Go Green for Health

Are you living “green”? Taking steps to protect the environment from abuse is not only the right thing to do—it can also boost your health.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when it comes to air pollution, the greater the level of pollutants in the air, the more there’s a chance for asthma flare-ups and irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as more serious problems such as chest pain.

You can help improve the environment for everyone. Below are a few tips to get started:

When Home, at Work, and Outside

• Buy local products whenever possible.
• It reduces energy burned to transport goods.
• Avoid waste by reusing items such as mugs, lunch containers, and grocery bags.
• Try using non-toxic products to clean your home.
• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Invest in rechargeable batteries.

Around the Yard

• Grow a green thumb. Whether inside or outside, plants clean the air.
• Pull weeds by hand instead of using pesticides and keep pesticides to a minimum.
• Run-off of pesticides can harm waterways.
• Set mower blades high. Shorter grass is prone to weeds and disease and demands more intervention.
• Plant native plants, which don’t need as much water as introduced species.

In the Car

• Try to drive less, especially on hot days or during heavy traffic.
• Accelerate slowly.
• Get regular vehicle tune-ups.
• Resist “topping off” your gas tank and avoid spilling gasoline.