Consumers: Buy Smarter

Friday, 29 February 2008

Read the labels on the products you use. Are they dangerous to the health of your family and the environment? Product labels advising "caution" are generally less toxic than those labeled "warning," whereas any liquid, solid or gaseous product labeled toxic, flammable, corrosive, irritant or poison, is a household hazardous waste and should be handled with extreme care.

Use hazardous substances sparingly, and ensure that they are properly stored to avoid accidental spillage. Disposing of hazardous waste in the storm drain, sewer system, or regular trash is against the law. www.Earth911.com has locations and tips on how to dispose of household hazardous waste.

Use your purchasing power! While at the store, avoid buying aerosol products, chemical cleaners, bleach, thinners, solvents, and products with chlorinated compounds, petroleum distillates, phenols and formaldehyde. Try to find more environmentally friendly products that are organic, non-toxic, not petroleum based, free of ammonia, phosphates, dye or perfume, readily biodegradable, and come in recyclable containers. And finally, be conservative in the quantity of products that you purchase. Remember, using a product in excess doesn't necessarily produce a more desirable effect.