May is full of celebrations from Mother’s Day to Memorial Day officially ushering in summer. May is also Clean Air Month and that leads most of us to think of air pollution, climate change and other BIG global issues. But the air inside our homes has been shown to be five times worse than the air outside and we spend up to 90% of our time indoors these days, so Clean Air can’t be limited to the air outdoors! Clean Air inside is just as important and likely easier to personally impact. Here are five easy ways to purify your indoor air and do your part for Clean Air Month right where you live.
House Plants:
Inexpensive, readily available and an easy decor element too, plants naturally remove toxins from the air and some will even double as living air purifiers. The top 5 best — no green thumb needed — plants according to NASA research are: Garden Mum, Spider Plant, Dracaena, Ficus/Weeping Fig, and Peace Lily. See the whole list.
Beeswax Candles:
Paraffin candles (read: most every day regular candles) release petroleum byproducts into the air: unhealthy, toxic and environmentally damaging too. But beeswax burns clean (no smoke or scent) and releases negative ions when it burns, neutralizing toxic compounds and other contaminants in the air. Beeswax candles typically cost more but they burn more slowly. The mild natural scent of warmed honey is just an added bonus! Read more about beeswax candles.
Himalayan Salt Lamp:
We’ve seen these at novelty shops and thought “Hmm, unusual nightlight? Retro healing stone? Himalayan pink salt is a natural ionic air purifier that pulls toxins from the environment and neutralizes them. And, when lit, the lamp releases negative ions, fighting against positively charges particles in the air — dust, pollen, cigarette smoke — that can cause you to feel stuffy and sluggish, and it disperses odors too. Hmm, why DON’T we have one already? Get more info on the power of salt lamps.
Charcoal:
Activated charcoal — not the briquettes used for grilling! — is odorless and highly-absorptive, helping to remove bacteria, harmful pollutants and allergens from the air. It also absorbs moisture, preventing mold and mildew. Find activated charcoal for your home in the form of carbon air filters (available at most grocery and home improvement stores) and Moso air purifying bags (bags made of linen and filled with high-density bamboo charcoal) available at Amazon.
Eco Cleaners:
Getting your shower clean shouldn’t involve gasping for air and red itchy eyes. Those are signals from your body telling you to switch cleaners now! Look for cleaning products made from natural ingredients, without strong scents, products that are safe to use around food or carry an EPA, FDA or Green certification. Stop spraying chemicals around your home! Shop www.thecleanteam.com for local and online alternatives.
Leave A Comment