Did you know that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor polluted air can be caused by chemicals from common household products. Chemicals from these products can cause health issues like infertility, thyroid disease and even cancer.
If your 2017 New Year’s resolution involves improving your health – follow these tips to make your household items healthier for you and the environment:
Mattresses
Nearly one third of our lifetime is spent sleeping. Traditional mattresses typically have toxic chemical flame retardants, vinyl, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), antimony and other chemical finishes. If it’s time to get a new mattress, or if your child is outgrowing their bed, choose an eco-friendly, healthy mattress that’s made of wool, cotton or plant-based materials like natural latex.
Dishware
Making your kitchen more eco-friendly is simple – avoid using plastic dishware like tupperware, utensils etc. The best alternatives for plastic dishware are glass, stainless steel, ceramic or porcelain. If your small children need to use plastic dishware choose plastic that is free of BPA, phthalates and melamine.
In addition, avoid teflon or non-stick pots and pans, which are commonly coated in perfluorinated chemicals. Choose pots and pans with materials like stainless steel, copper coated, cast iron, anodized aluminum or enamel-coated iron.
Cleaning supplies
Most cleaning supplies contain toxic chemicals and some cleaning product even include known carcinogens. Choose cleaning products that are certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo. Another sustainable option is to make your own cleaning supplies using common household ingredients like vinegar for a disinfectant, baking soda to remove odors and stains, olive oil to polish furniture, lemon juice for stain removal, and hydrogen peroxide as an antimicrobial.
Solar panels
Solar panels are a great way to create electricity or produce heat, while not generating carbon as a byproduct. In addition to solar panel’s eco-friendly benefits, solar panels can reduce your heating and electricity bills – making them a sustainable, cost effective win.
Air treatment
Poor air quality can increase your utility bills, while hurting the environment and your health. Make sure your ventilation system is working properly to avoid mold and mildew. Household plants are also a great way to naturally clean the air. The best plants for air cleaning and filtration include: peace lilies, gerbera daisies, English ivy, chrysanthemums and red-edged dracaena.
Pool treatment
Pools using chlorine or salt systems, which generate chlorine, can cause like red eyes, lung irritation, asthma, allergies and other health issues. Instead, opt for chlorine-alternative pool technologies like Clear Comfort‘s low-chlorine pool treatment system. In addition to having fresh-feeling water, you can lessen the levels of chemical handling, storage and the inevitable spread into our ecosystem, while saving water by draining and backwashing less often.
