If you have been keeping up on the news, you know that there are plenty of toxic and hazardous materials that you come in contact with on a daily basis. Chances are you have come into contact with a toxic substance in the last hour. But what are toxic materials and how can you identify them within your home?Let’s start by defining what it means if something is toxic. Toxicity is the degree to which a substance can damage an organism. Toxic, hazardous chemicals can cause skin irritation, watery eyes, burns, poisoning, or even cancer. They can also harm local lakes, rivers, and drinking water supplies if disposed of improperly. Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are hazardous to your health and to the environment. Try not to buy products that contain any of the following words on their labels: DANGER! WARNING! POISON! TOXIC!These are "signal" words, and they indicate the product's risk to humans, pets and the environment. "Industrial strength" cleaners are overkill for most jobs around the house If you do choose to use toxic products, use and dispose of them properly and buy only what you need to avoid surplus that becomes a storage and waste problem later.You might be shocked to learn that there’s no federal regulation of chemicals in household products. Household cleaners and their ingredients do not have to meet any safety standards before going to market.That means that the cleaner you’re using could have anything in it!! Luckily, there are many less hazardous products are available at your local grocery store, such as natural dish soaps, toilet and drain cleaners, natural laundry detergent and degreasers. .Look for the EPA's Design for the Environment label on products. This label will help identify cleaning and other products that perform well and are safer for human health and the environment than traditional products.You can also make effective cleaners using simple ingredients from home. Try using equal parts water and vinegar to clean your windows, bathrooms, and kitchen.Have a clogged or slow drain? Use ¼ cup baking soda followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar, cover and let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling waterThe less you come into contact with toxic materials, the safer you and your family will be. Instead of choosing a solvent-based paint, go with a water-based paint. Avoid using aerosol products as they can contain chlorinated compounds, petroleum distillates, phenols, and formaldehyde which pose inhalation hazards. Try to find pump sprays instead. Avoid pesticides!! You can plant pest and disease-resistant species of plants., Do some some research on what native, insects you can add to your garden that will rid you of pests. Lady beetles, green lacewigs and praying mantisis are some great options.If you bring in any motor oil, it will get recycled and used to make new oil products such asphault. Your old anti-freeze can be cleaned and re-used again as recycled anti-freeze. All those half cans and spray bottles of paint, stain, cleaner, and chemicals can also be brought in to be reused and recycled. If there is enough of the product left, it will be put into the Reused Program. This is a program designed to reduce the amount of hazardous and toxic waste that enters our landfills, and the best part is that it’s free!! Simply stop in to the Hazardous Material Management Facility and pick up what you need. Some of the things offered are cleaners, automotive, pool/spa, paints garden, fluorescent bulbs, photo and hobby products, rechargeable and lead acid batteries, 1lb propane cylinders and much much more!If you have a creative eye, make sure to take a picture of your project and enter the Reuse in Action contest. This is where you can show us your unique creations using our reuse materials.Visit www.bouldercountyrecycles.org to be entered to win a quarterly give away. With prizes, and free supplies, we’re helping save your wallet while you’re helping our community!! Together we can make Boulder County a Zero Waste community. For more information on toxic products and hazardous waste, please visit www.bouldercountyrecycles.org or stop by the Boulder County Hazardous Materials Management Facility and talk with a Specialist.And remember, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Compost.