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© Richard G. Mills, ThinkMills.com, ThinkMills.info  All rights reserved.

[Many of these tips were first written for and published
on the Bourbonnais Township Park District website
as part of its “BTPD is going green~” promotion”]

Green tips you can use at home, at work, on vacation, just about everywhere! (page 3)

Air and Allergen Pollution Reduction

Here are some things you can do to reduce air pollution and toxins inside and outside your home.

Trade in the Power Mower!

According to the EPA, power mowers, along with other garden-equipment engines, produce up to 5% of the nation's air pollution — and a lot more in metropolitan areas! Consider trading your gasoline-powered push or tractor mower for an old-fashioned push-powered mower! (Yes, twenty-somethings, they are old fashioned, not some new "green" invention!)

Use low VOC Paints

Did you know standard oil and latex paints give off fumes even after they're dry? Paint departments these days carry low-VOC and 0-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint that is basically fume-free when going on walls, floor, or deck and after it dries, virtually removing these toxins from your home!

Make Your Own All-purpose Cleaners

White vinegar and water is all you need to make your own all-purpose cleaners. For floors, add one cup of vinegar to a gallon of water; it's safe for the environment (no toxic fumes; o.k. to dump), children, and pets. It can even be used in I-Robot's Scooba (see manual for proportions). Try adding a bit of lemon juice when using on windows, counters, etc.; just pour your blend into a clean spray bottle.

Make Your Own Air/Fabric Spray!

Air and fabric sprays have chemicals that not only may pollute the air but can cause allergic reactions in pets and humans, alike. You can make your own odor-neutralizing sprays by pouring a quarter cup of baking soda into clean spray bottle and filling the bottle with warm water and shake. The baking soda acts as a natural odor neutralizer, absorbing the odor. You can add a couple of drops of vanilla extract for a natural fresh scent if desired. (Baking soda may solidify during storage, so make just what you need or shake frequently while stored.)

"To Air Is Human" And More....

Want more air and allergen pollution reduction tips? More to come later! Keep coming back!

For now, go to the next Go Green! section, Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ►