Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 28, 1991 TAG: 9103280091
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE MacEACHERN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
A. With the theme "Make Every Day Earth Day," the goal of Earth Day 1991 is to encourage every American "to make at least one change in daily living for the benefit of the environment." Thousands of groups around the globe are planning activities for April 22.
Earth Day was founded by Gaylord Nelson, the former senator from Wisconsin and current counselor of The Wilderness Society, to put environmental issues on the national agenda. "The objective," he says, "was to get a nationwide demonstration of concern for the environment so large that it would shake the political establishment out of its lethargy and, finally, force this issue permanently into the political arena."
It was a big gamble, but it worked. On Apr. 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million people participated in peaceful environmental demonstrations across the country. Ten thousand grade schools and high schools, 2,000 colleges and 1,000 communities were involved. Many other countries also observed the day.
On April 22, 1990, the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, more than 200 million people in more than 140 countries participated in community cleanups, tree plantings, environmental fairs, teach-ins, concerts and other activities. Schools, churches, labor unions, campuses, civic organizations, businesses, governments and industry joined environmental groups in making a commitment to help clean up the earth.
Information on area Earth Day celebrations can be obtained by calling the Clean Valley Council, 345-5523. The Extra section will run an Earth Day calendar the week of April 15.
Q. I'm interested in maintaining my lawn organically this year. Can you suggest some books or catalogs to help me out?
A. Two books to consider are:
"The Chemical Free Lawn: The Newest Varieties and Techniques to Grow Lush, Hardy Grass," by Warren Schultz (Rodale Press), is full of easy-to-follow advice for growing grass organically. Techniques for watering, fertilizing and even mowing to get the most out of the grass you plant - without using toxic chemicals - are highlighted. Available in book stores.
"How to Get Your Lawn and Garden Off Drugs," by Carole Rubin (order from Friends of the Earth, 701-251 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, Ontario, KIP5J6, $9.95 plus $1.50 postage per copy), offers simple directions for organic lawn maintenance. A fun read.
In the catalog department:
Ringer Natural Lawn and Garden Products offers organic fertilizers, insect traps and bug sprays. Call (800) 654-1047 for a free catalog. Ringer products are also available in many local garden centers.
Gardener's Supply Company, 128 Intervale Rd., Burlington, Vt. 04501, (802) 863-5693. Products include organic insecticides, fertilizers and watering systems.
Safer, Inc., 189 Wells Ave., Newton, Mass. 02159, (617) 964-2990. The folks who brought you Safer insecticidal soap have developed a whole line of lawn and garden insect controls. Products control turf insects such as white grubs, sod webworms and mole crickets. Commercially available.
Gardens Alive, from the Natural Gardening Research Center, Highway 48, P.O. Box 149, Sunman, Ind. 47041, offers organic lawn food its recommends you use only twice a year, as well as lawn seed, fertilizers, insecticides and bug traps.
Nontoxic cleaners
Readers frequently ask for recipes for nontoxic cleansers. Here are a few that will help you get a jump on the spring cleaning season:
Glass cleaner. Mix 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart water. Spray on (using a pump sprayer) and use newspaper to wipe dry.
Oven cleaner. Use steel wool and baking soda to clean spills as soon as the oven cools. For tough stains, add salt. Do not use this method in self-cleaning or continuous-clean ovens.
Toilet bowl cleaner. Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.
Furniture polish. Wipe furniture with a mixture of 1 teaspoon lemon oil and 1 pint mineral or vegetable oil. Or look for commercial products that contain lemon oil and beeswax in a mineral oil base.
Rug deodorizer and shampoo. Deodorize dry carpets by sprinkling liberally with baking soda. Wait at least 15 minutes and vacuum. Repeat if necessary. To clean rugs, vacuum first to remove dirt. Mix 1 quart white vinegar and 3 quarts boiling water. Apply to nap of rug with wet rag, being careful not to saturate rug backing. Dry thoroughly, then vacuum.
Wall cleaner. In a gallon jug, mix 1/2 cup borax, 2 teaspoons dishwashing liquid and 1 gallon warm water. Apply using either a spray bottle or a soft sponge or dishcloth.
Silver polish. Submerge silver in water containing aluminum foil and salt or baking soda for several minutes. Rinse and wipe dry.
Chrome polish. Wipe with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted cider vinegar then rub dry.
Send questions about the environment to Tips for Planet Earth, co Washington Post Writers Group, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071-9200. Questions of general interest will be answered in the column; individual answers cannot be provided. Washington Post Writers Group
by CNB