A GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING IN THE HOME...

INDOOR HEALTH

Many Australians are unaware of the poor air quality, harmful toxins and other substances to be found inside their homes and which can be detrimental to your health. New furnishings, carpets, paints and everyday household cleaning agents are often the main culprits. Fortunately, once you are aware of the potential risks of these substances, removing or replacing them with less harmful alternatives is actually very easy.

THINGS TO DO TODAY

There are lots of simple things you can do to make your home healthier to live in. These include:

Regularly open doors and windows to naturally ventilate your home

Purchase personal care products manufactured from natural products

Purchase indoor plants, which purify the air and beautify your home

Ensure car exhaust fumes room your garage or carport do not enter your home

Make sure gas appliances are vented to the outside

CLEANING - Make your own cleaning products:

Instead of...	Use...
Floor Cleaner	Soap and water; washing soda and water
Glass Cleaner	A mix of vinegar and water; wipe with newspaper.
Spray Air freshener	Fresh cut flowers; spices and potpourri, open a window
General Cleaners	Mix washing soda or baking soda with warm water
Oven Cleaner	Salt, baking soda, water
Conventional Cloths etc	Micro-fibre cleaning products

THINGS TO DO TOMORROW

There are a host of things you can do to improve the health of your home in the long-term:

• avoid oil-based products which give off more fumes

• Avoid paints that contain phenylmercury (a neurotoxin)

• Look for paints that have "zero VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds)", "zero toxins", and "solvent free" labels

• Try to paint in summer. The paint dries more quickly and it is easier to ventilate the house.

• Avoid chipboards and particleboards that contain toxic glues, and instead use solid timber, metal and stone

• Avoid synthetic fibres and foam, and instead use natural fibres

• Avoid synthetic carpets and underlay and opt for timber or tiled flooring

FURTHER RESOURCES:

Australian Greenhouse Office, Your Home - Indoor Air Quality

Douglas Shire Council, Eco-Smart House

Going Solar, Non-Toxic Paints

Indoor Plants, Do household plants really improve indoor air?

Planet Ark, Cleaning Product Fact Sheet

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The Sustainable Living Guide links and information provided have been reproduced with permission from the Manningham City Council - Sustainable Living Guide, 2004.