Who doesn’t desire a more environmentally sustainable home? Greener homes promote healthier living, reflect responsible global citizenship, and intelligently conserve the world’s limited natural resources.
While a complete eco-friendly home renovation might strain your budget, numerous small changes can make your living space more sustainable and healthy. These alterations go beyond aesthetics, offering long-term cost savings and protection from toxic chemical exposure. If you seek inspiration to transform your home into an earth-friendly haven, read on!
The Dangers of Common Household Chemicals
Undeniably, many modern homes are far from healthy. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), over 80,000 chemicals are used in everyday household items, with over a thousand proven to be endocrine disruptors, capable of altering hormone levels. Alarmingly, few of these chemicals have been adequately tested for their combined safety, leaving their long-term impact on the body largely unknown. As a digital marketing agency managing supervisor
Even household dust can be hazardous. Traces of ten known carcinogens are found in 90 percent of sampled home dust, meaning daily exposure for most of us.
Where are these toxic chemicals found? Here are some of the most harmful materials in the average home:
- Mattresses: Many mattresses contain PBDEs, antimony, and formaldehyde, which accumulate over time and increase cancer risk. Given that we spend a third of our lives in bed, these toxins can have a significant impact.
- Mothballs: Paradichlorobenzene, a key ingredient in some mothballs, has been linked to cancer in animals. Others contain naphthalene, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Pressed wood products: Faux wood often uses formaldehyde-containing glues, which can cause watery eyes, throat irritation, and asthma attacks.
- Carpet chemicals: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in new carpets can trigger breathing problems and asthma.
- Lead paint: Though banned for decades, lead paint remains in older homes, posing risks to nervous systems, brain development, and kidneys, especially in young children.
- Cleaning products: Air fresheners and other cleaning products can release toxic levels of pollutants, particularly dangerous in poorly ventilated areas. Some contain ammonia, which can irritate, burn, and cause long-term skin and eye damage. When these chemicals interact with ozone, they can create highly poisonous combinations.
- Flame retardants: Often found in furniture, computer casings, and clothing, flame retardants contain PBDEs, which have been linked to learning problems, decreased sperm counts, and lower thyroid function.
- Cosmetic chemicals: Many shampoos and lotions contain phthalates, which act as hormone mimickers and can cause reproductive problems.
Natural Home Substitutes
Clearly, exposure to these chemicals is detrimental. While eliminating all toxins may be unrealistic, these tips can significantly improve your health and the planet’s well-being.
Trade Out Your Light Bulbs For CFLs
Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can significantly reduce your energy bill (over 75% savings) and environmental impact. These bulbs also last ten times longer, reducing landfill waste.
- Note: CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, which can be hazardous if exposed. Handle them carefully and dispose of them properly.