This summer, take steps to ensure your gardening experience is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Here are some ideas for avoiding injury and irritating existing conditions while gardening:

Warm up

You wouldn’t go jogging or work out without doing some light stretching and warm-up exercises, and you shouldn’t jump into gardening without warming up first. Before stepping into your garden, do some stretches to limber up, especially your arms, legs and back. When you’ve completed your gardening chores for the day, finish up with more stretching.

Banish bending

Many Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and while it’s important to keep moving despite discomfort, it makes sense to minimize activities that could create or worsen pain. Bending over to work in the garden can be hard on your back. If back pain is a concern, consider planting your garden in raised beds this year, or working with container gardens. Elevated beds require you to bend less when doing typical gardening chores. And container gardens can be placed on tables or deck railings to make it easy to reach plants.

Protect hands and wrists

Weeding, hoeing, raking, shoveling – the repetitive motions of gardening can lead to hand and wrist pain, and worsen existing conditions such as arthritis. Taking steps to minimize irritation and discomfort while you work can help ensure your gardening tasks don’t create aches or worsen pain. Consider wearing an Arthritis Glove, like the Imak-made glove commended by the Arthritis Foundation, to provide mild compression and warmth while you work. Because the gloves are made of cotton Lycra with an open fingertip design, they won’t make your hands hot or hinder movement. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, the Arthritis Gloves are also fully washable, so you don’t have to worry about getting a little dirt on them as you go about your gardening tasks. An added bonus – wearing any kind of glove can help you avoid another common gardening injury: blisters.

Guard skin

Sunburn and insect bites are also a risk for gardeners, who spend a lot of time outdoors. While most insect bites are just an irritation, sunburn can cause serious, long-term skin damage. To ward off mosquitoes and other biting bugs, apply an insect repellent. Prevent sunburn by always wearing sunscreen – the kind that blocks both UVA and UVB rays – whenever you’re outdoors. Use a wide-brimmed, lightweight hat to shade your eyes and keep the sun off your head. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water, especially on hot days when you’ll be out for several hours.

Move wisely

Lifting can be another source of back pain, and gardening often involves lifting, whether it’s heavy bags of soil or seed, or a full basket of the fruits of your labor. Remember to lift from a squatting position, with your back straight, so that your legs do the work, not your back. When kneeling down, use gardening knee pads or even just a rolled up towel to cushion your joints from the hard, damp ground. Remember to minimize twisting motions that can inure your back and joints.

With a few precautions, you can ensure this summer’s gardening activities remain safe, enjoyable and pain free.

Here are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay healthy, active and safe:

Maintain regular health screenings and immunizations

While it is important to have regular check-ups with your family doctor, it’s equally important to monitor vitals more frequently. Luckily, most local pharmacies offer free blood pressure and cholesterol checks, as well as seasonal flu shots.

Fight against falls

Falls are the most common cause of hospital visits for those older than 65, according to the Home Safety Council. To help prevent falls in the bathroom – while maintaining stylish decor in your home – add new Grab Bars with Integrated Accessories from Moen Home Care. These unique products combine functional accessories, such as a shelf, towel bar and toilet paper holder, with the safety of a grab bar.

Travel safety

Once you’ve updated your own bathroom with safety features, be sure that you are surrounded with these safety devices when you’re visiting others or on vacation. Products such as the Suction Balance Assist Bar from Moen Home Care offer a suction design that easily attaches directly to smooth, flat surfaces for a firm, secure grip in danger zones – and easily unlocks from the wall for convenient transport when traveling.

Ensure help is a call away

Cell phones are not just for social uses, they are a valuable emergency response tool – and they don’t have to come with a pricey monthly bill. In fact, plans are available for as low as $10 per month without a contract to AARP members .

 Cease bad habits

Smokers will die 14 years sooner than non-smokers, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. No matter if you’ve been smoking for years or decades, your body will be better off if you kick the habit.

Instill healthy habits

Being healthy doesn’t have to involve major lifestyle changes. For example, swap high-fat or high-calorie versions of your favorite foods with lower-fat, lower-calorie versions. Or, stock your fridge with healthy fruits and vegetables for snacks. These small diet changes can make big differences in your overall health.

Boost your activity levels

This doesn’t mean running a marathon – but it does mean getting your body moving. Walking, playing golf or any other enjoyable activity that boosts your heart rate is a step in the right direction.

Keep your mind moving

Cognitive performance levels drop earlier in countries that have younger retirement age, according to a study published by the RAND Center for the Study of Aging and the University of Michigan. But if you’re no longer in the workforce – don’t fear. Just be sure to keep your brain busy by engaging in activities that combine social, physical and intellectual stimulation.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure the golden years will be happy, healthy and safe.

And because so many Americans are aging in place, they’re looking for ways to make their homes safe and comfortable for the long term. With just a fewmodifications, retired couples can make their homes perfect sanctuaries for their golden years. Here are some modification ideas to help you keep your heart right at home:

* Staying connected is important for many seniors, especially if they aren’t able to get out of the house as frequently as they used to. There are video/television systems and services available that allow you to chat with a person from a care program while sitting at your dining room table. Program staff can also monitor your house and contact a relative or emergency service if they notice you haven’t moved in awhile. Some couples enjoy the interaction they have with the person on the other end of the video cameras, while others appreciate knowing that if they were to fall or get sick, someone would notice and respond immediately.

* Independence is also very important for seniors, and this is especially true in the bathroom. Climbing over a bathtub wall becomes more difficult as people age, and can also make the bathroom very dangerous for slips and falls. A Zon Walk-In Bath has an easy step-in, step-out design with anti-slip floors and internal grip bars that allow you to safely – and independently – bathe in your own home. Because the door opens and seals shut, this walk-in bath allows you to sit down prior to running any water, which can help prevent a slip or fall. Hydrotherapy jets also add additional health benefits, so you can comfortably soak as long as you want. Visit www.zonwalkinbaths.com or call (800) 501-0370 to learn more.

* If you plan to stay active in your community, you may need to make adjustments to your vehicle so you can safely and easily negotiate the controls from behind the wheel. Car manufacturers are adapting vehicles to accommodate seniors with such options as seats that swivel to face out the door so you can sit down or stand up easily and not have to bend down at an angle to climb into the seat. Other available adapters are dashboards that push back until the driver is in the seat and ready to start the car, buttons to control the radio and temperature on the steering wheel, and sliding cabinets that help a person load items into the trunk – and get them out easier.

* Make your home easily accessible. At least one entrance should be level with the walkway – you may need to build a ramp to accomplish this. Also consider changing the door handles to lever style so if a person is suffering from arthritis, they can still easily open the door. Remote locks and a covered walkway are also a good idea, because you won’t have to be standing out in the elements while you attempt to unlock the door with a key. The covering also helps prevent ice from building up along the walkway. Finally, installing a good light at all the entrances will allow you to easily see where you are going and any potential obstacles that might be in your way.

With a few modifications, your house can be a very comfortable and safe haven for many years to come. And since it’s already a place you call “home,” why not enjoy it during your retirement years?

If you are an adult with elderly parents, you may be used to getting periodic updates on the status of their physical health. When it comes to the state of their financial health, however, elderly parents may not be quite as forthcoming. Many adult children are surprised when they find that their elderly parents are actually struggling to make ends meet.

That’s why now may be the right time to take a closer look at your parents’ financial well-being. Here are some signs of possible problems:

• Stacks of unpaid bills
• Late-payment notices or calls from creditors
• A home that has fallen into disrepair.

According to Tim McDonald, head of Wells Fargo’s Senior Products Group, some seniors may simply forget to pay bills or deposit checks, don’t have enough income to cover their expenses or have become physically unable to write checks. Additionally, older homeowners may avoid taking on home repair projects because of costs.

“Most of the time, parents won’t let on when they’re having trouble managing things on their own,” said McDonald. “But there will be red flags around the house when money is an issue.”

That may be the time to call a family meeting, noted McDonald. “Those interactions can be a good way to learn about an elderly parent’s financial situation.”

A Reverse Mortgage May Be an Option

For many people, retirement means limited income and increasing expenses because of health care costs and prescription drug payments. A reverse mortgage loan can help seniors take care of their own needs and live more comfortably, and ease the concerns of adult children.

“Adult kids are taking care of their own families, and many are preparing to retire themselves. They shouldn’t have to worry about their parents’ finances at the same time,” added McDonald. “A reverse mortgage loan can bring everyone some peace of mind.”

How it Works

A reverse mortgage loan enables senior homeowners age 62 or older to convert a portion of their home’s equity into tax-free proceeds without the burden of making monthly mortgage payments like a traditional mortgage. Seniors can use the proceeds for any purpose, including daily living expenses, home repairs, prescription drugs or long-term health care costs.

Interest accrues on the amount of money withdrawn, but instead of the borrower making monthly payments like one does on a traditional mortgage, the loan balance is due when the last surviving borrower no longer occupies the home as his or her primary residence.

Said McDonald, “The last thing retirees want to do is worry about money. A senior can turn to a reverse mortgage loan and receive funds in one lump sum, monthly proceeds or as a line of credit.”

As a key consumer protection, all potential borrowers must participate in an education session with a HUD-approved counselor to determine if a reverse mortgage is the best option for the senior. All borrowers are responsible for paying all taxes and insurance as well.

A New Type of Reverse Mortgage

One of the latest developments in reverse mortgage products is the HECM Saver, which allows homeowners access to a lower portion of their home equity with lower upfront costs than a standard HECM reverse mortgage. The lower cost comes by way of a significantly reduced upfront-mortgage insurance premium.

HECM Saver loans have different qualification requirements than traditional home equity financing, and offer the same features and benefits of all FHA-insured HECM reverse mortgage loans, such as flexible payout options, no income or credit score qualifications and no monthly mortgage payments as compared to a traditional mortgage.

Additionally, Wells Fargo currently offers no origination or servicing fees on all its FHA-insured HECM reverse mortgages, including the HECM Saver. The reduced fees mean senior borrowers will save more money upfront and over the life of their loans.

Social Security and Medicare Are Not Affected

Proceeds from a reverse mortgage loan are not considered income, so Social Security and Medicare are not affected. Local program offices or attorneys should be consulted to determine how or if reverse mortgage proceeds might affect eligibility for other programs, such as Medicaid.

There are no income or credit score qualifications, except when reverse mortgage loan proceeds are used for purchase transactions. In this instance, verification of income sufficient to pay real estate taxes, insurance and maintenance costs on the borrower’s new property is required. If the departure residence will be retained as an investment property or second home, verification of income sufficient to pay any mortgage payments for that property is also required.

A consumer-friendly website with a reverse mortgage calculator has been created by the bank to help seniors learn about reverse mortgages, download free educational materials and calculate an estimate of how much a reverse mortgage could provide them in retirement.

1. Window insulation kit. Properly sealing drafty windows not only increases the comfort of your home, but may also significantly decrease your energy bills. Insulating windows is an inexpensive and effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out. Choose a product that can easily fit a variety of window sizes, such as the Roll-On Window Kit by Duck Brand, which requires no measuring and minimal cutting and is practically invisible.
2. Programmable thermostat. A pre-programmed device allows you to control the temperature of your home year-round. According to Energy Star, homeowners can save around $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Switch out incandescent light bulbs with CFLs, which use at least 75 percent less energy. You can find CFLs that last up to 10,000 hours – about 10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs. Try the n:vision line, which includes soft white, bright white and daylight energy-efficient bulbs, so you can find just the right light for any room in your house.
4. Insulation. Inadequate insulation in your home may allow cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to be lost in the winter, potentially overworking your heating and cooling systems. Add insulation in the attic, crawl spaces, ceilings and exterior walls to help save energy, reduce your operating costs and keep your home comfortable.
5. Furnace filters. Replacing or cleaning furnace filters once a month during the winter will help your heating system operate more efficiently and can keep harmful bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen out of the air. Furnace filters are available in multi-packs, so you can always have one on-hand. You could also consider installing a permanent furnace filter, which is washable and cuts down on waste by eliminating the need for throwaway fiberglass screens.

For a minimal investment, you could see hundreds of dollars in energy savings throughout the year. One trip to the store and a few minutes at home are all it takes to make small changes that really add up.

Myths aside, wooing beautiful backyard birds to your outdoor environment can be as simple as offering them a reliable, high-quality food source. Birds, like most wild animals, are survivalists and they’ll take advantage of any food source they find – whether it’s in your yard or your neighbor’s. To entice them to your yard and garden, set out these preferred foods.

• Suet – Made from the fat of cattle, sheep, or even vegetables, suet may sound icky to us, but for birds it’s a gourmet delight that helps them stay healthy and build vital fat reserves. Served in a cage or log, suet has the consistency of soft wax and can be kept for a long time. Chickadees, titmice, catbirds, bluebirds, robins, jays, warblers, thrashers, nuthatches and all species of woodpeckers relish suet and will feed on it all year round, even in warm months.

If your suet gets too soft in the warm summer months, switch to a no-melt, cornmeal-based suet. Suets offer a variety of enhancements including seeds, pecans and peanut butter. To keep squirrels from stealing your suet, try Cole’s Hot Meats suet cakes that contain chili-infused sunflower meats. Birds can’t taste the hot spice and squirrels will high-tail it out of your feeder once they try it.

• Seed – Not all birdseed is created equal. Look for blends without cheap filler seeds that are all natural, that way, the birds get more nutrition and you keep a cleaner feeder; the less filler, the less leftovers birds will kick out and leave behind. All-natural feeds are more appealing to birds, who know that natural just tastes better.

It’s important to remember that all birdseed is perishable. Be sure and store any open product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent the seed from drying out and little critters from finding it. Cole’s seed is offered in nitrogen-purged barrier packaging to ensure seed freshness. They use the same packaging technology employed by potato chip makers and fresh vegetable farmers to keep their products fresher longer.

If unwelcome squirrels raid your bird feeder, opt for a seed blend like Cole’s Blazing Hot Blend, new this spring. By combining a patented habanero chili oil formula with the most preferred seeds of backyard birds you can protect your feeder from squirrels while attracting woodpeckers, grosbeaks, buntings, cardinals, chickadees, bluebirds, goldfinches and more. Squirrels don’t like the hot, spicy flavor, but birds won’t be able to detect it.

• Insects and worms – A healthy, lush lawn is one of the best ways to feed birds who prefer insects and worms. A good lawn will attract the species of insects that birds enjoy. You can also supplement their diet by serving Dried Mealworms in a packaged variety that’s easier to feed and less messy than live mealworms, and birds love them. These energy-packed morsels are Mother Nature’s perfect treat for all your insect-loving songbirds.
• Garden favorites – Feeding birds doesn’t just have to happen at the feeder. Thoughtful planting in your garden can help entice wild birds to forage there. Offer a birdbath for water and berry-producing trees and shrubs. Plant annuals and perennials that birds like, such as sunflowers, marigolds, petunias, Sweet William, nasturtium and blueberries. Climbing vines like morning glories, coral honeysuckle, muscadine and trumpet creeper are also favorites.

By serving wild birds their favorite foods throughout the summer, you can boost and build their stamina and reserves for the long winter ahead – and all the while you’ll enjoy a birds-eye view of a multitude of species bringing bright color and cheerful song to you throughout the warm months.

Provided by ARA

Ginny Bean, publisher of Ginny’s catalog, suggests the following simple decorating touches to add seasonal warmth.

• Put out the welcome mat – literally. Make visitors feel welcome from the moment they step through your door. Decorate your front door with a seasonal accent and an attractive mat.
• A crackling fire naturally draws people to it. Rearrange your furniture to create a conversation area around your hearth. If your home doesn’t have a built-in fireplace, there are a number of attractive electric fireplaces on the market that provide warmth with no mess or outside vent. Some even hang right on the wall.
• Light the candles. Choose candlesticks in metallic (gold is popular now) or in warm colors. For a unique look when entertaining, Bean suggests making your own votives from apples or gourds with a votive carver.
• Bring the beauty of outside, in. Add richness to your home by using fall’s palette of warm colors. Select fabrics and accessories in warm shades of browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Increase the feeling of coziness by adding layers – think table runners on top of cloths or rugs over carpets – and texture in the form of nubby throws and pillows scattered throughout the room.
• Drape your home in warmth. Now is also the time to replace the summer sheers for more substantial curtains, which can keep out drafts and add color and texture to a room. For added energy savings, check out the variety of thermal window treatments available.
• Think back to black. A touch of black can add sophistication to your home decor. Use it sparingly though, perhaps in a few picture frames, a ceramic vase or a throw or pillows, because too much black can make the room look dreary.
• Continue the theme with decorative accents inspired by nature. Brighten the mantel with a swag of fall flowers and leaves or use artificial flowers to make your own autumn centerpiece. Bean likes to use mums or natural dried grass in unexpected containers such as baskets, terra cotta pots or chipped china pitchers or bowls. Scatter a few gourds, ceramic pumpkins or a leaf-shaped accent piece throughout the room to complete the look.

Ginny’s catalog is dedicated to showcasing fun and unique items for everyday life. The Fall 2010 catalog includes more than 100 pages full of practical solutions for the home, yard, kitchen and beyond, including house wares, appliances, furniture and accessories. You can also find seasonal recipes, including casseroles, stews and soups, and helpful tips on everything from organizing your home to new uses for toothpaste at www.Ginnys.com.

Whether you’re single, share a two-person household or have a big family, finding ways to save money in the laundry room can have a big effect on your budget – and not just in the amount you spend on detergent. Some adjustments to how you wash and dry your clothes can have an effect on utility bills, the amount of time you spend on laundry and even your impact on the environment. 

Here are some ideas for smart ways to save that start in the laundry room and have results that go well beyond its walls.  

• Cut down your dry cleaning bills. It’s tough to find a closet that doesn’t have any “dry clean only” labels, but to reduce the amount of money you put   into those garments, consider a dry clean alternative like FreshCloz. Using state-of-the-art ozonic technology, pure ozone circulates it through your clothes, which helps with odor removal and preserving your garments. You can simply slip your clothes inside the garment bag, carry on doing the rest of your laundry, and come back to fresher clothes. It allows you to cut back on the number of trips you make to the dry cleaner, which is a major expenditure. Its environmentally friendly nature also makes it a great green dry cleaning alternative.
• Create your own laundry detergents. Armed with borax, washing soda and grated bar soap, you can make a highly effective laundry detergent for a very good value. There are plenty of step-by-step instructions that can be found on the Internet. An extra tip is to add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to create a custom scent that you’ll love.
• Remember to keep it cool. One of the easiest steps you can take is to wash your clothes in cold water. It’ll save you money on heating, and it wastes less energy.
• Let it all hang out -your laundry that is . In good weather, let the dryer sit idle and break out the clothespins. Hanging your clothes is a much more eco-friendly option, but it also adds up to savings on your utility bills. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the pleasant smell of clothes that have been hung out to dry in the fresh air. If it’s a rainy day, try using drying racks inside your home. Clothes might feel slightly stiff initially, but they soften up shortly after you put them on.

Cut your drying time. Sometimes, you just need to use the dryer instead of hanging things out to dry. To cut down on the time your items spend spinning around in the warmth, add dryer balls. Often made from felted wool yarn or scrap fabric from old sweaters, these little laundry aids dramatically cut drying time, which is kind to your wallet and the environment. They can be purchased pre-made or you can make your own – there are plenty of resources on the Web that provide detailed instructions. 

Some of these solutions – like the FreshCloz dry clean alternative – can even help your clothes last longer, which can add up to major savings. You can find more information about it at www.freshcloz.com Once you see how much you can save by taking these simple steps in the laundry room, you’ll want to look for clever cost savings in every room in the house.   

 Provided by ARA 

Vegetable gardening might sound intimidating, but new technologies can make your thumb greener than ever. Combined with good old-fashioned growing techniques, your garden can be healthy and yield a good crop with less effort than you’d imagine – all while being good for the earth. Here are some tips for a garden that is doubly green.

Water, water everywhere, but not too much

A fine balance needs to be struck when it comes to watering your vegetable garden, especially during drought conditions. You want your plants to get adequate moisture, but overwatering can be bad for plants and a wasteful use of a precious natural resource. Because it’s better for both your crops and the environment, careful water usage is essential to being a truly green gardener.

Installing an irrigation system is a good way to keep water usage at the ideal levels. Plus, you don’t have to plan a schedule around when you need to water. There are user-friendly, affordable solutions like Mister Landscaper’s new Drip Irrigation Vegetable Kit, which connects to your outdoor spigot. It’s a great way to ensure that your plants get the water they need, without wasting or over watering. The kit is drought approved in most areas and available at Lowe’s in the plumbing department. Watering timers can also make the job of watering even easier. Keep in mind that it’s best to water in the early morning, when the sun is lower in the sky, for 30 to 60 minutes, every other day.

One man’s garbage is another’s fertilizer

Ever feel guilty about throwing out vegetable and fruit peelings, rinds or scraps? Your intuition might just be telling you that there’s a better way to handle those leftovers. Composting is a great way to make use of organic matter that might otherwise just get thrown away.

Building a compost heap is relatively easy, and it will keep on giving back to your garden and the environment. The four necessary ingredients for composting, according to California’s “CalRecycle” program, are nitrogen (from sources like grass clippings or those throwaway veggie scraps), carbon (from sources like sawdust or twigs), water and air. Once your compost is at the ideal level of decomposition (it will be uniformly dark brown and crumbly), spread it on your garden to give plants a nutrient boost.

Get growing – organically

From the moment you start planning a garden, think organic. The most basic – and fun – choice of all is deciding which plants you’ll grow. Choose organic seeds and starters so that you know you’re buying into an earth-friendly business venture. There’s the added bonus of knowing that your plants won’t be tainted with harmful chemicals.

When it comes to maintaining your garden, you’ll probably need things other than just compost. Look for products that are recognized as organic by respected organizations like the USDA or the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) – you’ll be able to find an ever-growing supply of products like pest repellent or soil amendments.

Growing your own vegetables at home has many benefits: it saves money, allows you to control what your food is exposed to and provides a fun and easy activity that the whole family can participate in. And when you follow these green gardening principles, you’ll be doing something good for the earth, too.

Provided By: ARA

Unfortunately, the increased interest in organic gardening has led to some confusion – and some deception – about what it means for a product to be “organic.” The labeling of products has become a minefield for consumers who are interested in eco-friendly agriculture. It can be difficult to know exactly what is meant by products labeled “natural,” “plant-based” or “organic.”

Official organic labeling comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Their seal comes in a few forms, denoting whether a product is “100 percent organic,” “organic,” or “made with organic” ingredients. Unfortunately, anecdotal evidence suggests this multi-tiered labeling system is also contributing to consumer confusion.

For example, for a product to be labeled 100 percent organic, everything in it must be certified organic. If it says just “organic,” that means that it must contain 95 percent certified organic ingredients. If a product contains 70 percent organic ingredients, it can be labeled as being “made with organic [ingredients].” Any product with less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot carry the USDA seal.

Another thing to keep in mind is that a product labeled “natural” is not organic. While there might be some naturally occurring ingredients in the product, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe or earth-friendly – not to mention organic.

Perhaps in an effort to simplify the consumer’s “organic” label options, the USDA also directs consumers to other organizations that can help them determine whether or not the products they’re buying are 100 percent organic. One of those, the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a non-profit, independent organization that gives reviews of products and how they stand up to the National Organic Standards from the USDA.

For concerned consumers, they provide a comprehensive list (available online) of products that pass the test. “OMRI’s list is an invaluable tool for gardeners who want to keep their plots organic,” says Claude Boisvert, president of Tree World Plant Care Products. “It makes it easier than ever to find gardening supplements that are not harmful to the environment.”

If your main concern in planting an organic garden is providing your family with safe-to-eat, healthy food right from your own back yard, you’ll want to take the trouble to make sure you’re using truly organic gardening products. At the same time, you want your garden to look great and produce well.

One of the biggest challenges to organic gardening is keeping pests away in a way that is humane and safe. For smaller pests, it is increasingly easy to find organic insecticidal soaps that are safe unlike some traditional pesticides. Larger garden plant browsers can really wreak havoc unless you use a rabbit or deer repellent. An OMRI listed solution, developed in eco-conscious Sweden and now made in the United States, is Plantskydd. Its effectiveness and environmental soundness as an organic repellent have made it popular for farming and among gardeners, professional landscapers, nurseries, foresters and state conservation agencies.

It’s important to remember that you have the power to influence the products that are available to you. If keeping your organic garden truly organic is important to you, discuss your concerns with local retailers. By asking them to stock products that have been subject to rigorous standards, like those of OMRI, you’ll make it easier for everyone in your community to have access to verified organic materials.

Provided By: ARA