Eco Travel - Choosing a Green Hotel
The idea of greener vacations is becoming more and more possible these days and thanks to growing awareness and concern for the environment, it is also becoming very popular. Hotel visits are one of the easier more obvious ways to “green” your vacation. Here are several simple things you might want to consider to help make your hotel stay a little more earth friendly. More »
Shop Green
Shopping for eco-friendly items? Visit our directory of green online retailers. More »
Our Story and Why We Eat to Fight Cancer- Part 1: Berries
This is the first in a series of posts on eating to fight cancer, a topic that is very close to our family’s heart. We will be featuring ten foods that have cancer fighting properties with an explanation of what those properties are and a favourite recipe of ours that includes cancer fighting ingredients. More »
Homemade Bird Food
n some parts of North America there is a shortage of fruit and nuts during the winter months. This means a lot of wild birds will be very hungry this time of year. You can help feed them. Save money by eliminating store bought bird feed and decrease your waste by using kitchen scraps to make homemade bird feed. More »
Raising a Child to be a Minimalist
There is a growing trend toward raising children in a minimalist, non-materialistic way. It is an uphill climb when you choose to raise your children in a frugal, non-consumerism sort of way, you are up against powerful advertising media and outside influences that you have no control over. More »
Five Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality
Brought to You by Mom’s Green Shopping List
Depending on your location, indoor air can be just as polluted – if not more so – than outside air. The problem is the chemical nature of many building materials, to the point that “sick building syndrome” is a recognized disorder. Improving the air quality in your home is a good idea, even if you and your family do not have allergies or obvious symptoms of chemical exposure. Here are some tips for making sure the air in your home is clean.
1. Air Purifiers
Lately, air purifiers have been competing with open windows for air quality control. Now, however, there is a compromise: window air purifiers. If you live in an area where outdoor pollution is significant, or if you suffer from hay fever or pollen allergies, this may be the answer for you. Window air purifiers fit into an open window, like an exhaust fan or screen. Outside air comes through them, but it passes through a filter first, giving you the best of both worlds: fresh air from outside and clean air from a purifier.
2. Open Windows
If you live in an area where the outside air is not a problem, open those windows. To get the best ventilation, open windows across from each other. This cross-ventilation effect works both within one room and between rooms.
3. Go to the Source
Educate yourself as to the possible pollutants in your home, and then take steps to remove them. For example:
- If you have carpeting, it is probably made from synthetic fibers and held in place with chemical adhesives. It is likely that your carpet is coated with some kind of chemical stain guard as well. Also, carpets are notorious for holding dust, animal hair and dander, and other household allergens. If possible, take up your carpet and discover the hardwood beneath, or put down natural flooring if none exists.
- Wallpaper glue can cause chemical sensitivity in some individuals. Using eco-friendly strippers or hot steam, remove the wallpaper and paint with eco-friendly paint that is free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and synthetic pigments.
- Get rid of chemical-based cleaners which are made from substances that can cause respiratory and skin problems. Some of these toxic cleaners are potentially fatal if swallowed. Use eco-friendly cleaners that you make yourself (baking soda and white vinegar can meet most cleaning needs), or purchase green cleaners from stores.
4. House Plants
Help eliminate air pollution with house plants. These are nature’s air purifiers, and work great in conjunction with open windows. In fact, indoor plants thrive on fresh, outside air. And when you close your windows, the plants work all the time to exchange air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, ammonia, and formaldehyde for healthy oxygen. Plant varieties to look for include English ivy, spider plant, peace lily, and various palms.
5. Clean Filters
Make sure the filters in your heating and cooling system are changed regularly. Purchase filters that are made to filter out as many chemicals and allergens as possible.
