Now that the holidays are quickly approaching many of us are planning family get-togethers and parties. This doubtlessly will entail hours of planning, cooking, shopping and of course, cleaning. For many families, cupboards are stocked with an ever-expanding arsenal of home cleaning products many of which contain dangerous ingredients, harsh cleansing agents and artificial colors and fragrances. While these home cleaning products come in pretty packages and offer clever ad campaigns; they also offer indoor air pollution which put our family members at risk, unnecessary antibacterial agents that result in more resistant bacteria, and unnecessary expense. Contrary to the popular belief, even the biggest messes and nastiest stains can be battled effectively with baking soda, borax, lemon juice and many other eco-friendly household items. Read the rest of this entry »

What is Precycling?  Precycling is a way of thinking, behaving, purchasing and living that is quickly gaining momentum throughout the ‘Green’ community. Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to steer clear of item which will generate waste into the home or business.

We are familiar with the three-pronged “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” motto as well as the push to recycle. While recycling s a wonderful activity that allows for many kinds of energy savings, it certainly is the solution for our waste management issues. Even when recycling, resources are used, energy is consumed and a certain amount of pollution occurs- even in the best scenarios. Traditionally recycling requires amounts of energy to “melt down” and then remanufacture items. While this does significantly cut down on the amount of waste heading to the landfill, it is not sustainable unless the underlying energy supply is sustainable. Additionally, recycling often means downcycling and always entails at least some loss of the previous material, so primary extraction is still necessary to make up the difference. However, recycling reduces these troubles by using less material in the first place, so less has to be recycled.

The “Greenest” product is the one you don’t buy at all. Of course we cannot however live on air alone. We thereby should make informed purchases. Precycling is related to “Reduce” the most important of the 3R’s and is also related to the “Reuse” a concept that is that is at times referred to as “Repuposing”. Precycling is about reducing waste by avoiding items that will generate it or selecting certain items that will generate less, or acquiring items that can reused for something else entirely. Precycling is a simply another way to lighten our environmental footprint. However, becoming an avid precycler can also save you money too.  Such precycling practices include buying consumables in bulk in reduce packaging, buying consumables in recyclable over non-recyclable packaging, and using electronic media when possible just to name a few options. Precycling also includes the practice of using an item or material for another purpose prior to use for its original purpose, thus avoiding using some other object. For example, a centerpiece of squash and mini pumpkins can make a lovely table decoration prior to eating it and rules out the need to buy that plastic centerpiece the big box stores are busy pushing on consumers.

Another way to participate in precycling is to carry a “recycling kit”. Said kit may include, Tupperware or reusable containers, silverware, cloth napkins and handkerchief, thermos or water bottle all carried in a cloth bag that can also be used as a shopping bag.

Examples of precycling opportunities are abundant once one changes their perspective. For example families that prioritize recycling don’t buy sodas which come in plastic bottles and aluminum cans. They instead opt for teas and juices that can be mixed at home and stored in reusable pitchers. This allows for less bottles and cans that need to be recycled. Instead of buying plastic bags and water bottles, precyclers value metal thermoses and water bottles as well as reusable storage containers and jars. Even the use of a water purifier can be considered recycling if it cuts down on plastic waste.

Cloth products are extensively used all precycling families. Our family has cut out the need for paper napkins and facial tissue simply by investing in cloth napkins and handkerchiefs. Many families use cloth towels and sponges rather than paper towels as well. Finally, and most obviously, nearly all avoid plastic or paper grocery bags and instead opt for reusable cloth ones.

Yet another example for families to precycle is to take simple steps in order to lessen the amount of junk mail they receive each month. Nearly everyone agrees that junk mail is the one of the most unnecessary uses of paper possible. Families can avoid giving their addresses to places that will sell their names. Also, by simply contacting companies and organizations directly and requesting to be taken off of their mailing list can greatly reduce the waste coming into your home.

While the 3R’s are wonderful in practice, precycling is a valuable component as well.  It earns extra points for not just limiting our environmental footprint but also for saving green-going family valuable money.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that people spend 90% of their time indoors. However, indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Not only is this not sustainable for our environment, its certainly not sustainable for our bodies.

How to Keep Our Homes Healthy
The most effective way to keep air in your home healthy is to simply rid your home of things that cause air pollution such as cigarette smoke, excess moisture and chemicals.

Deadly Disaster
Some indoor air pollutants can kill. Among the most dangerous are these three:
Carbon monoxide: 400 die and thousands are sickened annually.
Secondhand smoke: 7,500-15,000 children are hospitalized or sickened with respiratory tract infections and older adults with cardiovascular or lung illness are at higher risk of health problems.
Radon gas: It’s silent. It’s odorless. It’s found in many American homes, and it is the second biggest cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoke.

Each year second hand smoke sends up to an estimated 15,000 children to the hospital. Hundreds of thousands of children will develop respiratory tract infections from second hand smoke this year along. Older adults and those suffering from lung and cardiovascular diseases are also at higher risks of respiratory problems from cigarette smoke exposure. The Surgeon General states that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Do not allow the smokers in your life to smoke inside your home. Instead, simply take it outside.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and dangerous. Each year over 400 people are killed from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands of others seriously ill due to over-exposure. Carbon monoxide levels can rise very quickly in unventilated areas. Protect your family by installing a carbon monoxide detector, preferably near bedrooms. Have all fuel burning appliances inspected yearly. Do not run carbon monoxide emitting motors indoors. Simply running a car or lawnmower inside an attached garage or shed can seriously endanger your family’s health. If you must have engines on within the garage, consider investing in a high-quality seal to best protect your home and family.  Only use gas stoves and heaters indoors that are vented directly outside. Never use charcoal grills indoors.

Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It can only be detected through testing. It is also a lethal invisible killer. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.  It has been estimated that radon is the direct cause of thousands of death annually.  Protect your family from this danger by testing for radon. Testing is easy, inexpensive and should be a priority.

Ventilate! Ventilate! Ventilate!
Properly ventilating your home is critical in order to protect your family, our earth and improve air quality.  High levels of moisture increases dampness mold and mildew. These fungi not only damage your home but also your health. They are linked to increased wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks in people with allergies. Normal daily living act ivies such as; cooking, washing and even breathing — produce water vapor.

Furthermore, it is crucial to properly ventilate and pull dangerous pollutants out of the home. Cooking can be a big source of indoor air pollution, especially if you use a gas stove. Scientists who measured indoor air quality found that cooking a single meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe.  Run the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. Open your windows whenever possible. Make sure the exhaust system for your appliances and stoves works properly

Thinking of Painting?
Paints release trace amounts of gases for months after application, despite the fact that they appear to be dried and the smell is gone. These gases are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can include highly toxic chemicals including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde to name just a couple. When painting, use Freshaire’s Choice paint or other no-VOC paints. If those aren’t available, always use low-VOC paints, varnishes and waxes. When painting indoors, open windows and use exhaust fans. Never store open paint containers indoors.  It’s also important to remember that lead-based paints can still be found in many homes. Any peeling, chipping or chalking of lead-based paint can result in delays in mental development, lower IQ and behavioral problems in developing children after simply inhaling lead paint dust. Many of these health challenges are permanent.

Remodeling is a messy business. We all can recall that awful dust in what once was our home. Although such dust makes exposure easy, the EPA offers six recommendations to reduce exposure:

• Ensure children’s play areas are dust free and clean

• Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if in good condition.

• Do not sand or burn off lead based paint or paint suspected as being such.

• Do not remove lead based paint yourself

• Do not bring lead dust into the home

• If work or hobbies require lead based paint, change clothes and use doormats before entering your home.

Mold, Mildew and Moisture- Oh My!
High humidity and rain often bring moisture indoors. This dampness creates the perfect atmosphere for mold and mildew; two big problems for healthy air. Dampness alone has been associated with higher risks for wheezing, coughing and asthma.   Combine that with mold and mildew, and your family could have serious respiratory issues. Asthma is the a serious chronic illness of children in the U.S. Help avoid asthma by Checking your foundation, basement, roof and crawlspace for any issues in need of repair each year. Fix leaks immediately. If there has been water damage, seek professional assistance.  Dry the affected area. Immediately replace any furniture or materials that have been we for more than 48 hours. Ensure that all rainwater is routed away from your home’s foundation and avoid this costly, unhealthy risk.  Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner when needed.

Those Nasty Mites
Dust allergies are actually allergies to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic pests. The feed on human skin and live within bedding, pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, carpet and upholstery. They are also linked to asthma in children. These little pests however require moisture to survive.  To begin battle with these pests:

• Use a dehumidifier

• Keep  the humidity in your home under 50%

• Remove carpets

• Consider utilizing intensive steam cleaning and vacuuming

• Use mite resistant covers on all of your bedding

• Always wash linens in hot water

Leave It Alone!
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is often found in many older homes and building. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can increase the risk the lung cancer and other lung diseases. Asbestos is often found in flooring, pipe coverings, roofs and shingles. It is critical to check asbestos containing materials regularly for damage from tears, water or wear. However, do not try to remove it. Experts advise to leave asbestos undisturbed when possible. If you are looking into remodeling, protect your family and yourself- invest in a professional to help with that dangerous project.

Dirty dry cleaners
Dry cleaning solvents are strong chemicals. They are often toxic to breathe. Let dry cleaned items air outdoors before happily carting them to your closet. Hanging them on an outdoor clothesline is simple, easy and prevents any of these chemicals from entering your home.

Woodburning Stoves
While we all love the crackle of a wood burning stove, they also create carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particle pollution as well as other toxic air pollutants. Try to limit usage for only heating purposes. Always ensure it is fully vented to the outside.

A Sea of Endless Chemicals
Chemicals are nearly endless throughout our home. Disinfectants, adhesive or bonding agents, insecticides, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and particle board all may contain one of the deadliest chemicals available- formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause serious health issues including eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes and asthma. Always check your products prior to purchase and opt for the organic alternative when possible.

Pesticides are another example of chemicals we invite into our lives. Pesticides used to curb household pests can actually just bring in harmful chemicals into our homes and present added health concerns for our families and pets. Limit, if not rid, your home of such chemicals. Manage pests in more natural ways. Also block holes and keep food in tightly sealed containers. Cover trash cans. Keep floors and counter free of crumbs. If necessary use bait traps or call a professional for assistance.

Another example of free-loader chemicals come in the form of hair and nail products, cleaning products, art and hobby suppliers and other common products. These combined can greatly raise the level of VOCs. Use organic products and avoid VOCs if at all possible. Stop using aerosols (they were so 1987 anyway). Stop using harsh cleaning products. They are terrible for your home, your family, your air supply and even your water supply. Instead, look into natural alternatives or opt for the organic equivalent. Do not use artificial air fresheners. They contact dangerous chemicals and dangerous byproducts. Instead, opt for the natural alternative.

Remodeling, Redecorating, Re-vamping
When remodeling or updating your home, remember to consider air quality in your remodeling plans. Be sure to handle old materials properly, and to consider air quality when deciding upon a design or plan for the update. Avoid using carpet, as most carpets contain significant amounts of VOCs and are wasteful to our earth. When purchasing new furniture, seek out low-emission furniture and make a significantly less impact on our earth. Furthermore, remind others to always take their shoes off upon entering the home. While this is polite in some cases, it is environmentally friendly as well. Shoes can easily track chemicals and pollutants inside the home. Finally, add houseplants in order to clean your indoor air. They are decorative, super green and great for air quality!

The Limitations of Air Purifiers
Some people seem to believe an air purifier is the answer to their air pollution. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While an air purifier could be part of a comprehensive plan and they have its definite limitations. First, they are able to get out only the tiniest particles. Secondly, they are costly and utilize energy that is debatable how worthwhile it is. Thirdly, they do not protect against gases or humidity. Finally, some of these appliances actually contribute negatively towards our ozone issue. If you opt for an air purifier, ensure that it does not release ozone directly or as a byproduct.

By following these simple steps you can not protect your family’s health but also improve your air quality and contribute to a greener, healthier future for our earth.