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Recent Articles
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The Wonder of Green Technology
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November 5, 2008
"Modern technology,
owes ecology, an apology" is an old saying. In the
case of the new technology in building homes, this
proverb seems to be false. Those energy and resource
efficient green homes built in Austin are real gifts
from modern technology to the environment. Green
Homes have become a buzz word in Austin and with
technological innovation leading to more energy
savings, green technology is making progress towards
becoming synonymous with ecology.
Breathe Easy
Many green homes are built using toxin-free building
materials like bamboo or straw inorder to combat
indoor air pollution, which is much worse than
outdoor air pollution. Unhealthy air inside a room
is capable of causing serious health problems like
cancer and respiratory ailments like asthma. The
non-toxic building materials used, include paints
without volatile organic compounds and toxin-free
insulation materials made from soybeans. This means
that you can breathe fresh, non-toxic air.
Energy Dependency
The demand for Green Homes has steadily increased
nowadays as they attempt to totally eliminate the
impacts of buildings on the environment and human
health. These green homes take advantage of
renewable natural resources, where possible. These
green homes reduces our dependence on conventional
energy sources as they generate energy from
alternate energy sources such as sun, wind,
geo-thermal energy and bio-mass for their energy
needs. Moreover water conserving irrigation systems
help green homes use 50% less water than standard
homes. Water conservation such as this has become
very important with many places experiencing less
rainfall and longer more intense dry weather
conditions.
Green Homes, Cost-Efficient Too
The net cost of owning and operating a green home is
usually far cheaper than owning a standard home.
Upfront costs may be higher because most of the
architects and home builders don't have the
knowledge and experience to build green homes as
efficiently as standard homes. However, people
living in these green homes save money month by
month, as many green homes use 30% less water and
30% less energy than standard homes. Over the years
these moderate savings, add up to BIG savings. Green
Homes will also keep you healthier, which means,
fewer expensive doctor visits and fewer days missed
to work.
Regarding design, green homes can be every
bit as welcoming, cozy, and spacious as non-green
homes. Additionally, there are a wide range of
designs available from which to choose when
selecting your green home. You can go modern,
traditional, neo-classical or for the adventurous
even go geodesic dome style. The trend in going
green in Austin has grown rapidly. With more and
more builders, architects, and contractors learning
about Green Homes your choices in a healthy,
efficient, and green home are growing!
SO, what are you waiting for? Get your own
Green Home and hold the keys for a greener and
healthier tomorrow.
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Create a Healthy & Gorgeous Home
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
When you start planning your next home "re-do" - think
"healthy". Consider innovative home decor products that are
both beautiful AND eco-friendly.
Today we face environmental health threats not encountered
by earlier generations. The materials used in the building
of today's homes contribute to indoor air pollution that has
never before existed in the history of the human race.
Significant changes have occurred considerably with regards
to construction and building practices, particularly since
World War II and the energy crunch of the 1970's. The modern
invention of adhesives, synthetic carpet, synthetic paints,
etc., all contribute to a virtual chemical soup within our
living space.
Studies have shown that the air pollution found within our
homes can be up to 10 times greater than that of outdoor air
pollution due to the out gassing process of the materials
used and the tighter, more energy efficient structures.
When materials age and degrade, gases are released. These
gases are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Though
not all VOCs are harmful, such as water, many can negatively
affect our health. (That new car smell is a prime example of
out gassing from the synthetic materials used).
We make better choices with nutrition and exercise but fail
to understand that food is not the only element being
ingested. Through our furnishings alone, formaldehyde,
ammonia, insecticides, and many more toxins are breathed
into our systems as they outgas.
Many of us suffer the effects without connecting a possible
cause. Many symptoms such as headaches lethargy, and anxiety
can be traced to out gassing chemicals within our own safe
havens, our homes.
The good news is that we DO have choices. Going back to
nature allows us more durability and longevity in building
and furnishing materials. Fewer toxins create an improved
air quality thereby creating an improved quality of life. By
acting consciously for a healthier home environment, as we
do for a healthier mind or body, we create Home, in the
truest sense of the word. And when we start at the heart,
the benefits travel outward. Our choices affect our lives
and those of our loved ones, and finally, of the planet that
sustains us.
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How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollutants
September 17th, 2008 by admin
Believe it or not, the air within modern homes can be
upwards of five times more polluted than outdoor air. When
you also take into account that we can spend up to ninety
percent of our lives inside, the term sick building syndrome
should need little explanation.
Indoor pollutants such as dust, pet dander, tobacco smoke,
mold spores and pollen tend to be continually recycled which
ultimately means that folks who suffer from allergy induced
asthma are making their condition worse by being indoors.
Other symptoms of sick building syndrome include dizziness,
headaches, tickly throats, sinus congestion, itchy or watery
eyes, nausea, sluggishness and an inability to concentrate.
Certain immediate effects are similar to those from common
colds or other viral diseases, so it is often hard to
determine if the symptoms are a result of exposure to indoor
air pollution.
If you notice that the symptoms lessen or even vanish when
you are out of doors, it is a strong possibility that poor
air quality inside your home is to blame. If that is the
case, there are some things that you can do to all but
eliminate the potential causes and breathe a little easier.
Here are several tips for improving
indoor air quality in your home.
No Smoking Indoors
Although this may sound obvious, you should effectively ban
smoking inside your home or at the least restrict it to one
room. In our case, any friends or family that call are
restricted to the kitchen area or the back garden if they
want to smoke. In the kitchen, an extractor fan pushes the
smoky air outside as it does with cooking odors.
Open Your Windows From Time To Time
Weather permitting, you should open windows and doors in
order to lower the concentrations of inside pollutants while
letting outdoor air to come in. If you have bathroom or
kitchen extractor fans, make use of them on a regular basis.
You should also routinely clean the vent-hole in the
extractors and make sure they work correctly.
Throw Out Those Chemical Cleaners
If you have ever taken the time to interpret the labels on
home cleaning products, most of them will include a warning
about how bad the chemical substances are for your health or
skin. As soon as you use that product, a lot of those
chemicals go into the air, the fumes of which are inhaled. I
have quite often started coughing after spraying counter
tops with so called anti-bacterial cleaner. Not any longer
though, as my natural cleaning products of choice are
bicarbonate of soda, washing soda, vinegar and pure lemon
juice. These are all non toxic, environmentally friendly and
can tackle most cleaning jobs, either separately or mixed
with one another.
Clean and Dust Your Home Regularly
Although it may appear obvious to some folks, regularly
hovering your carpets and floors can go a long way in
controlling airborne allergens and dust. It is said
(although I have no proof) that some 70% of all house dust
is composed of dead skin, which we humans molt day in and
day out. Dust mites in turn feed on this dead skin that
falls from our bodies. They then grow and shed their own
skin and it is this together with their feces that causes
allergic reactions in folks.
{Pet Dander Allergic Reactions}
If you have a family pet, they will molt dander that can
trigger allergic reactions and asthma. If you suspect that
you or a family member may be allergic to your family pet,
action is needed. Ideally, it is better to keep pets out of
the home completely although that is seldom possible. As a
viable alternative, try and restrict the rooms that the pet
is allowed into. One definite area to keep them out of is
the bedroom.
{Reduce Inside Air Humidity}
If the clime where you live is either very humid or just
plain damp (as in too much rainfall), you will no doubt be
aware of just how much moisture levels within your house can
increase. This excessive moisture or humidity is the ideal
breeding conditions for mold. For anyone with allergies,
mold spores can cause as many health problems as airborne
dust. For that reason, an air purifier dehumidifier can be
essential. Dehumidifier units extract moisture from the air
and into a water tank which you can then remove and pour
away.
Get an Indoor Air Purifier
Home air purifiers or room air cleaners do as their name
suggests and clean the air of pollutants and allergens such
as mold spores, pollen, cigarette smoke and pet dander. They
are especially useful if you or a family member suffers from
allergic reactions or asthma since they can reduce airborne
contaminants by a substantial amount. Air purifiers and room
air cleaners are rapidly increasing in popularity because
they make indoor air healthier and cleaner. However, there
are different types of air purifier, some of which can in
reality make allergies worse rather than better.
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Allergy Relief Air Purifier Products
Allergy relief air purifier products help people to breathe
easier when suffering from allergies. There are many types
of filters and different kinds of technology employed in the
design and manufacture of these items. Many allergy relief
air purifiers remove airborne invaders such as smoke,
pollen, dust, animal dander, mold, and bacteria. Strategies
that help to combat indoor allergens include controlling
pollution, purifying the space, and ventilating adequately.
Controlling the breathing space quality reduces allergy
symptoms. Allergens also settle in furniture and on floors,
especially carpeted areas. Carpeting usually harbors dust
mites, which are notable offenders to people with
physiological reactions to household allergens.
Cleaning frequently along with using allergy relief air
purifier products will cut down on household allergens. To
adequately clean carpet, dry steam cleaners are best to use.
They are usually powerful enough to reach deep into the
carpet and kill dust mites. The dry steam allows less
humidity into the room, which is ideal because dust mites
tend to thrive in humid areas. Bare floors are recommended
for individuals who suffer from allergic reactions to dust
mites and other environmental factors. Vacuuming will
usually help as a short-term solution, but be sure to use a
vacuum cleaner with a filter designed especially for
allergen removal. Treat carpets with allergy relief air
purifier products. When dusting, use a damp cloth and have
everyone leave the house for several hours afterward to
allow stirred up dust to settle. A purifier will help trap
the dust caused by vacuuming and dusting.
Household tips to reduce allergens include minimizing
clutter. Book collections harbor dust and pollens. Stuffed
animals should be removed or, if that is not possible,
frequently washed in hot water because they are prime
breeding ground for dust mites. Buy a specially designed
mattress cover and pillow cover to put a barrier between the
allergic person and dust mites. Wash hair everyday and keep
shoes at the front door. By washing clothes in hot water,
allergens are eliminated. Buy products that are water-based
without harsh chemicals. Use environmentally friendly
products when cleaning because many cleaning products
contain products that can cause bad reactions. Use an
allergy relief air purifier in the home. With new
technology, many purifiers not only clean, but they also
provide more oxygen in the home. In addition, reducing
humidity and increasing circulation usually will help combat
indoor allergens. An allergy relief air purifier will
increase air circulation and trap many airborne allergens.
Air conditioning will help keep humidity levels down and
help to prevent exposure to outside allergens. Change
filters often in AC units.
Statistics show that more people suffer from allergies today
than ever before. Many young children today are plagued with
allergies and asthma. Common indoor allergens are improved
and eliminated by using an allergy relief air purifier.
Allergies vary by individual in terms of the triggers and
the severity. Pollution issues prevalent today have had an
impact on those who suffer. Environmental concerns are
raised frequently as climate changes point to global
warming. Major concerns in urban areas concerning atmosphere
quality studies are showing unfavorable conditions. During
the summer months, ozone action days are forecast. Ground
ozone gases form and can make one sick when breathing them.
Staying indoors is best on ozone action days.
Some purifiers are more powerful than others. By doing a
search online one can find many different kinds of allergy
relief air purifier products. Some sites show a comparison
of various products. Some of the differences between
purifiers include filters, range of area protected, noise,
as well as operation. Some purifiers convert pollutants to
oxygen. Using this type of purifier will provide a better,
more breathable environment. Invisible cleaning agents
capture pollutants in the room from several feet away.
Air barrier technology cleans the space outside the allergy
relief air purifier. It forces pollutants from the air and
helps prevent their occurrence. Gas/Vapor absorption
technology helps to deal with existing gases and vapors.
Some electronics omit ozone in the home but ozone shield
technology converts unwanted ozone into oxygen. Another
technology with allergy relief air purifier products
includes titanium photo catalyst. By using titanium,
purifying machines simulate photosynthesis and covert
pollutants into oxygen. Particle screening captures the
larger particles with a purifier. To maintain sterility
within a purifier, ultraviolet purification is used. This
type of technology is utilized by hospitals and clinics.
Individuals with severe allergies should see a specialist.
Finding out which triggers cause a reaction is essential to
understanding how to combat the allergens. Some individuals
have sensitivities to odors. An allergy relief air purifier
will remove odors from the indoors and replace it with fresh
oxygen. With all the allergens and pollution issues that one
has to deal with today researching and purchasing products
to help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life is a
wise decision. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of
God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)
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The Health
Impact of Indoor Air Quality? It's Worse Than Outdoor
Pollution...
Lourdes Salvador
August 28, 2008
Regular reports are issued stating indoor
environments, such as homes and offices, may affect human
health. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) say the air in
our homes and other buildings may be more polluted than the
air outside. Poor air quality is implicated in asthma,
allergies, fatigue, headaches, heart conditions, cancer, and
other common ailments.
No one knows the effect of poor indoor air quality better
than those most susceptible to it. After an initial chemical
injury, individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)
are less able to break down and eliminate pollutants they
absorb from the environment. Exposure to pollutants and
chemicals has a detrimental effect on physical and cognitive
functioning in this population. Therefore, they've become a
good test population for the effects of poor indoor air
quality.
According Trina Haney Davis, Leonard A. Jason, and Michael
A. Banghart of DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois,
"Exposure to environmental chemicals precipitates MCS
symptoms, one of the main treatments advocated is avoidance
of these chemicals. Avoidance includes: consuming
chemical-free food and water; wearing non-synthetic clothing
free of pesticides and formaldehyde; living in housing with
good ventilation, air purifiers, non-toxic paint, (without)
carpeting, or synthetic furniture; and restriction of travel
in areas where avoidance is impossible. If avoidance is
achieved and MCS individuals live in safe housing, it is
believed they are able to improve and return to a higher
functioning level."
In addition, avoidance involves the exclusive use of
nontoxic cleaners free of fragrances and synthetic
chemicals. Air fresheners, laundry soap, and fabric
softener, for example, contain toxic chemical fragrances
with ingredients on the EPA´s hazardous substances list.
These ingredients are not required to be listed on product
labels. Therefore, unsuspecting consumers believe perfumes,
lotions, shampoos, air fresheners, and cleaning products are
made with benign substances.
"Safe, affordable housing is the primary issue for people
with MCS," says Davis and her colleagues, who conducted a
study of 289 individuals with MCS to determine the different
health effects between groups living in safe housing and
those in polluted housing.
Individuals with MCS living in safe housing were
significantly less disabled than their counterparts with
unsafe housing. Measures of disability include cognitive
tests of learning and memory, visual spatial skills,
attention and mental flexibility, psychomotor speed, manual
dexterity, fatigue, and reports of adverse symptoms.
Those in safe housing had significantly higher levels of
functioning, ability to engage in daily work and higher
quality of life. In turn, the safe housing group was less
stressed, higher income, and tended to be married rather
than single.
When individuals who have MCS are exposed to chemicals,
their work status and overall physical health is
compromised, according to Davis.
There are a large number of people with MCS who do not have
access to safe housing. Safe housing is not only more
expensive, but is becoming more and more elusive as chemical
products invade every nook and cranny of living space.
"Although this is a time when cut-backs are occurring for
many social services, it does appear clear that those with
MCS who do not have adequate housing are in need of
resources and improved housing conditions," asserts Davis.
Clearly, we are all in need of safe housing, lest more
become chemically injured and develop MCS. But for people
with MCS, their lives depend upon it.
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