7 smart steps to improve indoor air quality at home (BPT) – Think about how much time you and your family spend inside versus outside. From your home to the car to work and to school, it’s not uncommon that the majority of your day is spent indoors. This modern phenomenon means increased exposure to indoor air pollution. Fortunately, with a few smart, proactive steps, you can help protect yourself and your family. People vastly underestimate the time they spend inside, assuming just four hours, when in actuality they are inside more than 21 hours each day, according to The Indoor Generation report by The VELUX Group. The Indoor Generation refers to a growing number of people who spend the vast majority of their time indoors - currently 90 percent of their days on average, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to people spending more time inside, homes are being built and sealed tightly to meet the demand for increased energy efficiency. This is great for energy efficiency but not so great for fresh air exchange, which is necessary to maintain healthy indoor air quality. The resulting polluted air is locked in and can have health consequences: Moldy and damp air inside the home can increase the risk of asthma by 40 percent. Poor indoor air quality can contribute to irritated eyes, nose and throat, headaches and fatigue. Long-term indoor air pollution can even lead to the development of respiratory diseases and heart disease.
How to improve indoor air quality Everyday activities, such as cooking, cleaning, showering, burn-
ing candles and drying clothes, contribute to polluted indoor air. Pollutants coming from toxic materials, such as plastic toys, synthetic furnishings, cleaning solvents and building materials, can also worsen indoor air quality. Adding natural light and fresh air to your home can help combat the dangers of modern indoor living. Here are seven smart steps homeowners can take to make their living conditions healthier:
Vent air while cooking Always remember to turn on the hood fan while you’re cooking and open nearby windows and skylights. Try cooking oils with higher smoke points, so you produce fewer fumes. Palm, peanut, grapeseed, avocado and sunflower oils all have smoke points higher than 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
polluted air will escape at the top.
Avoid burning candles Candles provide ambiance and often a pretty scent, but they can have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Try opting for beeswax candles, which produce fewer airborne toxins. Alternatively, check out battery-operated candles that look close to the real thing. Clean regularly Create a home and pet cleaning schedule, and stick to it as much as possible. Vacuuming can help eliminate dust and dander.
Dry clothes outside When the weather is nice outside, take a cue from your grandparents, and dry clothes outside naturally with the sunInstall a skylight shine and breeze. ElimAdding a skylights is a inating use of the dryer simple renovation project or dryer sheets decreases that drastically improves air-polluting fumes and your home’s health. One moisture buildup in your option is Velux No Leak home. Plus, who doesn’t Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights, which bring in love the smell of linenatural light and open to dried clothing? create fresh air flow. The Make home airing a latest models come with daily habit a remote control to open Even if the weather and close the skylight and its blinds. Learn more only allows you to air out at whyskylights.com. your home for a few minUse natural air flow utes, it can make a world Hot air rises and cool of difference. Make a habit of opening winair stays closer to the ground. You can take ad- dows and skylights daily. vantage of this natural air If you think you’ll forget, exchange in your home just set an alarm on your by opening a skylight or phone to remind you. window higher in your The Asthma and Alhome while also opening one below it or on a low- lergy Foundation declares er level. As fresh, cool air May is “Asthma and Alis pulled in, the warmer, lergy Awareness Month.”
Seasonal trends to inspire and add style to your outdoor space Creating an on-trend outdoor space with flowers (BPT) – Each season brings new opportunities to express your personal style. Like putting together an outfit, decorating your outdoor space is an opportunity to showcase your favorite trends. Adding petunias to your porch, patio or garden is an easy way to create a space uniquely your own. They’re easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners and a constant favorite for seasoned gardeners. Petunias brighten up gardens, patios and balconies with bold long-lasting color - and they’re virtually care-free. They love sunshine and add style and dazzling color with minimal upkeep. Here are a few ways to incorporate the latest trends into your outdoor space. Make a statement. Add a pop of color to your outdoor space with this season’s most talked about tones. Taking inspiration from
the runway, try the new award-winning Wave Carmine Velour petunia in a vivid red-hot cherry hue. Or, add the Pantone Color of the Year to your porch or patio. For 2019, it’s Living Coral, chosen for its ability to “energize and enlighten with a softer edge,” especially in nature. The friendly and lively color will be everywhere this season, from clothing and accessories to furniture and accents. Plant a container of Easy Wave Coral Reef petunias to brighten up your oasis. Mix it up. Just as the perfect look for a night on the town needs the right heels and accessories to create a killer outfit, your containers can combine several of your favorite elements to make a show-stopping composition. Make your containers do double duty with combos of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Not sure what varieties play nicely together? Plug & Play combos with Wave petunias take
the guesswork out of combining flowers and flavors. The Plug & Play Combo Cantina Heat pairs peppers alongside Easy Wave Blue spreading petunias and yellow French marigolds for a mix of colors as bold as the flavors within it. Be festive. From Mother’s Day to Labor Day, spring and summer are filled with holidays, each providing a new opportunity to dress your outdoor spaces accordingly. Hanging baskets make a great gift for mom that she can enjoy all season long. In addition, the Flying the Flag combo of red, white and blue Wave petunias features patriotic colors for a festive nod to the Fourth of July. Get creative. Wave Petunias can be enjoyed beyond the flower bed, too! Petunia blooms are easy to press and dry, and can be the showcase of DIY projects, like a personalized phone case, picture frame and more.
Adding pops of color to create an inviting, on-trend outdoor space is simple, and Wave petunias are an easy-to-maintain yet striking flower for everyone, from new
to advanced gardeners. They’re the perfect way to update your outdoor space for a fresh, stylish look that’s welcoming all season long. To learn more and for
ideas, DIY inspiration and easy ways to beautify your outdoor spaces, visit www.wave-rave.com or follow @WaveGardening on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.