What Are VOC's?

In recent years people our becoming more conscious of what exactly is in the products we use and the effects it has on our body and the Earth. Since it's spring people are getting out and starting their home improvement projects. Most people prefer painting in the nice weather when they can air out their home from the harsh smell of paint. But what is in the paint that gives off that strong odor.

VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds):

VOC's are emitted as gasses from certain solids or liquids. These compounds include many chemicals that can result in short or long term health effects. VOC's have been known to be ten times higher indoors compared to outdoors. Thousands of products contain these harsh chemicals such as paints, lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, pesticides, building materials, furnishings, office equipment, adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions. These chemicals are used in all these products and can release organic compounds while your using them and even when there stored, they can emit harmful gasses to some degree.

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) did a study called the "Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM)", (Volume I through IV, completed in 1985). In the study they found out that many commonly known organic compounds were 2 to 5 times higher in homes rather than outdoors, regardless if it was in a industrial or rural area. The study also found that people that use products containing VOC's expose themselves and everyone around them to high pollutant levels and the higher concentrations stay in the air long after the activity is complete.
(http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html)

Although this information is alarming, there are steps you can take to reduce the amount of VOC's in your home. More and more Earth-Friendly products are on the shelves at your local stores. It's all about reading labels and educating yourself on the ingredients in the products you buy. One of the easiest and more cost effective way to reduce VOC's in your home is to paint your walls. Most local hardware stores sell either low or zero VOC paint in just about any color you want. When you cover up the old paint with the new paint it seals and traps the VOC's in the wall, making your environment safer for you. The low or zero VOC paint is just as good quality as any other paint only it doesn't have that overpowering smell in fact it's virtually odorless.

I painted my room last fall and I loved using Zero VOC paint. The paint didn't smell, it wasn't overpowering. I ordered my paint online from mythic paint, which had a wide selection of colors. It applied just like any other paint would and was fast drying. I would recommend this paint to anyone.

Help make your environment a safer place for you and others around you. Pay attention to what's in the products you buy. Know your ingredients. The next time you paint use low or zero VOC paint. With these simple steps you can help reverse the amount of VOC's being emitted into the air making our environment a better place to live in.

Spring Cleaning!

Wow! It's that time of year again, the weather is getting nicer and the trees are blooming. People are opening up their homes and cutting the lawn. It's time for spring cleaning, every year as we open our homes up after a long cold winter their is always a need to clean. But we need to think about how we can clean so it doesn't harm us or the environment. Makes sense right?

You may not realize that most commercial cleaners that you find in the grocery stores are very dangerous for us and the environment. Many contain fragrances and cleaning agents that are dangerous to touch or breath in and can cause respiratory problems. Products such as bleach, ammonia and alcohol are all chemicals that are harmful to your indoor air quality. These harsh chemicals emit toxic fumes into the air in which you breath and can irritate the eyes and respiratory system.

Instead of using the ordinary harsh chemical cleaners try using something better for you and your environment. Most people believe that environmentally friendly cleaners can't do as good a job as chemical cleaners, that is simply not true. A few essential cleaning solutions to have in your home are baking soda, borax, and lemon juice. You can find many different home remedy recipes for different cleaning purposes on the internet.

Not only is it easy to make your own cleaners, but as the times are changing it is much easier to find eco cleaners at the store. The variety of eco cleaners has finally hit the commercial market and prices are coming down.

The next time you buy a cleaning agent, think about yourself and the environment. Read the ingredients, if you can't pronounce them it's generally not good. Also if you need eye and respiratory protection think about what it's doing to your body. Making your own natural cleaners is cheaper and will reduce your packaging waste, but if that's not for you at least go with an eco-friendly solution.

Save Our Water

Another big environmental issue is our water supply. There is a great need for fresh water for our survival and our planets survival. Some areas need to conserve water more than others such as places like California, Nevada and Texas. But it's still important for everyone to do their individual part in water conservation.

In the home you can install low-flo shower heads and faucets. Install dual flush toilets or buy a dual flush conversion kit. Reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower and use a dishwasher to wash dishes.

On the outside of your home you can stop storm water run-off by directing rain water from your roof into a rain barrel. This helps cut down the amount of run-off that runs off your property and into an overburdened sewer system. And if you save that run-off and use it to water your plants, lawn or garden, you will be both conserving a valuable resource and saving money on your utility bill.

I recently bought a rain barrel for $129 and installed it yesterday. It was easy to install and I will be getting free water to grow my vegetables and keep my plants alive and my planet will thank me. I will make the money I spent on the barrel quickly. If your a creative person you could make your own rain barrel out of anything.