy only what you need and find ways to get by with less. Buy at thrift stores and garage sales. Rent, borrow or share items not often used. Purchase reusable products with post-consumer recycled content. Waste Prevention
Take your own cloth bags or used paper bags for groceries. Request “No bag please” for small purchases. Maintain a compost pile or worm bin for food scraps and yard debris. Use rechargeable batteries. Donate used items to charity or thrift organizations.Additional Information
Grow Smart Garden Guide and waste disposal tips:
www.lanecounty.org/hazwaste
Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides:
www.pesticide.org
Washington Toxics Coalition:
www.watoxics.org/healthy-living/healthy-homes-gardens-1
Pesticide Action Network:
www.panna.org
OSU's integrated pest management program:
www.ipmnet.org/Tim/PSEP_home.htm
Our Water-Our World, listing of less toxic alternatives to conventional pesticides:
www.ourwaterourworld.org
The Pollution Prevention Resource Center:
www.pprc.org
EPA site for pesticides
www.epa.gov/pesticides
City of Eugene stormwater information:
www.eugene-or.gov/happyrivers