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Reducing your business' use of toxic chemicals is probably one of the
easiest ways of helping the Anacostia River. Toxic chemicals can take
years to break down and can end up in our water and harm fish, wildlife
and us, yet many business continue to use them because they unaware
that, in most cases, there are common, non-toxic alternatives available.
For links to additional Internet
resources, click here. For contact information for businesses that can
help you reduce your business's impact on the Anacostia, click
here. For additional Internet resources click
here.
Here is what your business can do:
 Purchase non-toxic
alternatives to cleaners or try homemade, non-toxic cleaners such as
one part white vinegar and one part water instead of a commercial glass
cleaner. For more suggestions visit the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation website.
Purchase latex-based
paint, not oil- or acrylic-based paints. If you have older paint, it
may contain lead. Bring it to your local government's hazardous waste
recycling facility.
Use human or
mechanical means instead of chemicals. For example, for pipe blockages
- use plungers or pipe snakes instead of drain cleaners; for pests -
use traps instead of pesticide; for weeds - use tools and hands instead
of weed killers.
Reuse paint
thinner. Allow the paint solids to settle to the bottom of the container
and then pour off the clear thinner.
Try using integrated
pest management methods such as: sealing up openings into your business
and eliminating pest food and water sources.
Eliminate the
use of herbicide and lawn care chemicals. For more information view
our page on landscaping your business.
Dispose of your
toxic chemicals through your local government's household hazardous
waste recycling program.
Ask your employees
to suggest alternative methods to your company's current operating procedures.
They may save you time and money while helping the environment.
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