3. Step 1
Get rid of your old mattress, no matter how new it is or costly you
think it might be to replace. Flame-retardant and stain-
resistant chemicals were sprayed on it at the factory. Foam
cushioning could contain petrochemicals that give off gas
(chemical off-gassing). Since you spend nearly one-third of your
life on your mattress, this important item should be replaced as
quickly as possible.
You can get a natural cotton matress or a natural latex matress
4. Step 2
Can't afford a new organic mattress right now? Add a pure wool or
natural rubber mattress topper. The topper won't stop your old
mattress materials from off-gassing, but you could rest more
peacefully knowing that you have put some distance between your
body and the toxins.
Also, encase your mattress and pillows in organic cotton barrier
cloths or zippered encasings to protect your lungs from dust mite
allergens.
5. Step 3
Replace treated bedding with items made with all-natural or organic
fibers. All fabrics, unless specified, are treated with a chemical
flame retardant or stain protection.
Choose pillows made with untreated cotton, organic cotton
(better), buckwheat hulls (great neck support), wool (best at
moisture wicking), or natural rubber (97% natural latex).
Select sheets, blankets, and duvet covers made with
untreated or organic cotton or wool. Organic cotton now
comes in many brilliant colors.
6. Orangnic light bulbs
So what is it? It’s an ultra energy-efficient flood light which is reminiscent of the way old TV tubes worked
with the only difference being that the light bulb lights a room much better.
They are priced to about $80 to $140 dollars
Murcury Free
7. Step 4
Get an air purifier. Be sure your unit uses HEPA filtration. HEPA
stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, and a good HEPA filter
will eliminate 99.97% of all particles the size of 3 microns or
larger.
Don't overlook yearly costs for filter replacement. Some units
require on-going filter replacement and prove very expensive in the
long run.
8. Step 5
Or, install a whole house air cleaning system. Another option is to install special furnace filters
designed to remove 90% or more of allergens and particles 2-10 microns in size. Allergy zone is
designed by an allergist for allergy sufferers, lending credibility to its filtering technology.
9. Remove old carpeting. It's a breeding ground for dust mites. Replace
flooring with hypoallergenic cork, ceramic tile, wood flooring that is
not treated with a toxic finish, or recycled linoleum called Marmoleum.
Warm your toes with scatter rugs that can be easily washed.
10. Step 7
Get rid of treated draperies or shades. Invest in untreated wood blinds,
fabric shades or window treatments made with organic fibers.
11. Step 8
Do not use VOC paints, stains, or sealants. AFM SafeCoat products
are used in hospitals, and are recommended by environmental
medicine physicians.
The Old-fashioned Milk Paint Company in Groton, Massachusetts
sells no-odor authentic milk paint in 16 colors.
American Clay offers 32 colors of natural clay plasters and a
variety of finishes. Or, try hemp wall upholstery that can be
stapled into place without using adhesives.
12. Step 9
Air out bedrooms and bedding. Doctors, the EPA, and National Lung
Association all recommend opening windows to recycle the air
regularly. For those with seasonal allergies, a window guard stops
pollen, dust, and dirt particles from entering your room. In Europe
they throw their comforters onto the windowsill every morning.
While this may not be common practice here in the U.S., don't be
so quick to make your bed, and let your bedding air out for a while.
13. Step 10
Maintain a clean sleeping environment. According to the Mayo Clinic
you should wash bedding often in hot water at least 130 degrees
Fahrenheit to kill dust mites. Cold water washing can be done with
detergents specifically designed to kill dust mites.
