Caring for the home landscape Aim for a healthy lawn rather than a perfect lawn Cut the grass without gas Prevent insect, disease, and weed problems in the garden Identify fruits and vegetables that need fewer pesticides Select native trees and shrubs that will thrive in your yard Keep your trees healthy and safe Plant "wild" in your backyard Attract birds and butterflies to your backyard Life down on the butterfly farm Using alternatives to traditional pesticides and fertilizers -- where practical Scout for pests on the landscape Consider microbial insecticides Consider botanical insecticides and insecticidal soaps Conserve beneficial insects Monitor and control insects with traps Use pest barriers in your garden Solarize soil Consider the potential of natural fertilizers Organic pesticides: Patience pays off Using chemicals on the landscape -- if necessary Know what to ask a lawn-care company and arborist Understand pesticide toxicity Read the pesticide label Apply pesticides accurately and safely Apply fertilizers accurately and safely Storing and disposing of hazardous chemicals Store hazardous chemicals safely Dispose of pesticides safely Dispose of auto products safely Dispose of paints and solvents safely Dispose of adhesives, aerosols, household cleaners and other hazardous waste safely Keeping an eye on hazardous waste Managing yard waste, food waste, and other household waste Reduce household waste Recycle paper, glass, and aluminum (and a few other household wastes) Reuse and respond Recycle grass clippings Create a compost pile Use yard waste as mulch Dispose of tree residues Protecting your drinking water Know when and how to test your water Test your water for coliform bacteria and nitrate Test your water for pesticides -- if necessary Know the signs of contaminants in drinking water Select effective water-treatment methods Prevent contamination from septic systems Know the pros and cons of boiled water Protecting the indoor environment Prevent contanimation by lead Test your home for radon Reduce radon levels Control dust, dust mites, and other allergens Reduce pollution from combustion equipment Prevent contamination by formaldehyde and asbestos Recognize that it's not always necessary to control indoor insects Select the right household pesticide Control household pests with less toxic alternatives Select household cleaners wisely Conserving enegy and water Design new homes for energy efficiency Save energy in heating and cooling Insulate and seal your home Choose energy-efficient appliances Save money and energy with compact fluorescent light bulbs Use plants and other landscape tools to conserve energy Conserve water in and around the home

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