Earth Saving
Tips from
Summer 2004
PUT OUT THE ‘UNWELCOME’ MAT FOR PETS’ PESTS
Summer is here. Time for everyone to go outside — including family dogs and cats. Joining them in the great outdoors are fleas, ticks, and other annoying pests. There are dozens of commercial insect repellents on the market, but many of their ingredients are harmful to people and the environment.
FLEE, FLEAS!
It’s not easy to get rid of fleas. You must kill them, their eggs, and their larvae throughout your home and yard, as well as on your pet. This may require multiple treatments over several months — and some pretty toxic substances. Here are some alternatives:
h Natural insect repellents come in all forms — sprays, dusts, shampoos, soaps, collars, bed liners, and food supplements — each with its own application.
h Citrus oil, often in the form of the extract d-limonene, is one common ingredient of natural pesticides. It can kill fleas on contact. Another is pyrethrin, derived from chrysanthemums, which paralyzes fleas’ nervous systems. Still others include borax and salt, which dehydrate fleas; and soaps, which cause the fleas to suffocate or drown.
h Garlic and nutritional yeast can be added as a supplement to your pet’s food. It produces a body odor that repels pests (but usually isn’t noticeable to humans). A daily teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a pet’s food or water is another natural remedy.
CLEAN, INSIDE AND OUT
You also should look beyond your pet to ensure your home and yard aren’t attracting fleas:
h Vacuum rugs and furniture regularly, even daily, during warm months.
h Tuck cedar blocks or herbal sachets between the cushions of upholstered furniture. Some herbal powders can be sprinkled in bedding areas to repel fleas and ticks.
h Use cedar-filled bedding for animals, available at most pet supply stores. Bed covers should be laundered as frequently as possible— at least weekly — during flea season.
h In the yard, try spreading beneficial nematodes —tiny worms that infect and kill flea larvae. They can eliminate more than 90% of larvae in 24 hours following the first application.
Don’t be a “Litter” Bug
The US Bureau of Mines estimates that about 1.5 million tons of clay are mined each year just to make kitty litter for the nation’s 60 million felines. Much of the clay is strip-mined, which destroys land and its habitats and creatures. And some experts claim that kitty litter accounts for more waste in landfills than disposable diapers. There are many alternative products that are nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable. Many of these can be safely composted, mulched, scooped, or flushed down the toilet. Such products are typically made from corn, wheat, walnut shells, peanut shells, even recycled newspapers.
HOW TO HAVE AN EARTH-FRIENDLY PICNIC
Having a picnic this summer? Be sure to enjoy all the greenery . . . but don’t forget the “greening.” Here are tips to help you make sure your picnic is friendly to the earth:
P Stick around: Choose a picnic site you can get to without a car — by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation.
P Eat locally, too: For your menu, choose fresh, local foods, ideally ones grown organically or with minimal processing.
P Reuse it: Use washable and reusable utensils, tablecloths, napkins, thermoses, and food containers
P Recycle it: Make it a waste-free event by recycling bottles, cans, and other materials.
P Burn it clean: Instead of using lighter fluid, which contributes to air pollution, use a metal charcoal chimney (available at most hardware stores).
P Be a savvy weather-watcher: Watch the clouds and learn about what they say about weather.
P Stay on trails: Don’t disturb plants and animals by going off trails. Make sure kids play in designated areas.
P Bug off, naturally: Use less-toxic insecticides, such as a citrus candle or incense, to keep bugs away.
P Stop and look around: Take time to enjoy and explore the scenery. Bring field guides, binoculars, or a nature journal.
TIPS FOR A ‘GREEN’ SWIMMING POOL
h Water containing chlorine is harmful to aquatic life. Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.
h Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to storm water.
h Consider a chlorine generator for chemicals. It allows you to use and store an inexpensive, nontoxic salt instead of toxic chemicals.
Keep Cool This Summer (and Warm Next Winter)
Looking for financial incentives for energy efficiency where you live?
• The Residential Energy Efficiency
Database offers information on audits, rebates, and low-interest loans. Go to http://neaap.ncat.org/db db.
• The State Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs website — www.betterinsulation.org — lists rebates and tax incentives for upgrading insulation to recommended levels.
Earth Share, a nationwide network of America’s leading nonprofit environmental and conservation charities, promotes environmental education and charitable giving in employee workplace giving campaigns.
For more tips or to find out how your workplace can help the earth, visit Earth Share's Web site at www.earthshare.org, call 800.875.3863, or send an e-mail to info@earthshare.org.
7735 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814