Residents of Sonoma County can dispose of their household toxics at any of these roundups. Creating a safer home goes long way in improving and maintaining the earth's health and beauty. By law, hazardous products must have warning labels. There is a hierarchy to the labels that relates to their level of hazard. Choose products that do not require a warning label or those marked Caution or Warning.
Pesticides are poisons.
Besides killing bugs and weeds, they may also poison children and pets, irritate eyes or skin, cause cancer, cause birth defects or kill birds and fish. Build healthy soil by adding compost or aged manure and using slow-release organic fertilizers. Buy plants that will grow well in this climate and in your yard. Some cleaners contain very hazardous ingredients that can burn your eyes, skin and lungs. Look for safer name-brand substitutes at your grocery store, or use simple alternatives such as baking soda and vinegar.