Check out these tips for living healthier and more economically this summer, courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<\/a>:
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Air Quality<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nPeople with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of pollutants in the air and should closely monitor the air quality in their area. AirNow\u2019s Air Quality Index (AQI) translates data into color categories so people can better understand what actions to take to protect their health. For more information and a real-time map: <\/span>http:\/\/www.airnow.gov\/<\/span><\/a>. You can download the AQI via mobile application for your smartphone: <\/span>http:\/\/m.epa.gov\/apps\/airnow.html<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Beach Safety<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nWhen you spend time at the beach this summer, stay safe with these best practices.\u00a0Swim safely, protect yourself from the sun with broad-spectrum sunscreen, stay hydrated by drinking water, watch for trash and other signs of pollution, and report dangers you see to lifeguards or other beach workers. For more information: <\/span>http:\/\/water.epa.gov\/type\/oceb\/beaches\/dosdonts.cfm<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Bed Bugs <\/b><\/span><\/div>\nTraveling is fun; bed bugs are not. Take steps when away from home to avoid bringing home unwelcome visitors. Inspect the mattress and headboard where you will be staying for the presence of bed bugs. Leave your luggage on a luggage rack, not on the bed or floor, and try to keep luggage away from the bed. You can find additional tips on avoiding bed bugs here: <\/span>http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/bedbugs\/tips-travel<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Community Environment<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nYour community encompasses the people in your neighborhood and the space you share. Your community\u2019s air, water, and land are subject to environmental concerns. To learn about environmental conditions in your community and ways to prevent pollution visit: \u00a0<\/span>http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/epahome\/community.htm<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
ENERGY STAR<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nThe average family spends 20 percent of its home utility bill on cooling. Cooling bills can be lowered by giving your air conditioner a break while you are asleep or when no one is home. Properly using a programmable thermostat can save you $180 a year on your energy bill. If you\u2019re in the market for a new air conditioner, dehumidifier, or ceiling fan look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR label at <\/span>http:\/\/www.energystar.gov\/cooling<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/div>\n
Fuel Economy<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nTo save money and gas, follow these tips: roll the windows down when driving at lower speeds; use the AC at highway speeds, park in the shade or use a sunshade, and read about the AC system in your car\u2019s owner\u2019s manual. Additionally, complete needed maintenance and ensure tires are properly inflated. Learn more here: <\/span>http:\/\/www.fueleconomy.gov\/feg\/hotweather.shtml<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>http:\/\/www.fueleconomy.gov\/feg\/maintain.jsp<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Insects<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nWhile some insect bites are benign, biting insects can carry dangerous diseases. Using the right insect repellent and taking preventive actions can repel ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects. Guidelines for areas to avoid bites. and clothing to wear, can be found here: <\/span>http:\/\/epa.gov\/pesticides\/insect\/preventive_actions.htm<\/span><\/a> \u00a0Additional resources are available at <\/span>http:\/\/epa.gov\/pesticides\/insect\/safe.htm<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Lawn Care<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nWith your grass shooting up, it is time to mow. For a healthy lawn, cutting height is recommended between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. <\/span>Mow often enough to cut less than a third of total grass height. Leave clippings in the grass to recycle the nitrogen and prevent filling landfills. To learn more about lawn care, visit: <\/span>http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/safepestcontrol\/lawn-and-garden<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Pest Control<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nPest control in the garden often refers to the use of chemical pesticides. To ensure public safety, EPA offers a \u201c<\/span>Citizen\u2019s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety<\/span><\/a>\u201d as well as tailored guides on protecting your <\/span>garden<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>children<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>household<\/span><\/a>. These guides offer advice on pesticide selection for health and pollinator protection and best-alternative environmentally friendly practices. Additional resources are available at <\/span>http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/safepestcontrol\/lawn-and-garden#safely<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/pollinator-protection<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
SunWise<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nCheck the Ultraviolet (UV) Index anytime by downloading EPA’s app (epa.gov\/enviro\/mobile<\/a>) to plan outdoor activities while preventing overexposure to the sun. Apply a palm-full of sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection 15 minutes before heading outdoors. \u00a0Reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Go here to learn more: <\/span>http:\/\/www2.epa.gov\/sunwise\/action-steps-sun-safety<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n
Watering<\/b><\/span><\/div>\nWhen it is time to water your lawn or plants, avoid watering in the middle of the day when the hot sun will evaporate the water. Instead, water during the early morning and evening, for a total of one inch of water per week, including rainfall. A WaterSense labeled automatic sprinkler can take the guesswork out of watering and save money. Find more watering guidelines here: <\/span>http:\/\/www.epa.gov\/watersense\/outdoor\/watering_tips.html<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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