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The world is experiencing more threats from pollution than ever before. In addition to the climate, there are other factors that are making it more dangerous to ignore green technologies. Therefore, it is important to understand the benefits of using renewable natural gas. Here are several points to consider as we move forward: Recycling There is no secret that recycling is going to be an important part of moving forward into future generations. When we simply use products one time and throw them away, it takes away from the power we have to reuse those materials. Natural gas is used in a lot of recycling projects to prevent the greenhouse gases that pollute the atmosphere, making it key to the future of a green world. Heat and Cooling If there is one kind of energy usage that is harmful to the planet, it is heating and cooling. The machines and gases that are used in this are always being emitted into the atmosphere. Even worse, the electricity that powers these in the first place is generated via harmful, polluting mechanisms. In order to have a green world, we need to find ways to reduce this. Luckily, natural gas is a much more efficient form of natural energy. It is not going to pollute as much as a fossil fuel will. Cars There are more cars than we will ever know what to do with on earth. This means that they are either going to be on the road putting out chemicals or they are going to be put in dumps where their chemicals will leak into the environment. Either way, their gas usage should be reduced or at least switched to natural gas which is better for everyone and the planet's natural ecosystem. Heavy Machinery With a steam generator powered on natural gas, you can get machinery moving. You don't have to spend as much on the extraction of harmful fuels either. This is a winning scenario for everyone involved and is an exciting glimpse into the future of green energy. Not all kind of energy is created equal. Some forms actually empower us to live cleaner lives and do better for the world in which we live. When we have the opportunity to use these, it is important to take advantage of them to full effect. So make sure to review the benefits above and see how you can us natural gas in your daily life to make an impact.

A good well is a priceless part of off-the-grid living, and maintaining one can be surprisingly easy. However, first-time well owners may find that there is a bit of a learning curve. Unfortunately, mistakes can be costly if they damage the well or cause contamination. Here are three simple ways to avoid those troubles and keep your well running smoothly. Keep An Eye On The Calendar Regular water testing is an important part of maintaining a healthy well. In most places, an annual test for bacteria and other contaminants is enough. Check with your local health department when working out a maintenance schedule, however, because some areas may have specific risks that require more frequent testing. During this annual check, it’s also a good idea to give your system a routine flush with chlorine as a preventative measure, as well as checking the flow rate to make sure your system is working as well as possible. Watch For Changes Most of the time, wells run just fine with just a little preventative maintenance. However, even properly maintained wells can develop contamination issues for reasons ranging from failing equipment to flooding from major storms. If you notice any changes in your water quality, schedule another water test immediately, and consider drinking bottled water while you wait for the results. These changes can include cloudy or discolored water, new odors or a strange taste. Changes in the rate of the water flow can also be a sign of trouble. Pumps may become sluggish or inefficient before they break down completely, or a broken pipe may be causing you to lose water pressure without totally disabling the system. Know When To Call The Professionals The average homeowner can handle some minor maintenance, but for most issues it’s best to call in qualified professionals, like those at Taylor Heating Inc. Wells are more complicated than they seem, so a problem that would be minor and easy to fix for an experienced technician may turn into a major headache for a homeowner. Inexperienced people also may accidentally introduce dangerous bacteria into the system while doing something as simple as removing the well cap. Wells are a major investment, so it’s important to take the time to keep yours running smoothly. Preventative maintenance may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. By scheduling routine testing and treatments, addressing any potential problems and finding qualified professionals to work with, your well can last a lifetime.

Getting your family and home ready for an emergency doesn’t need to be bad for the environment. In fact, many homeowners are surprised to hear that “prepping” can actually reduce their carbon footprint when done correctly. Here are some eco-friendly tips that will help you get your family ready for emergencies such as storms, floods, and power outages. Buy Supplies That You Are Going To Use Anyways Many of the food products that are put in survival kits aren’t designed to be very tasty. The point of an emergency ration is to be as lightweight as possible while still providing you with enough calories to survive. Instead of buying bland survival food, you can stock up on nonperishables that your family will end up eating anyways. Most experts agree that families should have a good mixture of canned and dried foods that will last for at least a year. That includes dehydrated fruit, cereal, canned vegetables, canned meats, nuts, rice, and pasta. Invest In Second-Hand Gear Even though emergency gear can be expensive, there is a large second-hand market for most of these items. Those who spend a little extra time searching for supplies might be able to stock their entire home with second-hand items that have never even been taken out of their packages. In addition to scouring the internet for deals, you can also take a look at local military surplus stores in your town. Buying brand new flashlights, first aid kits, and other emergency supplies is only going to send more unused items to the dump. Make Your Home Self-Sufficient Making your home as self-sufficient as possible is good for the environment and a great way to prepare for emergencies. The first step in this process is to make sure that your home has an alternate source of energy, like a standby generator from Anderson Water Systems. If a natural catastrophe causes rolling blackouts, then you will be able to take your entire home off the grid so that electricity can get to hospitals and other emergency organizations. Those who live in a colder climate should also consider investing in a secondary heating source such as a wood furnace. Having a well-stocked home and comprehensive plan for emergencies will keep your family safe during these terrible events. With some research and a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your emergency preparations have almost no impact on your neighbors and the environment around you.

The many benefits of children’s exposure to nature have by now been well documented. Children lucky enough to make natural playgrounds part of their daily lives enjoy better focus and fewer physical health problems, among other things. In addition to benefitting children in personal ways, surrounding kids not only with nature but a culture of environmental stewardship ensures that they’ll be more likely to pass this legacy forward. What communities can help parents do this? Burlington, Vermont Vermont has many things to offer that could make it the perfect spot to raise your children. And the “Green Mountain” state isn’t simply a name. The state is now one of the country’s environmental leaders. The Vermont Environmental Consortium has helped guide local, state, and national businesses towards green economies since 2000. The Vermont Law School with its groundbreaking Environmental Justice program has been shaping political and legal policies for decades. And Vermont has set the standard for organic agriculture and eco-tourism for the rest of the country. Burlington, the state’s largest city, is near or at the epicenter of much of this. It hosts the state’s university, as well as the ECHO Science Center. And groups here have been heavily involved in the cleanup of iconic Lake Champlain. The city’s Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront department offers more than 35 day camp and summer programs to help youngsters both enjoy and appreciate the environment. Madison, Wisconsin Another “university town”, Wisconsin’s capital has had environmentally friendly business, home, and hospitality programs in place for years. Famous for its dairy farms, nonprofit groups have worked with farmers to reduce agricultural waste and start recycling programs. The city has 260 parks which include a zoo and a botanical garden. These outdoor venues offer many programs over the summer, a number of them free. The city also offers public swimming and beaches at sparkling Lake Monoma. Madison has two nature centers with environmental programs as well. And the University of Wisconsin’s greenhouse offers both public displays and demonstrations on sustainable gardening. Seattle, Washington It’s got Starbucks, Amazon, and the Space Needle, but Seattle’s greatest legacy may be its environmental policy. The city boasts green procedures that govern everything from private cleaners to restaurants. Environmental programs for children can be found at levels ranging from school curriculums to parks and day camps. A city department works with residents at all levels to insure sustainable growth and prosperity. As a result, Seattle will be an environmentally sound place for many future generations. There’s no single thing that will guarantee environmentally sound living for children. But start by selecting a community that makes the environment a partner and part of the community. After you find the perfect spot for you to move to, you might want to use professional movers, like Bekins Van Lines Inc, to get you there. This is a good beginning for raising a healthy and environmentally aware child.

Image Source: Pexels The fall season is sometimes the best time of the year to make your home energy efficient. You usually don't need to use the air conditioner or the heating system as much as you do in the summer and winter. The season gives you an opportunity to explore the home to look for any cracks under the doors or near the windows that need to be sealed and any issues with the heating system that need to be repaired. Seal Air Escapes Walk around the home to see if there are any areas where the heat or air might escape. Common areas are underneath doors, around windows and even through electrical sockets. It won't cost a lot of money to seal these areas that allow cold air into the home while you're trying to keep the house heated. Consider using plastic on the windows and on screens in the doors to keep cold air from entering the home. If you can keep air from invading, then you won't need to use the heating system as often, which will save you money. Check The Electrical System Before you turn on the heating system, you need to check the filters and the vents. A professional company, like Universal Refrigeration, can come to the home to examine the electrical components of the heating or cooling system to ensure that they are working properly. You might want to remove the air conditioners from the windows as these can allow cold air to enter the home through the cracks that might be around the unit as it sits in the window. If your heating unit needs to be replaced, you need to find one that is energy efficient as this can save a significant amount of money on your utility bill. Keep It Cool If you're someone who doesn't need to stay hot in the fall or winter, turn the thermostat down a few degrees instead of keeping it set at a higher temperature. Before going to bed and if you leave the home for long periods are the best times to turn the thermostat down so that it's not running as much when no one is in the home. A programmable thermostat is an option if you want to install something that will automatically adjust at a certain time or at a certain temperature. Keeping your home at the right temperature can take some work. You want to ensure that it's comfortable without spending a lot of money at the same time. After examining the home, you can often make adjustments that will save you money and keep everyone warm or cool during the year.

Image Source: Pexels According to The US Census Bureau, the current population in the United States includes more than 323 million people, with over 70% of those people living in dense urban environments. As the US population is steadily growing at a rate of about 0.7% annually, it is expected that our society will increasingly rely on population-dense cities to continue providing a quality standard of living. To accommodate this changing future, it is crucial that our society adequately plan to accommodate this ever-growing population, and prepare to integrate that growing population into our existing cities. There are three key areas of focus that, if improved today, will facilitate this critical integration in the future. Infrastructure Development and Investment Developing urban infrastructure is the single most valuable investment that can be made for future generations. To accommodate growing populations, high-density housing buildings can be constructed, which allow increasing numbers of people to live in the same geographic footprint of an existing city. However, increasing numbers of people living in one area demands advanced water treatment solutions to manage increasing quantities of wastewater. There are many people exploring the disadvantages of current wastewater treatment options and proposes new possible solutions for future exploration. Finally, improving mass transportation choices to serve the growing population will enable cities to keep high numbers of people moving without choking surface streets in an endless gridlock of personal vehicles. Integration of Emerging Technologies If population growth is trend that is viewed as unending, so too is advancing technology. As our technology continues to improve, it is important that we begin integrating smart devices into the daily management of our society. One of the most critical areas where technology can improve efficiency is in the field of food production. Already, shrinking numbers of farmers are responsible for producing increasing quantities of food to support our expanding population, and the continual integration of new technologies into their daily work can ensure that their harvest is able to keep pace with the population growth rate in coming years. Education of Future Generations While our reliance on sound infrastructure and advancing technology is a critical factor in our ability to adapt to population growth, it is impossible to understate the importance of human intelligence in that struggle. Specifically, future growing generations will need to have the education and skills to meet the increasing need for data analytics, health care delivery, and ethical business management. There are many educational programs, like this mba online no gmat, This type of education program is a perfect example of how investing in the critical thinking skills of the future generation of leaders will foster the human intelligence needed to manage our growing population. As our population continues to grow and is expected to continue doing so, our ability to integrate those increasing numbers of people into our society will be dependent upon the investment we make in the future. Investing in infrastructure development and advanced technology integration can provide the tangible resources needed to house and feed increasingly dense population centers. Most importantly, investing in the education of our future leaders will ensure that critical thinking and human intelligence will always be available to solve the future problems those growing populations will encounter. By recognizing the trend in population growth and properly planning to integrate larger numbers of people into our society we can maintain a quality standard of living and give our future generations the tools they need adapt to their changing world.

Image Source: Pexels Decluttering your home can be a cathartic process, but many people don’t notice just how much waste they really have until they start going through each of their rooms. You could end up dealing with dozens of bags of electronics, batteries, lawn chemicals, cleaning supplies, and other items that are hazardous to the environment. As you are planning this project, you should think about some ways that you can clean up and straighten your home without sending too many items to the landfill. Search For Valuables Before you consider any other options, you might first want to sift through all of your items and see if there is anything worth selling. Even if you donate or recycle most of your belongings, there could be a few pieces that are actually quite valuable. Old smartphones, consoles, video games, movies, books, and computers can easily be sold online or to local dealers. Some companies even send you prepaid packages to ship your electronics to them. Donate Another great option is to offer your unused belongings to a local donation center, like Action Donation Services. In addition to household items, many of these organizations accept cars, motorcycles, RVs, boats, and other vehicles. Depending on where you live and which organizations you go through, you might even be able to use your donations as a tax write-off. Some companies also allow you to choose which non-profit is going to benefit from your donations. Find A Hazardous Disposal Center Many homeowners don’t realize that it is actually illegal to throw away certain household items. Even though most trash companies carefully inspect and sort all of the refuse that they receive, you could be fined if they notice any dangerous or toxic materials. Some of the materials that need to be kept out of the trash include batteries, prescription drugs, certain electronics, paint, motor oil, tires, and lawn chemicals. Plan A Garage Sale A large percentage of your items won’t be worth much money, but that doesn’t mean they need to go to the landfill. Scheduling a garage sale is a simple way to get rid of quite a few things in a short period of time. If you want to attract more visitors to your yard sale, then you should consider having a multi-family sale with some of your friends and neighbors. Most local magazines and newspapers offer free or affordable ad space as well. Cleaning your home doesn’t need to be an exhausting project that results in hundreds of pounds of waste being sent to your landfill. You most likely live near dozens of different organizations that will help you get rid of your possessions in an eco-friendly manner. At the very least, you must make sure that all of the hazardous materials in your home are disposed of in a safe and legal manner.

As a homeowner, one of the most satisfying parts of owning your home is having a beautiful yard to take care of. Owning your own piece of land is something to take pride in. While having beautiful landscaping on your property is a sign of elegance and grace, it can also be quite damaging to the environment and at times dangerous. It is important to make sure you are creating a beautiful landscape that will be safe for your family and guest as well as being eco-friendly. Here are four ways to safely landscape your yard while protecting the environment. Use Native Plants To Help Save On Water It is no mystery that we are facing a shortage of water in many different places in our country. This is especially true in states like California. There are some very strict rules that apply to residents of these dry states when it comes to watering your lawns. When trying to protect the environment, it is important to incorporate native plants that will help you save on water. Do Not Create Attractive Nuisances In Your Landscaping You need to be careful what types of attractive nuisances you are bringing into your landscaping. While a natural rock wall may be fun your children to use during the summer, neighborhood children could injure themselves on this attractive nuisance which would result in a nasty lawsuit. Even with stairs that are harder to use in your yard, you could have a slip and fall case on your hands that could otherwise be easily avoided. Plant Shade-Giving Trees To Cut Down On Cooling Costs During The Summer Everyone loves beautiful trees in their yard. These trees can help to protect the environment and your savings account. You can greatly cut down on the amount of energy you spend during the summer cooling your house if you have a tree shading a large part of your property. This one-time investment of planting a large tree in your yard could save you thousands of dollars in cooling costs over the years. Use Electric Landscaping Tools Electric power tools are becoming more and more popular as the years go on. While an extension cord might seem like a hassle at first, you will find that it becomes easier to use one of these electric landscaping tools after you have gotten the swing of things. These electric landscaping tools will also help you to do your part when in protecting our environment. There are many ways that you can landscape your yard to be better for the environment and just as beautiful for your home. Above we discussed four tips to help you landscape your yard more easily. Be sure to plant native plants, think about safety risks, plant trees to cut on heating costs, and use efficient tools. You may also be able to find extra tax write offs for protecting the environment, depending on how green you go with your landscaping and home. Be sure to talk to a tax fraud attorney if you have any questions about what you can and can't claim.

Decision makers at many conventional power and associated equipment vendor companies who rely on fossil fuels to generate public energy have started to recognize that green technologies aren't going away any time soon. They also understand that a lot of the technologies and business practices utilized by green energy suppliers produce energy in cost-efficient ways that can both protect the environment and generate revenues. As a result, they are incorporating green ideas into their business models. For example, these companies: Reuse Parts And Materials Instead of using entirely brand new parts, businesses like Solomon Corporation, a company that produces pole mounted transformers, create usable parts by rebuilding old ones and giving them a second life. These companies are also creating parts and equipment with a mix of unused raw and recycled materials. Invest In Byproduct Filtration These traditional power companies know that they can't continue to allow airborne byproducts to contaminate local environments. For example, they have invested in high-end filtration systems that reduce fine particulates in the air that occur when burning coal. They have also invested in a wide variety of systems that decrease the level of toxic emissions from coal-burning power generation that typically contain mercury, arsenic, nickel and acidic gases. Create Protected Wildlife Habitats Traditional energy generation decision makers have also seen how byproduct storage accidents can ruin local ecosystems. Instead of dealing with toxic spills and millions of dollars of combined fines and clean-up costs, they work diligently to make certain that multi-level contamination prevention measures exist. They also invest in environmental protection programs near their plants and set up small protected habitats near their corporate headquarters. Purchase Consumer Solar Energy Lastly, since solar power and whole home backup batteries can eventually remove homeowners completely off the public power grid, traditional energy providers have tried to find methods for retaining their customers that benefit everyone in the long run. One of these practices involves the purchase of the surplus solar energy generated by some home and business owners. Consumers who sell this energy enjoy a little extra cash or an electric utility bill credit each month. A conventional energy supplier or equipment vendor doesn't need to close its doors and shutter its windows to make way for green energy. It can still produce energy for the masses and transition into the modern age by mixing old ways with these surprising cleaner green technologies and practices.

With big renovations come big changes. What better way to change your home after renovating your basement than to go green (or at least greener)? Below are three ingenious ways to have a greener home after renovating your basement, and the best part is they're all extremely affordable. There's no need to go far out of pocket after you've just overhauled a section of your home. Use Green Chemicals When most people think of going green, they think of large scale things. Natural energies such as solar power and cars that run off of cleaner burning fuels are usually at the forefront of 'going green'. However, there are many small things you can do to help green up your home. One of those things is to use green chemicals when you clean your home. They're usually easier on plumbing, definitely better for the environment, and recently there's been a lot of talk that they're substantially healthier for your family. Switch To Eco-Friendly Air Filters Having pure, clean air is important. This is especially true for anyone with pets or children or anyone who lives in the city. But air filters have to be changed often. They create a lot of waste, and a lot of models are made out of plastic, which is hard for the environment to break down once it quits working. While there's no 'perfect' air filter, finding a more eco-friendly air filter is a great idea. Look for one that doesn't need to have its filter changed as often, one that is made out of materials that can break down, or one that doesn't have parts that need to be changed out at all. Ditch The Clutter And Recycle This is duel-ended but well worth the effort. How often have you put boxes away in your attic or basement only to forget about them? You inevitably have to go clean it out, and half the stuff is ruined due to pests, mold, or other unforeseen problems? You end up tossing so much stuff out. Using a storage unit, like Sentry Mini-Storage Inc, to store your stuff ensures that you get to keep your keepsakes safe and help to cut down on the amount of garbage you're throwing out. Similarly, while a lot of areas charge extra for a recycle bin, it's great to have one around. It helps to eliminate trash in landfills and is better for the environment. These are only three of the many things you can do to help make your home a greener one. Choose from any of the tips we listed above, or do some research of your own to help you figure out ways you can be more green.

The term “carbon footprint” refers to the overall amount of carbon that normal living puts into the environment. It includes all types of greenhouse gases that are produced as a result of various activities. For example, the carbon footprint of driving a vehicle includes not only the emissions it produces as it burns gasoline, but also emissions created in the production and refining of the fuel, as well as emissions that are created from the car’s manufacture and maintenance. A number of carbon footprint calculators are available online. When you begin to understand how many of your normal activities creates emissions that impact the environment, you can begin to alter your lifestyle to improve the health of the planet. Here are just a few simple ways you can begin to reduce your carbon footprint: 1 – Recycle More If you find ways to re-use and recycle household items, you can dramatically reduce the amount of carbon that goes into the environment each day to create new ones. Look for products that use recycled materials, reuse rainwater and find another use for items such as plastic containers, so they don’t wind up in landfills as quickly. 2 – Change the Environmental Impact of Your Home When caring for your landscaping, be aware that trees and shrubs have a beneficial impact on the environment in many ways and try to maximize their good effects. Plant trees that help to shade the parts of your home that are open to cold winds in winter and blazing sunlight in summer. These efforts can help to reduce your home energy use and reduce your overall carbon footprint. When caring for your landscape plants, use organic fertilizers, like the products found at Nature Safe, that have less of a negative effect on the environment. These compounds can prevent the runoff that causes ecological imbalances in nearby waterways. Organic types help to keep landscape plants healthier over a longer period of time, so you can apply less frequently. 3 – Drive Less and More Efficiently Walking helps to improve your health while it reduces the amount of carbon in the environment. Use your feet instead of the car to do neighborhood errands, or get on your bicycle for longer trips. Carpooling can be a good way to reduce the amount of gasoline emissions in the environment. If you must drive, make sure your tires are properly inflated for better mileage. Reducing the amount of carbon you use for everyday activities is not difficult. It simply requires an awareness of simple techniques that can make a significant impact on the amount of energy used every day.

Cutting back on your energy usage can have benefits to both your wallet and the globe. According to data from the Alliance to Save Energy, the average American household spends $2,100/year on energy, so reducing energy costs by just 10% or 20% could equal big savings. By making your home more energy efficient, you'll also help make a positive impact on the environment Ways Energy Efficiency is Beneficial 1. Improving the Environment It's no secret that the creation of traditional forms of energy releases carbon dioxide and pollutants into the air. By making their homes more energy efficient, people are decreasing the emissions released by power plants. Energy efficiency can lead to improvements in air quality and the level of water pollution. 2. Tax Credits When you make your home more energy efficient, you may qualify for an energy tax credit. The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit applies to installations of solar, wind, and geothermal energy systems. If you've made improvements to your home's insulation or added Energy Star windows, you may qualify for the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit 3. Immediate Savings Making energy-efficient improvements to your home will decrease the amount of your utility bills, and you won't have to wait long to see the savings. In addition, your home will probably be more comfortable during the summer and winter. Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency There are many things you can do to enhance the energy efficiency. Some options, like putting in LED or CFL lightbulbs, are pretty simple and don't require much of an investment. Other improvements may require an up-front investment that will pay for itself over time. A large portion of your energy usage is probably spent on heating and cooling your home. One option is to get a ceiling fan installed. Ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners, and they can help redistribute warm air in the winter. Replacing your old windows and doors with durable materials can also be a money-saving option. There are many different options, like the products offered at Statewide Energy Solutions, that you can use to easily upgrade your home and make it more energy efficient. The process of making your home more energy efficient will take time. In order to decide which steps will benefit you the most, you could consider getting a home energy audit. A professional will conduct the audit and explain how you can decrease your energy expenditures.

It's difficult to avoid coming into contact with toxic chemicals. They're used routinely by homeowners and gardeners to perform lawn care and landscaping tasks, clean home interiors and exteriors, eradicate pests, maintain or protect surfaces inside and outside the home, and maintenance the family vehicles. Most suburban homeowners' garages contain caches of toxic chemicals; if you have a garage, yours probably does, too. Do you ever worry about what could happen if your kids come into contact with the chemical products you have stored in your home or garage? How about your pets -- what could happen if they were to interact with your chemical stash? Each year, pets die from exposure to and / or ingestion of toxic chemicals including pesticides, antifreezes and cleaners. For the sake of your children, your animals, your own health and your environment, we encourage you to consider implementing these 4 strategies to go greener around the house. Replace Your Chemical-Based Household Cleaning Solutions With Green Alternatives Does it make sense to use toxic or questionable chemicals for cleaning your home when many household cleaning tasks can be performed with natural, non-toxic and completely affordable ingredients? You can clean almost anything using combinations of simple ingredients such as water, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, tea tree oil, lemon juice, lemon oil, orange oil, and Borax. If you prefer to use fancier household cleaning aids, look for certified organic products including soaps, sprays, detergents and cleaners. Substitute Natural Oils for Varnishes and Polyurethane Products Chemical-based products such as polyurethane aren't your only choice for sealing hardwood floors or finishing home furnishings made of wood. Safer, greener substitutes include walnut oil and tung nut oil. Get Rid of Your Toxic Chemical-Based Pesticides and Lawn Care Products There's no need to treat your lawn or garden with toxic chemicals. There are abundant organic alternatives, like the products found at Nature Safe, that can keep your landscape looking healthy, lush, fertile and gorgeously green. These sustainable alternatives include organic lawn fertilizers and organic pest control products with natural ingredients. Look for OMRI-approved organic landscaping fertilizers to find third-party verified solutions offering the best results. Utilize Natural Pet Care Products Instead of Chemical Ones It's important to ensure your pet's flea and tick control methods are not harmful. This is particularly critical if you have cats or kittens. You should never apply toxic chemicals directly on a cat's fur; your cat will consume the poisons as he grooms himself, and it could end up harming or killing him quickly. Dogs are not immune from harm caused by flea and tick medications either. There are many effective natural alternatives to toxic chemical flea and tick medications. Most of them are cheaper than chemical treatments you buy at your vet's office or at the drug store. If you live in a coastal area, simply taking your dog to the beach and dunking him in the salt water will rid him of fleas. It's a free treatment that's surprisingly effective for those who are able to take advantage of nearby beach areas. If you'd rather treat your dog or cat for fleas at home, spritzing his fur with raw, unfiltered organic apple cider vinegar is another effective remedy. Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits for your pet, and it can reduce or eliminate the parasite population living in his fur if used regularly. These are 4 of the most important things you can do to rid your garage and home of toxic, hazardous chemicals to create a safer and greener environment for your family. Even implementing one or two of these strategies can make a significant difference in your family's health; for best results, we encourage you to consider implementing all of these things in order to truly go green around the house.