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HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME CLEANER, SAFER AND LESS TOXIC

Many products that were invented decades ago were, at the time, considered to be miraculous and amazing. Herbicides like Roundup and DDT changed the lives of farmers, eliminating pests like crazy. However, little thought was given to the great harm that would be done to our soil, to the insects needed to keep our ecology in harmony with all of life and worst of all, the cost to human life.

Everyone thought plastic was the best thing ever when it was first created. Our culture here in the US, obsessed with convenience and ease, loved all the ways plastic began being used in countless items…food storage, furniture, car parts, water bottles, bags…way too many to name here. Now, 100 years later, we have a serious problem with plastic, because it’s almost indestructible, and our landfills and oceans are overflowing with plastic, killing our fish and getting into our food supply. Microplastics are now being found in breast milk, so even newborns are ingesting microplastic.

Thankfully, many more people are now aware of these hazards to their planet and their personal good health. Most homeowners want to create a home that is free of toxins, where they know they and their children will be safe from chemicals and pollutants.

What steps can a homeowner take to create a nontoxic home?

Flooring: Avoid carpets, which are havens for dust, dirt and mold. Instead, try these
options:
• Bamboo floors: Bamboo is ecofriendly because it grows much faster than trees (5-7 years from first growth to harvest), and after harvesting, the root remains intact, so the bamboo will regenerate itself. There is no need to replant, making it much more sustainable. Bamboo flooring is beautiful, is known for its strength and durability and is generally similar to hardwood in cost.
• Reclaimed wood: If you are repurposing old wood, obviously you are adhering to
sustainability. Older wood has probably come from an old-growth forest, where the
trees have had the chance to grow more slowly, able to develop a denser grain and will thus be harder and more stable. With years of exposure to the elements, the wood will have more history and character.
• Natural linoleum: Natural linoleum is made from renewable and natural resources, mainly linseed oil, wood flour and jute. It is eco-friendly and 97% natural. It’s also anti-static so won’t attract dust. Plus, it’s made in endless designs, colors and patterns, making it a very fun alternative to wood flooring.

Insulation: Many homeowners are moving away from the standard spray insulation, because it contains formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Fiberglass insulation also poses health risks. There is an alternative called rockwool insulation, made from natural rock materials that are melted and spun into fibers. These are then compressed to create a dense material that is resistant to heat, fire and moisture and will absorb sound. It is a bit more expensive but on the upside, it is considered superior in fire and moisture resistance and offers sound proofing.

Paint: When selecting paint, adhesives and sealants, use paint designated low-VOC. This stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals that escape from materials into the air we breathe. These can cause headaches, irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and loads of exposure can even cause kidney and liver damage.

Mold: If you’ve had some water intrusion issues and suspect you have mold, you will want to be all over this. Mold can seriously impact your health, and it is not good to live in a moldy environment. Mold specialists can be hired to come into your home and test for mold. But you can also buy and conduct your own mold detection test. Test kits are available on Amazon for $20-$100. If you do have mold, you will have to hire a mold remediation specialist.

 

Furniture: Select wood furniture with natural finishes. For upholstery, stay with natural materials such as wool and cotton. Even better, explore buying second hand. There are some wonderful platforms, like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, where you can find gently used and vintage pieces. It can be a fun adventure, exploring vintage stores for an interesting end table or lamp that has some history behind it. When you shop this way, you are helping preserve our planet’s fragile resources.

What to avoid:
• Vinyl, used in so many things…floors, window blinds…is one of the worst in terms of toxicity. While affordable, vinyl contains loads of chemicals that make the plastic soft and pliable. Some people don’t seem to have trouble with vinyl, but research is showing that these chemicals mimic the body’s hormones and can interfere with normal functions.
• Engineered wood, as in particle board, plywood and fiberboard, contains formaldehyde which can irritate the eyes, throat, nose, asthma symptoms and is even linked to some cancers.

Air quality: Ventilation and a good air flow will keep your home feeling fresh. Open
windows whenever possible and let that beautiful breeze in. Make sure kitchen and
bathrooms have exhaust fans and are being used. Fill your home with plants – they
help remove carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen. Boston ferns and spider plants are especially good at helping the air quality in your home.

Water filters:

This is a big topic, and there are a  lot of opinions out there about just how necessary it is to have a whole home water filtration system.  If you know your municipal water is safe and clean, and you are not having issues with hard water and mineral build-up, a simpler water filter that hooks up to your main source of  drinking and cooking water and a water softening system for the rest of your water supply might be a great way to go.

However, many homeowners these days are more comfortable with installing a system that filters all the water that runs into their home.  There are many choices out there, ranging in expense and efficacy.  Here are some reasons why installing a whole home water filtration system makes sense:

• Provides safe, clean water from every tap, shower and appliance by treating water at the main entry point.
• Removes contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Reduces minerals that cause stains; prevents plumbing corrosion, thus protecting pipes and extending the life of water-using appliances like dishwashers, water heaters and washing machines.
• Healthier skin and hair.
• Improved water quality, with better odor and taste.
• Generally cost effective and eco friendly, as this decreases plastic waste. 

Understanding your water quality and choosing the right filtration system can make a meaningful difference.  With the right system in  place, you can feel confident that you have safe, clean water as a simple part of everyday life!