A Life More Green
It seems as if every day we are reading of the alarming impact the global community has made on the environment. Regardless of which side of the issue you favor, there is no denying that here is only one Earth, and a finite amount of resources and space within it. Living a “life more green” does not require major sacrifices. Reducing your carbon footprint can be accomplished by making small, minor changes in your everyday life. Just a few of the following changes can help you accomplish your goal of living a life more green.

The Eco-Friendly Home
While building or purchasing a completely “eco-friendly” home is outside the reach of most households, the small changes and considerations we make can make a significant difference. You can build a greener lifestyle from the ground up, starting with the floors in your home. Did you know that pollution can be up to five times higher in your home than it is outside? Many people suffering from allergies and asthma are surprised to find that many of the irritants that make their conditions worse have been traced back to the substances in their home. Many of the pollutants in your home’s air can be traced back to your carpeting. Traditional wall to wall carpeting is manufactured using petroleum-based chemicals, in factories that produce tons of greenhouse gases each year.

Volatile organic compounds like benzene and formaldehyde can be released into the air when your new carpets are installed. Other chemicals that are used during the carpet manufacturing process are toluene, methacrylate acid, and styrene; these chemicals can linger in your home for years. Vacuuming and carpet shampooing are unable to completely remove the chemical residue left in the carpeting.

According to health care professionals, chemicals in new carpeting can cause a multitude of symptoms, including hair loss, fatigue, nose bleeds, depression, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. In addition, carpets can also trap pesticides from lawns, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens inside your home.

There are many eco-friendly flooring options that can reduce indoor pollution, and can help relieve symptoms that may be caused by toxins in your carpeting. Carpets and flooring manufactured from recycled or environmentally-friendly materials can reduce toxin-related symptoms. Flooring that is made from recyclable materials can be just as stylish and durable as conventional flooring, and can be less expensive, and easier to maintain.