Natural materials like wood are an easy and beautiful choice to add to your home.
Getting started is easier than you think! Here are 5 simple steps you can take right now for a healthier home:
1. Swap your plastic sponge for a cotton Swedish cloth or plant-based sponge. Most sponges are made of synthetic material and introduce nano- and micro plastics as they are worn down. A well-maintained natural sponge can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years, reducing frequent replacements.
2. Swap your non-stick cookware for uncoated stainless steel or cast iron. The coating on non-stick cookware introduces chemicals that are known to be harmful to human health. Uncoated stainless steel is a healthier option and also gives you an improved sear over non-stick.
3. Swap plastic cutting boards for wooden cutting boards. Cutting on plastic introduces micro plastics into your food. Raw wood in fact has an inherent ability to absorb, contain, and kill bacteria, by drawing in moisture and bacteria into the the interior of the board and away from the surface. Once pulled in, the bacteria cannot survive.
4. Occasionally open windows to increase ventilation and introduce fresh air. We spend 90% of our lifetime indoors and take between 17,000 and 20,000 breaths each day. Opening windows or “blurping” when air quality is good is an excellent way to lower CO2 levels and release stale air that can hold dust and other contaminants.
5. Avoid using antibacterial anything. I know this is counterintuitive since bacteria = germs and germs make us sick, right? Well the truth is antibacterial soap and wipes have shown no additional protection against bacteria than just plain soap. Instead they actually contain harmful chemicals that are known to cause irritation, reproductive hormone disruption.
This is just the smallest tip of the iceberg but all of these are extremely doable, low cost, and make an impact on your health.
