Since our green resolution this month is to clean green,
let’s first look at improving the air we breathe indoors. There are so many
things that contribute to indoor air pollution, including fumes from furniture
and flooring, toxic cleaning chemicals, and mold and dust. Indoor air pollution
can actually be worse than the air pollution outdoors, and over time this can
negatively affect your health. There is even a name for a suite of symptoms
that people suffer when the indoor air quality is poor: Sick Building Syndrome.
SBS symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, itchy eyes and sore throats.
Air purifiers and filters can help, but preventing the problem
in the first place is even better! Here are a few easy ways to prevent indoor
air pollution:
·
Crack a window! Obviously, the easiest way to
decrease the concentration of air pollutants in your home is to open a window
and let in fresh air. Take advantage of these unseasonably warm winter
temperatures and open those windows.
·
Keep house plants! They may not give off any
aroma, but they do a wonderful job of filtering the indoor air. NASA research
has found pothos, philodendrons, peace lilies and spider plants to be great
natural air filters. And they will add a splash of green during the dreary days
of winter.
·
Ditch the chemical cleaners! Use natural,
non-toxic cleaners to prevent bringing in toxic fumes in the first place. Check
back next week for our favorite homemade cleaning product recipes.
·
Instead of using chemical air fresheners, look
to nature to bring in those pleasant odors. Cut oranges or lemons and let that
clean smell permeate any room. Boil some cinnamon and cloves, or better yet, bake
a yummy dish and satisfy your sense of smell, and of taste!
When nothing but the best will do, come take a hike at
Lyman Woods to take in some real fresh air!
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