| We must reduce toxins because they are | | | | instead of insect sprays and such, use herbs to |
| contributing to the deterioration of the ozone | | | | scare the bugs away. This is correct. For every |
| layer... you know, that little bit of gaseous space | | | | insect, there is an herb that will drive it away. The |
| that protects us from deadly radiation? | | | | information can be found online, and if you grow |
| The ozone layer is an important part of our lives, | | | | the herbs yourself, you will not only be improving |
| even though we rarely think about it, but trust | | | | the environment, your lawn, and your community, |
| me, if we don't take measures to protect it, we | | | | you will be saving a great deal of money. You can |
| will be thinking about it a great deal, and not in a | | | | grow herbs indoors or outdoors. Also note that |
| good way! Here are 10 ways to reduce toxins. | | | | many pets will take care of any rodent or insect |
| 1. Use green products. These days, every single | | | | problems that you may have, such as dogs and |
| one of your household cleaning products can be | | | | cats - and they don't use any chemicals at all. This |
| replaced with a green, environmentally safe | | | | is an added bonus, because you will be doing your |
| product. If you can't find replacements in your | | | | part in protecting animals, and controlling the pet |
| local stores, shop online. Because many of these | | | | population in the process. |
| green products don't use expensive chemicals, | | | | 5. Avoid using mothballs when storing clothes and |
| they are often cheaper than those chemical laden | | | | items. Instead, use cedar chips. They cost more, |
| cleansers, and many of the manufacturers of | | | | but they are more effective, and environmentally |
| green products donate a portion of their proceeds | | | | safer. There are also various herbs that can do |
| into protecting the environment. | | | | the job, and these are preferable to cedar chips. |
| 2. Use paneling instead of paint or wallpaper. Paint | | | | 6. Mercury is bad! Remove all sources of mercury |
| is full of chemicals, and the glue that is used to | | | | from your home. Mercury items should be taken |
| apply wallpaper is also full of toxins. You will | | | | to a drop-off facility for appropriate disposal. |
| probably find that your family is safer with | | | | Instead of using old mercury thermometers, use |
| paneling as well. Note, however, that paneling does | | | | digital thermometers that do not contain mercury. |
| typically cost more than wallpaper or paint...but | | | | Call your local city hall to find out where to |
| you've saved so much money in other areas of | | | | dispose of mercury containing items. |
| protecting the environment that you can afford it, | | | | 7. Purchase foods that are organically grown - or |
| and enjoy the health benefits, as the ozone layer | | | | grow your own organic fruits, vegetables, and |
| will enjoy the health benefits. | | | | herbs. Not only are these healthier, organic |
| 3. If you have an older home with painted walls, | | | | methods of growing foods helps to save the |
| the chances are good that the old paint contains | | | | environment. Be aware, however, that organically |
| lead, which is very harmful to you, your family, | | | | grown foods are often more expensive than |
| and of course the environment. DO NOT sand | | | | non-organic foods. Also do your research and |
| that old paint off, as that only compounds the | | | | make sure that the foods that claim to be organic |
| problem. Instead, put paneling over the old paint, | | | | actually are. You can purchase organic fruits, |
| and leave it alone. The paneling will protect your | | | | vegetables, herbs, and even meats. |
| family, and the environment, as long as the lead | | | | Simply read the ingredients, and omit that which is |
| containing paint is not left exposed. | | | | harmful to the environment, or to your health. |
| 4. Use mouse traps instead of poisons, and | | | | |