In order to bring awareness to National Poison Prevention Week, we're shining a light on the silent toxins that exist in our everyday household objects and recognizing the importance of products that can make your home healthier. The air in our home is filled with contaminants and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that we breathe in daily. Likewise, the utensils that we eat with and the fabrics, sheets, and towels that touch our skin all have an influence on the overall health of our home. Being aware of what is emitting toxins in your home is the first step in protecting the air quality of your space and in turn, its long-term well-being.
Let's consider the utensils you cook and eat with. For the most part, kitchen utensils are meant to last for years and we use them time and time again to prepare meals for our families. But, what are they made of, and what might we be ingesting when we use them?
At bambu, we are passionate about providing safe, long-lasting USDA certified organic bamboo utensils. bambu branded utensils are cut and hand shaped from a single piece of organically grown bamboo. Utensils made from bamboo are stronger than wood, naturally antimicrobial, stain and heat resistant, and they won't scratch even your finest cookware. Each piece is finished with an organic, food-safe oil to help keep you, your kitchen and your family safe and healthy. Since bamboo doesn't impart or absorb flavors, it's a perfect choice for cooking and eating with.
See the bambu line of organic, USDA certified utensils here.
(pictured above is the bambu Essential Organic Set of 4, new for 2018)
Cleaning products can also be responsible for emitting chemicals into our indoor air. The dangers of chemicals in cleaning products and solutions have been linked to serious long-term health concerns like asthma, respiratory disorders, fertility issues, and cancer. Try to avoid products made with antimicrobial chemicals, glycol ethers, fragrance chemicals, and instead look for green seals and eco-friendly ingredients. These synthetic chemicals don't add to the direct cleanliness of your surfaces and instead can lead to health issues if used in excess over time.
One of the best ways to avoid these toxic materials is to make your own cleaners using natural cleansers like distilled vinegar, water, and baking soda. These products are readily available, clean well, and contain ingredients you can actually pronounce. Another solution to push back against the potential chemicals in your cleaning products is to purchase an air purifying plant to naturally clean the air in your space. Spider plants and Weeping Fig plants are both great options that target pollutants and chemicals without you even knowing.
Another silent household culprit and emitter of VOCs is the furniture in your home. Your furniture may be giving off chemicals in your air like formaldehyde and benzene that are inhaled by your family. There are so many available options that are made with these concerns in mind. Stem is an eco-friendly company and maker of safe sofas, while Arhaus is committed to providing organic and recycled dining room sets. You should also take note of the sheets and towels that come into contact with your skin and ensure that those products are organic and low-impact. You might not realize that these materials come very close to our breathing pathways. Search around for companies that care about what is soothing to your skin and consciously make sheets and bedding that are important for our overall wellness.
There are retailers, organizations and health professionals that are putting together innovating products that are held to a higher health and environmental standard. Today sustainability is more important than ever, and companies are taking notice by creating eco-friendly options that are sustainable for the earth and human wellness. Always be on the lookout for recognition from environmental organizations that certify sustainable products. bambu works closely with groups like 1% for the Planet and the Plastic Pollution Coalition to contribute to the conservation and research of our environmental landscape.
