With the festive season upon us, we’re all gearing up for a joyful time filled with celebrations and gatherings. Amid the holiday hustle, it’s easy to overlook a critical aspect of our surroundings—indoor air quality (IAQ). At Carbon Wise, we’ve put together some quick tips to ensure a healthier home for you, your family, and your guests.
1 – Deck the Halls with Cleaner Air
Decorating your home is a cherished holiday tradition, but it’s essential to be mindful of potential indoor air quality challenges. Here’s how you can improve the air around your holiday decor:
Choose Wisely
Opt for natural and eco-friendly materials, such as sustainably sourced greenery, over synthetic alternatives.
Say No to PVC
Consider PVC-free decorations made from wood, metal, or fabric to avoid harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Air it Out
Before bringing new decorations indoors, especially synthetic ones, air them out in a well-ventilated space to reduce chemical off-gassing.
Ventilate Smartly
Open windows and doors while decorating to disperse any pollutants and let fresh outdoor air circulate.
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2 – Cooking Up a Healthier Indoor Air Quality
Holiday cooking is a joy, but it can introduce pollutants. Follow these steps for a healthier cooking environment:
Ventilate Right
Use kitchen exhaust fans to remove cooking-related pollutants and consider installing a range hood vented outside.
Natural Ventilation
Open windows and doors while cooking to bring in fresh outdoor air, especially during high-heat cooking or gas appliance use.
Smart Cooking
Opt for cooking methods that produce fewer emissions, like steaming or boiling, and maintain your appliances for efficient combustion.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Use green cleaning products to reduce additional pollutants in the air and maintain a healthier kitchen environment.
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3 – Candlelight with Cleaner Choices
Candles create a cozy atmosphere, but some can impact IAQ. Choose candles wisely and follow these tips:
Natural Options
Opt for beeswax, soy, coconut, or palm wax candles over paraffin ones for cleaner burning.
Essential Oils
Scented with essential oils for a natural aroma without synthetic fragrances.
Clean Burning
Look for candles labeled as “clean” or “non-toxic,” and burn them in well-ventilated areas.
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4 – Guest-Ready Indoor Air Quality Etiquette
Consider these friendly tips when hosting guests to maintain a healthy indoor environment:
Shoe-Free Zone
Request guests to remove their shoes to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering your home.
Fragrance-Free Options
Provide unscented personal care items for guests, especially if you prefer a fragrance-free environment.
Ventilate Gathering Spaces
Ensure good ventilation, either through a ventilation system or by opening windows, during larger gatherings.
Green Allies
Indoor Plants. Spider Plant, Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Aloe Vera, and Boston Fern: These plants effectively filter out pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene.
By incorporating these friendly suggestions, you can create a festive and healthier indoor environment for everyone. Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with clean air and celebration! ✨
