Do you ever have trouble breathing? Indoor air quality is usually far inferior to outdoor air. It’s also usually far dirtier than outdoor air. As recent news reports from China has shown, air pollution can range from irritating to downright scary.

While the odds are that you aren’t facing air pollution on the industrial scale of Beijing, that doesn’t mean that the air quality inside your home is great either. So it’s time to get proactive. In this article we are going to take a look at some of the best air purifiers on the market.

The best way to purify the air in your home is to invest in a good high quality filter for your HVAC system and change it often. A good filter may cost as much as $100 if you opt for the seriously overpriced, but effective, Lennox Healthy Climate CarbonClean 16.

The problem with a really expensive whole house air filter is that it is a good idea to replace your air filter in your forced air system frequently. With a $100 price tag, this can really add up fast. A more viable option comes form 3M. The 3M Filtrete 1550 is a very effective option and while 3M makes a bunch of other filter options the Filtrete 1550 is far less expensive than those other 3M options and just a fraction of the $100 Lennox option.

A whole house filter should be seen as step number one when it comes to purifying your indoor air. Again, changing your whole house filter is nothing short of a must. If you want good indoor air quality, then keeping the air flowing through your HVAC system clean is essential. The last thing you want to do is install a low quality filter and then fail to replace that filter frequently. Having a dirty filter can actually make your indoor air quality worse, not better!

Air Filters Can Be Mindboggling!

Room air filters are excellent supplemental air purifiers. There are plenty of options on the market. In fact, you can be forgiven if you find the task of deciding on room air filter to be nothing short of mindboggling. Not only are there tons of different options, but they also use different technologies and, as it turns out, some of those technologies are probably not safe. Also not all options are created equally.

If an air purifier doesn’t have HEPA technology, then you will want to proceed with caution. Many now feature this technology, which works every well for reducing and trapping small particles. However, with that stated, many air purifiers lack HEPA and still do an excellent job. Honeywell’s HA300BHD uses HEPA technology and captures particles 0.3 micron and larger. Overall this is a good HEPA room purifier and it has numerous settings.

Skip the Ozone

Other room air purifiers use ozone. These air purifiers should be avoided. Research has shown that ozone can harm the lungs. While some manufacturers tout that their air purifiers produce very low levels of ozone, the fact is that they still do produce some ozone which is far from optimal. Other manufacturers give users the option to turn on and off ozone functionality.

The IQAir

An interesting room air purifier option is IQAir. IQAir uses HyperHEPA filtration, is Swiss-Made and is currently used by hospitals. IQAir is an expensive option with basic models costing about $900, which is a massive price point difference over Honeywell’s offerings. Experts have repeatedly noted that IQAir provides exceptional results. IQAir comes with more features and options such as a filter life monitor. But again, it is all about performance when discussing room air purifiers and, in terms of performance, IQAir seems tough to beat.

What About If You Want to Clean Your Whole House?

When it comes to room air purifiers there are a few important factors to keep in mind. The key word is “room,” none of the options on the market will clean the air throughout your home. In order to effectively clean the air, numerous units could be needed depending on the size of your home. The units will usually state that an air purifier is capable of cleaning between 200 to as much as 1100 square feet on the high end; however the average generally tends to be more in the 300-500 square feet range.

In other words, a room unit will work well in a bedroom, but will not have the desired impact for an entire house. Another factor to keep in mind is that the air filters inside the units must be replaced and that can add up in a major way. These limiting factors serve to underscore the considerable importance of opting for a high quality whole home air filter for your HVAC system.

Air purifiers come in all shapes and sizes, and not all do a great or even a good job. While there are many options, it is key to remember that you do get what you pay for. By far the most important aspect of enjoying high quality indoor air is making sure that your whole home air filter is replaced often and is of high quality. The next most important step is selecting a room air purifier and likewise replacing the filters in that air purifier frequently. For the best air, try replacing your whole house air purifier monthly and keep your unit’s fan running at least a few times a day to clean out the air.

It’s Worth the Effort

Other steps such as opening windows and using a range hood when cooking will further help as well. The addition of plants such as snake plants and fern’s like Boston ferns have been scientifically proven to work wonders. Quality indoor air quality may be a little pricey and take some work, but the link between health and indoor air is an established one.

Foam cushion furniture is everywhere. Across the price spectrum, you will find foam cushion furniture and for many reasons. Foam cushion furniture can be durable. At least for a few years, it can be comfortable as well. However, there are good reasons that you should avoid this kind of furniture whenever possible. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the top reasons that you’ll want to avoid foam cushion furniture.

Reason Number One to Avoid Foam Cushion Furniture-That Odd and Dangerous Smell

Foam cushions are usually made from chemicals and there is no way of telling for sure what chemicals can be found in furniture and bed mattresses. Since furniture such as couches, seats and mattresses are large, they can contain large amounts of chemicals. If you are chemically sensitive or want to reduce the amount of chemicals in your home, then you’ll definitely want to opt for items that are as chemical free as possible. If you’ve noticed that “odd smell” in new furniture, you are not alone. Usually that smell is from chemicals.

One of the single most common types of furniture foam is polyurethane foam. It is very important to note that polyurethane foam is a petroleum-based material. Petroleum based materials emit VOCs or volatile organic compounds. VOCs negatively impact overall air quality and can lead to respiratory problems.

Studies have shown that exposure to air pollution can lead to disease and lower the IQ of children. Any step you can take to improve your indoor air quality is a step in the right direction, and that makes avoiding foam cushions a must. Quite often foam cushions and mattresses have glues that contain such dangerous chemicals as formaldehyde.

Reason Number Two to Avoid Foam Cushion Furniture-Very Dangerous Flame Retardants

Sadly, foam furniture and foam cushions have flame-retardants in them. Scientific tests have shown that flame-retardants don’t serve any purpose and are, in fact, quite dangerous. Flame retardants put into foam cushions takes a bad product and makes it far, far worst. Studies have shown that flame-retardants damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. These compounds can also make their way into household dust and eventually into our bodies. By not purchasing foam cushions, you are avoiding one of the key sources of flame retardant exposure.

Reason Number Three to Avoid Foam Cushion Furniture-Go Natural and Lower Your Carbon Footprint

Foam cushions are made from petrochemicals and toxic compounds. These are not renewable resources, and it takes a considerable amount of energy to manufacture these goods. In short, foam cushions are not just bad for people, but are also bad for the planet. If you want to help the planet and lower your carbon footprint, then avoid buying foam cushions.

The production of foam also harms our water supply. It takes a lot of water to produce foam and a good deal of water pollution results from the manufacturing of foam products. Vote with your dollars, and simply buy a different kind of furniture.

Reason Number Four to Avoid Foam Cushion Furniture-You Get What You Pay For

Foam furniture will last, for a while. Unlike other furniture options, foam furniture will not stand the test of time. Foam is not like wood furniture for example, as foam is constantly in a state of degrading. The foam furniture you have today will not be of similar quality years from now. If you truly want the best deal possible you need to opt for wood furniture or other more solid and durable furniture options.

It is true that chemicals are in fact everywhere. There are tens of thousands of chemicals, most of which are untested, begin used in the world today. By not buying foam furniture and foam products, you are helping reduce the number of chemicals both in the world and in your home. It may be more difficult to find foam free furniture, but it is indeed possible if you do a little shopping around.

The bottom line is that foam products have been linked to health problems. The simple fact is that keeping dangerous chemicals out of your home is worth the effort. So let’s take a look a few furniture alternatives that are better than foam.

The Benefits of Wood and Wool

Wood is a great option. Reclaimed wood furniture is amazing furniture. No doubt it is more expensive, but it is also very eco-friendly because no new trees were used in its creation. That alone results in a considerable energy savings. Reclaimed wood furniture is usually old growth wood, which means that it is far more durable, then new growth wood. When selecting reclaimed wood furniture, it is important to pay close attention to how the wood was treated after it was reclaimed. For example, were chemicals used on the wood to treat it?

Instead of foam cushions, opt for cushions and furniture made with natural materials such as wool. Sometimes wool is treated with chemicals as well so it is important to ask the right questions. That stated, wool is usually a superior alternative to foam cushions in that wool is environmentally friendly and, of course, completely renewable.

You do have choices. The idea that the only choice is to opt for petrochemical based foam is a false one. It may take a little research and effort, but you will ultimately be rewarded with a product that is a healthy and long lasting one. If you are looking for a great furniture investment, skip the foam and go for natural, people friendly and planet friendly options.

There are lots of things that you’ll have to do in preparation for a new baby and one of them is figuring out how you plan to effectively use diapers. It goes without saying that this isn’t really an issue you can ignore! Unfortunately, if you simply go to the grocery store and pick up the first brand of diapers you see, you will be exposing your little one to a bunch of chemicals, toxins and perfumes. Not to mention, selecting diapers is actually one of the most environmental decisions you’ll ever have to make if you’re a parent.

If you want to go the eco-friendly route, the good news is that there are options. For example, there are various brands on the market today with natural materials and that are also scent-free. You can also choose from a variety of cloth diapering options. There are far more choices out there now than there were years ago.

What is Most Sustainable?

If you are worried about renewable resources, you might not want to use regular disposable diapers at all.  Clean Air Council says that Americans throw away 49 million diapers per day. Plus, there is the issue of them decomposing over time.

Babies can go through 5000 diapers before they are toilet trained. Most of these diapers end up in landfills. The EPA says that diapers make up 3.4 million tons of waste each year.

Is Reusable Cloth The Way to Go?
If you choose reusable cloth diapers, not only are you doing something very positive for the planet, but also you will save thousands of dollars over the course of your child’s baby and toddler years.

There are actually four different types of reusable cloth diapers: the All-in-one Cloth diaper, the fitted cloth diaper, the prefold diaper, and the pocket cloth diaper.

The one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. Basically, here are some points you’ll want to take into account.

-All-in-one Cloth Diapers are most leak proof. They don’t require a diaper cover since the cover is sewn in. Brands include bumGenius, Kissaluvs and Bamboo Baby.

-Fitted Cloth diapers do require a diaper cover. They dry faster than the all-in-one option. You can get adorable colors and prints.

-Prefold cloth diapers are the most like the old-fashioned diapers that you yourself may have once worn. They require a diaper pin and a diaper cover.

-Pocket cloth diapers usually are made from materials that can keep a baby’s skin dry. These have a few parts: a waterproof outside barrier, fabric and an insert.

 Outer Covers and Biodegradable Inserts

gDiapers are becoming increasingly popular. This system includes outer covers with cute designs along with biodegradable inserts. Through this means, you can throw away the dirty diaper, but you don’t have to worry about throwing everything away. It’s a far more sustainable route.

You can even get inserts and covers made out of natural materials like hemp. Other brands that include outer shells and inserts you can throw away include FuzziBunz and Thirsties.

Biodegradable Disposables

You’ll end up spending about $1000 more if you go with disposable diapers that are biodegradable, but you’ll know your baby is not being constantly exposed to chemicals. Plus, you will be taking less of a toll on our planet.

The problem with biodegradable diapers, however, is they contain gelling materials for absorbency. These can ultimately decrease sperm count and are linked to other health problems. They also require ample energy and fuel to be produced.

If you have to go with a traditional diaper, you’ll definitely want to opt for one free of chemicals and toxic scents. You won’t find anything like latex or chlorine, which, sadly, are found in other diaper options. Good brands include Seventh Generation Free and Clear. This is a good option for those who simply can’t make the commitment to a cloth diaper.

Earth’s Best also makes an eco-friendly diaper. Not only are they free of chlorine, latex, dyes, and perfume , but also they are made with natural materials like corn and wheat.

There are even diapers made out of bamboo, such as Bambo Nature Diaper. The company that makes them is actually certified by a green label due to the fact that they allow frequent environmental inspections. The diapers contain no chlorine, phthalates, and other toxic chemicals.

You can see an impressive breakdown of the benefits of various disposable diaper options at BabyGearLab. http://www.babygearlab.com/Disposable-Diaper-Reviews?n=5&sort_field=#top

Ultimately, the least expensive and most eco friendly option may indeed be cloth diapers. You can either wash them yourself (the cheapest option) or use a diaper service. The service would pick up your dirty diapers and deliver clean ones to your home. You will just have an initial investment at the beginning, which includes inserts, covers and sometimes liners. When the Real Diaper Industry Association did research in past years, they found that sales of cloth diapers went up 30% between 2000-2007!

The option you select, of course, is a personal preference. But it’s essential that you at least try your best to protect your child and also your planet. We are lucky that there are far more eco-friendly options than in years gone by. You don’t have to throw those Pampers in your grocery cart!

Buying toys for your children has become something of an intimidating and even frightening prospect. In recent years, consumers have been more and more aware that children’s toys are often problematic and even dangerous. One of the most widely known examples of the problem of children safety and toys occurred when it was discovered that many children’s toys made in China were testing remarkably high for lead. It has been known for generations that lead was potentially problematic.

Avoiding Potential Toy Hazards

Now thanks to modern medical science, we know that lead and other heavy metals can be very damaging to children. Lead was widely used in house paints until approximately 1978 and also made its way into toys and other goods that children came into contact with and used. Children under 6 are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure and lead exposure can result in a lower of I.Q. and other health problems. Plastic toys, such as those containing BPA and other chemicals have likewise been linked to help and developmental problems.

In short, children’s toys represent a challenge of health conscious parents. These issues and problems are not overstated and currently there are not enough regulations in place to protect consumers. It is simply impossible for consumers to know what compounds, such as lead and other heavy metals, are found in toys. Until children’s toys are tested more heavily, parents have no choice but to redouble their efforts to provide their children with safe toys that will not expose them to potentially harmful compounds. In this article, we will look at some of the best green toys on the market.

First it is very important to point out that just because a toy is wearing a “green” label that doesn’t automatically make it a safe choice from a health perspective. Many green toys mean “earth friendly” in that they are recycled form plastics or that the company in question employs energy friendly protocols that help cut down on greenhouse gases. “Green” doesn’t always mean safe, but it usually is a good indicator.

The Joys of Wood Toys

Wooden toys are hard to beat. That stated, many wood based toys might use toxic inks or dyes. These inks and dyes may not represent a massive risk for an adult but for children who are constantly putting toys in their mouths these inks and dyes can be quite problematic. When selecting wood toys, be sure that products such as soy inks are also used. FSC-certified wood means that toys are sustainable as well, so keep an eye out for FSC certification when buying your green toys!

Wood building blocks are a great toy for young children and toddlers. PlanToys has a wide range of building blocks and other wood toys that can provide parents with an almost endless array of wood toy options. PlanToys goes beyond the established industry standards when it comes to safety. They have won both the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award and the Parents’ Choice Award.

What about Plush Toys?

Kids love stuffed animals, but plush toys can be home to a surprisingly large number of chemicals. You should always approach plush toys with extreme caution. The best plush toy options are organic ones.

Organic fabric and cotton stuffed plush toys are available. You can easily find organic plush toys from artists. Etsy is full of independent producers of organic plush toys and you can even buy locally. Just be sure to read reviews and check quality carefully. If you notice strange or chemically scents, simply send the toy back.

Plastic Toys

Buying plastic toys can be a real challenge. Green Toys makes a large variety of products that are made from 100% recycled materials. They source their toys from recycled milk containers. The plastic Green Toys uses is called high-density polyethylene and is generally considered to be one of the safer plastics on the market.

Safeguarding Your Child’s Health

These toys are most definitely more expensive, but there is little doubt that your child’s health is a priority. You can look at it this way, finding fewer toys that are safer preferable over buying more toys that are potentially heal damaging. Mixing different types of healthy toys is also another way to reduce risk. In other words, don’t give your child an overwhelmingly large number of toys from just one kind of company. Be sure to offer variety.

The greatest toy in the world is you, your time and your attention. A child who has ample parental and caregiver interaction is a child who can maximize the number of toys that he or she may have.

Your Child’s Health is an Investment

By investing the time to research, discover and select healthy and safe toys, you are making a major investment in your child’s future. The unpleasant fact is that many toys are, in fact, harmful and do present a risk. In time, the doctors and the medical establishment may take a more vocal and proactive role in protecting the health of children and informing parents and caregivers as the risks.

Sadly, most toy manufacturers use materials that are not fit for toys and this is clearly a massive issue. Parents and caregivers have a profound responsibility to safeguard their children from low quality and potentially harmful toys.

Toys that are largely comprised of chemicals should be avoided. If a toy smells strangely, that probably means that it is degassing harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde. Such toys should be avoided. If you accidently purchase such a toy, don’t keep it. Simply exercise your right as a consumer and return the toy.