Keep Your Home Free of Chemicals SLEEP EASIER IN THE BEDROOM If you're in the market for a new mattress, go organic to avoid the volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—harmful both to our lungs and to the planet's atmosphere—present in many brands. Mattress labeling is still iffy, so look for natural latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. Try Keetsa (from $439) for mattresses topped with eco-friendly memory foam. The marketplace for organic bed linens is wider, with stylish pesticide-free choices available from online retailers such as Green Sleep, The Natural Sleep Store, and Native Organic Cotton. We especially love Amenity organic sheets and duvets, which come in all sorts of groovy patterns (from $330).
CLEAR THE AIR By now you're aware of the dangers of smog, but did you know your indoor air quality is also important? Air fresheners, cleaning products, paint, and carpets all emit harmful fumes such as VOCs and phthalates, which are considered a hazardous waste. (Phthalates are regulated as pollutants when released by factories but are still unregulated in household products.) Houseplants such as English ivy, spider plants, and devil's ivy will add to your home's oxygen supply and absorb benzene and formaldehyde, helping to freshen up the air. And keep those windows open! You might need to do some extra dusting, but according to an EPA study, the air in your house is up to five times as polluted as the air outside.
SLEEP EASIER IN THE BEDROOM 