Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
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Lawn
* Instead of watering for short periods daily, follow this method to water deeply 2 to 3 times a week: Run sprinklers until lawn is thoroughly saturated. Shut sprinklers off to allow water to soak in, then run sprinklers again for a few more minutes. Always turn sprinklers off before water runs off onto sidewalks and gutters.
* Water in early morning. Watering at night contributes to fungal disease.
* Leave grass clippings on the lawn to conserve moisture and provide nutrients.
Flower Beds
* Apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch to conserve moisture, keep roots cool, provide nutrients.
* Use more organic fertilizers--composted chicken manure, cottonseed meal, alfalfa meal and fish emulsion--and fewer chemical fertilizers.
Driveway
* Sweep driveway, don’t spray it. Use cat litter to absorb leaks (transmission fluid, anti-freeze, engine oil) instead of hosing toxic fluids into the gutter. Use automatic dish detergent instead of solvent to remove oily film.
Bathrooms: Install low-flow shower heads, repair toilets with leaking flush mechanisms.
Closets: Donate unwanted clothing and household items to charity. Shop at secondhand stores and yard sales.
Cleaners: Switch to commercially available cleaning solutions that are less toxic or mix your own. For example, vinegar and water can be used to clean windows and counter tops.
* Eliminate paper waste by using e-mail
Recycling Station
* Set up a recycling station near your garbage cans or in the garage. Follow your waste disposal company’s rules for sorting.
* Nearly all clean paper can be recycled including magazines, catalogs and junk mail.
* Anaheim
1071 N. Blue Gum St.
* Huntington Beach
17121 Nichols St.
* Irvine
6411 Oak Canyon
* San Juan Capistrano
32250 La Pata Ave.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Closed on rainy days and major holidays.
Rules: Accepts household hazardous wastes such as paint, pesticides, automotive products, batteries and fluorescent light ballast free of charge. Keep products in original containers or transport them in containers with tight-fitting lids. Do not mix.
Information: (714) 834-6752
Graphics reporting by JANICE JONES DODDS / Los Angeles Times
