1. Avoid household products marked Poison or Danger
   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.
2. Reduce the need for garden and yard pesticides
   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.

Alternatives:
• 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.
• Try non-chemical products to control pests, such as teflon tape for root weevils or soap and water solutions for aphids.

For more information, visit the SCWMA website for Less Toxic Home and Garden  where you'll find safe/less-toxic techniques to control the pest that's bugging you.

3. Use less toxic cleaners
   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.
    
   For further discussion about safer alternatives, visit the California Peer Review Project website.