|
|
A growing number of companies have come out with "green" or "natural" products. But because these terms do not have regulated definitions or standards, it's important to know what label claims mean when making buying decisions.
(Photo: Getty Images)
|
(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - Whether it's out of concern for the environment or for a desire to live a more natural lifestyle, more people are making green decisions for their homes. In Gallup's annual Environmental Poll (2008), 28 percent of Americans said they've made major changes to their lives to protect the environment, while 55 percent said they have made minor changes. The most common changes involve recycling, conserving fuel, using less electricity and making homes more energy efficient.
Another step people are taking is to buy eco-friendly or more natural products for their homes. A recent Yahoo green living survey found that 57 percent of respondents have made green purchases within the last six months.
|
|
It takes only five seconds for a young child to be injured by 140 degree liquid; and only one second at 160 degrees. According to a Home Safety Council survey of American parents, 71.5 percent of those surveyed did not know the correct setting for their hot water heater, 120 degrees F.
|
(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - A scald is an injury caused by hot liquid or steam. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home each year due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. The majority of these accidents involve older adults and children under the age of five.
|
(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, CA) - The national nonprofit Home Safety Council (HSC) has released new national survey results revealing that only 37 percent of respondents have taken any actions at home to prevent fires and burns – the third leading cause of injury-related death in the home. When asked about fire safety practices, a mere 13 percent of respondents said they have planned and practiced a family fire drill – an essential step that increases the ability to respond quickly and appropriately in the event of a fire. While the majority of fatal fires happen at night, HSC also found that only half of those surveyed (51 percent) have installed smoke alarms in their bedrooms. Additionally, only eight percent of respondents live in a home protected by fire sprinklers.
