Photo via Pixabay by Engin Akyurt
“For the sake of our health, our children and grandchildren and even our economic well-being, we must make protecting the planet our top priority.” – David Suzuki
Shared Via Brainy Quotes
A person’s home is the place where they should feel the most comfortable and relaxed, where they can go after a long day and enjoy a little peace. It should be a safe place that caters to each individual’s needs, as well, but that means more than installing safety railings on the stairs and adequate lighting in every room; it also means thinking outside the box a little to come up with ways to make your home actively work for you and your well being.
For example, you might consider the air quality in your home, or how efficient it is when it comes to utilities. For children and the elderly, this is especially important, as having poor air quality or uneven temperatures can be a health issue. No matter how clean your home is, it’s still possible to overlook things such as furnace filters, clogged dryer vents, air conditioning units with leaky hoses, or moldy bath mats, all of which can contribute to problems if they aren’t taken care of.
“Your home environment should be your safe haven,” says Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, MD – over email. “It should be where you retreat to after a long busy day, and the state of this environment essentially has major bearing on your overall health. If you live in an unclean, unsafe, or unkempt home, such an environment will undoubtedly negatively impact your health, and this can ultimately lead to dire health consequences.”
Keep reading for a few tips on how to change your home for the better
Bring In Some Green
Every interior space can benefit from a little green, so invest in some plants to place around your home. Not only will they give an instant facelift to any room, they’ll provide clean oxygen and may even help with reducing stress. Just make sure you don’t buy varieties that are poisonous to pets or children, and keep them out of reach just in case. 😉
Avoid The Chemicals
Using eco-friendly cleaners around your home will not only help the environment, it can also keep you and your family healthy. Switching out chemicals for simple cleansers — such as vinegar and hot water for floors, tile, and appliances — can really help jumpstart better habits and keep your home safe, especially for young children and pets.
Double-Check For Safety
Making your home a safe place is important, and this means making sure there are working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, especially if you have gas appliances or heat. Change the batteries regularly and check to make sure they’re working properly for every new season. If you’ve recently bought a new home, this is one of the first things you should do after moving in; if you’re unsure of how to check them, consult your local fire department. Read on: here for more tips on what to check out after you move in.
Get Rid of The Carpet
It may be something you’ve never even considered: the fact that your carpet could be making you sick.
The truth is, no matter how clean you keep your home, there are tons of allergens, pet hair and dander, and bacteria that can live in a carpet and cause all kinds of havoc on your family’s health.
Consider tearing it up in favor of hardwood or tile for much cleaner air.
Make Your Own Space
Having your own space can be difficult if you have a large family, but it’s important for your mental health to be able to get away sometimes. Create your own space; take an unused room and turn it into a quiet place to read or make art, or use the garage as a place where you can work out. Find a way to make it your own and retreat there when you need a mental health break.
Remember that you don’t have to break the bank to make positive changes; many of these things can be done with little to no expense. Talk to your family members about your plans so that everyone is on the same page, and think about the best ways to make your home work for you.
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