When it comes to preparing for the holidays, it also means cleaning and touching up your house for company.  Does that "clean smell" seem a bit toxic to you?  This article gives you some great alternatives to be clean and green.

By Terri Bennett

RISMEDIA, November 24, 2010—(MCT)—It's late November and the thought of guests descending on your home for the holidays may have you in an all-out redecorating rush.

“Do Your Part” this holiday season and go green while you paint, clean, and even accessorize.

We all know that paint can completely and inexpensively change the look of any space. But did you know that it's one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution? That's because conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds — or VOCs — which are known to cause everything from headaches to certain cancers.

Now, it's easier than ever to get your hands on low or no VOC paint from nearly any paint manufacturer. The cost of low or no VOC paints are comparable to conventional paints and they last just as long. Just look on the can's label to make sure you are choosing the healthiest option for your home.

Another source of those dangerous VOCs is household cleaners. If you're like me, you may take cleaning to a whole other level when company comes to town. Before you spend a lot of money on store-bought cleaners, take a look at the non-toxic options you may already have in your pantry.

Items like baking soda, vinegar, and borax are effective cleaners for every room in your home. They do everything from disinfecting surfaces to killing mold. Go to www.DoYourPart.com/Columns to see specific uses for all these products. Or, if you want to go the store-bought route, look for cleaners that are plant-based and biodegradable such as Method and Seventh Generation products.

Now for the fun part of buying things for your home. If you'll be picking out a new piece of furniture before your friends and family arrive, pick ones that don't emit dangerous chemicals into your air. Some affordable pieces made from medium density fiberboard — or MDF — actually contain a formaldehyde-based resin.

Gas from the formaldehyde is known to slowly release into the air and can irritate eyes and cause breathing problems. Formaldehyde is also used in many furniture adhesives. When shopping, find out what the furniture is made of and if any formaldehyde adhesives are used in the manufacturing process to ensure you aren't bringing toxic pieces into your home.

There may also be some smaller items on your shopping list this year. If you'll be getting some new towels or sheets for your guests, opt for organic cotton items. These pieces are produced from cotton that is grown without using harmful pesticides or insecticides. Not only that, you'll also find organic cotton items are generally softer. Major retailers now offer organic options in every price range. You can also find decorative bed pillows made with organic cotton at many home goods stores.

There are plenty of ways to get in the green spirit this holiday season and it won't cost you any more money or time. So Do Your Part when guests come to visit to make sure your home is the healthiest it can be.

(c) 2010, The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.).
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