Household pets are adorably curious, but they can’t read labels or plant their own gardens.

One of the biggest mistakes pet owners can make is to underestimate a pet’s curiosity and overlook dangers of common household items.

It’s up to pet owners to read labels for them, make sure cleaning chemicals and other toxins are out of reach and maintain gardens that stimulate a pet’s curiosity with safety in mind.

“Responsible pet ownership is about more than feeding your pet nutritious meals and going on walks. It’s more holistic; it’s a lot like caring for a child,” says Dr. Tiffany Bierer, health and nutritional sciences manager at Mars Petcare US. “You need to anticipate certain dangers and remove them from the realm of possibility. That’s what we did in our office, and it only takes a little effort to do the same at home.”

Here are tips for pet owners to keep their furry friends safe.

Be mindful of toxic plants. Many common plants, such as azaleas, oleander, daffodils, lilies, tulips and hyacinth, are toxic to pets and should be avoided in indoor and outdoor areas where pets are free to roam.

Many mushrooms also present dangers, including death.

More at source: Thousand Oaks Acorn

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Last year’s plan would have seen health workers get their flu shot or be forced to wear a mask or face discipline.

The HSA launched a grievance and the province backed off at least temporarily. The issue is still before the Labour Relations Board.

Arbitration continues next month, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall is among those waiting for the outcome. “I can’t tell you now whether there will be any sort of disciplinary components to the policy in December until we’ve got the arbitrator’s ruling.”

“The degree to which this policy can be implemented in this fall, this coming influenza season, is at present uncertain,” he adds.

Kendall and the union hope to have an arbitrator’s decision prior to the start of this year’s flu season.

More at source: News1130.com

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The Environmental Protection Agency defines green cleaners as products made with environmentally friendly ingredients to preserve human health and environmental quality. However, there is little regulation around the term "green cleaner," so it's important to do your research.

Despite some confusion when browsing the store shelves, many of us are motivated to clean green because it's good for the planet and reduces human health risks. Almost all commonly used cleaning products contain chemicals that potentially cause health effects, including respiratory ailments, skin irritation, neurological disorders or cancer.

To eliminate toxic chemicals, some folks opt for making DIY cleaners. Recipes for using a few safe and inexpensive ingredients such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, washing soda, Castile soap, lemon juice and Borax can be found online. While home-made cleaner recipes can satisfy most household cleaning chores, make sure you follow the recipes.

More at source: Columbian.com

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Zanni said janitors from S.J. Services of Danvers worked their first day at City Hall on Thursday. The company will maintain the building five days per week under a one-year, $38,000 contract.

“Just with the couple days I observed, it’s been excellent,” Zanni said. “What I’m looking for is cost-effectiveness. In this case, we’re talking $100,000 per year.”

Custodial work at City Hall had previously been the responsibility of two Methuen employees.

More at source: Eagle Tribune

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Washington and Oregon have adopted a new green janitorial supplies contract that will direct public agencies to purchase supplies that reduce the use of toxic chemicals without raising costs, according to a statement issued this week by Washington's Department of Enterprise Services and Oregon's Department of Administrative Services.

The contract addresses low environmental impact cleaning products, tools, equipment, consultation and training, the state agencies said. Oregon negotiated prices with Coastwide Laboratories, Waxie Sanitary Supply, Interline Brands and West Coast Paper for government customers in both states. The new price agreements begin Aug. 1 and may be extended in two-year increments until 2018, according to a news release from agencies in both states.

Oregon Executive Order No. 12-05 calls on state agencies to adopt purchasing policies focused on less-toxic products. Washington Executive Order 04-01 directs state agencies to purchase equipment, supplies and other products that do not contain toxic chemicals unless no feasible alternative exists.

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More at source: Columbian