Green Tip of the Week: Improve your indoor air quality
Last Updated on Thursday, January 03, 2013 01:36 pm Written by MEGAN FORNUTO Thursday, January 03, 2013 01:25 pm
After all, inside is where you eat, sleep, exercise and relax.
Volatile organic compounds – VOCs - are emitted as gases from certain solids and liquids and include a variety of chemicals found in paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, cabinetry, furniture, textiles, glues/adhesives and some craft/office supplies. Formaldehyde is one of the most notorious VOCs.
You can reduce your exposure to VOCs by making sure your home is well ventilated when painting, cleaning, etc.; and, better yet, purchasing no or low-VOC paint and low-VOC cleaning alternatives. Making your own no-VOC products from baking soda, vinegar and borax really works.
If you are remodeling, consider locally-sourced materials, reducing transportation carbon emissions; wood and textiles with no added formaldehyde; and flooring options such as natural linoleum, bamboo or low- or no-VOC carpet.
This tip is courtesy of the Task Force for a Sustainable Galloway.
For information call the Galloway Township Department of Community Education at 652-3700, ext. 209, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . See www.epa.gov or www.usgbc.org.
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