Bedroom
Healthy children, healthy planet
p until their late teens, children are still soft and warm tool that I cannot i 9 anything else! Even
growing. Their body tissues metabolize glue and protecte big companies all have an "eco" line of
faster than adults' and toxins are sealers or old fashioned paste wax, It's int, but, as with everything, some products
absorbed at a higher rate. With this in mind, it anti-microbial, naturally water resistant and are better than others. There is a lot of
is alarming to note that, according to Homes durable. You can also clean it easily with just a information out there about which paints are
that Heal by Athena Thompson, the use of vacuum and damp mop. better for the environment and you, but here
synthetic chemicals in the household has Another healthy option for flooring is good are some basics to keep in mind ...
increased since World War II and the rate of old linoleum. Produced from natural renewable You'll want a paint that has low Volatile
chronic disease has steadily increased. What materials like linseed oil, rosins, wood flour and Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are the
does this mean for our children? jute, linoleum is softer and warmer than tile, solvents that stink. They are not good for the air
Children spend a high percentage of time in and you can choose to add an underlay that in your home or for the planet's ozone layer. My
their bedrooms. Decisions made about the moves it pretty close to cork in softness. The favorite paint is from Yolo Colorhouse at
materials used in the bedroom, therefore, have neat thing about linoleum is all the colors and www.yolocolorhouse.com. They have a limited
a tremendous impact on children's health. From patterns. It's easy to create fun designs like a palette, which makes it easier to choose, but
carpet to paint, the right choice is important. fish pond or a race track. Like cork, linoleum is they also have a special kids' line called Little
easy to clean and anti-microbial. Yolo. The paint is beautiful, goes on easily and
From the Ground Up With all this said about not using carpeting, doesn't smell one bit-it's zero VOC!
Let's start with the floor. Children spend a an area rug over cork or linoleum is okay. A fun, Although there are many other things to
lot more time on the floor than we as adults cozy idea is to use area rugs in the winter and consider when making choices about your
do. This said, you may think that carpet is the then roll them up for the summer months. You children's surroundings, flooring and paint are
way to go; it's soft and warm and easy to clean can even create an area rug of your own at two primary elements to ensure a healthy,
(well, sort of). Think again. Carpets trap dust, www.interfaceflor.com. Available in many styles natural environment. By learning about
pet dander and even chemical fumes from other and colors, the best part may be that you can eco-friendly materials and making smart
objects in the home, plus pesticides and wash them in the sink! I even know someone decisions now, you can make a world of
fertilizers tracked in on shoes. Carpet- who put them in the dishwasher. One trick: difference in your children's ongoing health
contain a science
especially cheap carpet-----<:an order them by the tile so you can replace just and happiness!
lab's worth of chemicals, such as formaldehyde one tile if your washing muscle can't remove a
and benzene, both of which are classified as stubborn Kool-Aid stain. * Anne Bertino is an allied member of ASID
human carcinogens by the Environmental and owner of The Bertino-Baumann Design
Protection Agency (EPA). Air Up There Group, an interior design firm specializing in
All-natural cork is a great alternative to When it comes to walls and ceilings, there people- and planet-friendly design.
carpet. It is a rapidly renewable resource, and are so many planet-friendly paint options now Visit wwwthebbdgroup.com.