Pollution Prevention Tips at Home
The resources described below can help you prevent pollution in your home, car or garden. When you have reviewed these tips, be sure to check out EPA's Green Living Website and additional information on home and garden resources!
At Home
How can I find safer products for my family and my community?
EPA Greener Products Web Site is designed to help you navigate the complex world of greener products. It allows you to search for EPA programs related to greener products and links to additional greener products information from other sources.
How "Green" Is It? Keep an eye out for products that are designed with the environment in mind!
EPA's Safer Choice has recognized 2,500 products that are safer for people and the planet.
See how EPA is showcasing how LCD suppliers are reducing potent fluorinated GHG (F-GHG) emissions.
Do's and Don't of Pest Control
How can I make my home more energy efficient and support cleaner electricity?
ENERGY STAR features energy efficient choices that can save families about a third on their home energy bills without sacrificing style or comfort.
Climate Change: What You Can Do
Calculate your household greenhouse gas emissions
Green Power Locator can be used to find green power options in your area! You can choose how your electricity is generated by using EPA's Power Profiler. Green power technologies capture renewable energy to create electricity.
How can I reduce the amount of garbage I generate?
Americans generate 1.6 million tons of household hazardous waste per year. Reducing consumption, reusing items, and recycling products and materials help to protect the environment. EPA offers you information on how to prevent waste, reduce consumption, and reuse dozens of items.
Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste
Learn about practical steps you can take to reduce the amount and toxicity of your garbage.
Recycle City Web Site helps you learn about and explore how residents in this make-believe city are protecting their environment.
Reutilización + reciclaje + reduccion de desechos (PDF) (32 pp, 6.9 M, About PDF)
How do I reduce household hazardous wastes?
The Household Hazardous Waste website has a lot of information on how you can reduce the amount of household hazardous waste you generate and ensure that those wastes are safely stored and handled.
What more can I do to make my home more sustainable?
Greener Living Tips for engaging in green practices around the home.
Conserving Water A family of four uses 400 gallons of water every day. Learn how EPA's WaterSense program helps conserve water for future generations.
Your Yard and Garden
How can I save water and reduce polluted run-off from my yard?
Water-smart Landscape Design Tips helps to reduce water usage by planting drought-tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass-covered areas.
USDA Local Cooperative Extension System Offices will help you find out what nutrients your lawn needs, test the soil through your local USDA Cooperative Extension System Office or home kit. Only Use What's Needed! If you use fertilizer, use a slow-release type no more than twice per year.
Pesticides: Controlling Pests - Lawn and Garden: Read the Label on any and all pesticides you use to be sure you use them properly.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management.
Water-Efficient Landscaping: Preventing Pollution & Using Resources Wisely (PDF) (20 pp, 1.63 M, About PDF). Conserve water by mulching and by using a soaker hose or drip system. Install a drip-irrigation water system for valuable plants.
Your Car
How can I prevent pollution by maintaining my car?
Saving money at the pump. Regardless of the make or model, your car’s estimated gas mileage depends on how you fuel, drive and maintain your car.
Fuel Economy.gov has more tips on how to save money on fuel costs.
Climate Change: What You Can Do
EPA's Green Vehicle Web site and SmartWay Certified Vehicle Guide will show you if you have cleaner, more fuel-efficient choices in any vehicle size you need, even SUVs, trucks, and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Your on-board diagnostics (OBD) computer system is an advanced computer system responsible for monitoring your vehicle's engine, transmission, and emissions control components. This OBD system can save you time and money by identifying minor problems before they become major repair bills, if you drive a 1996 or newer car or light truck.
Collecting Used Oil for Recycling/Reuse: Tips for Consumers Who Change Their Own Motor Oil and Oil Filters (PDF)(8 pp, 217KB, About PDF). If you change your own motor oil, recycle it at a "quick lube" shop, gas station, or auto store that accepts used motor oil for recycling.