Kelly's Healthy Home

I see the terms ‘green’ and ‘healthy’ used a lot and I feel it’s important to highlight exactly what the terms mean, at least in my own practice. First, it’s important to understand that the term “green” doesn’t always equal “healthy.” For instance, individuals who prefer to minimize Wi-Fi and smart devices in their homes for health purposes and choose wired electronics (“cough cough”- me with my old school baby monitor), even though smart homes can be more efficient. So, while energy efficiency is commendable, it many not always be the ‘healthy’ choice. I share an analogy when people assume I’m healthy because I’m vegan- Oreo’s are vegan and not healthy for you. When I eat them, I’m choosing my ethics over health. People may choose something that is more sustainable even though it may not be the healthier choice. And that’s OK.

So let’s define “healthy.” Healthy primarily pertains to the well-being of individuals, including physical, mental, and emotional health. In your home, I like to think about things that impact your indoor air quality and mental health. Maintaining a healthy home involves adopting practices and habits that contribute to the well-being of your family members and create a safe, comfortable, and clean living environment.

“Green” often relates to environmental concerns and sustainability. It is commonly used to describe practices, products, or lifestyles that are environmentally friendly and aim to reduce negative impacts on the planet. These concepts can intersect, as environmentally friendly practices can also have health benefits, such as cleaner air and water, and a healthier environment can contribute to overall well-being.

Here are some things you can do in your home that are both healthy and green:

• Repurpose used furniture using no VOC paint
• Install water filters
• Clean and disinfect using homemade cleaning solutions (water and vinegar mixtures for example)
• Seal cracks and holes to keep pests out and also keep cool/warm air in
• Perform regular maintenance on your heater and AC for efficiency and cleanliness
• Buy less stuff!

When I wear my real estate agent hat, I like to guide on sustainable and efficient things one can do in their home and property. I have found that most new homeowners find this help, especially when being cautious about their monthly budget. Yet, a lot of the advice is also healthy too!

It’s all about making informed decisions and choose what works best for you and your priorities.