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Native
Planting
Lawn
Challenge
Pesticide
Issues
Community
Awareness
Back
to Summer Update
|
| How
much do you really know about the "stuff" on
your garden supply shelf? |
| Have
you checked your products for the recently phased-out
insecticides diazinon and chlorpyrifos? |
| Do
you know how to dispose safely of old or unused
pesticides? |
| What
pesticides do you use that may harm birds? |
| Are
you careful to avoid exposing children and pets to pesticides
directly and indirectly? |
| Do
you protect yourself from exposure? |
| Do
you read labels carefully? |
| Take
action, check pesticide labels, and DO AN INVENTORY
TODAY! |
Now
is the time to explore the products on your garden shelf and
think about how to make your yard safer for birds, other wildlife,
pets, and children. The pesticide products you may have used
in your garden contain a number of ACTIVE
INGREDIENTS. These are the chemicals that are
actually toxic to various animals or plants. Scan the product
labels, looking for the active ingredients. Use
our active ingredient
checklist to list the products on your shelves
that contain toxic substances.
Once
you know what you have and understand the impact of these
chemicals, how do you dispose of pesticides that you do not
plan to use?
A
few general tips:
 |
Never
pour leftover pesticides down drains or storm drains. |
|
If
you need to dispose of empty containers, triple rinse
by filling them ¼ full of water, close tightly, shake,
apply the rinse water to the treated area according
to label directions. Repeat two more times, then place
in trash. Do not triple rinse in a household sink or
other food preparation area. |
|
To
dispose of unwanted and unused pesticides, secure the
container and keep in a safe place away from children.
Call your county agent or planning commission for dates
and locations of a household hazardous waste collection. |
Additional
information on home hazardous waste disposal can be
found:
Household
waste information
Household
hazardous waste
What
can I do instead of using pesticides? There
are many alternatives to pesticides application. An excellent
source of alternatives is"The
Audubon Guide To Home Pesticides."
LEARN
MORE ABOUT PESTICIDES:
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