Indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air; using low-emitting products can significantly improve your health.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful pollutants emitted by a myriad of common household items, from paints to cleaning supplies. They can degrade indoor air quality, negatively impacting your health and the environment. Low-emitting products and materials, however, offer a safer alternative. These items are designed to release minimal or zero VOCs, resulting in cleaner, healthier air in your home. Opting for low-emitting products not only protects your health by reducing exposure to respiratory irritants and potential carcinogens, but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable world. By making this simple switch, you can create a safer living space, combat climate change, and uphold the principles of social justice by prioritizing everyone’s right to clean air. It’s a small change with significant, far-reaching impact.
Examples
1Low-VOC Paints
These contain fewer volatile organic compounds, reducing odors and harmful air pollutants.
2Green Seal Certified Cleaning Products
They avoid toxic chemicals, protecting both indoor air quality and waterways.
3Natural Fiber Furnishings
Made from organic materials like cotton or wool, these pieces reduce synthetic off-gassing.
4Formaldehyde-Free Wood Products
These building materials and furnishings limit the release of this potent carcinogen.
5Low-Emitting Adhesives and Sealants
These materials used in construction limit VOCs, improving indoor air quality.
6Sustainable Flooring
Choices like cork or bamboo reduce emissions from synthetic materials and are sustainably harvested.
Pros
- Healthier Indoor Environment: Low-emitting products significantly reduce exposure to harmful VOCs and toxins, protecting against potential health risks such as respiratory issues, headaches, or long-term diseases. Compared to conventional materials, they create a much safer living space.
- Environmentally Friendly: Low-emitting products contribute less to air pollution and climate change than their traditional counterparts, aligning with the principles of sustainability and decarbonization.
- Energy Efficiency: Many low-emitting products, such as insulation materials, also enhance energy efficiency, leading to lower utility costs and reduced carbon footprint.
Cons
- Cost: While prices are decreasing as demand grows, low-emitting products can initially be more expensive than standard alternatives. However, the health and environmental benefits often outweigh the upfront cost.
- Availability: Depending on location, these products may be less readily available, requiring more planning for construction or renovation projects.
- Unclear Labeling: With a multitude of green certifications, understanding which products are truly low-emitting can be challenging for consumers. A reliable resource for verification is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Program (https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice).
Costs
1New Construction
2Existing Home (Hiring a Contractor)
Upgrading to low-emitting products using a contractor can range from a few thousand dollars for basic updates, like paint and flooring, to tens of thousands for extensive renovations involving cabinetry, insulation, and other structural elements.
3Existing Home (DIY)
Hiring Pros
- Use Trusted Websites: Start your search with trusted websites such as those found in our resources.
- Verify Expertise: Ensure the contractor has experience with low-emitting products. They should understand key certifications like GreenGuard, Safer Choice, and Indoor airPLUS.
- Check References: Previous clients can provide insights into a contractor’s adherence to sustainable practices and their expertise in using low-emitting materials.
- Ask for Detailed Quotes: Request an itemized quote to confirm that low-emitting products are being used. Price should not be your only deciding factor.
- Set Clear Expectations: Communicate your commitment to low-emitting products from the start and ensure they understand and respect your decision.
Do It Yourself
- Educate Yourself: Start your search with trusted books & websites such as those found in our resources.
- Check Certifications: Ensure products have labels like GreenGuard, Safer Choice, or Indoor airPLUS, signifying low emissions.
- Plan Ahead: Given potential limited availability, plan your project timeline allowing for delivery of specific low-emitting products.
- Proper Ventilation: Even low-emitting products can release some pollutants. Ensure good ventilation during and after installation, particularly for paint and adhesive projects.
- Dispose Responsibly: Dispose of any waste in an environmentally friendly way. Check with local waste facilities for guidelines on disposing of eco-friendly construction waste.
Tips for Renters
Looking for a Rental:
1Ask Questions
Inquire about the use of low-emitting materials during construction or recent renovations. Property managers should know about the materials used.
2Look for Certifications
Search for rental properties with LEED, Energy Star, or Indoor airPLUS certifications. These usually require the use of low-emitting products.
3Inspect Property
Check for signs of high-emitting materials like strong chemical odors or recent paint jobs that could indicate the use of high-VOC products.
Convincing a Landlord:
1Present Health Benefits
Highlight how low-emitting products reduce health risks, making the property safer and more appealing to health-conscious tenants.
2Highlight Durability
Many low-emitting products are durable and require less frequent replacement, offering long-term savings.
3Leverage Local Incentives
Some local or state programs provide incentives for landlords to adopt greener practices, which can help offset any initial costs.
Tips for Designers & Builders
For the Design Team:
1Educate Yourself
Understand the properties, uses, and certifications of low-emitting materials. Utilize resources like the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice Program and GreenGuard to verify product claims.
2Design With Ventilation in Mind
Even with low-emitting products, ventilation is crucial. Incorporate designs that optimize airflow, like cross-ventilation, which can further enhance indoor air quality.
3Think Holistically
Choose materials that not only emit fewer VOCs, but also contribute to overall sustainability. Consider aspects like energy efficiency, recyclability, and the product’s lifecycle to create a design that’s environmentally friendly from every angle.
For the Builder:
1Plan for Availability
Given the potential limited availability of low-emitting products, plan your project timeline well, allowing for delivery of specific materials.
2Prioritize Safe Practices
Ensure your crew understands how to handle and install these products safely. Some low-emitting materials may require special handling or installation techniques.
3Communicate With Clients
Keep clients informed about the materials used, their benefits, and any adjustments required in the process. This transparency can build trust and promote the broader adoption of low-emitting products.
1Educate Yourself
Understand the properties, uses, and certifications of low-emitting materials. Utilize resources like the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice Program and GreenGuard to verify product claims.
1Plan for Availability
Given the potential limited availability of low-emitting products, plan your project timeline well, allowing for delivery of specific materials.
2Design With Ventilation in Mind
To create a warm and inviting atmosphere, consider a layered approach combining ambient, task, and accent lighting. LEDs are versatile and available in various formats including bulbs, strips, and integrated fixtures, making them suitable for a range of applications.
2Prioritize Safe Practices
Ensure your crew understands how to handle and install these products safely. Some low-emitting materials may require special handling or installation techniques.
3Think Holistically
Choose materials that not only emit fewer VOCs, but also contribute to overall sustainability. Consider aspects like energy efficiency, recyclability, and the product’s lifecycle to create a design that’s environmentally friendly from every angle.
3Communicate With Clients
Keep clients informed about the materials used, their benefits, and any adjustments required in the process. This transparency can build trust and promote the broader adoption of low-emitting products.
Resources
Books:
“Building a Sustainable Home” by Melissa Rappaport Schifman.
“Green from the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy, and Energy-Efficient Home Construction (Builder’s Guide)” by Scott Gibson, David Johnston.
Websites:
Green Seal: https://www.greenseal.org/
- GreenGuard Certification: https://www.ul.org/greenguard
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Safer Choice: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice
