25 Tips for Improving Indoor Air Quality during the Holidays

Spending more time indoors during winter means more exposure to dust, pet dander, mold, and other allergens. The holidays present even more opportunities for spreading germs with parties and more social contact. While each person may be affected differently, raising eco awareness and taking eco action on indoor air quality issues can directly contribute to health and a more sustainable lifestyle; not to mention a more pleasant experience for holiday guests.

As a green living consultant, I share with clients a list of potential concerns: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, household chemicals, pesticides, formaldehyde, dust mites, and mold. The solution? Whether in your home or business, follow these easy steps to improving your indoor air quality during the holidays

Like candles? Opt for soy candles. One of the most famous benefits of soy candles is how clean they burn. Soy wax doesn't not produce the black soot like paraffin does.
Don't allow smoking indoors. Set aside an area outside for guests to smoke.
Keep the house clean. Dust mites, pollens, animal dander, and other allergy-causing agents can be reduced, although not eliminated, through regular cleaning.
Clean with non toxic cleaners.
Ditch the air fresheners. They may cover embarrassing bathroom smells, but they do a number on your air quality.
Avoid indoor use of unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces, and gas stoves.
Have central air handling systems, including furnaces, flues, and chimneys, inspected.
Operate a dehumidifier in the basement if needed to keep relative humidity levels between 30-50 percent.
Throw away partially full containers of old or unneeded chemicals and pesticides safely at your local environmental recycling center.
Buy environmentally friendly or limited quantities of traditional cleaning products.
Keep exposure to perchloroethylene emissions from newly dry-cleaned materials to a minimum by airing out your dry-cleaning before bringing it into the house.
Avoid the use of pressed wood products and other formaldehyde-emitting goods.
If you have to use traditional pesticides, ventilate the area well after pesticide use.
Use non-chemical methods of pest control when possible.
Keep exposure to moth repellents to a minimum.
Keep exposure to dryer sheets to a minimum.
Run ceiling fans to keep air circulating.
Regularly replace your central system air filters (1-3 months) with a HEPA rated filter.
Consider purchasing an additional air filtration device.
Open you windows to let fresh air in.
Bring plants into the house that absorb toxins.
Painting? Remember to use eco friendly paints with low VOCs.
Install and use exhaust fans that are vented to the outdoors in kitchens and bathrooms.
Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces to prevent moisture build-up.
Decorate with nature (pine cones, nuts) and natural fibers and avoid off gassing associated with plastic holiday decorations.

Indoor air quality is an important sustainability concept to consider for general health or the pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle. With a few small changes, you will feel an immediate change in your home. Have fun with it and enjoy your holidays!