From Guest Blogger Lana Hawkins: Five Ways to Make Your Green Home Healthier
A sustainable way of living and good health tend to go hand in hand, but it may not always be so. To be more precise, various menaces lurk in the shadow right under your roof, and some of them elude our senses. Thus, we need to look beyond the established conventions such as separating paper from plastic in the recycling bin and uncover ways in which health and environment-friendly living are connected. Changes to everyday activities present a great opportunity to look after our families and the Mother Nature.
Test the waters
Going green does not have to cost an arm and a leg. If you do not have a budget to install solar panels, there is still quite a lot you can do. It is prudent to begin with small steps and address the risks for your health one by one. The main problem is that many hazards are not obvious like global warming and toxic waste that make front-page news. For instance, many people never assess the quality of drinking water. Well, it should not be taken for granted. Periodic tests are a sound approach and pose a good method to safeguard your health.
Out with the toxins
Next, adopt a no-smoking policy. Even a secondhand smoke can be detrimental to the health of inhabitants. There are various other nuisances that are harder to detect, or virtually impossible via our sensory apparatus. Even worse, home tests are not overly accurate. Some radioactive gasses like radon are particularly harmful and they require a special test kit. On the other hand, lead exists in older homes, and in order to deal with toxic particles, it is best to hire a removal contractor and then employ zero-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints.
Natural blessings
Furthermore, grow plants indoors and let them act as natural air filters. Another option is to purchase air purifiers. It is advisable to go online and check the air purifier rating based on product testing and consumer feedback. Also, remember to let the fresh air flood into your home every now and then. Another free, natural blessing, the sunlight, should be harnessed as a heat and light source, as well as to air-dry your clothes. All of these applications cut the domestic energy consumption and contribute to your green efforts.
Material changes
It goes without saying that large scale renovations and overhauls need to be carried out with materials that are recycled, organically grown or sustainably harvested. Think in terms of real linoleum, polymer roofing, old growth timber, windows with low-emissivity glazing, etc. At the same time, try to adhere to fire safety standards. Residential fires are culprits behind many fatal accidents, so take the flammability of building and renovation materials into account. Moreover, add another layer of safety by taking advantage of smoke alarms on every floor.
Household products
The choice of household products is paramount to maintaining a healthy environment. Various chemicals and pesticides are toxic, but fortunately, they have viable green alternatives. Cleaners, for example, can be ditched in favor of baking soda and vinegar. Pesticides usually do more harm than good, but the good news is that you can keep the unwanted guests at bay by sealing off crevices and weather-stripping the windows and doors. This enhances your home insulation and lowers the energy consumption and utility bills as well.
A healthy climate
Lifestyle changes and consumer choices go a long way in preserving the natural habitat and also our health and well-being. We are creatures of habit, and change takes time to facilitate, so it is better to begin sooner rather than later. Nurture a healthy indoor climate and cleanse the air, water, and materials from pollution and toxicity. Those who manage to summon a green essence of health in the comfort of their home are able to stay on the safe side, and do great things for anguished nature.
