Top 5 Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Support a Healthier Lifestyle
Discover the top 5 eco-friendly home upgrades that save energy, cut costs, and create a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for your family.
Many people automatically assume that eco-friendly home upgrades are only beneficial for the planet, but that’s far from true. While they are food for the plant, they are also great for you too! For example, some types of laminate flooring and some hardwood flooring with high-VOC finishes give off VOCs (volatile organic compounds). These VOCs linger in the air and when you breathe them in and can cause mild problems like throat irritation or more serious issues like damage to the liver and kidneys. Switching to an eco-friendly upgrade like bamboo, cork or reclaimed wood with a low-VOC finish will support your health and well-being.
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Home Upgrades That Support a Healthier Lifestyle
1. Opt for Sustainable Storage Solutions
Plastic has slipped into every corner of our homes, from our storage containers and water bottles to even our kitchenware. Many plastics release chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food, drinks, or even the very air we breathe. Replace larger plastic storage containers with stainless steel containers, as this is not only better for your health, but it will also stand the test of time. Switching to glass food storage containers is an eco-friendly alternative that will motivate you to meal prep and batch cook, which reduces the likelihood of you ordering takeout. Moving to healthier snacks and meals is especially important if you have health issues like diabetes, as a diabetes-friendly diet will help to manage your blood sugar levels and prevent glucose spikes.
2. Use Low or Zero-VOC Paint
Paint gives off VOCs for weeks or months, depending on the type of paint. It can take up to six months after application for some to completely dissipate, but a few can continue for years. Warmer and more humid conditions can increase VOC off-gassing which can severely impact air quality. Using low or zero-VOC paints minimizes indoor air pollution which supports respiratory health, so look for products with the Green Seal certification. This is one of the simplest ways to optimize your living space for wellness.
3. Create an Indoor Herb Garden
Growing your own herbs may seem like a daunting task, but it’s not as difficult as it seems. You can start with a few herbs like chives, thyme, parsley and dill that are compact and low-maintenance and will thrive on your window sill. Herbs contain a wide variety of natural compounds that support health, but many of these are destroyed when these herbs are dried and packaged. Using fresh herbs from your windowsill will not only support your health, but they will also add a depth of flavor to your meals. Studies also show that caring for plants reduces stress and helps to stabilize blood pressure which will improve your overall health. Growing your own herbs will also cut down on store-bought packaging waste.
4. Create a Compost Station
A compost station is one of the easiest eco-friendly upgrades that also helps to foster a healthier lifestyle. Composting is nature’s recycling system, and using it not only reduces landfill load but also helps enrich your plants. This is even more useful if you are growing your own vegetables, as it closes the loop in your home’s food cycle. Composting also makes you more mindful about your eating habits and helps you move towards healthier eating. You can start with a simple vermicomposting bin under your sink to turn your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil. If you are not yet ready to grow plants, you can use the compost from your home to fertilize plants in public spaces near your home.
5. Use Dimmable LED bulbs
LED bulbs are your best option for lighting because they are more energy-efficient, last much longer and are safer to use since they produce less heat. Switching from incandescent or halogen bulbs to LEDs is an eco-friendly hack to brighten your room while reducing your energy consumption. Use dimmable bulbs, especially in your bedroom, so that you are able to dim your lights a couple of hours before going to bed. Studies show that dim lighting at home before bedtime helps to improve the quality of sleep as it supports the circadian rhythm which is the body’s internal clock.
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