Cell Phones and Driving: A Dangerous Duo

There are those among us who may adhere to the belief that steering wheels are meant to be versatile and to accommodate as many fingers as are available at the moment.

Still, most would admit under duress that when a two-ton vehicle is in motion and you are directing its movement there are better ideas, and this is the naked truth no matter how inconvenient it may be.

It is odd how this phenomenon occurred when one considers that while celebrities are paid a lot of money to endorse bicycle helmets and other safety gear, it is not against the law to drive 4,000 pounds of steel 60 miles an hour while distracted in conversation.

Many people claim they can multi-task and they are not the problem and therein is the biggest one concerning this topic. It doesn’t matter if you were born with a cell-phone growing out of your ear, if you are talking on the phone and driving at the same time you cannot possibly be giving your full attention to the road ahead and all of its perils.

Even drivers who are not distracted have accidents because that automatic pilot that all drivers exercise works just fine until something different suddenly happens. That’s when you need both hands on the wheel and that just may be the moment when they are not there because they are…well elsewhere.

Even the hands-free phones are only a little bit better. Your hands may be on the wheel, but your mind is on the conversation/argument you are having with your boss, spouse, etc.

As long ago as 2002, the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration recommended that drivers not use cell phones at all, not even the hands-free type, and yet these reports were not even made public until last week after two public interest groups filed a lawsuit to obtain the documents under the Freedom of Information Act!

The recommendations posed by the NHTSA, along with a proposal for a long-term study of 10,000 drivers to assess the safety risk posed by cell phone use behind the wheel, were shelved due to what The New York Times referred to as “larger political considerations.”

At the time of this 2002 report, more than half of the population in the United States subscribed to cell phones and highway safety researchers estimated that 955 fatalities and 240,000 accidents were driver/cell phone-related accidents. Cell phone subscribers now make up 87 percent of the U.S. population, according to the cell phone industry trade group, CTIA-The Wireless Association.

And here we are in 2009 texting and talking while driving even more than ever before as we continue to endanger the lives of those we carry as passengers, not to mention our own.

If you are still not convinced, consider this startling fact: drivers talking on a phone are four times as likely to crash as other drivers, and are as likely to cause an accident as someone with a 0.08 blood alcohol content.

There are plenty of people out there who have a hard enough time texting while simply walking. Many argue that there is one simple solution and it may very well be a case of one-size-fits-all if given a chance.

Why not pull over to the side of the road if you need to make a call or send a text message on your cell phone?

How Bad Are Auto Sales?

1. How bad are sales, really?
After edging up in May, sales dropped again in June below the 10 million–unit annual sales pace, which puts new vehicle sales at the slowest pace since the recession in 1958 — a downturn that forced some carmakers, notably Packard, to shut their doors for good. Meanwhile, each of the Big Six (the three domestic carmakers plus Toyota, Honda and Nissan, which together account for 75% of all vehicle sales in the U.S.) reported double-digit declines in sales. The declines ranged from 11% at Ford to nearly 42% at Chrysler. German automakers such as Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz also reported double-digit declines.

2. By how much will the new federal "Cash for Clunkers" program help stimulate sales?
Carmakers are hoping the program will add about 250,000 units to the industry's sales total in the next few months. However, the program, which offers rebates of $3,500 to $4,500 for consumers trading in older vehicles for new, more-efficient vehicles, won't get rolling until July 24, and its $1 billion in funding expires Sept. 30. Automakers are already lobbying for more cash. Germany sank $6 billion into a similar scrappage program, China put $4 billion into its equivalent of cash for clunkers, and Brazil put up $3 billion, notes Mark LaNeve, GM's vice president of sales, service and marketing.
3. How long can Detroit sustain itself when monthly sales numbers are this bad?
The two bankrupt companies, Chrysler and General Motors, closed their assembly lines for much of May and June, which reduces their revenue substantially. Chrysler started up this week but will close again next week for summer changeovers. Both GM and Chrysler have built their recovery plans on very low sales estimates, which is the principal reason they have closed so many factories and discarded so many employees as they restructure. GM just announced plans to shed another 4,000 salaried employees by October, at which point it expects to have trimmed $12 billion in costs. GM also cut its advertising spending in half this year, which doesn't exactly stimulate sales. Bottom line: the next 12 to 18 months are perilous for both companies — and they'll need a modest improvement in sales just to survive. Ford, meanwhile, has played a difficult hand quite deftly. Despite a drop in sales volume, it has outperformed the market during the second quarter, reclaiming second place in total sales from Toyota and closing in on GM.

4. Are rental-fleet sales down for good?
Jim Farley, Ford group executive for sales and marketing, says rental fleets are starting to look for replacements for worn-out vehicles. Rental fleets have kept cars in service longer than in the past, but they're going to have to pay more for replacements now because automakers have slashed assembly capacity. One of the reasons Chrysler sales have dropped so dramatically this year is that the company withdrew from the fleet business because it was unprofitable.
5. Is Detroit's strategy of focusing on its profitable lines working?
Neither GM nor Chrysler is profitable yet. Going forward, however, both companies' recovery plans call for concentrating on vehicles that promise an adequate return. They will continue to focus on their profitable lines, such as Chrysler's minivans and GM's pickup trucks. But both GM and Chrysler will be adding new, small cars to their lines by 2011, as they say they will make a profit on those vehicles with rising gasoline prices.
6. Toyota is taking it on the chin along with everyone else. What does this mean for the oh-so-hip maker of the Prius?
Sales of the new 2010 Prius got off to a strong start in June, according to Toyota, as consumers bought more than 13,000 units. But it's the sales of Toyota's other vehicles, such as its full-size pickup truck, the Tundra, and its hip little Scion that have borne the brunt of Toyota's sales slump. The company hopes to stem the decline by beefing up sales of its small utility vehicle, the RAV4, its Sienna minivan and the Camry sedan. Toyota executives have also raised incentives and are trusting that rising gas prices will help arrest the sales decline. Toyota traditionally does well as gasoline prices increase because of its reputation for fuel efficiency.
7. Is Hyundai's ad line — You can return your car to us if you lose your job — still moving cars?
Yes. The Korean brands, Hyundai and Kia, have gained market share this year at the expense of their American, Japanese and European rivals. Both Hyundai and Kia were outperforming the industry through May. "Hyundai's share is up over 2 percentage points over the first half of '08, which is a massive undertaking in a very volatile market. We do continue to see them in a position to go after additional share, but it will be a more difficult environment, as the domestics are reawakening," says Jeff Schuster, an analyst with J.D. Power & Associates in Troy, Mich.
8. How are the German carmakers faring?
They aren't doing great. Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz have all reported double-digit sales declines so far this year. On the plus side, the overall German share of the market is up slightly, but hanging on doesn't guarantee success. Both Porsche, which is in danger of being swallowed by BMW, and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG have gone to the Middle East for more cash.
9. Are any car manufacturers doing well?
Subaru continues to chug along, building on its modest success last year. Overall, Subaru's sales are down only 1% during the first six months of the year, and it just reported a 3% increase in June. Audi is another carmaker showing signs of gaining share in a difficult market. While its sales are down slightly, Audi now holds more than 9% of the U.S. luxury market, its largest share in years.

10. Do these awful sales numbers jeopardize any aspect of the Obama rescue plan?
Manufacturers insist that the latest car sales are a reflection of the underlying weakness of the U.S. economy. Bob Carter, head of the Toyota sales apparatus, notes that the Japanese automaker's sales totals continue to suffer from California's economic crisis as well as its real estate downturn. "It's not one thing: it's real estate, it's availability of credit, it's unemployment" that's hurting California sales, he says. Mike DiGiovanni, GM's general director of market analysis, says the present economic numbers suggest that a modest improvement in economic conditions is under way but that it's still very fragile and could use more stimulus. GM's lawyers warned in bankruptcy court that the company might have to start the liquidation process by mid-July if it is not guaranteed an exit from bankruptcy in the next 30 to 60 days. (On July 5, Judge Robert Gerber of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the sale of GM's assets to a government-run company.) Further, if a modest recovery in sales doesn't begin soon, the bailouts of both Chrysler and GM could fail. "Our situation is perilous," says GM's LaNeve.

A Simple Car Cleaning Guide

“It looks like new! I can’t believe that car’s seven years old!” Would you like to hear that from your friends? I’m sure all of us do, but keeping our car looking like the latest models is tough, even with today’s longer-lasting finishes.
However, if we adopt simple techniques such as cleaning out cars regularly and attending minor repairs immediately, the results can be remarkable.
Some car owners think rainwater is the only enemy to their car, but bird droppings, highway bugs, atmospheric pollution and road salt can also ruin the beauty of your car.
Many owners think fighting these ever-diligent adversaries is a daunting task, so they don’t usually bother, but truthfully, it’s easier than they think.
Step 1: Washing
First, spray water gently to thoroughly wet the surface of the vehicle. This light rinse helps to loosen the dirt on the vehicle. Then divide your car into five sections: the top, the hood, the trunk, the right side and the left side. Start from the top, move on to the hood and the trunk, and then concentrate on the right side and the left side. Washing should always be done very gentle such that the dirt will not scratch the body of your car. Re-wet and then rinse each section, finishing in the same order- top, hood, trunk and sides.
Step 2: Polishing
Polishing should only be done a small section at a time. Add an even coating of polish onto a towel, and then apply to the vehicle surface gently in small, even and circular motions. Start at the top and working your way down to the trunk and hood, finally ending with the sides. The polish should be allowed to sit on the paint surfaces for at least five to ten minutes. After this time, remove the residue with a different cotton towel by pressing firmly on the surfaces. The same procedure may be applied to all other four sections.
Step 3: Waxing
Use a soft and clean terry cloth towel to apply wax to a small section of the car. The application of wax to the car can be done similar to how polishing has been carried out. The only difference is you should wait until the wax has dried to a slight haze. If you’re really striving, repeat the whole process again, adding a second coat of wax to the vehicle.
And there you have it! You’ve removed the dirt and grime; polished away the small spots and scratches; and added another layer of protection to your vehicle’s finish. By now your car should glitter like it did the first day you got it. Don’t forget the last step – show off your car

Simple Ways to Maximize Your Joy

1. Do at least one thing every day that makes you smile. Maybe it’s visiting the pet store, going to a matinee, reading poetry out loud, or listening to the wind chimes on a blustery day. If you have no clue about what makes you smile, put a basket in any high traffic area in your home. Whenever something happens that makes you smile, jot it down on a piece of paper and drop it in the basket. After a week or two, empty the basket and you’ll be surprised by the things that bring you joy.

2. Stop taking everything so personally. Sometimes it’s just not about you! How often do you interpret other’s comments or actions personally and make them about you? When you see your neighbor at the grocery store and she walks by without saying hello, do you assume:

• I did something wrong.
• I’m not good enough for her.
• She’s ignoring me because I didn’t invite her son to little Billy’s b-day party.

If the answer is any one of the above, try reinterpreting her behavior. For example, is it possible that your neighbor:

• Was focused on picking artichokes and she just didn’t see you.
• Was just in a car accident and is trying to shake it off.
• Just realized she’s turning fifty next week and has to schedule her first colonoscopy.

Do your interpretations create a feeling of peace or stress? If the answer is stress, create a new story to explain her behavior that you feel good about. The bottom line is you really have no idea what is going on with your neighbor, so why not choose a meaning that makes you feel good?

3. Evaluate your “to do” list. Make a list of ten things you have to do this week. Next perform what I call a body scan. Notice how your body responds when you imagine doing each of these things on your list. Does your body feel tense? Do you feel a pit in your stomach? Focus on the task that brings up the most pain, and ask yourself why you are planning to do this thing that causes you to feel anxious or stressed. If the answer is “I have to,” then you set yourself up to be in a completely helpless position. There are no alternatives when you operate from that principle. If the answer is “I choose to do it because if I don’t it would be morally repulsive,” you come from a more powerful place and one of choice.

4. Show your gratitude, it will change your attitude. Each night before bed time, write down five things that happened in your day for which you are most grateful. It could be as simple as “I woke up today” or “my roses are in bloom.” Don’t think it, write it down. When you put pen to paper it makes an imprint on your brain and it will resonate more deeply within you. Start a Gratitude Journal and I guarantee that your “joy” meter will rise.

5. Give unto others. One year ago, my family and I became involved in a homeless organization. We spend one Sunday each month feeding the homeless who patiently stand in line waiting for a free meal. My kids and I listen to heart wrenching stories about how these individuals lost their jobs, their relationships and ultimately their homes. Surprisingly, my problems, which seemed so large only an hour earlier, felt quite small in comparison. Giving to others puts things in perspective and reinforces feelings of appreciation and gratitude.

6. Laugh at least twice a day. Stop taking what your spouse says so seriously and add a dose of humor. Sometimes when my husband and I are arguing, I will tell a joke or make a silly face. We inevitably break out into belly laughter and it makes us realize how ridiculous we sound. It’s amazing how humor can add levity to a serious situation. I will also call my funniest friend and we giggle about how often we forget where we parked our cars and how many times we’ve repeated a story to one another. If you can’t muster up joy from poking fun at yourself, turn on the comedy channel. Laughter is truly medicinal.

7. Put your oxygen mask on first then assist your child with theirs. When you put your mask on first, you are teaching your child that it is essential, even life saving, to first take care of yourself before you can tend to others. Do you sacrifice everything for your children, including yourself? Do you avoid taking the flower arranging class one night a week or seeing your college roommate for dinner because you’re afraid your children might need you? And, what if they did? Maybe your being gone once in awhile would require your children to be more independent and resourceful. Show your child that taking care of you is the best gift you can give to yourself and be the example.

8. Make your resolutions but take one turtle step at a time. Why do you think very few people succeed in achieving their New Year’s resolutions? It’s admirable to say you want to clean up the clutter in your home, however, the task can feel daunting and overwhelming. When goals become lofty, we often lose steam and our commitment wanes. Instead of saying “I’m going to clean out my entire apartment,” say “I’m going to clean out one drawer in my kitchen today.” Breaking down goals into small, manageable steps feels less stressful and more attainable. Before you know it, you may have cleared your clutter… one turtle step at a time.

9. Learn to say “No.” Most women I coach say they never have any time to themselves and even if they knew what brought them joy they wouldn’t have time for it. Why is that? Are you in default mode, saying yes without thinking about the ramifications of being the President of the PTA? Although you may feel flattered that someone nominated you for the role, stop and think how it will impact you and your life. When someone asks you to do something, whether it’s babysitting their kids on a Saturday night or coordinating a fund-raiser, tell them you need a couple of days to think it over. Then, ask yourself if your best friend came to you and solicited your advice about whether or not to take on this position, what would you say to her? However you respond, turn it around to yourself and you’ll have your answer.

10. Stay in your own business. Have you ever made a remark that resembles “I would be happier if my husband would listen to me,” or “If my son tried harder in school I wouldn’t have to worry so much?” Each time you make someone else responsible for how you feel, you are, in effect, arguing with reality. When you mentally argue with “what is,” you suffer and the situation becomes hopeless. It means you are eternally in the role of victim because your happiness is contingent upon how other’s behave. They essentially become your hostages. Next time you feel stressed or in pain, write down your thoughts and watch for whose business you’re in.
Increasing the joy in your life is really very simple.

First, you must decide that having more joy is important and worthwhile. Often this decision will lead you to inspired action.

Other times, you will still feel as stuck as a pantry flea on a glue trap. This is how I feel about my writing. Writing is important to me but I don’t always feel motivated to sit down and do it. Because I know this about myself, I create small, manageable steps for my writing. I give myself just fifteen minutes to write everyday. No more no less. This propels me to sit down at my computer because it feels easy and doable. I suggest you do the same for creating more joy in your life. Pick one thing from the list above and do the required action. Only one. Not two or three. You may be surprised to find that just one step is all that is required to build your reservoir of joy.

ABC’s of Organic Cooking

Organic cooking takes health, flavor and eco-consciousness to another level. Organic cooking uses all organic ingredients that meet the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s strict organic standards, which means no pesticides, herbicides or insecticides are used on produce, and eggs, dairy and meats come from grass-fed animals that don’t receive antibiotics, growth hormones or GMOs. The result is delicious, healthy and high-quality products that you can make into wonderful organic meals. Here are the ABC’s of organic cooking:

• Alcohol
  
  Organic alcohol, such as organic beer, wine or vodka is suitable for cooking organic meals. Organic alcohol is made from ingredients that are grown on certified organic farms without the use of pesticides or potentially toxic chemicals. Even the distilling process must be done organically, without nitrogen or other chemicals.

• Baking powder
  Organic baking powder is vital for making baked goods because of its leavening agent, which increases the volume of baked goods. Organic baking powder has the same double- acting components of regular baking powder, minus the sodium aluminum sulfate, a genetically modified ingredient.

• Chocolate
  Organic chocolate is packed with all of the delicious and nutritious goodness that you get from regular chocolate, but it’s made from organically-grown cacao beans that are free of toxic chemicals.

• Desserts
  From flour, eggs and chocolate, organic desserts are made with all organic ingredients, and, best of all, you don’t have to skimp on taste or variety. Chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream and cheesecake are just a few of the many desserts that you can bake organically.

• Eggs
  Organic eggs are fed organic feed, which prohibits the use of GMOs and animal byproducts. Organic eggs are a healthy and delicious option for organic cooking and baking.

• Fruit
  Organic fruits are bright, delicious and full of nutrients, which makes them an important asset to any organic meal. Certified organic fruits are grown without pesticides and toxic chemicals that linger on conventionally-grown fruits, and it’s a difference you can taste and see.

• Garlic
  What dinner would be complete without garlic? Organic garlic packs the same nutritional benefits of nonorganic, but without the icky pesticides and chemicals.

• Herbs and spices
  Organic herbs and spices are all natural and of high quality because they are non-irradiated and don’t use ETO chemical sterilization. These herbs and spices are fresh, fragrant and will bring a wonderful flavor to your organic meals.

• Infant formula
  Organic infant formula is a healthy alternative to nonorganic infant formula because it doesn’t contain any growth hormones, antibiotics, steroids or harmful pesticides. In addition, organic infant formula is made to replicate breast milk with high quality proteins, vitamins, minerals and added omega fatty acids, such as DHA and ARA. For organic cookers, you can also make your own natural, organic infant formula using top-quality organic ingredients.

• Juice
  Organic juices come in a variety of types and flavors. Organic fruit and vegetable juices are grown organically, without pesticides and harmful chemicals. Many organic juices are not from concentrate, they’re cold pressed directly from fresh fruit and flash pasteurized to maintain the nutrients and taste. Organic juice can be used in cooking, baking and are delicious on their own.

• Kosher
  Kosher foods can also be organic because they conform to the Jewish biblical laws and USDA certified organic standards. Kosher and organic foods actually have quite a bit in common because both require that animals be fed organically grown food and be treated humanely. Organic kosher food is tasty and a delicious option for organic cooking.

• Legumes
  Organic legumes, such as beans, peas and lentils are grown without pesticides and harmful chemicals that would otherwise seep into the seed, pod or shell of a nonorganic legume. Organic legumes are excellent for organic cooking, and they pack a lot of flavor and health benefits too.

• Milk
  Organic milk comes from cows that are given certified organic feed, without antibiotics, synthetic hormones, animal byproducts or pesticides. Organic-fed cows are raised humanely and graze freely, which promotes healthy cows and better quality products. Organic milk comes in a variety of types and can be used in numerous organic meals.

• Nuts
  Raw organic nuts are a healthy alternative to roasted nuts because they don’t contain pesticides or potentially harmful chemicals, and organic nuts don’t have the threat of dangerous acrylamides like roasted nuts. Whether you munch on them out of the can, make your own peanut butter or throw them into a salad, organic raw nuts are tasty and better for you.

• Olive oil
  Organic olive oil is made from organic olives that are grown without pesticides or chemicals. Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet and it’s great for organic cooking, as well.

• Peppers
  From bell, jalapeno to cayenne peppers, organic peppers pack the same flavorful punch as nonorganic, but have the added benefits of being pesticide-free. Organic peppers are an excellent addition to organic meals because of their nutritional benefits and powerful taste.

• Queso
  Organic cheese comes from cows that are fed organic feeds, without antibiotics or synthetic growth hormones, and many graze naturally on organic pasture plants. Organic cheese comes in a wide variety of flavors and it adds a nice touch to any meal.

• Recipes
  In order to cook organically, you’ll want to follow organic recipes that can be found in cookbooks, online and on organic food packages, as well as at organic grocery stores. Following an organic recipe that only uses organic ingredients will give you the joy of cooking healthy and doing good for the environment.

• Sugars
  Organic sugars are excellent replacements for refined sugars. Organic sugars, including white, light and dark brown and powdered sugar, are made from certified sugar cane and are perfect for sprinkling in beverages, on foods and for baking.

• Tea
  Organic tea is grown on land that doesn’t use pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, chemical additives or other potentially harmful chemicals. Organic tea is completely natural and makes for a delicious beverage or ingredient for cooking.

• Utensils
  Yes, even your utensils can be organic and super stylish as well. Most organic utensils are made of organic bamboo, which is extremely durable and eco-friendly because it’s made without toxic chemicals.

• Vegetables
  For organic cookers, organic vegetables are the only way to go. Organic vegetables are grown without pesticides and toxic chemicals. This can affect the size, taste and nutritional value of your organic veggies, which makes cooking them a healthy and delicious option.

• Whole grains
  Organic whole grains, like wheat, oat, barley, rye and brown rice are packed with more nutrients and pesticide-free benefits that you can’t get with refined-grain foods.

• Xtra good for you
  Organic foods are extra good for you because they are grown and processed without pesticides and potentially harmful chemicals that you won’t be ingesting.

• Yogurt
  Organic yogurt is made with organic milk from cows that are given organic feed, without antibiotics or hormones. Many organic yogurts are also free of artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, MSG or gelatin. Organic yogurt has the same, if not more, live and active probiotic cultures as regular yogurt, and is just as delicious and great to cook with.

• Zest
  Zest is a piece of the peel from a citrus fruit, such as a lemon, orange, citron and lime. Zest is added to foods and desserts to add a fruitful flavor. The same flavorful effect can be achieved by using an organic citrus fruit and zesting its outer, pesticide-free skin.

Ways to Burn a Hole in the Ozone

Ozone depletion is a very real and very frightening reality on planet Earth. The ozone layer is a protective shield in the stratosphere that protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. During the 1980s, scientists noticed that the ozone was decreasing in Earth’s polar regions. It was later discovered that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a popular compound that was used in various products like refrigerants, air-conditioning and cleaning agents, was a major cause in ozone depletion. With every spray of aerosol hairspray and flow of air conditioning, CFCs were emitted into the atmosphere, carried by winds up to the stratosphere and broken down by UV radiation, releasing chlorine atoms that destroyed the ozone layer. Since this discovery, the U.S. and other countries agreed to the Montreal Protocol treaty that has regulated the manufacturing, sale and use of CFCs and it’s alternative, HCFCs. Through collective efforts of developed countries, there has been a significant reduction in ozone depletion, but CFCs and HCFCs are still being used commercially and by developing countries. Here are 6 ways to burn a hole in the ozone:

• Use Inhalers
  A metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a hand-held, pressurized tool used to deliver small doses of medication to the lungs for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For every puff of an inhaler, the more CFCs are being emitted into the atmosphere and depleting the ozone layer because MDIs are still made with these compounds. Research is underway to implement alternatives for CFCs in inhalers, but is not available yet.

• Use Document Preservation Sprays
  Document preservation sprays will certainly burn a hole in the ozone layer because they still contain CFCs or HCFCs as propellants. In order to regulate the emissions, document preservation sprays may only be used on thick books, books with coated or dense paper and tightly bound documents.

• Use a Fire Extinguisher
  If there’s a fire in your office kitchen, school laboratory or local restaurant, a portable fire extinguisher is most often used to put out the fire. What you may not know is that non-residential fire extinguishing equipment, like a portable fire extinguisher, still contains HCFCs that burn a hole in the ozone. However, these extinguishers may be used in non-residential applications only.

• Use Aerosol Hairsprays
  While the use of CFCs in aerosol hairsprays has been phased out in developed countries, it is still used in developing countries that have not implemented an alternative compound for aerosols. Today’s aerosol hairsprays contain HFCs, which are thought to be more ozone-friendly, but certainly contribute to global warming.

• Use Wasp and Hornet Sprays
  Using wasp and hornet killer sprays is a guaranteed way to burn a hole in the ozone because these aerosol products contain HCFCs to replace CFCs. According to the EPA, wasp and hornet sprays can only be used near high-tension power lines, and the seller must notify customers about these restrictions.

• Use Foam Insulation Products
  Foam insulation products are used for appliance, residential and commercial insulation applications, such as refrigerated storage and transport or pipe insulation. Foam insulation products are still made with HCFC blowing agents because its HFC alternative has not been implemented across all nations.

Top 10 Tips to Avoid Bedbugs

Bedbugs – creepy and persistent saboteurs of sleep. It is no wonder these parasitic insects have caused such a stir in the news. Their resilience can make them unwelcome house guests indefinitely. And now they’re invading more than just houses and hotels; latching on to furniture, suitcases, or any number of comfortable surfaces, they’ve started moving into airplanes, schools, movie theaters, hospitals, and more.

But panic isn’t – as it rarely is – the answer. Bedbugs aren’t known to carry diseases like other vermin. And while they can be a painful nuisance and costly to exterminate, they are not life-threatening.

Their survival techniques are clever. When bedbugs bite, they inject “a sort of anesthetizing agent, which allows the bite to be painless,” explains Michael Potter, an entomologist specializing in pest management, to an NPR reporter. “That’s a good survival mechanism because if you woke up and felt the pain, not too many bedbugs would survive to feed another day.” Painless at first, bites from bedbugs can become red and itchy welts.

After bedbugs bite, they can hide in a number of out-of-sight places including behind loose wallpaper, electrical switch plates, seams of mattresses and other upholstery.


1. When sleeping in a new bed, check for signs of their feces: small, black or dark brown dots on sheets or the mattress. (If you are in a hotel and find potential bedbug fecal matter, ask for a new room far from the original.)


2. While bedbugs mostly hide out during the day, you may be able to spot the actual bug at night (using a flashlight may be helpful). Baby bedbugs are nearly invisible, but their older relatives are brown to red-brown and oval-shaped .


3. Regularly inspect places where pets sleep for signs of bedbugs.


4. In some heavily infested areas, a “coriander-like” odor may be present.


5. If you suspect you’ve been exposed to bedbugs when traveling, clean out everything you traveled with. Vacuum out your suitcase and wash all clothes in hot water if possible, whether they are dirty or not. When traveling, leave your suitcases on hard surfaces if possible (rather than carpet or upholstered furniture).

6. If you suspect there are bedbugs in your home, do not jump directly to pesticide application. Many pesticides, especially over-the-counter treatments, are ineffective in killing bedbugs and their eggs, and only provide unnecessary chemicals in your living space. Professional steam or heat treatments kill eggs and adults .

7. Make sure it is indeed bedbugs that are causing your bites before treating the problem. Fleas, ticks, mites, mosquitoes, or allergic reactions may be the cause of the skin lesions. IdentifyUS suggests a variety of trapping methods you can use to find and identify a bedbug.

8. If you cannot find a bedbug, but suspect they are present, a “bedbug-sniffing dog” may help sniff-out the culprits.

9. Do not put infested furniture on the street or in common areas, as that may spread the problem to other homes. If you do move infested furniture out of your house, place in a locked dumpster and label it as bedbug-infested. If you have infested furniture that is useful, you do not need to dispose of it; it can be cleaned and treated.

10. Clear your clutter. “The most vulnerable people for pests are people who have a lot of clutter,” this Networx article advises. Having a non-cluttered home also makes treatment easier, as there are less objects to clean.



5 ways to get rid of bedbugs.

1. Steve Tvedten, author of a non-toxic pest control website, suggests using a steam cleaner on cracks and mattresses weekly, if you suspect bedbugs. Bedbugs are very sensitive to heat, and cannot stand temperatures above 111 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit. An hour of high heat exposure should eliminate most infestations, according to Tvedten.


2. Low temperatures (32 to 48 degrees Fahrenheit) for longer periods of time (30 to 50 days) can also eradicate bedbug infestations.


3. Vacuum anything you can. Put other items in sealed plastic bags.



4. Wash any fabric you can in hot water.


5. You may want to use a non-toxic spray for controlling bedbugs.