Holistic Design, The Environment, and Your Health

By Kandace Dole | 2021/03/12

Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues affecting their homes, businesses, lifestyles and health. I am an Accredited Green Design Professional and I have knowledge about how to avoid hidden toxins in the home and how to create healthier homes. I can help you reduce home energy use, conserve water, improve indoor air quality and suggest Eco Friendly and Environmentally Safe materials, furnishings and products. I understand how to make health and sustainability integral parts of your home without compromising your homes comfort, style and budget. If you or a family member are suffering from chronic health issues I can help you create a living space that supports your health and enhances your ability to heal. Today, 133 million people live with a chronic conditions .By 2020, as the population ages numbers will rise to 157 million. In addition to out door air pollution, pesticides/herbicides, GMO’s our homes are full of things that can make us ill. Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors, yet the air inside our environments is two to five times more polluted than the air on the outside, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Cleaning products, tobacco, paint, furniture, drapery, floor coverings, adhesives, and fireplaces are only some of the item’s that emit small particles and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) that can contribute to poor indoor air quality and are known to be carcinogenic. Biological Pollutants, such as mold, pollen, dust mites and animal dander, also compromise indoor air quality. Good indoor air quality is an essential element for a healthy home. Since volatile organic compounds are the major components of smog, reducing VOC’s and other pollutants in your home also will contribute to a better, healthier world.

Steps to a Healthier Home Environment

  1. Leave your shoes at the door to prevent tracking in dirt and pollen. *At a minimum , keep your shoes outside your sleeping area.
  2. Smoke outside, even if you live alone
  3. Use natural cleaning products to reduce household toxins and VOC’s
  4. Open your windows regularly for atleast 10 minutes per day to ventilate rooms, unless your home has an air exchange system
  5. Use the vented fan in the bathroom to reduce moisture and prevent mold growth
  6. Wash bedding weekly in hot water (130 degrees) to kill dust mites
  7. Add allergen-impermeable , organic cotton covers to your mattress and pillows to reduce dust mites.
  8. Switch to high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) appliances
  9. Set up your nursery with a natural crib mattress and use the home improvement guidelines below.
  10. Reduce VOC’s when you make improvements by:
    • Utilizing VOC free paints
    • Installing VOC- free flooring with low VOC adhesive
    • Using furniture and cabinets made with water based elements and varnishes and with urea formaldehyde-free particle board and pressed board.
    • Use Antiques or reclaimed furnishing as well as Bamboo, Mango and Rubber Tree woods as well as furniture made of wood from legally harvested forests.
    • Use furniture with plant based foams.

Please feel free to contact me for Eco Friendly and Environmentally Safe home furnishings, fabric, flooring 7 window coverings resources etc. There are many affordable options. Kandace Dole AS, AFDP, IFSG, Green AP Allied Member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Phone: (919) 923-7143 © 2016 Kandace Dole and Tranquil Flow

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