Consumer Corner

On September 21st the first day of fall begins. According to Environment Canada the fall season should be unusually warm. Yes, that right, September, October and November should have more warm than colder days. (Remember this is a quote from Environment Canada.) Let’s hope this comes true.

That’s good news, however, with summer over, the air conditioners off and your rooms allowing more sun in (no covered windows to keep out heat); it’s time to air out your home. How? You may ask yourself. Here are some easy ways to clear out the stale air and bring in clean, fresh air.

1. Open the windows: an obvious, easy way to get clean air into your home. There have been some and will be nicer, windy days ahead for everyone.

Open your windows every day to increase the circulation of air in your home. Just by opening your windows you can reduce the lung irritating pollution by 20% or more.

2. Pick pump bottles: Today you can purchase any item found in an aerosol can in a pump bottle. By using the pump bottle you can significantly reduce the number of lung irritants released into the air.

3. Use an air purifier to banish germs: Thinking of buying a new home appliance? Well, spend your money on an air purifier. This is a great way to spend your money to ensure good health. The air purifier keeps air borne germs (cold/flu germs) away from you and your family.

Even a small purifier can help. Tests show that even a smaller purifier filters out 99% of a room’s mold, dust, pet dander and air borne germs.

4. Decorate with plants: The plants soak up the ozone. Ozone is a common pollutant. Do you or your family members have unexplained headaches, coughing and such? Well, ozone could be the culprit.

You can purchase houseplants and decorate your home. The houseplants take ozone out of the air and help you and your family breathe in good air.

5. Purchase “healthy” green cleaners: Purchase products with gentle cleansers such as vinegar and other cleansers free of harsh chemicals. Ammonia and chlorine bleach are chemicals that give off dangerous gases. There are safe, gentle green cleaners out there. You may have to take time to read the labels. Wal-Mart does have “Green Works” products-check it out.

6. Dust: Dodge the dust in your home with a damp cloth. You can pick up 93% of the allergy triggering particles. Also, do the dusting before vacuuming.

Have a great week!