By Kay Leaman, Health Architect
When we think about health we normally think of our bodies; what we put on them and especially what we put in them. On the inside we watch what we eat, continually making better choices as we learn new things. We do the same thing on the outside of our body, choosing healthier lotions, potions, deodorants, makeup, hair products, etc. We add exercise and increase our water intake. But then….
We spend time in our homes where we feel comfortable and safe. The place of our favorite things and people. But how safe are our homes, really?
Some time back, a study was done on the air in downtown Los Angeles vs. the air in the homes around the area. Would you have guessed that the air in downtown LA was healthier than the air in their homes? It was.
Here is another interesting find. I watched a video in a training on fires. They set up two rooms with identical furniture, drapes, lamps, etc. One room was from my grandmother’s time and the other one was from modern time. An ignition was set in the exact same spot in each room. Once ignited, in less than three minutes, the modern room reached the flash point. In the other room, the couch arm and part of the drapes were burning. Everything else was fine. The difference? Grandma’s room was made with all-natural materials such as cotton, wool, etc. The modern room was made up of polyester, nylon, foam, etc. Many of these materials have a petroleum base in their manufacturing. Manmade versus natural.
We nestle into our favorite toxic chair or couch. Sleep in our non-wrinkled sheets. Slip into our favorite synthetic fabrics and breathe the off gases from all of it. In the morning we head into the bathroom with all our products to dress for the day. (By the way, the bathroom is usually the most toxic room in our house.)
It’s time to stretch our health goals to the home. This is not an easy task. If you thought buying organic was expensive, try pricing out a natural fiber couch or mattress. However, there are steps we can take to offset what we are breathing and absorbing through our skin. Small changes can make a big difference.
Looking for a new rug? Focus on natural fibers such as cotton, wool, jute, hemp, silk, linen, etc. These are also the choices for clothing, curtains, drapes, etc. We have vinyl flooring so I don’t walk around the house barefoot. Slippers and socks are my choice for lessening the exposure load. Another good habit is to open your windows whenever possible to allow the gases from the products to escape and let the fresh air in. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes early in the morning and longer when the weather is cooler can improve the health of our home. Take your car as an example. The windows always get that film on it after awhile. I used to wonder why they got like that since I wasn’t a smoker. Then I learned that it was the off gassing of all the materials.
Our homes are no different. To minimize harmful substances entering your home take your shoes off at the door. You would be amazed what we track in from parking lots and yards.
It’s a bit harder when it comes to the bedroom. The clothes we wear, the mattress we sleep on and the products in the bathroom if it’s connected to the bedroom are filled with manufactured materials and chemicals. We spend about 9-10 hours daily sleeping or dressing. Start off small. Update the pillows and sheets with natural materials. Wear natural fiber sleepwear. Switch out products as they need to be replaced.
When it comes to the kitchen, consider switching dishwasher and dishwashing liquid for a more natural option. The other items to consider replacing are aluminum cookware, plastic storage containers and glasses. Best choices are stainless steel, ceramic, cast iron or glass. Food-grade silicone, stainless steel or wood is a better choice vs. plastic utensils.
Lastly, check the cleaners you use. More natural options are Borax, baking soda and vinegar. If you opt to stick with certain cleaners, such as for toilets, take precautions to prevent breathing in the fumes and wear gloves.
Spend some time looking around your home. Read the labels on your towels, products, clothes, etc. A little at a time can make a big difference. Be sure to open the windows for a while as often as possible (Do this for your vehicle as well.). Here’s to Health!
~ HealthyDay HealthyLife, succeed.hdhl@gmail.com
