Hot summer days are perfect for home projects. But be careful
not to damage the
environment.

“Summer is a great time to enjoy Georgia’s abundant natural
resources,” said Wayne McLaurin, an Extension Service horticulturist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental
Sciences. “But
remember, one person’s carelessness can cause environmental
problems for all of us.”

Using bug repellents, applying lawn or garden chemicals,
changing the oil in your car
or disposing of garbage all pose an environmental risk.

“When using insecticides, always read the labels carefully.
And follow
directions,” McLaurin said. “Using too much could cause damage,
while using too
little could be ineffective and require additional
applications.”

Even products labeled as natural or safe for the environment
are still chemicals. Use
them with caution. Check product labels for the proper way to
dispose of empty containers.

If you change the oil in a car, lawn mower, boat or other
engines, collect and dispose
of it properly.

“It’s illegal to dump oil on the ground or driveway,”
McLaurin said.
“Just a little bit of oil can contaminate a lot of water. One
quart of oil can
contaminate thousands of gallons of water.”

Most service stations and some auto parts stores now accept
used motor oil for
recycling.

Open burning is against the law most places in Georgia unless
you have a permit. If
you’re planning on clearing brush, try to find a place to pile
it and allow it to
decompose naturally.

“Brush piles are sites for wildlife to seek cover and use for
homes. Organic
matter is too valuable to take up landfill space,” McLaurin
said.

Don’t clean your yard by washing everything down the storm
drain. Storm drains empty
directly into a body of water. And everything that goes into
them ends up in the water.

“Remember, street flooding often is caused by construction
materials, branches and
so forth clogging the drains,” McLaurin said. “Plus, plants and
wildlife can be
harmed by paints, fertilizers, pesticides and oil washed down
the drain.”

To learn more on safely handling pesticides and other tips on
protecting the
environment, contact your county Extension Service office.