Indoor Air

It is that time of the year here in Central NY.  Apple and pumpkin time. Leaf raking. Getting the house and yard ready for hibernation. We finally had to turn the heat on. Most people are now closing up the house for the winter. Since allergies are a big problem, we pretty much keep the windows closed all year round. So, the air quality is less than optimum in our house. Stale air. Old air. I use to buy air fresheners, scented candles, potpourri and plug in air fresheners. Until I found out all of the chemicals they put into the air. They include flammable propellants such as butane and propane, terpenes, benzene, other volatile  organic compounds, petroleum distillates such as napthalene and chemicals like phenol, cresol, and paradichlorobenzene, and phthalates. The airborne fumes of air fresheners linger in the air where they are inhaled, for a long time. Manufacturers are not required to list exactly what is in them and most hide their ingredients behind generic terms like "fragrance" and "scent agent".  So many chemicals in the air within our homes are toxic. They can come from paint, carpet, dry cleaning, household cleaners and yes, air fresheners. So, before you buy another air freshener, think again.

Feng Shui Fact:

Air quality reflects the health of our home. Spraying or plugging in air fresheners usually just masks the source of the problem. Potpourri should never be used in the home. Dried flowers or plant material has had its moisture removed and is considered "dead". Dead things of any kind are not good feng shui. 

Green Thing:

Better choices of helping out our home's air quality include cleaning the offensive odor causer: trash cans, diaper pails, refrigerators, cat litter pans, dog bedding,etc. Using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning helps, or vinegar is a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent. Baking soda removes acid odors. Natural mineral borax is a great odor eliminator. Lemon juice is a good deodorizer. If you really want a freshening spray, combine a few drops of an essential oil in a spray bottle with a couple cups of water. Put a drop of the essential oil of your choice on a warm light bulb or in a pan of water on the stove. You can also use orange or lemon rinds,or cinnamon sticks in water on the stove.  Choose soy or beeswax candles instead of petroleum-based paraffin wax. Use them sparingly. Use an air purifier that has a activated charcoal filter. Don't use devices that generate ozone, a hazardous pollutant. 

What other natural scents can you create? Let me know what ones are your favorites!