Health
Cross-section of an organic rubber mattress.
“Using green and organic products reduces the amount of
chemicals we expose ourselves to and thereby reduces our body’s
chemical burden. This is especially important for children and
babies as they absorb chemicals at a higher rate than adults. Not
to mention that natural fibers like organic wool have additional
health benefits over synthetic fibers as they can actually improve
your sleep by helping to regulate temperature and humidity.”
John Muccino, Owner,
The Organic Mattress
A green home is a healthy home with good air and water quality that contains natural materials.
At right is a cork floor by Globus Cork in a kitchen designed by Susan Dearborn Interiors. Cork is insect resistant and anti-allergenic. Bugs, mold, mites and even termites are repelled by cork due to a naturally occurring substance called Suberin. This waxy substance also prevents cork from rotting even when completely submerged underwater for long periods of time. Photo by Warren Patterson.
“Cork is a wonderful green product – it is easy on the back, resilient
and attractive. Using it in my kitchen project in Boston was a way to
introduce a little patch of green into a late 19th century building.”
Susan Dearborn,
Susan Dearborn Interiors
“A client of mine became allergic to his house after a major renovation several years ago. The aggregate pollutants in the house made him feel awful. I know that his distress would have been lessened if the builder had been more conscientious about using green products and if carpet manufacturers and paint companies offered products without contaminants [like they do now]. After a year of filtering the air in the house, he is now feeling better.” –
Susan Dearborn,
Susan Dearborn Interiors
“Implementing three simple strategies – isolating the interior
air for energy efficiency, ventilating to control air flow from
the outside, and eliminating toxins – will create a home that
is healthier for your family and for the planet for generations.”
Woodmeister Master Builders
Healthier Home Suggestions
- Educate yourself about the products in your home and look for products that have green certification
- Use heat recovery ventilation
- Improve the air quality with high quality air filtration
- Balance humidification in your home
- Use products with no formalhyde, low VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) like zero-VOC paints, and flooring without stains, pigments or solvents
- Use products with natural materials