We spend at least 85% of our time breathing indoor air, yet we spend 85% of our time worrying about outdoor air pollution! I asked Lori Denis (photo below right)for ideas on simple steps that keep the air inside fresh and clean. She should know. She's the star of HGTV's "The Real Designing Women" and author of Green Interior Design, a book I highly recommend. Here's what she said:
Here’s to your health! When I first heard that our indoor spaces were more polluted than outside, I didn’t believe it. Not in my house – I’m a neat freak! But everything from furniture to plastics to electronics is constantly off-gassing, polluting our safe haven. These toxins cause headaches, nausea, sore throat, dry skin, itchy eyes, and even loss of concentration. Outdoor air quality is not only better for you, but Vitamin D production from sun exposure can actually help ward off sickness. Here are a few ways to make sure you are enhancing your spaces to keep you, your family and friends healthy and happy.
1. WINDOWS – Open the windows and let the sunshine in! Sunlight is a natural disinfectant. Even if you live in an apartment, you can place pillows, blankets and mattresses in front of an open window to allow solar rays and fresh air to help sanitize them. It's a lot easier than steam cleaning them, too!
2. PLANTS – Rooms with plants have been shown to have 60% less airborne molds and bacteria than rooms with no plants. They soak up all the toxins your home is emitting and act as purifying organs. Plants can also improve our mood by increasing positive feeling, improving creativity and reducing stress by producing higher dopamine levels. They can even produce a healthy drop in heart rate. As an added bonus – plants can make a room seem more expensive, making it look good and you feel
good.
