06 May 09 Properly Disposing Of Your Batteries

Practically all of us end up using more than their fair share of batteries over the course of a year, whether they be as simple as a couple pairs of double “AA’s” from your remote controls, to car batteries or hearing aid batteries. In fact in the United States the average person will use up to ten batteries at least in the course of a year, most of which won’t be disposed of properly. Which can be a major problem when a lot of people are just throwing out that many batteries a year. Mostly because batteries are notoriously bad for the environment when not disposed of properly for a variety of reasons.

Namely the toxic chemicals that are contained within the batteries that create the chemical energy reaction used to electrically power your electronic devices. These chemicals can pollute bodies of water with lead and various acidic chemicals, making the water harmful to practically every living thing. And when batteries are thrown away and then incinerated, the pollutants caused from burning a battery is harmful to people as they are toxic to breathe. Those chemicals when burned are very bad for the environment as they get trapped in the atmosphere only to be absorbed by clouds and then brought back down to pollute everything in their wake as rain.

Which is why you should always remember to properly dispose of your batteries. Anything alkaline such as most commonly AA, AAA, C, D, or 9 volt batteries you can just throw away with the rest of your trash, as these are not considered hazardous waste. You’ll want to check the label of every batter first however and ensure that it is an alkaline battery before you throw it away. Anything else needs to be disposed of at a hazardous waste management center.

Most cities and towns have such centers to handle batteries that contain excesses of heavy metals and harmful chemicals, but you’ll want to refer to your town or city’s regulations regarding battery disposal.

But you can also prevent the problem entirely by recycling your batteries, through either using rechargeable batteries and then recharging them yourself, or by recycling your batteries by finding a company near you that handles that sort of a process. This way you can ensure that you’re polluting the environment less by taking the proper care in your battery use.

Tags: 9 Volt Batteries, Alkaline Battery, Average Person, Battery Disposal, Bodies Of Water, Car Batteries, Chemical Energy, Cities And Towns, Couple Pairs, Double Aa, Electronic Devices, Excesses, Fair Share, Harmful Chemicals, Hazardous Waste Management, Hearing Aid Batteries, Heavy Metals, Management Center, Remote Controls, Toxic Chemicals

Filed in Home & Family with 1 Comment

19 Jan 09 Like Fall Flowers – A Tip To Care For Your Winter Garden Pond

Just like caring for your fall flowers it is just as important to beware of what the needs are of your garden pond. Most garden ponds are built to give additional beauty to the area. Yes, these are becoming more common.

Some of these have fish which adds another dimension They are relatively easy to care for. In the colder climates there are some important tips I have for you. If you are susceptible to the water freezing you need to read on.

The debris that collects in the garden ponds can give off toxic waste including gases. Like fall flowers these toxic chemicals need a place to go. This is into the atmosphere.

If they can’t escape they become trapped under the ice and can raise havoc with more bacteria being formed. If you have fish in your garden pond their internal systems will begin to suffer and could fail.

Part of fishes protection against disease is a slime protection over the fish including the gills. Toxins and bacteria break this down. You will notice the brilliant colors become dulled. Protecting Your Garden Pond.

In the late fall you should partially remove debris that collects in the bottom of your pond. Removing this will diminish any toxins that will be given off. And the pond will do better over the winter and any fish will survive it.

Does this remind you of what you need to due with your fall flowers?

Do You Have Fish?

You should consider doing several things. First fish will do well if the pond freezes over providing there is a depth of 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep section. They will survive very well.

It will even be better if there is about 2 foot area that doesn’t freeze over. You could use an aquarium oxygenator to help with this. If you have a pump that creates a small fountain it will keep a space ice free.

Don’t over-feed your fish. They don’t need as much food during the winter and the end of fall. Even early spring there no need to feed as much as during the summer months.

Some Experts Say…

…using some natural salt, that is, salt obtained by drying ocean water is good for your garden pond. It seems to help with the slime coating and also get rid of some of the bacteria and fungus that begin in garden ponds. Check with your garden expert to see about the dose of natural salt. This may be a bit controversial but I would err on the side of doing it.

Although the onset of fall flowers should remind you about also taking care of your garden pond. This doesn’t mean there is a great deal of work.

Did you enjoy this article? If you did sign up for more in our monthly newsletter. You will recieve free “All About Orchids” e-book and a 10% discount on an orchid plant. tools and awesome tools find profitable keywords, RSS capabilities and a lot more. All for one price (saving thousands) and no monthly fees.

Tags: Aquarium Help, Bacteria, Brilliant Colors, Climates, Debris, Early Spring, Fall Flowers, First Fish, Fishes, Foot Area, Garden Pond, Garden Ponds, Gases, Havoc, Slime, Toxic Chemicals, Toxic Waste, Toxins, Usi, Winter Garden

Filed in Pond Supplies with 0 Comments

19 Jan 09 Like Fall Flowers – A Tip To Care For Your Winter Garden Pond

Translator

Recent Posts

Blogroll

Categories

Gossimer Press Releases

Gossimer News