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In addition, no one knows just how all these safe levels interact in our bodies when mixed together. It is important for us all to reduce the toxic loads we are carrying. Greenpeace recommends using safe, non-toxic materials that benefit both you and the environment.
Check out our A-Z guide for more information.
Asbestos
Avoid
asbestos at all times. This carcinogen is restricted from use in new
buildings but is still found in older structures. Seek expert
advice before removing or handling suspect materials.
Build or renovate?
Building
or renovating a house both have environmental pros and cons. Renovating
is advantageous because it efficiently uses existing land and
resources, however, it may be difficult to adapt the existing
building to include eco-friendly features such as solar hot
water. Building a house means you can consider the environment
at every stage. Realistically, the decision will probably come down to
cost.
Caulking
All
liquid caulks emit solvent fumes when drying, and do-it-yourself brands
emit them for months. Use roll-type soft caulk or permanent moulding
instead. When you must use a liquid caulk, have a professional use a
double-component polyurethane and provide ventilation as long as
odour lingers.
Design
When
building or renovating, the design of your home is an integral
consideration. Your home should work with the sun and not against it. A
home design that works in Queensland won't be the best for Victoria.
It makes sense to take advantage of natural light and the natural heating and cooling influences of the sun, breeze and vegetation. If possible position the main living spaces in your house facing North.
Signing up or switching to a green energy system is one of the most important things you can do for the environment. Have a look at schemes such as Energy Australia's Pure Energy scheme, to purchase your household electricity from clean renewable resources rather than greenhouse-polluting coal-fired power stations.
Use natural oils (linseed oil) or beeswax rather than products containing solvents or synthetics. Simple non-toxic finishes may be used to seal interior and many exterior woods.
The garden is a perfect place to reduce water use and home running costs. Also consider reducing toxic sprays and making your garden organic.
New products are coming out all the time, so get as many facts as you can before buying any insulation materials. The safest bet is cellulose. Harmful gaseous emissions and cancer-causing or irritating particles are common among the following insulating materials: urea-formaldehyde, polyurethane (brown-in-place and rigid panels), asbestos, fibreglass on kraft paper with asphalt adhesive, rock wool or aluminium-backed fibreglass, vermiculite, glass fibre and perlite.
Avoid PVC because it causes problems at every stage of the life cycle. The manufacture of PVC is a highly polluting industry that is responsible for the creation and release of highly toxic chemicals known as dioxins. These toxic chemicals serve no useful purpose and poison the environment. Even in the smallest concentrations, dioxins are associated with health impacts like cancer, suppression of the immune system, diabetes and organ toxicity.
PVC products can leak harmful additives during use and disposal, when they are burned or buried. Burning creates and releases more dioxins and compounds containing chlorine, which further contaminates the environment.
PVC is difficult to recycle, resulting in much of it ending up in landfills. Chemicals, such as phthalates are added to PVC to make it soft and flexible. Laboratory studies in animals show that some of these chemicals are linked to cancer and kidney damage and may interfere with the reproductive system and its development.
Seek out specially formulated non-toxic paints. If these are not available, use water-based rather than solvent-based or enamel products to minimise toxic emissions and allow clean up with water. Emissions from more than 300 toxic chemicals have been identified in solvent-based paints, and they may linger for months after painting.
When removing old paint, sand or scrape as much as possible to reduce the need for solvents, and wear a mask. To remove old paint from the brushes, place them in an old pan with vinegar, boil for several minutes and wash with soap and water.
Use whole woods wherever possible. Formaldehyde emissions from plywood and particleboard are major contributors to airborne toxins in homes, although this off-gassing does diminish with time. Where possible, seal these materials to reduce emissions.
Use recycled timber and other materials.
Did you know that the total annual energy needs of the entire human population could be provided by half an hour of sunlight? Install a solar-powered hot water system in your new home.
Use rot-resistant woods, concrete and construction techniques designed to eliminate the need for preservatives. Otherwise, for indoors use boric acid and acetic acid products. Outdoors, use copper and zinc mixtures. Wood preservatives containing pentachlorophenol (Penta) are among the most hazardous of consumer products. Despite well-known health risks, Penta is still widely used in Australia and throughout the US and Canada. Avoid it whenever buying treated wood products.
The Australian Green House Office website provides excellent information on how to green your home. Check out their building green guide 'Your Home: your future, your lifestyle'.
For more information visit Enviro-friendly products.
