Improving indoor air quality and purifying water in your home are preventative measures against respiratory problems and water-borne diseases. Indoor air contains pollutants, such as pet dander, dust, dirt, and volatile organic compounds, whereas water running in your home might contain chemicals and contamination, making it unfit for drinking. Even though the government helps purify water and regulate environmental pollution, you are responsible for ensuring that you enjoy safe water and healthy air in your home. Because of the risk of developing health issues, you should implement these natural ways to freshen air and water in your home.
Try Using Charcoal Sticks
Water filters rely on activated carbon to purify water through adsorption, which involves the chemical binding of impurities on the charcoal surface. Some companies such as Rikumo, know that activated charcoal sticks, made through high-temperature burning and drastic cooling, are also suitable for purifying the air in your home. They do this by absorbing negative ions, excess air moisture, and odors. For freshening the air, you can place charcoal sticks in places that require smell and moisture control, such as closets, fridges, pet areas, and shoe storage areas. On the other hand, you should place charcoal sticks in a container of cold water for 4-8 hours for water purification. Charcoal sticks are ideal for water purification because of their improved adsorptive properties.
Houseplants
Investing in indoor plants, particularly Peace Lily, Chinese Evergreen, Spider Plant, and Golden Pothos, is a great step towards freshening air inside your home. Through photosynthesis, indoor plant leaves convert carbon dioxide in your home into fresh oxygen. In addition, plant leaves and roots remove pollutants from the air. Indoor plants are used as interior design elements, but you should opt for plants with large leaves like Golden Pothos, Boston Ferns, and rubber plants for air purification.
Boiling and Sun
Boiling is the most basic, natural way of purifying water in your home. Boiling purifies water by killing pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. However, if the water is cloudy, you should let solid materials settle and filter through a paper boiling water towel or clean cloth before boiling. On the other hand, sun disinfection involves purifying water by direct exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. After getting rid of sediments, you should pour your water into PET bottles because they allow UV radiation to destroy bacterial, parasitic, and viral pathogens in water.
Health consciousness starts by freshening indoor air and purifying water in your home. Indoor air contains pollutants that can cause various health issues, while untreated water contains different disease-causing pathogens. Freshening air and water in your home should not be costly as you can adopt these practical natural approaches.
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.