HOW TO HAVE AN EARTH-FRIENDLY PICNIC

Having a picnic this summer? Be sure to enjoy all the greenery . . . but don?t forget the ?greening.? Here are tips to help you make sure your picnic is friendly to the earth:

• Stick around: Choose a picnic site you can get to without a car ? by walking, biking, hiking, or taking public transportation.

• Eat locally, too: For your menu, choose fresh, local foods, ideally ones grown organically or with minimal processing.

• Reuse it: Use washable and reusable utensils, tablecloths, napkins, thermoses, and food containers

• Recycle it: Make it a waste-free event by recycling bottles, cans, and other materials.

• Burn it clean: Instead of using lighter fluid, which contributes to air pollution, use a metal charcoal chimney (available at most hardware stores).

• Be a savvy weather-watcher: Watch the clouds and learn about what they say about weather.

• Stay on trails: Don?t disturb plants and animals by going off trails. Make sure kids play in designated areas.

• Bug off, naturally: Use less-toxic insecticides, such as a citrus candle or incense, to keep bugs away.

• Stop and look around: Take time to enjoy and explore the scenery. Bring field guides, binoculars, or a nature journal.

TIPS FOR A ?GREEN? SWIMMING POOL

• Water containing chlorine is harmful to aquatic life. Whenever possible, drain your pool or spa into the sanitary sewer system.

• Properly store pool and spa chemicals to prevent leaks and spills, preferably in a covered area to avoid exposure to storm water.

• Consider a chlorine generator for chemicals. It allows you to use and store an inexpensive, nontoxic salt instead of toxic chemicals.

Keep Cool This Summer (and Warm Next Winter)

Looking for financial incentives for energy efficiency where you live?

• The Residential Energy Efficiency Database offers information on audits, rebates, and low-interest loans. Go to http://neaap.ncat.org/db.

• The State Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs website ? www.betterinsulation.org ? lists rebates and tax incentives for upgrading insulation to recommended levels.

For more tips or to find out how your workplace can help the earth, visit Earth Share's Web site at www.earthshare.org, call 800.875.3863, or send an e-mail to info@earthshare.org.