Creating a Chemical-Free Home: Tips for a Healthier Living Environment
People spend a significant amount of time indoors; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Unfortunately, indoor air quality can be poor, with pollutants like cleaning and household products containing harmful chemicals. These pollutants can cause health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer. It’s important to be aware of these risks and take steps to improve indoor air quality by creating a chemical-free home for you and your family.
Here are some tips to get you started:
Use Natural Cleaners
You don’t need harsh chemicals to clean your home effectively. Natural products like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice can be powerful cleaning agents. They are also cheap, readily available, and non-toxic. For example, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle to clean mirrors, windows, and countertops. You can also use baking soda and water to create a paste to clean ovens, sinks, and toilets.
Natural cleaning products free of harsh chemicals are available in most health stores or online.
Some specific natural cleaning products include:
– Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner: made with plant-based ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, making it safe for you and your family
– Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner: made with essential oils and is free of ammonia, chlorine, and phosphates
– Method All-Purpose Cleaner: made with biodegradable ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, making it safe for you and the environment
Choose Non-Toxic Paints
When painting your home, it’s vital to choose non-toxic paints. Conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and dizziness. Instead, opt for natural paints free from VOCs, such as clay or milk paint.
Some paint brands that use natural ingredients in their products are:
– BioShield Paint: made with natural ingredients such as clay, milk protein, and citrus extracts, making it free of harmful chemicals
– Livos Paints: made with natural ingredients such as linseed oil, beeswax, and tree resins, making it safe for you and the environment
– AFM Safecoat Paint: made with natural ingredients such as plant oils and tree resins, making it free of harmful chemicals
Avoid Synthetic Fragrances
Many household products, such as air fresheners, scented candles, and cleaning products, contain synthetic fragrances that can cause health problems. Synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels and cause reproductive problems. Instead, choose natural scents like essential oils to freshen up your home. Add a few drops of essential oils to a diffuser or use them to create your cleaning products.
Some specific essential oils include:
– Lavender: calming and can freshen up your home and linens
– Peppermint: has a refreshing scent and can repel insects
– Lemon: has a clean, citrus scent and can be used to clean and freshen up your home
– Eucalyptus: has a refreshing scent and may relieve respiratory problems
– Tea Tree: has a refreshing scent and can clean your home
Invest in an Air Purifier
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to the accumulation of dust, mold, and other pollutants. Investing in an air purifier can help remove these air pollutants, creating a healthier living environment. Choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which can remove up to 99.97% of airborne particles.
Some specific air purifiers include:
– Coway AP-1512HH Mighty Air Purifier: compact and efficient air purifier makes it perfect for small spaces
– Honeywell HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover: quiet and efficient air purifier makes it perfect for larger spaces
– Blueair Blue Pure 211+ Air Purifier: stylish and efficient, making it perfect for any room in your home
Choose Natural Fabrics
Many fabrics, such as polyester and nylon, are made from synthetic materials that can contain harmful chemicals. Instead, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, linen, and wool, that are biodegradable and free from toxic chemicals. When purchasing bedding and linens, look for products made from organic cotton or bamboo, which are grown without harmful pesticides.
Here are a few examples of brands that specialize in natural fabrics:
– Coyuchi: organic bedding and linens made from natural materials such as cotton, linen, and wool
– Boll & Branch: organic bedding and linens made from natural materials such as cotton and linen
– Brooklinen: organic bedding and linens made from natural materials such as cotton and bamboo
Avoid Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick cookware contains perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which can harm human health. Instead, opt for cookware made from stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic, which are safe and non-toxic.
Some specific non-toxic cookware brands include:
– GreenPan: non-toxic cookware made from ceramic and non-stick coatings free of harmful chemicals
– Lodge Cast Iron: non-toxic cookware made from cast iron that is durable and safe to use
– Xtrema Ceramic Cookware: non-toxic cookware made from ceramic that is free of harmful chemicals and safe to use
Creating a chemical-free home may seem challenging initially, but providing a healthier living environment for yourself and your family is worth the effort.
