Laurie Fisher
Posted: Monday, October 20, 2008 9:01 am

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We all want to make our home a healthy haven. Along the Front Range, it is easier than ever to find environmentally friendly, organic products that promote a health-conscious lifestyle.

Most organic home goods focus on improving indoor air quality. The air inside your home is 10 times more polluted than outside, says Dennis Belanger, owner of Natural Interiors in Wheat Ridge. Look for natural products as alternatives to those items that may emit toxic gases. Try to avoid materials that contain petro-chemical-based byproducts.

Use the following guidelines to find the healthiest substances to replace furniture or renovate your home.

Bedding

Organic mattresses are made exclusively from natural latex, organic cotton and organic wool. Belanger claims these mattresses are more resilient, supportive and ultimately more comfortable than conventional mattresses. Organic bedding appeals to those that have allergies, are sensitive to smell or are chemically sensitive, adds Andy Aust, manager of Denver Organic Mattresses. The wool materials are naturally flame retardant. Typically, organic mattresses are comparable in price to high-end inner spring mattresses. Complement your bedding with organic pillows and consider organic crib mattresses and other natural baby items for your children.

Carpet

Carpet can be the bane of any home since the fibers tend to hold on to dirt, pollution and mites and may even produce toxic off-gasses. Instead of petroleum-based manufactured carpets, look for 100 percent wool carpet with natural adhesives and binders.

Flooring

If it’s time to replace floors, find hardwoods made without formaldehyde binders and ask for finishes such as water-based or natural oils that have low or zero VOCs. For a truly green approach, look for reclaimed timber or sustainable material flooring such as bamboo.

Paint

Your wall surface covers a significant amount of square footage of your home. Zero volatile organic compound (VOC) clay and latex paints are alternatives that can improve indoor air quality in every room. Traditional paints may have formaldehyde, ammonia and heavy metals that put toxins in the air, explains Hannah Hazelton, department manager for the green building center of Ellie’s Organic Home Center in Boulder. “By using healthy paints you reduce toxic off-gases to the home,” she says.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies can have a major impact on indoor air quality since you continue to expose your family to chemicals with each use. Use cleaners that have minimal ingredients but are effective. For example, try products that use the natural power of citrus or vinegar rather than synthetic ingredients.

With a bit of diligence, you can creatively improve your home environment. While these products may cost slightly more than conventional ingredients, you can gain the peace of mind that you have created a healthy home.