Remember, no matter where you live, your everyday actions can have positive or negative effects on oceans and the whales that live in them. Toxic pollutants that get into the ocean can be absorbed by whales and make them sick.
Fast Fact :
Every year, the average Canadian throws out approximately 23 kilograms of household hazardous waste.
So let's keep toxic waste out of the water!
Here's how: Start at home and
- Conduct a Household Hazardous Product Hunt. With adult supervision have children search for household hazardous products in the home. They should look for products with one or more of the four hazardous symbols on it: Flammable, Poisonous/Toxic, Corrosive, Reactive/Explosive
As the children hunt, have them keep a list of what they find. They should also write down:
- where the product was found,
- where the hazardous symbols are listed and how they are part of the packaging,
- how the item is used,
- how the container (& any left-over product) will be disposed of when empty.
Have children add up the number of household hazardous products they find and figure out how much hazardous waste comes from their homes in one year, and what product is used the most.
- Find natural or less harmful alternatives that can be used. There are numerous books available with alternative cleaning recipes—check out the public library. Visit your local bulk food store to find out what type of alternative cleaning products they have.
- Stop using or cut down on the amount of pesticides you use in your homes and on your gardens and lawns. Help your children investigate alternatives to harmful chemicals for controlling pests.
- Find out what your community is doing about household hazardous waste. Have your kids contact the local government, such as the Public Works Department or Town council committees. They can also contact local community groups that work on issues such as the environment, health, water and waste.
Things kids should ask include:
- Do they have information (such as brochures, booklets, fact sheets and activities) on household hazardous products?
- Do they know how household hazardous products are looked after in your town? Are there collection programs, education programs, local depots, etc.?
- If there is a household hazardous waste program: Where are the household hazardous waste depots? And when are they open? How do they tell people where and how to safely dispose of hazardous products? Are there special collection days? What types of household hazardous products do they accept? Where does the waste go after collection at the depot?
Easy Recipe :
Try this easy cleaner recipe.
Mix:
- 50 ml baking soda,
- 125 ml white vinegar,
- 4L warm water.
Store in a tightly sealer container.
