Here are some tips to improve our waterways:

• Read the label: Products labeled with words like danger, caution, warning, or toxic let you know to handle them carefully in use and disposal.

• Make your own non-toxic cleaners: Save money and the environment by using baking soda, which alone can be used for dozens of jobs around the house like scrubbing counters, clearing drains, and freshening carpets. Or try vinegar and water for your windows.
  
  For additional ideas check out: www.ecocycle.org/hazwaste/recipes.cfm

• Store safely: Products should be stored in cool dry places away from kids and pets.

• Dump wisely: NEVER dump motor oil, fertilizer, or other toxic materials down storm drains, into sinks, or out onto the ground.

Additional ways to get the message out

Additional ideas

• Keep the Ours to Protect season calendar handy so the entire region is sending a consistent message.
• Place a link to the "Ours to Protect" program on your Web site.
• Place our household hazardous waste ad in your newspaper.
• Check out the Ours to Protect calendar of events.

Visit www.semcog.org for additional information.

For questions about the "Our Water. Our Future. Ours to Protect." program contact Iris Steinberg at steinberg@semcog.org or 313-961-4266.