Improving indoor air quality is crucial since it directly affects our health and well-being. Polluted air can result in a range of medical issues, from headaches and allergies to more serious respiratory illnesses if exposure is prolonged. Indoor air pollution can come from many sources such as airborne particles, mold spores, pet dander, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or chemicals from cleaning products. Taking steps to reduce or eliminate these sources can promote healthy air and dramatically improve our overall quality of life.
How to Improve Air Quality in Your Home
Low VOC Paints
Paint includes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which act as solvents or thinners to enhance the performance and drying time of the paint. Nearly every major paint manufacturer offers a huge color variety that is VOC-free. As walls take up a lot of surface space in the house, simply switching to no-VOC paints is a great place to start. And the good news is that no-VOC paints are relatively inexpensive.
In addition to paint, keep in mind that air fresheners, paint strippers and solvents, aerosol sprays, disinfectants, and pesticides all include VOCs.
Sustainable Carpeting
Flooring contains dirt, dust pollen, mold spores, and pesticides, all of which may be carried in from the outside. We suggest eco-friendly carpeting solutions.
Floors are a large surface area to cover but there are many excellent alternatives out there so be sure to look around. Sustainable cork, bamboo, carpet squares manufactured from recycled plastic bottles, and wool rugs come in a variety of shapes and hues so you have a variety of options to choose from.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax candles are a great way to improve the air quality inside your home. Not only does beeswax produce a natural, soothing scent when it's lit, but it also purifies the air. Because beeswax is naturally hypoallergenic and non-toxic, it can neutralize toxins in the air and remove pollen, dander, and other impurities contaminating your indoor air. With all these benefits, beeswax candles are an easy and affordable way to improve your home's air quality while creating a more relaxing living space.
Greenery
Plants are nature's natural filters. Not only do they bring refreshing beauty into your home, but they also act as natural air purifiers. Having a variety of houseplants can reduce the levels of carbon dioxide, mold, and volatile organic compounds in the air. As a bonus, the presence of plants is known to help us psychologically by reducing stress and boosting productivity levels making them the perfect addition to any room!
Natural Cleaning Methods
Cleaning your home with natural materials is an easy way to improve the air quality inside as it eliminates harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances from being released into the air. Natural products like vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda are not only safe for the environment but also have all kinds of powerful cleaning capabilities that you can use to make your home sparkle. Additionally, many of these ingredients have a pleasant scent, making them a great alternative to store-bought cleaners which often contain harsher aromas.
Reclaimed Wood Products
Since reclaimed wood pieces come from old sources that have been cleaned and treated beforehand, they don't contain any potentially hazardous residues or chemicals like many new products do. Reclaimed wood also helps reduce deforestation by using resources that are already available instead of cutting down new trees.
Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils with antibacterial properties, such as tea tree oil, may be used as cleaning solutions or to topically heal a minor cut. But did you know that these oils may also help to prevent airborne bacteria? Aromatic oils such as eucalyptus, clove, and lavender have also been shown to lower the amount of dust mites in your home.
Ultimately, it is important to consider that how we choose to furnish and clean our homes affects the quality of the air we breathe. By using sustainable indoor air quality solutions, you can greatly improve the air quality in your home. Remember that small changes implemented today add up to big differences over time – so don’t delay in taking the steps necessary to clean up your home’s atmosphere!
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