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Green the nursery
Babies are the most vulnerable to chemicals because of their developing organs so greening the nursery is crucial. The biggest problem is products that off-gas VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) polluting the air and creating a toxic environment.
Start with the walls
Conventional paints contain neurotoxins that should be avoided in any infant room. Consider the enviro-friendly alternatives:
Watch the crib
Baby furniture is often made with pressed particleboard held together with a highly toxic formaldehyde-based glue that off gas. Wooden furniture is a better choice followed by recycled furniture at least two-years old so its no longer off gassing.
Plastic-covered foam crib mattresses are a deadly cocktail of chemicals (PVC, phthalates, antimony, arsenic) associated with asthma, reproductive disorders and cancer. Green baby’s bed green with a certified organic cotton or wool mattress fitted with organic cotton or bamboo sheets.
Make your own bed green
Adult beds can also be toxic, containing even more chemicals such as PBDEs, a fire retardant linked to breast cancer. Slightly more expensive, eco-friendly mattresses use natural latex wrapped in organic cotton, wool, hemp or bamboo. It should also have a wooden frame made with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood.
Sheets and covers
Avoid mattress covers with foam backing, particularly if you suffer from allergies and opt for a bamboo or hemp mattress pads. Both have natural anti-bacterial properties. Support fair trade cotton farmers while you sleep by investing in some organic cotton sheets. Currently commercial cotton uses 25 percent of the total world pesticides making it very toxic.
Rest your head on green
Cheap polyester pillows as well as the new Memory Foam Pillows are made with chemicals linked to asthma, cancer and reproduction problems. The fire retardant used in these pillows has been banned in Europe. Get some earth-friendly pillows made with natural fibres:
Walk on green
Wall-to-wall carpets can make any bedroom toxic. The plastic foam backing off-gases VOCs while the carpet fibres hold onto mould, chemicals, dust and bacteria. Even the shampoos used to clean them are unhealthy. Washable throw rugs made with natural wool, cotton, jute, sisal, sea grass, and coir are easier to keep clean and free of chemicals.
Eco-friendly windows
Drapes or blinds can also contribute to indoor pollution. Curtains treated with fire-retardants with plastic backing should be replaced for bamboo blinds or curtains made with non
Reduce electro-magnetic waves
Rechargeable LED lights or stainless steel light with natural fabric shades will finish off your green decor.
You want to reduce the electro
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