Urban Blog

The words “eco-friendly” did not appear on too many peoples’ radar just a few years ago, but today the world is a very different place. Increased awareness regarding the dangerous of toxic chemicals and pollutants both for the world and people have helped to make eco-friendly a fixture in our society. As a result, eco-friendly products are now everywhere. That stated, it is important to remember that just because a product has earned an “eco-friendly” label doesn’t necessarily mean that it is people or animal friendly.

Just as “gluten free” doesn’t necessarily mean that a food is healthy. For example, there are many gluten free foods that are packed with chemicals, high levels of sodium and sugar, the same holds true for eco-friendly products.

In this article, we are going to explore a few eco-friendly home products that will keep you and your family healthy while at the same time looking out for the planet; after all, we only have one planet and it is imperative that we start taking the best care of it possible. Use these products and you can help take some of the stress off the planet.

Eco-Friendly Product One- Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is definitely not “sexy” but humans certainly use a lot of it. Of course, toilet paper comes from trees and it takes a lot, a whole lot of trees to handle our daily usage. The seemingly simple act of switching over to recycled, eco-friendly toilet paper will save not only trees, but water and energy as well. It takes all three, energy, water and trees to make toilet paper. In fact, a surprising amount of energy and water are used in the production of toilet paper.

The downside of eco-friendly toilet paper is that it can be considerably more expensive than “regular” toilet paper, however, buying eco-friendly toilet paper is a relatively easy way to reduce stress on the planet. By voting with your dollar, you are telling manufacturers that you want products that eco-friendly.

So while toilet paper might not seem like an area where one expects a lot of innovation, the simple fact is that toilet paper made from recycled toilet paper is, in fact, potentially one of the world’s most eco-friendly innovations.

Eco-Friendly Product Two- Eco-Friendly Bathroom and Kitchen Cleaning Products

The majority of the time most homeowners don’t need “super-tough” cleaning products. Soap and water usually does just fine for most household cleaning jobs.

The simple fact is that the massive household cleaning product industry has spent billions convincing us that our houses are so dirty that they need powerful, super rough and tough chemicals to obliterate household germs, but this isn’t the case. The average American home can be cleaned with soap, water and occasionally a mixture of water and vinegar or water and hydrogen peroxide for areas such as the toilet. Expensive cleaning products are not only harming your pocketbook but the health of the planet’s water supplies as well. If you feel that you need a cleaner in a bottle then opt for those that are made from all-natural ingredients instead of chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Product Three- Alternative Countertops

Kitchen countertops are heavy and require a great deal of energy to make. Selecting a beautiful material like marble is tempting, but it takes a tremendous amount of energy to make countertops from materials such as marble.

Mining, cutting and transporting a stone like marble takes a staggering amount of energy. This is, of course, the bad news. The good news is that there are alternatives that are both effective and durable.

Quite stunningly, one option is paper. While at first glance, a paper countertop might sound like a bad idea, it is important to remember that wood block countertops have been popular for years. In addition to wood block countertops, there is a new generation of wood based countertops that are made from sustainable forests. This new generation of wood based countertops have been engineered to be durable and long lasting.

Another countertop alternative is glass. A particularly great eco-friendly option comes in the form of recycled glass. Recycled glass countertops can be surprisingly tough and attractive.

Eco-Friendly Product Four- Eco-Friendly Paints

A large percentage of the paints on the market, while durable, are packed full of potentially harmful chemicals. Low-VOC paints have become popular in recent years, as many homeowners realized the dangers represented by VOCs.

While this is a step in the right direction, there are many eco-friendly paints on the market. Eco-friendly paint is both low or free in VOC and will not harm the planet. The next time you paint, consider choosing an eco-friendly option.

Eco-Friendly Product Five- Alternative Concrete Stains

Why stain your concrete floor? It can really enhance the look and feel of the floor, no matter if it’s at home or at the office. You can use different colors and even patterns. The color goes deep into the concrete and ends up being quite permanent.

Typical wood and concrete stains are mostly chemicals and petroleum based products. However, in recent years, as concrete stained floors gained in popularity, several companies have put a new spin on concrete floor staining. Non-toxic soy based concrete stains not only look great, but they are also very eco-friendly and will last for years.

Eco-Friendly Product Six- Bamboo Everything

Bamboo is a truly amazing product, especially for the home. Bamboo, which is technically a grass, grows at an impressive rate. It takes years for bamboo to begin growing above ground, but once it does start growing it can grow several feet per year!

As a result, bamboo is perfect for everything from flooring to furniture and more. Best of all, bamboo takes very little energy to grow, is comparatively easy to harvest and is most definitely renewable. In short, the more bamboo you can use in your house or next remodeling mission the better.

A lot of material goes into the creation of your home and its maintenance. Opting for eco-friendly products is the right move both for the planet and the humans that live on it. More and more, you’ll see innovative options becoming available.

So, you have attractive furniture, and it is soft and comfortable. But what lies below the surface? The bottom line is that couches and chairs can be stuffed with almost anything. Unfortunately, usually, soft furniture is stuffed with the cheapest material possible, which typically means cheap chemical based foam or stuffing that has been impregnated with a variety of chemicals.

Is Comfort Really Everything?

If your couch is comfortable, that comfort may come at a high price in the form of exposure to various chemicals that have been linked to cancer, respiratory problems, weakened immune systems, learning disabilities in children, fertility problems and more. Of course, it is true that chemicals, including petroleum based chemicals, are everywhere, but that only means that one should be extra vigilant about reducing exposure whenever possible.

While it is true that there is no way to completely eliminate chemical exposure, it is also true that there are many steps that you can take to reduce your overall exposure and, in the process, boost your odds of maintaining or improving your health. Let’s take a closer look at the chemicals found in non-wood furniture and what you as a consumer can realistically do to avoid those chemicals.

As it turns out, simple choices can have a big impact on both your health and the environment. What you choose to purchase, and not purchase, has big ramifications in terms of what products will and will not be produced. When you say “no” to a dangerous or potentially toxic product, such as furniture, you are sending a powerful message to manufacturers around the globe.

Understanding Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is one of the most common chemicals found in non-wood furniture. Formaldehyde (yes, the same chemical used to embalm bodies!) degasses from many kinds of furniture, from chairs and couches to even tables and dressers. Formaldehyde can degas from furniture not for months, but rather shockingly for years. Sofas, chairs and even bedding can constantly release formaldehyde, which has clearly been linked to cancer, into your air for years.

Considering the amount of time that most of us spend indoor around our furniture this is a huge problem. So, what should you do?

The clearest way to avoid formaldehyde exposure is to simply not buy foam or stuffed furniture unless it is made from safe materials. Before you buy, do your research.

Choosing wood furniture is a great way to improve your indoor air quality and reduce your exposure to formaldehyde. Another step is to invest in air cleaning plants. Air cleaning plants, such Boston ferns, snake plants and peace lilies, are all excellent at cleaning and protecting the air that you and your family breathe each and every day. These plants are great whether regardless of whether or not you already have foam based furniture.

Snake plants, in particular, are remarkably robust and do a great job with low levels of care and light. Many have stated that snake plants are practically indestructible, which, of course, isn’t true. But these tough little plants are a must if you are worried about your indoor air quality. Snake plants are particularly good at breaking down harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde.

Understanding Flame Retardant Chemicals

When it comes to dangerous chemicals found in non-wood furniture few are more concerning than flame retardant chemicals. Flame retardant chemicals are put into everything from furniture to bedding, baby products and even electronics. In fact, flame retardant chemicals are a fixture in electronic products, and many fear that they are being overused.

In recent years there has been a push to do away with laws that require furniture manufacturers to put flame retardant chemicals into furniture. However, the lobbies that benefit from the sale of flame retardant chemicals are in no rush to say goodbye to what has been a remarkably profitable and consistent cash cow.

Research into flame retardant chemicals in furniture has yielded two findings: first, flame retardant chemicals are usually of minimal value and secondly, the chemicals used can cause cancer and other diseases.

Many experts have stated that flame retardant chemicals don’t actually stop fires from spreading. Other studies have pointed to the fact that some flame retardants work to mimic estrogen which can lead to a range of health problems including increased weight, hormone disruption and learning delays in children.

However, one fact is certain, furniture containing flame retardant chemicals will serve to produce smoke that is more toxic than it would otherwise be, potentially endangering both occupants as well as fire fighters and first responders.

Taking Steps To Protect Your Home

There are many steps you can take if you are concerned about the chemicals in your furniture. First, you can replace your furniture with as much wood furniture as possible. Or look for furniture that is specifically designed to be low VOC , flame retardant free, and eco-friendly. For most people, this will take time, as furniture expenses tend to be quite expensive, especially when you’re buying quality furniture.

Secondly, don’t assume that your furniture that looks like wood furniture actually is wood. Many consumers think they are buying wood furniture only to discover that they are buying MDF wood products which are essentially a mixture of sawdust, glues and chemicals. Such furniture is not real wood furniture. As a result, it will degas for years and it won’t last for too long either. This is not what you want.

Other steps can be taken to improve your indoor air quality such as buying air cleaning plants and even air purifiers; however, it is important to note that air quality isn’t the only problem with non-wood furniture. The harmful chemicals found in the majority of non-wood furniture also escapes into the environment where it mixes with dust and can be inhaled or most dangerously of all consumed by small children. The safest way to deal with non-wood furniture is to simply avoid having it in your house in the first place.

Many people feel that the “whole carbon footprint thing” is mysterious and confusing. While there is no doubt that the topic can become someone complex, at the core reducing our carbon footprint can be surprisingly simple.

How much energy you use, especially from polluting and non-renewable sources, determines in part, how much of an impact you are having on the world. Climate change is real, and the consequences of climate change will become ever more evident in the years to come.

Recently, studies have shown that the insect population has dropped by as much as 75%. While those of us who are not biologists or environmental scientists don’t think about the importance of insects in the food chain, they play a simply enormous role. Climate change is really slowly evolving into more of a story of environmental devastation and destruction. Yes, that is bleak, but there are small steps you can take to help the environment.

Lowering your carbon footprint doesn’t have to be mysterious or complex. Let’s take a look at a few of the ways that you might have missed that you can do to easily lower your carbon footprint.

Idea #1 – Fly Less Often

Flying is one of the single biggest and quickest ways to send your carbon print through the ceiling! This should come as no surprise as it takes a lot of energy to get a plane off the ground and fly it through the air at roughly 500 miles per hour with a couple of hundred people on board. Commercial aircraft are true energy hogs and the less you can use them the better.

If you are trying to go a relatively short distance, consider driving or taking a train. After all, you’ll get to see the sights from the ground. When you subtract the time it takes to drive to the airport, park, go through security and deal with possible delays, you may very well find the time difference is not as dramatic as you think.

Idea #2 – Buy an Electric Car and Solar Roof as Soon as Possible

This tip is definitely looking into the future. Electric cars are not just yet for everyone, and solar roofs are still cost prohibitive. However, the future is changing and fast. Soon electric car performance will exceed that of traditional gasoline powered cars in every way, and solar roofs and solar power systems are poised to drop dramatically in price.

Once solar roofs are cheap enough the day could come when you could say goodbye to your gasoline powered car, which is definitely harming the environment, and opt for an electrical power car that is solar fueled. Making this big switch will serve to dramatically lower your carbon footprint and excitingly enough this change is closer than many may believe!

Idea #3 – Never or Rarely Drink Bottled Water

Bottled water isn’t just expensive, but it is also very wasteful. In fact, most bottled water is really just slightly purified tape water. Investing in your own water purifier and a rubberized glass bottle is a great way to save money while lowering your carbon footprint.

Idea #4 – Eat Local Food

Where one lives can play a factor in how much local food one can consume. For example, it is much easier to “eat locally” if you live in Oregon or California than it is if you live in Hawaii. Yet, for most people in most markets it is possible to eat at least some locally grown food. Remember that the longer food has to travel the greater its carbon footprint.

Idea #5 – Eat Less Animal Protein

It takes a lot of energy and a lot of water to grow beef, pork and chicken. Simply cutting back on animal protein and getting more of your animal protein from free-range eggs, will help you cut your carbon footprint. Again, anything you do to interact with the environment will have an impact.

No one is saying that you have to trade in your hamburgers for cricket paddies, which may be a food of the future, but going vegetarian or vegan for one meal a day or one day a week will help you lower your carbon footprint.

Idea #6 – Buy Local Products

Buying local products may be one of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprints. Just as eating local foods lowers your carbon footprint the same holds true for buying local products. When you opt to buy a local product, you are not just helping to stimulate the local economy but are also reducing carbon emissions.

Idea #7 – Eliminate One Bath or Shower a Week

If you go to the gym every single day, then this tip might not work for you. But most people don’t work out quite so much and they really may not need as many showers as they take. The simple fact is that showering uses considerable water and, unless you are taking cold showers, a lot of energy as well. Eliminating just one shower a week, or 52 showers a year could really help lower both your carbon footprint and your water bill too!

Of course, in addition to these overlooked ideas, there are the obvious ones as well. For example, bring a canvas bag when you go grocery shopping and try to walk and/or bike as much as possible.

Biking and walking are not just good for the planet, but they are also good for your health as well. Scientific studies have shown a clear link between walking and improved brain health. If you want to be smarter, more alter and feel better then walking is an easy, safe and low-impact way of achieving this goal.

You can be sure that there are plenty of other ways to lower your carbon footprint as well. Whenever you use energy, you are increasingly your carbon footprint. There are many exciting technologies on the horizon, such as carbon sequestering that can remove carbon from the air, but we can’t rely on these still unproven technologies which may or may not be profitable and scalable. Instead, we all have to find ways to help take the pressure off the planet we live on and love.

People are spending more and more time in their homes, as such there is an increased risk for something to go wrong that is actually quite unexpected. While virtually everyone knows of the importance of fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, there are many other overlooked household dangers that aren’t given as much attention.

Let’s take a look at some of the most problematic household dangers that you might not be thinking about on a day to day basis. Overlooking these dangers could increase your risk of disease and even death! That is why this might be the most important article you read all day.

Overlooked Danger #1 Toxic Carpeting

Carpeting may be comfortable, especially on a cold winter morning, but carpeting is also a potential breeding ground for bacteria, mold and a warehouse storing a variety of allergens. Making matters even worse is the fact that carpeting can degas toxic chemicals for years.

The simple fact is that carpeting is a fixture in most homes. If you can’t remove your carpeting, then consider buying a rug cleaner and using it frequently. Soap and hot water will usually do the trick, so there is no need to buy a chemical rug cleaning solution. Carpet, since it is built into the house, tends to fade into the background like the walls themselves. But keeping your carpet as clean as possible and even replacing it every few years is a prudent move, especially if you have small children and/or pets!

Overlooked Danger #2 Air Quality

In general, indoor air quality gets overlooked by most people. The same people that will invest heavily in buying the very best food and exercise equipment and gym memberships will often completely, or almost completely, ignore indoor air quality. Recent medical studies have shown that there is a link between air pollution and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Air quality plays a role in health and while you can’t do much about outdoor air pollution, you can do a great deal about the indoor quality of your air. Investing in air purification systems such as those made by IQAir, which have been proven to trap airborne particles, bacteria and viruses is a prudent step.

Likewise, frequently changing your home’s HVAC filters, buying air cleaning plants, such as the durable and low maintenance snake plant, and opening windows when you burn food during cooking are all steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality. Additionally, purchasing an air quality monitor such as those made by Dylos, which measure the number of air particles in an area, is another good step. Inexpensive air quality monitors don’t reveal the specifics types of particles in the air but they will serve to give you a general idea of your indoor air quality. The importance of protecting your indoor air quality is difficult to overstate.

Overlooked Danger #3 Electromagnetic Fields

Just as indoor air quality is often overlooked, the same holds true for electromagnetic fields. This is definitely something most people never consider. But with the increased amount of gadgets and technology in our homes, the EM fields can actually get rather out of control.

Further, homes with old wiring or homes with poorly installed wiring (in which wires are coiled up within the walls), can produce dangerously high electromagnetic fields. Exposure to high powered electromagnetic fields can be dangerous to one’s health and may pose a potentially strong danger to young children.

The first step in addressing this problem is to buy an electromagnetic field detector. These detectors will tell you where you have the strongest electromagnetic fields. All homes have areas that have higher EM fields, such as the area immediately around your refrigerator for example, but the key is to know where those areas are and to check them. It is especially important to check areas where you spend a good deal of time, such as around your bed, home office, favorite chair or child’s bedroom. Like poor air quality, EM fields may be invisible. But powerful EM fields, especially with prolonged exposure, are not a good idea.

Overlooked Danger #4 Unlocked Cabinets

Unlocked cabinets can pose a significant danger for children and even animals. Kitchen cabinets can store everything from knives to medicine to cleaning products. Properly locking your kitchen cabinets so that children and pets are unable to enter is a smart move and one you are not likely to regret.

Overlooked Danger #5 Using Space Heaters Wisely

Space heaters are a popular way to heat areas not effectively reached by a heating system, but they can also be dangerous. Not only are space heaters a potential source of high EM fields, but they are also fire hazards.

One of the best ways to safeguard against a space heater related fire is to purchase a high-quality space heater. Dyson’s Cold+Hot Fan has many built in safety features that help make it a good space heater choice.

Overlooked Danger #6 Radon-Odorless, Tasteless and Potentially Deadly

As radon is tested at the time of a purchase of a home, this danger may be something you have considered. But what if you live in a rental unit or it has been decades since you bought your house? You should never assume that you don’t have radon. Until you perform an actual radon test, you simply can’t know whether or not you have a radon issue. Radon is colorless, odorless and over time it can damage lungs. If you do have a radon issue there are many ways that it can be addressed including a radon mitigation system which pulls radon out of your home and releases it outside.

The best way to avoid problems is to tackle them head on and in advance. Thinking about what you eat and drink and making sure that you get enough exercise are all great ways to protect your health, but the fact is that this is only the start. Living a healthy life and being healthy means protecting you and your family from threats seen and unseen. While this isn’t always easy it is, of course, worth the time.

If you have been wanting to go vegan or are allergic to dairy, perhaps you’ve worried that you’ll never be able to have delicious ice cream again. But then there is good news. The same holds true for those wanting to reduce their dairy consumption or just add a little variety to their dessert choices. You will be happy to hear that there are now more ice cream alternatives than ever before! And we’re not just talking about ice cream parlors, we’re talking about products you can make or buy and eat in the comfort of your own home.

The old days of ice crystal filled tasteless soy ice cream is long gone. In its place, we now have an array of excellent non-dairy ice cream alternatives that are sure to please. Perhaps most surprising about today’s new wave of ice cream alternatives is the sheer variety and quality that they represent. Now, explore a few of the highest-quality and tastiest ice cream alternatives on the market. (Trust us, after this article you will definitely want to put down the laundry and grab a pint of ice cream.)

Option #1 Avocado Ice Cream

Whomever it was who first thought of making avocado ice cream is, in fact, a genius. There are plenty of online recipes for avocado ice cream. The Food Network even has a tasty avocado ice cream recipe that is easy to make and serve to your family. What makes this recipe amazing is that there is zero churning required.

If you’ve ever made your own ice cream then you know all too well that the churning part of making your own ice cream serves to take out some of the joy. Simply puree your avocado, add milk, lemon juice and salt and put it in a blender. Then add whipped cream and put everything in a pan and let it freeze overnight. Another great avocado ice cream recipe can be found over at Kawaling Pinoy.

If you don’t want to make your own avocado ice cream, there are companies eager to help you out. One avocado ice cream company is Organic Cado. Organic Cado has three great flavors: Mint Chocolate Chip, Deep Dark Chocolate and Simply Lemon. Organic Cado uses great ingredients. For example, their Mint Chocolate Chip flavor contains just organic avocado, organic cane sugar, organic chocolate chip, organic vanilla extract, organic guar gum and organic peppermint oil.

Option #2 Coconut Ice Cream

Coconut ice cream has become a very popular option with vegetarians, vegans and lots of others who love the creamy taste of coconut. Companies such as Coconut Bliss and Nada Moo have jumped into the coconut ice cream market with both feet. Coconut Bliss and Nada Moo both feature a mindboggling number of great flavors. Nada Moo’s organic flavors include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Birthday Cake (yes, birthday cake), Rockiest Road, That Snickerdoodle Dough, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Cherry Fudge Brownie, Pistachio Nut, Lotta Mint Chip, Vanilla, Gotta Do Chocolate, Cookies and Cream, Maple Pecan, Chocolate Almond Chip, Creamy Coconut and even Java Crunch!

There are many coconut ice creams on the market, but you can also make your own with a few easy ingredients including canned coconut milk. Eat Healthy and Eat Happy has a great recipe for Coconut Milk Cinnamon Ice Cream.

Option #3 Cashew Ice Cream

Cashewtopia is a cashew based ice cream from Organic Nectars. They have several flavors currently available: Cherry Chocolate Swirl, Chocolate, Chocolate Hazelnut, Mint Chocolate Swirl, Pistachio and Vanilla Bean. Cashewtopia’s ingredients are organic, and the ice creams are generally low in sugar, using organic agave inulin and organic evaporated coconut palm nectar. Every Cashewtopia pint is made with 100% raw organic cashews and is free of unprocessed sugar.

Option #4 Soy Ice Cream

Soy ice cream is often thought of as the only ice cream alternative, but obviously, the non-dairy ice cream landscape has really changed in the last few years. One soy ice cream that really delivers is So Delicious.

So Delicious makes soymilk ice creams that include Chocolate Velvet, Creamy Vanilla, Peanut Butter Zig Zag and others. What helps make So Delicious stand out is the fact that the company makes ice creams from almond milk, coconut milk and cashew milk, meaning that So Delicious is tackling non-dairy ice cream from every angle. Clearly, they have experience.

Option #5 Almond Ice Cream with Ben & Jerry’s

So Delicious isn’t the only company that is making an almond based ice cream. The famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company also makes a vegan, almond milk based ice cream. Currently, they have seven different flavors: Caramel Almond Brittle, Cherry Garcia (of course), Coconut Seven Layer Bar, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chunky Monkey, Coffee Carmel Fudge and P.B. & Cookies.

Option #6 A Hybrid-Coconut and Cashew Ice Cream

We are currently living in what many have called the “Golden Age” of non-dairy ice creams. One company had the bright idea of making their ice cream out of a combination of organic coconut and organic cashews. The Raw Ice Cream Company offers a range of flavors including Chocolate, Vanilla, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Cookie, Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Fudge Swirl, Mint and Mint Chip. Currently, the Raw Ice Cream Company is only available in New York. But with a little luck, soon it will be in stores everywhere.

The Bright Future of the Non-Dairy Ice Cream Market

Whether you decide to choose coconut, avocado, almond, soy, cashew or even a mixture of ingredients, customers looking to avoid dairy now have the more options than ever. Vegans, individuals who are lactose intolerant and people are simply looking for something interesting, new and, of course, tasty, will find that they have no shortage of incredible options. Companies both large and small have jumped into the lucrative ice cream market. In the process, there now is pretty much no excuse not to eat ice cream.

Water quality doesn’t just vary around the world, but can actually vary from state to state, city to city and even neighborhood to neighborhood. Recently high profile water problem news stories, such as the problems with the water supply in Flint, Michigan, help to underscore just how important it is to purify and safeguard one’s own water. The bottom line is that water is simply too important to your overall health to not take proactive measures.

Like air contamination, water contamination is often overlooked when it comes to health and safety, which is a shame. Water contamination stories are becoming more and more common. Industrial and agricultural runoff, ineffective sewer treatment facilities that were not designed to remove drugs excreted into the water supply and other sources of contamination do find their way into the water and food supply.

While there are many reasons that local water supplies are being contaminated, ranging from aging infrastructure to fracking, industrial and agricultural runoff and more, what can’t be denied is that the average person needs to purify their water, especially their drinking water.

In this article, we’ll examine a few of the best water purification options on the market. We will go beyond the simple water pitcher purification options that so many people rely upon for their clean water. While often better than no water purification option, these water pitchers unfortunately often fail to provide truly effective water purification. This is especially true in problematic regions of the world. Water purification systems can be extremely expensive, however, our look at water purifiers focuses on easy to install, easy to use and maintain and relatively affordable options.

Option One- Water from Air Systems

The priciest option on the list is the water from air system, also known as an atmospheric water generator or AWG. These systems extra moisture from the air, purify it and turn it into drinking water. This option can be a good fit for those living in areas with questionable water supplies or water supplies that have experienced problems in the past. There are several options on the market with some options featuring reverse osmosis and even UV sterilization.

Once purchased the per gallon cost is low, usually around just $0.20. If you are looking for a way to avoid ground water contaminants, fluoride, lead from old pipes and other water contamination issues, then a water from air system is definitely something worth considering.

What can make this option problematic to implement is that there are many options on the market, using many different, often patented, technologies. Some opt for ozone purification and others do not. That stated, an AWG has the sizeable benefit of always providing a consistent water source. The systems not only allow users to bypass heavy metals and fluoride but also viruses and bacteria as well. Atmospheric water generations can cost several thousand dollars.

Option Two – Countertop Water Purifiers

On the other end of the pricing spectrum is the vastly more affordable countertop water purifier. One of the best countertop water purifiers, priced around $100, is the New Wave Enviro 10 Stage Water Filter System. The unit is far from perfect, however, the price point, ease of use and quality of water help to make this unit a standout. Whereas, AWG units can cost $3,000 or more, the New Wave Enviro 10 can usually be found for under $100, but there are drawbacks to this approach. Countertop units means that you can see the unit. With some effort, the New Wave Enviro 10 can be mounted under the sink, as can other countertop units.

Another problem is that the New Wave Enviro 10 doesn’t always attach to the faucet with ease and filter replacement can be difficult, as filters are not easily labeled to indicate which direction is down and should interface with the main unit. With that fact stated, however, the unit is an overall winner due to its price and effectiveness.

While it will never win any beauty contest and the hose-faucet design can be cumbersome and probably even irritating, this low cost, high results solution is worth investigating. The ten stage filter can remove everything from heavy metals to bacteria, virus, pesticides, cancer causing chemicals and more. Best of all, no new plumbing is necessary, and the unit can filter about 1,500 gallons of water annually depending on the level of contamination in your water. However, it is very important to note that this unit will not filter out fluoride.

Option 3 – Berkey Water Filters

Another, slightly more expensive, bulkier and more cumbersome water purification option is the Big Berkey Water Filter System. The Big Berkey usually costs around $300, is a little on the large side and sits on top of the counter. Water is poured into the top of the stainless-steel unit, is purified slowly and then comes out of a spout at the bottom.

While the Berkey units aren’t super streamlined or easy to use, they have undergone considerable testing, and the results have been good. Also, if you are looking to remove fluoride from your water, then you’ll want to consider this option.

Berkey water filters have been shown to remove VOCs, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides and more. The units are portable and can be taken on camping trips which helps add to their value. Units can produce several gallons per day and provide hundreds of gallons before filters must be replaced.

These three options vary in price and approach. Ultimately, where water is concerned, one of the most important steps one can take is to test one’s water and the water purification system that you choose.

When it comes to water, it is essential to think about more than just taste. Some harmful elements are completely tasteless and odorless. Also just because your water has never made you sick in the past doesn’t mean that it couldn’t potentially have long term consequences. The best approach is to stay proactive and make sure your family’s water supply is protected.

The indoor air of the typical home is polluted. But just how polluted is a given home’s indoor air quality?  It all depends on factors, such as the home’s location and how it was built. Living close to a busy street or highway can translate to air quality issues. Likewise, living in close proximity to factories can also present significant air quality problems.

Many people believe that outdoor air quality in cities is mostly due to road traffic, but this is not always the case. Recently, residents of what many felt was one of the world’s “greenest cities,” Portland, Oregon discovered that the city had substantial air quality issues. A unique program that analyzed moss in the city discovered that there were oddly high levels of dangerous heavy metals such as lead and cadmium.

Residents were confused as you might imagine, and eventually it was discovered that two glass making facilities both located in the heart of city were pumping out large levels of toxic heavy metals. As you can see, you truly never can take your neighborhood’s air quality for granted.

The issue is still not completely resolved, and the story of Portland’s recent air quality woes serves to underscore the tremendous importance of cleaning one’s indoor air. One of the single best ways to protect your indoor air quality is to have an air purifier in your home.

Air Pollution Has Many Sources

Outdoor air quality is clearly a problem when it comes to maintaining indoor air quality, but it is far from the only problem. Two other factors are contributing to poor indoor air quality. The first is the building materials used in construction.

Building materials are often made with or impregnated with a range of chemicals. These chemicals are constantly degassing and in the process degrading indoor air quality. However, it isn’t just your home’s insulation, drywall, glues and adhesives and other materials that contribute to poor air quality. Household furniture, such as couches and chairs, are often made using a complex mixture of chemicals. Indoor air pollution when combined with outdoor air pollution serve to create a powerful one-two punch. The bottom line is that most homes need indoor air quality help.

Let’s take a look at some of the best air purifiers on the market.

IQAir

IQAir is tough to beat in the air purifier space. Constructed in Switzerland, these air purifiers use multiple stages and truly do achieve impressive results. No doubt IQAir, air purifiers tend to be more expensive than other options but they also deliver outstanding results.

During the 2003 SARS outbreak in Hong Kong, IQAir units were installed in hospitals and many believe they played a role in slowing down or even stopping the outbreak. Medical authorities in Hong Kong did not make their choice lightly as they first tested many different systems before ultimately opting for IQAir. In the end, IQAir systems were installed in 150 hospitals and other health care facilities throughout Hong Kong.

The American Lung Association has also partnered with IQAir as part of an educational campaign and in 2008, the U.S. Olympic Committee teamed with IQAir to provide clean air at the Beijing games. Part of the IQAir “magic” resides in the company’s use of HyperHEPA fiters.

HyperHEPA filters can capture virus and bacteria as well as other particles. The HyperHEPA filters used by IQAir allow for extremely small particles to be captures. The simple fact is that IQAir, air purifiers work and they even have a whole house version that can clean the air moving through a home’s HVAC system. However, IQAir units and their replacement filters are expensive. Yet, that stated, there is no arguing with IQAir’s impressive track record and proven results. If you are interested in seriously upgrading your indoor air quality, you’ll want to check out IQAir.

Wynd

On the other end of the cost spectrum is Wynd. Wynd sounds a little like science fiction. Wynd is a portable air purifier that is only about the size of a moderately sized flashlight that actually works. While it looks too small to yield results, the Wynd portable air purifier does a fine job cleaning a small area. For those living in small apartments or looking for a way to purifier the air in their car, bedroom or any other small area the Wynd has a lot to offer. The Wynd also features low cost filter replacements averaging around $10 and units costs a fraction of both IQAir and Molekule units.

Molekule

No doubt about it, the Molekule, air purifier uses some pretty advanced technology. Over 20 years of research and development went into the creation of the Molekule, and all this hard work definitely shows. The Molekule doesn’t capture viruses, bacteria, mold and pollutants like the other two air purifiers on our list. Instead, the Molekule literally destroys them, literally! This isn’t a marketing slogan.

The nanoparticle-coated filter dissembles and converts pollutants into harmless elements. The end result are molecules that are safe to breathe instead of potentially harmful ones. In terms of pricing, the Molekule is comparable to the most basic IQAir model and the replacement filters are cheaper as well. To date, there has been nothing on the market like Molekule. In fact, Molekule might be our first look at the future of air purifiers.

Reclaim Your Healthy Air

In today’s world, if you have the budget available to buy an air purifier, you should. Even if you aren’t tackling outside air conditions like pollution from factories, highways or natural occurrences like forest fires, there are still toxic issues from indoor items like degassing new furniture or cigarette smoke. All of these can have a negative impact on your health and the health of your family.

All three of the air purifiers featured in this article have their respective benefits. Diet, exercise and even water filtering receive great attention, but often overlooked in the process is purifying one’s indoor air. Improving your indoor air quality is one of the most important steps you can take towards safeguarding your health.