Easy Home Hacks To Reduce Pollution And Breathe Easy

There are many sources of pollution in and around our homes, from vehicles to household chemicals. Luckily, there are also many ways to reduce pollution at home. Here are ten ways to make your home and the planet healthier:

Ban smoking indoors

Banning smoking indoors is one of the most effective ways to reduce pollution at home. Exposure to secondhand smoke causes more than 41,000 deaths among non-smoking adults in the United States alone, and costs an estimated $5.6 billion in lost productivity each year. According to the US Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke is a term used to describe the inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers. It is particularly hazardous to children, as they have a higher intake of air relative to their body weight compared to adults. It is estimated that about 14 million children aged 3-11 years in the US are exposed to secondhand smoke. The effects of secondhand smoke on children include sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, and more frequent and severe asthma attacks.

The only way to fully protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke is to eliminate smoking indoors. Banning smoking indoors is the most effective way to reduce the health risks to non-smokers. Studies have shown that communities that implement comprehensive smoke-free laws see up to a 17% reduction in hospital heart attack admissions.

In addition to the health benefits, banning smoking indoors can also have economic benefits. Some studies have found that smoke-free laws do not negatively impact the hospitality industry and may even lead to increased business for restaurants and bars. This is because non-smokers may be more inclined to frequent these establishments if they know they will not be exposed to secondhand smoke.

While some smokers and businesses may initially oppose indoor smoking bans, the benefits outweigh the costs. Banning smoking indoors is a critical step towards creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment for everyone.

Regularly bathe pets and wash their bedding

Keeping pets clean and maintaining their hygiene is essential to reducing pollution at home. Pet dander, which can be found in an animal's fur, skin, and saliva, is a common source of indoor allergens. By regularly bathing your pets, you can effectively reduce the amount of dander they shed and improve the air quality in your home. It is also important to wash their bedding frequently to minimise the presence of dander and other allergens. This simple act can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially for individuals who are prone to allergies or respiratory issues.

Establishing a consistent grooming routine for your pets is key. Depending on your pet's coat and lifestyle, you may need to bathe them once a week or once a month. It is recommended to use gentle, pet-safe shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritating their skin. Ensure you thoroughly rinse off all the soap to prevent skin issues. Additionally, regularly brushing their coat can help remove loose hair, dirt, and dander, reducing the amount of allergens in your home.

Maintaining clean bedding for your pets is equally important. Pet beds can accumulate dander, fur, and other allergens, so it is advisable to wash their bedding at least once a week. Use hot water and a mild detergent to eliminate dust particles and allergens. If your pet sleeps in your bed, be sure to wash your sheets and linens regularly as well.

By prioritising your pet's hygiene and keeping their living spaces clean, you can significantly reduce indoor pollution and create a healthier environment for your family and your furry companions. Remember, a clean pet is a happy and healthy pet!

Improve ventilation by opening windows

Improving ventilation by opening windows is an easy and effective way to reduce indoor air pollution. Stale indoor air is replaced with fresh outdoor air, promoting a healthy living space. This simple action can make a significant difference in the quality of the air you breathe at home.

When the weather is pleasant, open your windows to encourage a good exchange of indoor and outdoor air. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with low air pollution levels. However, be mindful of the temperature and pollen count; if it's too cold or the pollen count is high, keep the windows closed to avoid discomfort or allergy triggers.

Opening windows in multiple rooms can create a cross-breeze, enhancing the ventilation effect. This is particularly useful if you have a larger home or live in an area with mild temperatures. By creating a draft, you can accelerate the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, ensuring a constant supply of fresh air.

In addition to opening windows, you can also utilize exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to remove cooking fumes and steam. These fans help to eliminate pollutants and prevent them from spreading throughout your home. If you have a dryer, ensure it vents to the outside to minimize lint and maintain good air quality.

Improving ventilation through open windows is a simple yet powerful step towards creating a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. By implementing this habit, you can breathe easier and reduce your exposure to indoor air pollutants.

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom

Exhaust fans are a great way to reduce indoor air pollution. They are particularly useful in the kitchen and bathroom, where excess humidity and fumes can be an issue.

In the kitchen, an exhaust fan can help to remove cooking fumes, which can contain chemical fumes and pollutants. These are released during cooking, especially when frying or grilling food. By using an exhaust fan, you can ensure that these fumes are vented outside, keeping your indoor air clean. It is also beneficial to install a chimney in the kitchen to further enhance the ventilation of fumes and pollutants.

In the bathroom, an exhaust fan serves a similar purpose. It helps to remove steam, which can cause excess humidity and promote the growth of mould and mildew. By extracting the steam, the exhaust fan keeps the bathroom dry and helps to prevent the build-up of moisture. This is especially important if your bathroom doesn't have a window, as it can be difficult to ventilate the space otherwise.

When choosing exhaust fans, look for models that are designed for the specific room. Kitchen exhaust fans, for example, are typically more powerful to handle the higher volumes of fumes and smoke. They often feature grease filters to capture grease particles from the air. Bathroom exhaust fans may have additional features like humidity sensors or timers to ensure the space is adequately ventilated without wasting energy.

It is important to regularly clean and maintain your exhaust fans to ensure optimal performance. Clean the fan blades and filters to keep them free of dust and debris, following the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, check the ductwork connected to the fans to ensure there are no blockages or leaks, which can reduce their effectiveness.

By using exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom, you can effectively reduce indoor air pollution, creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family.

Place a doormat at the entrance and remove shoes

One of the simplest ways to reduce indoor pollution is to place a doormat at the entrance to your home and implement a no-shoes policy. This is because our shoes can carry a variety of outdoor pollutants, such as pollen and dust, into the house. By placing a doormat at the entrance, you can effectively capture and trap these pollutants before they enter your living space.

Doormats act as a barrier, allowing you to wipe your shoes and remove any dirt, dust, or other particles that may have accumulated on the soles. This simple action can significantly reduce the amount of pollution that is tracked into your home. It is important to choose a doormat with a textured surface that can effectively remove and hold onto the dirt and debris from shoes. Regularly cleaning your doormat is also essential to ensure it remains effective in trapping pollutants. Vacuuming or shaking out the doormat will help remove any accumulated dirt and refresh its trapping capacity.

Establishing a no-shoes policy in your home further enhances the effectiveness of the doormat in reducing indoor pollution. Shoes can carry a surprising amount of dirt and pollutants, and by leaving them at the entrance, you prevent these contaminants from spreading throughout your living space. This simple rule can make a significant impact on the overall cleanliness and air quality of your home. It is a practice commonly seen in many cultures, where removing shoes before entering a home is a sign of respect and cleanliness.

In addition to the doormat and no-shoes policy, you can also encourage guests and family members to wipe their feet thoroughly before entering. This can be done by providing a shoe scraper or brush near the entrance, ensuring that any remaining dirt or debris is removed. By combining these simple measures, you can effectively reduce the amount of outdoor pollution that enters your home, creating a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

Frequently asked questions