Greening a Home the Affordable Way...
What does it mean to “go green” and why is it necessary to create a safer indoor environment? The word green has many meanings. Going green refers to the Green Movement, being environmentally friendly. There is also green fundraising and green finances. Green, as it applies to indoor air environments means non-toxic, safer, prevention of disease, especially childhood diseases, like asthma, allergies, and ADHD. Since 1980, asthma has increased by 600% in the U.S., and the Canadian Lung Association and the Asthma Society of Canada identify common household cleaners and cosmetics as principal triggers. There are more than 3 million poisonings a year and household cleaners are the number one cause of poisoning in children. Chemicals are attracted to and stored in fatty tissue. The brain is a prime target for these neurotoxins because of its high fat content and very rich blood supply. An EPA survey concluded that indoor air was 3 to 10 times more polluted than outdoor air. Houses today can be so energy efficient that “out-gassing” of chemicals is common because chemicals have no where to go so they build up inside our homes. We spend 90% of our time indoors at work or at home. Moms, infants, and the elderly spend 90% of their time in the home.
Because chemicals have the ability to attach to dust particles, the air or water, they can travel far from where they were used. Toxic chemicals often get into the body because we inhale them, swallow them or absorb them through our skin. Some chemicals or their by-products lodge in our bodies for a short time, while others can remain there for years. Arsenic, for example, is mostly expelled within 72 hours of exposure while chlorinated pesticides can remain in the body for 50 years! By simply replacing everyday toxic consumer products with safer greener options we an contribute to the well being of our families and our planet.
Another way of reducing our exposure to chemicals is to make structural changes in our homes.. As an example: install chlorine filters on showerheads, install activated carbon filters to remove lead, chlorine by-products, install water distillers to kill microbe and remove arsenic, install operable windows for natural ventilation. In fact, it is recommended that we exchange the air in our homes three to four times a day! We can also use formaldehyde-free materials to replace cabinets and countertops, use rapidly renewable floor materials, like bamboo and cork, replace vinyl flooring with natural linoleum that is made from renewable material such linseed oil, pine resins, and cork. Use low or no VOC and formaldehyde free paint and use solvent-free adhesives, to name a few money-saving and health-preserving options.
Going green is affordable and is a way to reduce our exposure to toxic chemicals. Eliminating the causes of environmental illness is much more cost-effective than treating the symptoms. Simple changes in the home can prevent some exposure, but the best course is to eliminate persistent chemicals that accumulate in our body and replace them with safer non-toxic options. We will discuss how you can find replacement products in a later article.
Cynthia Mitchell, M. Ed is an award winning business mentor, and a professional speaker who specializes in educating consumers and professionals connected to the real estate and healthcare industries on the value of non-toxic living.
