Pollution, air contamination, smog, powerplants– we are all familiar with the negative affects these factors have on our environment. Countless studies continue to reinforce the dangers associated with global warming and water pollution. They are content to blame factories, automobiles, planes and other “fossil-fuel burning agents” for our deteriorating environment. While many are interested in saving and preserving the atmosphere, most are unaware of the daily habits we engage in that hurt our surroundings. The simple misuse of a few household items can cause more damage than we may have expected. The improper disposal of the following items can negatively affect our environment:
1. Cooking Oils
Kitchen drains are often misused. It is not advisable to pour bacon grease, meat drippings, shortening, frying oil or any greasy foods down the disposal or drain– even with hot water. No matter how much hot water or soap is used to clean out the sinks, these fats and oils harden and congeal while passing through the pipes and sewers. Over time this causes serious, costly, back-ups; problems with the sewers and potentially your home.
Proper ways to dispose of cooking grease include wiping up the mess with paper towels or scrapping the waste directly into the trash. If you are living in the East Bay and have large amounts of waste to dispose, you can drop it off at the East Bay Municipal Utility District treatment plant at 2020 Wake Ave. in Oakland where it will be converted into renewable energy to power the plant.
2. Cleaning and Gardening Products
These products have the potential to pollute our water supply because chemicals contained within cannot be fully removed through wastewater treatment.
3. Medicines
These should never be flushed down the toilet. Pharmaceutical drugs cannot be completely removed through traditional wastewater methods. They may contain unknown or harmful substances that can negatively effect the water supply and aquatic life. To properly dispose of these items simple get rid of then at your designated collection site.
4. Items we Flush Down the Toilet
Personal hygiene products and household items can damage your homes plumbing and plug-up the treatment plant’s equipment. It also has the potential to pass along toxic materials into the water supply. If if it says “disposable” or “flushable,” DO NOT flush the following items down the toilet:
- flushable wipes (they’re not as flushable as you think!)
- sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators
- diapers
- condoms
- paper towels and rags
- hair
- dental floss
- cigarette butts
- kitty litter and doggy waste bags
These items don’t deteriorate when passing through the sewer but tangle up into barriers and obstructions that lend towards sewer back-ups. The only safe things to flush are human waste and toilet paper. For more information about pollution prevention visit: http://www.ebmud.com
If you love your community as much as I love mine, then you probably want to do whatever you can to preserve it for your kids and future generations. By observing these few simple rules, we can keep our environments clean and safe for years to come.
Pat Burgess
CELL:(925)683-3509
OFFICE: (925)217-5000
pburgess@empirera.com
http://www.ThePatBurgessTeam.com
From College my career began in advertising on the McDonald’s account.However, as the technology boom accelerated, I realized that was the “pool I wanted to swim in”, so I moved to high end business systems sales for AT&T, then Rolm Corporation, and then national marketing for IBM.I was a top performer in every position I ever had.In the early ‘90’s I relocated to Danville opening a business systems consulting firm with a focus on the utility industry:EXL Consulting, Inc.Within one year we had grown to over 80 consultants and a multi-million dollar company!But my first love was always real estate, so after many extraordinary years with EXL, we sold the business.Since then I have pursued my passion selling houses.With the blend of my corporate marketing background along with my love for real estate, I have been blessed with a successful combination, all of which has been very advantageous for my clients!Even through the difficult years in the real estate industry, I have been awarded President’s Club status every year for my top performance!Currently I am ranked within the top 2% of all Realtors nationwide.
I have lived in Danville for nearly 20 years, and raised 5 children doing everything from being a room mother, Mustang Soccer Coach, Cub Scout Den Leader, to now sitting on the Board for EPIC: Empowering Parents in the Community.I am actively involved in the Danville-Sycamore Rotary Club, was honored with “Rookie Rotarian of the Year” in 2009, and “Rotarian of the Year” in 2010 for my Community Service work. Currently I am the Chairperson for Community Service for my Rotary Club. I was the Assistant Chairperson for “Interact”, which is the High School version of Rotary. Recently I completed the “Leadership San Ramon Valley” program so that I will be able to better serve our community.I addition I have founded a support group called “Divorce Angels” for those needing help finding their way through the various challenges of this difficult process.And in my free time, my husband and I love to golf and ski, and do day trips to the local vineyards!
My key to success has always been a blend of a lot of hard work, passion for what I do, and most importantly, always putting my clients first!I love marketing, I love construction and staging, and I love negotiating.In the real estate industry, that is an unbeatable combination!
- Open House | 1761 Carmel Drive #105, Walnut Creek - March 11, 2015
- Beautiful Henry Ranch Estate for Sale! 6009 Westside Drive, San Ramon - September 24, 2014
- Coming Soon to Danville | 3694 Silver Oak Place - September 9, 2014
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