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On average, people spend 90% of their time indoors (65% of that time is spent at home). Indoor pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. – Environmental Protection Agency

1. Lose the toxic cleaning products!

Conventional cleaning products such as all purpose tub/tile, oven and drain cleaner contain hazardous and unhealthful ingredients that pollute both air and water.  Today there are many non-toxic cleaning products available from such companies as Mrs. Meyers, 7th Generation, and Method.  Make the change today for healthier indoor air and ocean water! 

2. Get rid of the balls! (moth balls that is) 

Moth balls contain naphthalene.   Naphthalene was recently listed as a registered carcinogen by the U.S. government.  Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage. 

Here is how to make an easy and effective moth repellent sachet (compliments of Annie B. Bond):

This recipe will fill about a dozen sachets. You can buy herbs in bulk at almost any health food store:

2 ounces each dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each dried thyme and American ginseng
8 ounces whole cloves

Mix herbs and place some in the center of a bandanna or handkerchief (or in a muslin tea-bag, available at health food stores). Tie with a ribbon.

3. Painting project on the horizon?  Make sure to use Zero VOC paint!

The use of no-VOC/eco-friendly paint reduces toxins that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, reduces contaminant concentrations in landfill, groundwater and the ozone, provides easy cleanup with soap and water, and produces lower odor. With increased legislation and support from environmentally conscious organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), plus advances in paint technology, the paint industry has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible products with higher performance levels. New paints have become more durable, cost-effective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

Finding VOC-free paint is now as easy as making a trip to Home Depot! They now carry a line of no-VOC paint called The Freshaire Choice. Today just about every paint manufacturer offers a VOC-free line of paint. Two manufacturers specializing in zero-VOC paint include Yolo Colorhouse and Safecoat. VOC-free paints typically cost about the same as a manufacturer's premium line of paints.

4. Minimize or eliminate wall to wall carpeting!

Wall to wall carpeting is a catchall for dust mites, pet dander, dirt, and pollutants.  At a minimum, try to eliminate carpet from bedrooms.  Washable area rugs over a solid surface such as hardwood will greatly improve indoor air quality.  Old carpet when removed weights significantly more than when it is new, proof of it's dirt and pollutant housing nature.

5. Open your windows and let the fresh air in!

Try to make a habit of opening your windows on a daily basis to let the stale air out, and the fresh air in. 

6. Add houseplants!

You can cleanse the air in your home by simply adding certain types of houseplants. NASA tests show that common houseplants remove toxins through the natural process of photosynthesis - as they take up carbon dioxide, they also pick up airborne pollutants through their leaves. Examples of such plants include English ivy, peace lily, golden pothos, and spider plants.