Contents of RauwLetter February 2010
- We’re Moving
- Energy Efficiency Goals are Heating Up
- Rethinking Nuclear Power and then Rethinking It Again
- Indoor Air Pollution Solutions
- My Take: The Sustainability Question
Indoor Air Pollution Solutions
Becoming sustainable is not as hard as it may seem. Individuals can take baby steps and make a very large impact. We don't have to sell all our worldly goods and become a Taoist monk in order to be a sustainable, responsible member of society. Simple, easy-to-implement steps can have a mighty impact on one's carbon impact and may even save you money and/or make your personal space a little healthier.
For instance, taking off your shoes when indoors is not only more comfortable, it's healthier for you and your family. This small measure will decrease the amount of time you need to scrub and vacuum your floors thereby decreasing the amount of floor cleaner you use and it will keep pollutants out of your house. Imagine the interesting chemicals your favorite golfer is spreading throughout your house when those golf shoes are left on, or the sludge and dog activity you're bringing into your house when stepping in off the sidewalks. Taking off your shoes is a quick fix solution that takes no time, no money and is easy - just ask any Canadian.
Indoor air pollution can be many times worse than outdoor pollution because it's contained, especially if your home is well insulated and windows are not opened frequently. Indoor air pollution can come from a variety of sources. Cleaning fluids can contain harmful chemicals, regular paint emits harmful volatile organic compounds, off-gassing of dry-cleaned clothing adds to the pollution as do fireplaces and boilers that are not sealed properly.
All of these pollutants are easily remedied. For instance, switching to organic cleaning products would help. Vinegar, a cost-effective alternative, is perfect for most cleaning jobs. Simply mix 2 parts vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. The smell of vinegar is not particularly pleasant but it dissipates very quickly.
Most brands of paint can now be found in low or no VOC forms. They spread wonderfully and are just as hardy as paints that contain VOCs. There may be a price difference of a few dollars but the health effects are worth every cent. You'll notice a difference in the lack of odor and lack of headache you get when painting.
Switching to an organic or “green” dry cleaner may be somewhat of a costly change as we find “green” cleaners are more expensive than their polluting counterparts. Limiting dry cleaning to clothing that has no alternative and hand washing others will help offset the cost of going green in this area. If there is no alternative to regular dry cleaning, be sure to remove the plastic cover and hang your clothing outside for a while to allow the chemicals to off gas outdoors.
Be sure to have your chimney flues, fireplaces and boilers checked at least yearly to be sure no harmful gases are escaping. This makes good indoor air quality sense as well as fire safety sense.
Finally, incorporate plants into your decorating. In an Australian research study conducted by Dr. Margaret Burchett at the University of Technology it was found, “In single occupancy-sized offices, three to six plants kept the total load of all VOCs to below 100 ppb, the equivalent of 'very clean air.' The plants even proved adept at removing highly toxic carbon monoxide.” Plants for Purification, by Sarah Mosko, E-Magazine.
The first inkling that plants were adept at removing toxins from indoor air came in NASA studies conducted many years ago by Dr. B.C. Wolverton when he discovered that plants resolved the problem of a build up of VOCs in sealed spacecrafts. Dr. Wolverton's 1997 book, “How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office” lists interior plants according to their air purification abilities and their ease of maintenance. “He recommends at least two healthy sized plants per 100 square feet to maintain good air quality. Currently his top 10 picks are: Areca palm, Lady palm, Bamboo palm, Rubber plant, Janet Craig, English ivy, Boston fern, Peace lily, Corn plant and Golden pothos.” Ibid
Dr. Wolverton has since written another book, “Plants: Why You Can't Live Without Them” explaining that hydrocultured plants (plants grown without soil) purify the air 30% to 50% over plants grown in soil.
Whatever the means to combat indoor air pollution, the final results mean a healthier home sweet home.
