Sustainable Steps: Breathe Easier with Fresh Air Inside

As we move into April, nature is calling and it’s a time for fresh starts. We often associate this time of year with spring cleaning, decluttering, and airing out our homes after the long winter months. This month, we’re continuing our journey towards a more sustainable lifestyle as part of our “Sustainable Steps” series. So far, we’ve covered how to Swap Out Toxins in your cleaning products, how to Conserve Energy Daily, and how to Capture Rainwater. This year, let’s take that spring clean one step further by making sure we have fresh air inside. While we often think about outdoor air pollution, indoor air quality can be surprisingly poor. In fact, studies show that indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, impacting our health, wellbeing, and even our productivity.

Why Does Fresh Air Indoors Matter?

Indoor air pollutants come from a variety of sources, each with its own impact on both our health and the planet:

• Household Products: Cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, are often derived from petroleum and can contribute to smog, ground-level ozone, and respiratory irritation. Synthetic fragrances, common in air fresheners, can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals that are harmful to both human health and the environment.
• Building Materials: Paint, flooring, and furniture can off-gas harmful chemicals. Traditional paints, adhesives, and composite wood products like MDF and particleboard often contain formaldehyde and other VOCs that can linger in the air for years. These chemicals can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and even long-term health issues. The extraction and processing of raw materials for these products also contribute to deforestation and resource depletion.
• Combustion Sources: Gas stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter. Burning fossil fuels indoors not only contributes to air pollution but also adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are known carcinogens, posing serious health risks to smokers and those exposed to second-hand smoke.
• Mould and Allergens: Dampness, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger allergies and respiratory problems. Mould growth releases spores into the air, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and other respiratory issues. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments and their droppings are a common allergen. Pet dander, consisting of microscopic flakes of skin and saliva, can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The production of materials to combat mould and allergens, such as harsh chemical cleaners and air filters, can also contribute to environmental pollution.

Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a range of health issues, from short-term discomforts to long-term chronic diseases. Exposure to indoor air pollutants can trigger immediate symptoms like headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. These pollutants can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, leading to increased coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to poor indoor air quality has been linked to more serious health problems, including respiratory infections and heart disease. Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of indoor air pollution. Brining more fresh air into your home to improve the air quality is a small step that can make a big difference for your health, now and in the future.

If you want to start improving the air quality within your home right away, here are the foundational steps.

Foundational Steps: Easy Ways to Freshen Your Air

1. Open Windows Regularly: It might seem obvious, but our homes are often closed boxes, trapping stale air and pollutants. Even a few minutes of ventilation each day can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels by increasing the fresh air inside. For a more effective airflow, try to open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze, allowing fresh air to circulate freely and push out stale air.

• Choose Natural Cleaning Products: Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that pollute your indoor air. We highly recommend taking a moment to check the labels of your existing cleaning products for the following ingredients, which are best avoided:
  • Phthalates: Often found in fragrances, can disrupt hormones.
• • Triclosan: An antibacterial agent that can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
• • Ammonia: A respiratory irritant.
  • Chlorine: A powerful disinfectant that can cause respiratory problems.
    If you find these in your products, consider replacing them with eco-friendly alternatives.
  • Here are some UK supermarket brands that offer natural cleaning products:
    • Ecover: Widely available and offers a range of plant-based cleaning products.
    • Method: Known for its stylish packaging and use of natural ingredients.
    • Bio-D: A UK-based brand that offers a range of environmentally friendly cleaning products.

• Avoid Synthetic Air Fresheners: Ditch chemical air fresheners and scented candles, which release the follow harmful pollutants into the air.
  • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen that can cause respiratory irritation.
• • Benzene: Another known carcinogen that can cause headaches and dizziness.
  • Instead of these harmful products, try using natural essential oil diffusers. Some essential oils known for their air-purifying properties include:
    • Tea Tree: Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties.
    • Eucalyptus: Helps to clear congestion and freshen the air.
    • Lemon: A natural deodorizer with a refreshing scent.
    • Lavender: Calming and relaxing, with a pleasant floral aroma.
  • If you’re not a fan of essential oils and want to keep it completely natural, try making your own with simmered herbs:
    • Simmering a pot of water with herbs and spices like cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and citrus peels can create a natural, pleasant aroma.

• Houseplants: Certain houseplants can help purify the air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This process primarily occurs through the plants’ leaves and roots, where pollutants are broken down and used as nutrients. Some of the most effective plants and bringing fresh air indoors include:
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Removes formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and nitrogen oxides.
• • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Removes formaldehyde and xylene.
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii): Removes formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene, and ammonia.

Next Level Actions: Taking Air Quality Seriously

For those who want to do more, here are some advanced steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality:

1. Invest in an Air Purifier: Choose an air purifier with a HEPA filter to capture dust, pollen, mould spores, and other airborne particles. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, and these filters are designed to capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. Look for models with activated carbon filters to remove VOCs and odours. Reliable brands include Dyson, Blueair, and Philips.
2. Use Low-VOC Paints and Building Materials: When renovating or decorating, opt for paints, flooring, and furniture made with low- or no-VOC materials. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are chemicals that are released into the air from many common building materials, and they can contribute to indoor air pollution and health problems. Look for paints labelled as “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC.” Brands like Earthborn, Little Greene, and Farrow & Ball offer eco-friendly paint options.
3. Make Your Own Cleaning Products: Reduce your reliance on store-bought cleaners by making your own using simple, natural ingredients. Here are a couple of easy recipes to get you started:
   1. All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
   1. Baking Soda Scrub: Make a paste of baking soda and water to scrub sinks, tiles, and other surfaces.
4. Create Beeswax Candles: Ditch the conventional candles and create your own from natural materials. Beeswax candles are not only eco-friendly but can also clean the air. When beeswax burns, it emits negative ions, which can help to neutralize pollutants in the air, such as dust, pollen, and mould spores. This can improve air quality and reduce allergy symptoms. Plus, beeswax candles burn cleanly and don’t release harmful chemicals like paraffin candles do.

By taking these steps, you can create a healthier, more comfortable indoor environment for yourself and your family.

The benefits of fresh air should be for all to enjoy – that’s why The Alchemy of Being create content to support you – because every step you take contributes to a healthier and more sustainable planet for future generations.