Farm and Orchard Hour Radio Interview Outline
Michigan Water Stewardship Program
Topic: Toxics in your Home: Managing Household Hazardous Products
What are hazardous household products?
 Avg. household has many products containing toxic chemicals
 Examples: Automotive supplies, household cleaners, paints, solvents, pesticides,
florescent light bulbs, electronics, and personal products like hairspray and nail
polish.
 Can pose threats to human health and the environment when used and disposed of
improperly
Product Choice, Amount purchased, and Safe Use
 Read the Label!
 Choose products that are the least toxic and most effective for the job
 Signal words: Caution, Warning, and Danger
 Only buy as much as you need (should be used up within 6-12 months)
 Safe Use: follow all label instructions and precautions to prevent exposure
 Brochures/information on non-toxic alternatives at Grand Traverse MSU Extension
Safe Storage
 Out of reach of children and pets in a locked, secure area
 Clearly labeled and stored in original containers
 Away from drinking water well and surface water
 Create a spill kit and keep absorbent material like kitty litter nearby
Product Disposal
 Throwing products away should be a last resort
 HHW County Collections and Clean Sweep for pesticides and mercury
 Grand Traverse County HHW May 1st 1-7 pm. Call 941-5555 or go to
www.recyclesmart.info to make an appointment today.
 Free Computer Recycling on Sat April 26th 10am-3pm at Sam’s Club in TC.
 Take It Back program
 Find local businesses that will accept products like electronics, household
goods etc
 Goodwill-computers and accessories
 B&T appliances-takes back TV’s and appliances
 Motor oil-local businesses quick oil change places
Upcoming Workshop:
Shoreline Landscaping to Protect Water Quality
As part of the Green Garden Series with the Leelanau MSU Extension office I will be
giving a presentation on establishing native plant buffers and protecting our local water
resources through proper shoreline landscaping and management.
Wed. April 9th, 2008: 6:30-8:00pm at the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station
Cost: $5 a person, register by April 7th with the Leelanau MSUE (231)256-9888