FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARСH 5, 2020 • HEALTH • THE QUEENS COURIER 33
health
Sustainable home upgrades for better health
When you’re on a quest to create a
home environment that promotes wellness,
it can be diffi cult to know where to
begin. One easy solution is to look for
small changes that improve your personal
well-being while also promoting a better
environment overall.
Consider these sustainable projects and
changes for a healthier, happier household:
Rethink window treatments. Windows
can aff ect a home in numerous ways, both
good and bad. On the upside, ambient
light is a natural mood-boosting alternative
to energy-hungry fi xtures. Windows
add character, and the right window treatments
can play an essential role in a decorative
scheme. In the winter, windows can
also be natural conveyors of the sun’s heat,
reducing your reliance on energy.
You may also be surprised to learn that
the window treatments you choose to help
manage light and climate can play a big
role in your home’s health and sustainability.
Drapes can be diffi cult to clean,
which means they can trap dirt, dust and
other allergens that tarnish air quality.
Many blinds use synthetic materials, making
them less than ideal earth-conscious
options. Your best bet is bamboo or wood
treatments that are certifi ed as eco-friendly
and easy to keep clean.
Lessen the laundry load. Reducing
the amount of laundry you do not only
saves time but is also better for the environment.
Washing clothes accounts for
15-40% of the water consumption for an
average family of four, according to Home
Water Works, and the annual energy consumption
of typical electric clothes dryers
oft en equals the cost of running a
new energy-effi cient refrigerator, clothes
washer and dishwasher combined.
An alternative like a heated towel rack
uses less energy than a standard dryer
(about the same amount of electricity as a
few light bulbs). Not only does an option
like an Amba heated towel rack save energy
and time by reducing the frequency
of washing towels, it keeps them dry
and free of mold and mildew between
washes. Plus, wrapping up in a warm
towel can help reduce joint stiff ness and
muscle spasms, according to research by
the Johns Hopkins University School of
Medicine. With 150 aff ordable mounted
and free-standing models made from
100% recyclable, marine-grade stainless
steel, and custom color options available,
it can be easy to add a stylish accent to
bathrooms, laundry rooms or mudrooms.
Reduce household chemicals. It may
seem that the stronger, the better is the
best approach when it comes to fi ghting
dirt and germs, but in fact, there are
many negative health and environmental
impacts from harsh cleaners. Opt instead
for more natural formulas that deliver the
same clean with fewer synthetic ingredients.
Aside from cleaners, there are likely
numerous other sources of potentially
risky chemicals throughout your
home, including furniture, clothing
and bedding that requires dry cleaning.
Products containing chemical dyes and
synthetic materials are not only potential
irritants, they oft en also carry the
weight of lesser earth-friendly production
practices. Linens made from natural
materials may help you avoid unnecessary
exposure to chemicals, and you
can readily fi nd options that help alleviate
concerns about allergens and allow
you to support sustainable manufacturing
practices.
— Courtesy of Family Features
/WWW.QNS.COM
