What if we told you having a healthier home environment could help you live longer and enjoy a better quality of life? We have a hunch that you may be inclined to make the necessary changes to transform your living space into a healthful haven.
So, we have eliminated the burden of researching the necessary tweaks to make your sanctum a healthier home environment. Please read on as we highlight the six most important ways to achieve this life-enhancing goal in your home.
ALSO READ: 11 Clever Home Improvement Hacks You Never Knew
Practice Allergen Reduction and Encourage the Use of Toxic-Free Materials
The 21st-century home is full of toxic substances and allergens that come in attractive packages. Sometimes, the culpable toxic substances are present in the package materials we spoke of.
Our goal is to foster sustainable living in the home by reducing the use of these toxic substances to the barest minimum. Likewise, allergen reduction should be a priority in home management.
Some examples of such harmful items that we need to avoid bringing into the home or remove if already there are products containing formaldehyde, BPA, and phthalates. Upon human exposure, these materials often accumulate in the kidney and cause organ damage over time. Also, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that the highlighted toxic substances have cancer-causing potential and should be avoided.
Instead, we are advised to choose natural cleaning products, stainless steel and glass cooking ware, and furniture or clothes without fire retardant features.
Use a Water Filtration System to Purify Your Drinking Water
Research has established that water is one of the most precious substances for the optimal functioning of the human body. There are many things that we could decide to deny the body. However, water is not expected to go on that list.
Despite water’s importance to our metabolic and physiological health, we must ensure that the water we ingest is of the appropriate quality. Poor-quality water could become a vector of chronic diseases, judging by how frequently we use the universal solvent.
Consequently, it is essential to subject the water to rigorous purification processes, particularly the one we use at home. There are inexpensive water filtration systems that could help purify even our tap water.
Allow Only Nutritious Whole Foods in Your Food Storage and Pantry
Contrary to popular belief, snacking is very healthy when done right. However, the health of your food, snacks, and drinks depends on the products stocked in your fridge and pantry.
Besides being inexpensive relative to eating out, homemade meals are usually more nutritious, depending on the quality of the groceries used in their preparation.
Eating whole foods affords you the privilege of milking all the beneficial nutrients from the raw food material. Unlike processed foods, healthy meals contain fiber, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients that foster healthful longevity.
So, to sidestep the health disorders that come with always consuming ultra-processed foods, allow less and less of them at home.
Install Sustainable Ventilation Systems to Improve Indoor Air Quality
The importance of indoor air quality cannot be overemphasized. By all means, try to improve it. You don’t want the air quality in your home running amok due to negligence. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) affirms efforts to enhance the quality of air in the home can help reduce the risk of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
There are several ways to achieve optimum indoor air quality in a living space. One such intervention is establishing a routine for cleaning all filters that come with HVAC systems installed in your home. Doing this will keep the systems running hitch-free year-round. You could go a step further by installing air purifiers with HEPA filters. These unique purifiers are sensitive and screen off elusive dust particles and even volatile compounds.
Use Simple Humidity Control Hacks to Check Mold Growth
A living space with high humidity naturally experiences dampness, which may result in toxic mold growth. In contrast, a home with a constantly dry atmosphere can be choky. Installing appropriate humidity control can solve the two problems.
In some instances, poor humidity is caused by damage to the home’s ventilation systems or a broken water pipe. In these cases, necessary repairs should be given priority. Finally, incorporating house plants can turn your home into a green building, naturally helping you control the indoor atmosphere.
Optimize Energy Efficiency for Proper Lighting and Circadian Health
Proper lighting in the home will foster healthy sleep habits and spill over into other facets of wellness. Lighting systems that mimic natural daylight in the daytime and dim as the evening approaches are best for keeping the body in check for healthy sleep patterns. However, these technologies also encourage energy efficiency and sustainable living.
Some recent designs of innovative lighting systems use energy generated onsite from solar panels or small, aesthetic wind turbines. This simple hack will make your home a green building and help the occupants maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.
ALSO READ: NFL Dietician Shares Cooking Hacks For Making Instant and Healthy Meals
Use Natural Cleaning Products to Disinfect and Keep Your Home Spotless
We made general cleaning last on the list because it is the most important hack for a healthier home environment. As much as time permits, endeavor to clean your living space regularly, particularly contact surfaces.
While commercials of synthetic cleaning products often boast of how they work wonders, natural cleaning products are the best bet for the home. You may be unable to insist that your employer use toxic-free materials on their factory floor. However, natural cleaning products should be non-negotiable within your living space.
The core of a homeowner’s effort to create a healthier home environment is keeping out harmful substances and incorporating as much nature as possible.
