This month I'm sharing the potential hazards and how you can take some easy steps to creating a healthy home. There are also a few tips on how you can go green and help your health at the same time.
How You Live
Allergens
Allergens can include dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander, all of which cause allergy triggers. Use HEPA filters for your air ducts and vacuum.
Electomagnetic Fields
These can lead to sleep disorders, headaches and cancer. Move power strips away from your bed or work space wherever possible.
Forced Air Ducts
This is a part of the house you don't really think about but it can be a bad source of allergens and even mould. Have them cleaned once a year by a certified technician
Refridgerator Drip Pans
This is nasty...how often do we all think to clean this part of the fridge? The pans are a breeding ground for mold spores. Clean this monthly.
Power Strips
Even after turning off a computer, power continues to flow to computer peripherals like printers and scanners. Your tv's and stereos can ofter be using 40% of the power even they are turned off, called 'standby' power. BITS Ltd. has a power strip ($32.99 USD) that stops the energy from being wasted. For more information visit http://www.bitsltd.net/.Smart Lightbulbs
Smart bulbs use 70 to 75 percent less energy than incandescent lightbulbs and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For example, by using a 26-watt compact fluorescent lightbulb—equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent lightbulb—users can save up to $59 on energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Smart bulbs use 70 to 75 percent less energy than incandescent lightbulbs and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. For example, by using a 26-watt compact fluorescent lightbulb—equivalent to a 100-watt incandescent lightbulb—users can save up to $59 on energy costs over the life of the bulb.How You Clean
If you've ever sprayed you bathtub with Tilex, you know this stuff can't be good for you. We've been taught that 'clean' has a smell, but it doesn't! You can always use products that have natural scents like lavender and lemon if you really want that effect but artificial scents are just adding more toxins.
Out of anything you do, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's health. Parents who's children have had respiratory problems such as asthma have reported significant improvements to their condition once they changed to all-natural cleaning products.
Use non-toxic, all natural cleaning products such as Seventh Generation - available at most health food grocers and Home Depot.
If you've ever sprayed you bathtub with Tilex, you know this stuff can't be good for you. We've been taught that 'clean' has a smell, but it doesn't! You can always use products that have natural scents like lavender and lemon if you really want that effect but artificial scents are just adding more toxins.
Out of anything you do, this is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's health. Parents who's children have had respiratory problems such as asthma have reported significant improvements to their condition once they changed to all-natural cleaning products.
Use non-toxic, all natural cleaning products such as Seventh Generation - available at most health food grocers and Home Depot.You can easily switch the following items:
- general household cleaner
- laundry detergent
- dishwasher detergent
- non-chlorinated cleaning cloths
- recycled bags, toilet paper, paper towel etc.
If you have cleaners who provide their own products, make sure they are using green, non-toxic products and cloths instead of paper towel. Many cleaning companies are now catering to clients who are interested in all-natural environmentally sensitive cleaning.
How You Eat & Drink
Plastic Containers
- general household cleaner
- laundry detergent
- dishwasher detergent
- non-chlorinated cleaning cloths
- recycled bags, toilet paper, paper towel etc.
If you have cleaners who provide their own products, make sure they are using green, non-toxic products and cloths instead of paper towel. Many cleaning companies are now catering to clients who are interested in all-natural environmentally sensitive cleaning.
How You Eat & Drink
Plastic Containers
Many bottles and containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET. They leach a chemicals such as antimony which is a toxic element with a similar composition to lead.
You can switch to stainless steel bottles, which are also better for the environment. The best price and brand, Kleen Kanteen in Canada is available at http://www.momknowsbest.ca/. They offer a great selection of sizes and even offer a sippy cup version as well as Born Free glass and safe plastic baby bottles.
It's a challenge but try to eliminate plastic from your kitchen. Organic milk in bottles tastes so much better and by the time you get refund on the bottle the cost is actually less than standard milk. Cook and serve with glass, especially for children and babies.
Organic Foods
The word "organic" refers to farming practices that encourage soil and water conservation and reduce pollution. Farmers who grow organic produce and meat don't use conventional methods to fertilize, control weeds or prevent livestock disease. They also don't give animals antibiotics, growth hormones and medications and give animals organic feed and allow them access to the outdoors.
Even with purchasing organic foods, wash all fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with running water to reduce the amount of dirt and bacteria. If appropriate, use a small scrub brush — for example, before eating apples, potatoes, cucumbers or other produce in which you eat the outer skin.
Even better, start a garden. It's a great way to get outside, get kids involved in something healthy, you never have to worry about having to run to the store for fresh produce and the taste is so much better.
Even if you splurge on the cost to buy organic, we've found the difference in taste and quality is unbelievable. Next time you're at the store, buy one organic and one non-organic banana and do a taste test!
Other Impactful Changes
Plastic Bags
Switch to reusable grocery bags. They hold a lot more and are easier to carry. They are also great for hauling extra stuff up to the cottage.Minimized Packaging
Buy products in bulk or that don't have a ton of excessive packaging. You'll usually save money this way too.
Recycling
The City of Toronto is finally recognizing that we are doing a great job of trying to recycle but there just isn't enough room in those small silly boxes. Keep your eyes out in the mail for a form to order a super-size blue box or click here to order online and learn more. Composting
The green bin is fine but why give the city all the good stuff for your garden? Composting sounds 'yucky' but you can get great composters from the Home Depot, from a trendy, low-cost bamboo style from NatureMill for $69.99 to their fully automatic system for $449.00.
How You Build
This is a huge topic, so if you are considering a renovation or building, check out the Built Green Society of Canada.
There are also massive incentives from the government for improving the energy efficiency of your home. On our own renovation we will be getting about $10,000 in grants and refunds! Check out this EcoENERGY Retrofit link for more info.
When You Move
When you buy a new home, do not assume it's healthy! Have the ducts cleaned, change all air filters (upgrade to HEPA filters), change any water or vacuum filters and clean all appliances. It is well worth hiring a professional cleaning company to get in every nook and cranny before you move your things in.
Don't forget to change the batteries in all smoke detectors and updgrade carbon minoxide detectors if needed.
In Conclusion
At the end of the day, it may seem like a bit of extra effort and expense but the payoff to your health and the environment are huge. And aren't you and your family worth it?
Who do you know who is looking to buy or sell? I'm happy to help - (416) 690-2181 or info@markrichards.ca.
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