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Good to Know: Tips for a Healthy Environment and Home 

It starts at home. Every decision we make – how we shop, travel, eat, and relax – has an impact on the air, land or water resources around us. Many of us, however, may not be aware of whether our daily choices have a negative or positive influence on the environment.

To help South Carolinians implement small, daily habits that result in tangible benefits for their family, home, community, and state, SCDES has introduced the “Good to Know: Tips for a Healthy Environment and Home” public education initiative.

“Good to Know” offers simple and actionable tips that just about anyone can do at home or in their community. The tips will provide basic information and include a link to learn more. Doing your part with small individual actions collectively lead to significant paybacks such as less waste, resource conservation, improved air and water quality, and perhaps save your family money.

 

Monthly Tips

Outdoor burning may seem like a quick solution for yard debris or waste, but burning materials outdoors can have serious impacts on air quality, public health, and safety — especially when it’s done illegally or during burn bans.

Smoke from open burning contains pollutants that can trigger respiratory issues, worsen heart and lung conditions, and reduce visibility on roadways. Improper burning can also contaminate soil and groundwater and increase the risk of wildfires.

Burning regulations exist to reduce these risks and protect South Carolina’s air quality — especially during periods when pollution levels or fire danger are higher.

For complete information on open burning regulations, burn bans, notification requirements, and safe alternatives, visit the following links:

Residents can receive monthly “Good to Know” tips by following SCDES on social media or by signing up for the agency’s monthly eNews.

Spring cleaning can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to getting rid of items that are tricky to safely dispose of or recycle. From unwanted electronics to rechargeable batteries to hazardous household products, knowing the right way to handle manage these products keeps them out of landfills as well as protects the environment and you.

The S.C. Department of Environmental Services offers easy-to-follow information on how to safely and responsibly manage hard-to-recycle items as well as tips on recycling, preventing food waste, and composting organics.  

Learn more:

Residents can receive monthly “Good to Know” tips by following SCDES on social media or by signing up for the agency’s monthly eNews.

Cutting food waste at home isn’t complicated. Small, everyday habits – checking the fridge before cooking or freezing leftovers—can help households save money while keeping food waste out of landfills. Reducing food waste also lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports a healthier environment for our communities.

Simple steps such as planning “leftover night” meals and composting unwanted food can make a real difference over time. Even starting with one new habit can help food waste reduction feel manageable and sustainable.

You can learn more on how to reduce food waste at home by visiting the following links:

Residents can receive monthly “Good to Know” tips by following SCDES on social media or by signing up for the agency’s monthly eNews.

At SCDES, we believe sharing this actionable information will help residents change or improve their daily choices and behaviors in an environmentally-friendly, resulting in positive outcomes for their home, family, community, and all of South Carolina.

To receive monthly “Good to Know” tips, you can: 

  • Follow SCDES on social media
    • @SouthCarolinaDES on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    • @SC_EnvServices on X (formerly Twitter)
  • Sign-up to receive SCDES’s monthly eNews newsletter in your inbox.