We understand what it's like to be a busy parent, or an active retiree, or a rising professional…or several of the above!
As a family company, we know what it's like to juggle the responsibilities of home, work, family and friends - not to mention wanting to do right in this world.
So here's one small thing we can do to lend a hand. Collected here in one spot are the tips provided throughout our environmental Web site. They're all gathered together, all easy to explore.
- Use Products Safely
- Use Less Energy While Cleaning
- Get Started Recycling
- Avoid Asthma Triggers
- Great Charitable Actions
- Get Started Volunteering
Use Products Safely
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Use Products Properly
- Always read all label instructions prior to use and adhere to the precautions.
- If you have a question about how to properly use a product, call the manufacturer before using it.
- If you aren't sure if a room should be ventilated when using a household chemical, open a window to be sure.
- Never mix household chemicals as some can create dangerous fumes when combined.
- Keep all household products out of sight and out of reach of children. And, when using products, keep children in your sight, even if you must take them along when answering the phone or doorbell.
- Always monitor young children around any electrical devices and cords.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended or in the presence of a child.
Use Less Energy While Cleaning
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Use Less Energy While Cleaning Your Home
- Light only the room you're cleaning - the average home's electricity use can drive the same greenhouse gas emissions as two cars.
- Don't leave water running while you do things like wiping down countertops - it wastes gallons of this precious resource.
- When it is cold outside, work up warmth by cleaning vigorously; then turn down your thermostat. For each degree lower, you could save up to 5% on heating costs - and help conserve energy.
- As you clean your way through your home, look for appliances not currently in use and unplug them - even when not on, they may be drawing energy.
Get Started Recycling
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Get Started Recycling…Today!
- Rinse cans and bottles before recycling. It makes them easier to process, which keeps costs lower.
- Check your town's municipal Web site to find out what can be recycled, and where.
- Set up a designated place in your home or garage for recycling - you'll be more likely to recycle if a container is there as a handy reminder.
- Think about ways to reuse items before you recycle them. For example, the glass containers from Glade® Candle Scents can be used to store loose items such as paperclips, loose change or keys.
- Consider donating before you toss - many "old" items such as toys, clothes, books and appliances may still be a welcome addition to another's home.
Avoid Asthma Triggers
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Avoid Asthma Triggers in the Home
- Keep counters, sinks, tables and floors clean to keep cockroaches out.
- Keep food and garbage in airtight containers.
- Don't leave out any source of water, such as glasses on the counter or wet dishes in the sink - it's a cockroach magnet.
- If you suspect a roach problem, use Raid® Ant, Earwig & Roach Aerosols right away.
- Don't smoke in the home, and don't let guests do so either.
- Control dust - vacuum carpets and furniture, dust all surfaces with Pledge® Lemon Aerosol with built-in Allergen Trappers® for extra protection. Also clean fan blades and blinds once a week.
- Use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
- Wash bedding in hot water once a week and dry on high heat to kill dust mites.
- Choose stuffed animals for children that can be laundered, and wash them frequently in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Fix leaky pipes that could cause mould and mildew.
- Clean any mould and mildew as soon as you discover it with a quality cleaner like Scrubbing Bubbles® Bathroom Cleaner.
- Run a fan for at least 20 minutes after showers or baths to vent warm, moist air.
Great Charitable Actions
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Great Charitable Actions You Could Take Tomorrow
- Go through your closets and identify five items you could donate to someone in need.
- Like to knit or sew? As winter rolls around there's always a need for extra hats, scarves and gloves.
- Contact the local school system to find out about community mentoring or tutoring programs for kids.
- Have your kids clean out the family's coat pockets and sofa cushions - chances are they'll come up with at least a few dollars to donate to a good cause.
- Call your local United Way or other community organization for a list of non-profit groups that might need assistance.
- Skip the double latte for a week and you'll save enough to make a difference for someone living on the street.
- Love to garden? Check with your neighbourhood park system or zoo - they just might need your help to keep the grounds looking great.
Get Started Volunteering
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It's easy to make a positive difference in your everyday life. Here are tips to help:
Get Started Volunteering…Today!
- Check your local newspaper or community Web site to learn about local volunteer organizations.
- Evaluate your schedule to determine what time is available for volunteerism.
- Consider the skills you have to offer, and how they might be best used in your community.
- Think about the causes or issues that are most important to you — you're most likely to be energized if you are volunteering for something you believe in.
- Get your family involved! Volunteering is a great way to spend a weekend afternoon together as a family.
- Ask around — you might just find that your friends and neighbours are already involved in organizations that need a hand.
Interested in more tips and ideas like the ones you’ve just read in this article?
Check out the message board and have your say!
