The current rise of “Green Living” means more environmentally friendly choices in the marketplace and organic produce in grocery stores.  But how do consumers know what choices are best for both the environment and themselves?  If consumers make choices that support healthy living, these same choices will support an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

 

Let’s start with the air.  Indoor Air Quality (IAQ, as some manufacturers are calling it) is becoming a growing concern for consumers and homeowners.  Although mold, mildew, and allergens have been around for years, consumers and air quality groups are becoming increasingly aware of the hazards associated with other airborne particles. 

 

Furniture and flooring are two of the major contributors to poor indoor air quality.  Furniture off-gases chemicals for months, even years, after it’s manufactured and consumers ultimately pay the price.  Although long-term effects are still relatively unknown, millions of consumers are already feeling the effects of their choices through hypersensitivity, increased respiratory problems, and increased allergies. 

 

Formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds have been found in all sorts of household products.  Formaldehyde, for example, is a major component in adhesives in plywood and particleboard and a base for some wood finishes.  Particleboard and plywood are used in walls, furniture, and cabinetry, off-gassing the most within the first few months after manufacturing but continuing to outgas for years. 

 

Formaldehyde is also in most upholstery sealants along with perfluorooctanoic acid, a likely carcinogen according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).   Furthermore, the upholstery could have contained chemicals such as benzene and other carcinogens. 

 

Hypersensitive individuals experience migraines, nausea, and even respiratory problems as a result of the off-gassing of these chemicals.  Some of these same chemicals are involved in carpet padding and some variations of carpet, creating similar symptoms in allergic and sensitive individuals.  Not to mention that carpets have a tendency to attract and hold more dirt, dust, mold, and allergens than any other surface.  This means that some of the chemicals that rub off of other furniture can adhere to dust and dirt particles and end up in the fibers of the carpet.

 

Consumers do have a choice.  Companies are now providing healthier, more natural alternatives to the traditional materials.

 

Consumers can remove carpets (an EPA recommendation to improve indoor air quality) and replace them with a renewable, sustainable flooring such as bamboo.  Watch out for sealers, though since it won’t do any good if the floor is still sealed with a formaldehyde-based product.

 

Homeowners can also request builders to use formaldehyde-free plywood and particleboard for building new homes or renovating existing structures.  For example, Columbia Forest Products created a new soy-based adhesive called PureBond for use in plywood and particleboard products. 

 

Some natural furniture manufacturers have also sprung up.  Eco-terric, a San Francisco-based company is one of many stores that promotes sustainable and natural furniture. 

 

Other sites that sell natural and sustainable products are:

If you choose products that promote a healthier atmosphere, you actually end up choosing products that are better for the environment.