As I met with my new client, @Dana.Ariele, who is a holistic health coach, she expressed the desire to have a home free of toxins, including off-gassing from anything in her home, especially her new furniture. In the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, one crucial aspect that often goes overlooked is the quality of the air we breathe indoors and the impact of our furniture choices have on indoor air, and thus on our overall well-being.
We are surrounded by pollution, pesticides and volatile compounds wherever we go. We find these toxins in our food, clothing, personal care products and also goods we have in our homes as décor & furnishings. I was so grateful to have this brought to my attention and learned so many new things along our journey to create this new apartment as a haven in the midst of our toxic world. I hope to shed light on the connection between healthy living, indoor air quality, and the importance of making informed furniture and decor decisions to create a harmonious and health-conscious living environment.
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the quality of air indoors, which can significantly affect our health and comfort. Poor IAQ can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and even more severe conditions like asthma. It is essential to be aware of the factors that can affect IAQ and take steps to improve it.
Factors Affecting Indoor Air Quality
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Air Circulation: Stale air can trap pollutants and allergens indoors. Regularly opening windows and using air purifiers and exhaust fans can help improve air circulation.
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Pollutants: Various pollutants can accumulate indoors, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaning products, finishes, fillings & adhesives in furniture, dust mites, pet dander, and even radon gas. Reducing the use of chemical-laden products and keeping living spaces clean can minimize these pollutants.
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Humidity: High humidity levels can lead to mold growth and the proliferation of dust mites, both of which can negatively impact IAQ. Using dehumidifiers to maintain proper moisture levels can combat this issue.
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Furniture and Building Materials: The materials used in furniture and construction can release VOCs and other harmful chemicals into the air. This is where making healthy furniture choices becomes crucial.
Healthy Furniture Choices
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Eco-Friendly Materials: Opt for items made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal. These materials tend to emit fewer VOCs and are better for both the environment and your health. The foam inside upholstered goods also should be sourced from a known, clean supplier.
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Low-VOC Finishes: Look for furniture with low-VOC or VOC-free finishes. This will help reduce the emission of harmful chemicals into your indoor air. This can be a deep dive, each company uses different variables to call their products “sustainable”.
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Natural Fabrics: Consider upholstery and cushions made from natural and organic fabrics like cotton, wool, or hemp. These materials are less likely to off-gas toxins. Some fabrics made from recycled water bottles are cleaner as far as their environmental impact than commercially produced fabrics which use many chemicals in their finishing production.
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Antimicrobial Options: For those concerned about allergens and bacteria, some furniture options and paints come with antimicrobial treatments that can help maintain a healthier environment.
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Regular Cleaning: Dust and dirt can accumulate on furniture surfaces, so regular cleaning is essential. Using non-toxic cleaning products will prevent introducing more pollutants into your home.
As @Dana.Ariele pointed out, having furniture that is sustainable is great but if it is still made with toxic compounds, what's the point? We had a great learning experience together as we navigated many manufacturers who claimed to be “Green” & “Eco-friendly.” Some companies who are part of the Furniture Sustainability Council can be members if they simply only recycle the waste materials in their production houses, this was not good enough for our purpose and as such we had to dive deeper into each product we shopped for.
Healthy living is a holistic endeavor that can be overwhelming. It encompasses every aspect of our lives, including the spaces we spend much of our time in and call home. By helping our clients recognize and focus on what products to choose when designing their homes SBC Interiors hopes to enrich and enhance their homes, provide clean alternatives, impart a sense of ease and create environments at home that will be a place of refuge from all the toxins that surround us every day.
"Healthy living is a holistic endeavor that can be overwhelming."
"IAQ is the quality of air indoors, which can significantly affect our health and comfort."
