Reducing Other Pollution

R Use native plants in your landscaping, so that you do not have to spray them with pesticides, etc. R Avoid washing chemicals down the drain, as they can end up in drinking water. R Instead of putting salt on icy sidewalks, use sand. Salt can kill plants, and runoff from roads pollutes our water supply. R Use water-based paints and nontoxic cleaners. R Put your garbage in the trash rather than burning it in your backyard. Backyard burning releases more toxins into the atmosphere--and those toxins have been proven to cause cancer and birth defects.   R Check <http://www.villageofdexter.org/Recycling,%20Compost%20&%20Garbage%20Page.htm> to find information about the recycling and compost pick-up services provided by Waste Management in Dexter.   R Do NOT buy biodegradable plastics. They do not completely degrade in landfills--instead, they break up and release toxic substances. Also, they cannot be recycled.   R Pick up litter!