Greening Your New Home
By Michele Kadison
You’ve just moved into a new home. The landlord has painted and your new abode is ready and waiting for you to start fresh, with “fresh” being the operative word. But wait! How fresh is your new home really?
Zero-VOC Paint
Most landlords won’t spend the money on zero-VOC (volatile organic compound paint, which does not have the toxicity found in conventional paints. For those of you move into a home painted with conventional paint, you can wipe the walls with hydrogen peroxide to reduce the emissions that come from surface oils. However, if you can re-paint with a zero-VOC paint, do so, and then seal the walls with an environmentally tested formula such as AFM Safecoat Hard Seal to eliminate possible “off gassing.”
When I moved into my new apartment I asked my landlord to use the zero-VOC paint of my choice and it was worth it for me to pay the difference in price. Right away I could breathe easier and I didn’t have to put up with that awful smell that new paint emits, which is actually the smell of VOCs polluting the space.
Buy a Good Air Filtration System
Using an air filter in your new home is a great way to reduce the fine toxic particles that seem to be ever present from living in a city and being exposed to chemical compounds found in cleaning solutions, carpeting, and other materials. A good HEPA air filtration system such as the Airpura R600 All Purpose HEPA Air Purifier will also sift out excess dust, dander, and other potential allergens. Make sure you clean or replace the filters regularly to get the most out of your unit.
Check Furnace and Air Filters Often
Replacing or cleaning filters every two months is an essential way to keep allergens out of your home. Dirty filters will compromise the function of your heating and cooling units.
Vacuum Frequently
Vacuuming with an efficient vacuum cleaner such as the Dirt Devil Dynamite QuickVac will help prevent particulates from accumulating in your home, while additionally eliminating dust, dancer, and dirt. This model comes with a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens up to 100%.
Buy Non-toxic Furnishings
By paying attention to fabrics, carpeting, wall finishes, caulking materials, adhesives, and the like, you can create a relatively non-toxic environment. There are many green alternatives on the market that are as satisfying as their conventional counterparts.
Use Only Natural Cleaning Products
Read the labels when you buy your cleaning products. They should contain no volatile organic compounds or toxic chemicals. There are a plethora of green cleaning choices in the marketplace, so make the change and breathe easier.
Decorate Your Home with Plants
Plants are natural chemical removers, contributing both health and beauty to your home.
Use Bedding Cases
Protect your pillows and mattresses from dust mites by covering them with natural cases.
Wear Slippers or Go Barefoot
Taking off your shoes before entering your home will help keep particles from the street from penetrating your indoor world. Keep a pair of slippers by the door for each member of your family and train everyone to remove their footwear the moment they approach the door.
No Smoking Please
Smoking in your home should be banned. If anyone needs to light up, they can go outside.
