Creating an environmentally friendly home involves making conscious choices about every aspect of its design and materials. One crucial element that often goes overlooked is the flooring. By opting for eco-friendly flooring options, you can reduce your carbon footprint while creating a beautiful and sustainable living space. In this article, we'll explore some of the most environmentally friendly flooring choices available today, as well as highlight flooring types to avoid. 1. Bamboo Flooring: Bamboo flooring has gained popularity in recent years due to its eco-friendly properties. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource, with some species growing up to two feet per day. It can be harvested without killing the plant, making it highly sustainable. Bamboo flooring is not only durable but also available in a wide range of styles and finishes to suit any design aesthetic. 2. Cork Flooring: Made from the bark of cork oak trees, cork flooring is a fantastic choice for those seeking a comfortable and sustainable flooring option. The harvesting process does not harm the tree, as the bark naturally regenerates. Cork provides a cushioned surface that is gentle on the feet and joints, making it ideal for areas where you spend a lot of time standing. 3. Reclaimed Hardwood: Reclaimed hardwood flooring offers a unique and rustic charm while reducing the demand for new timber. By repurposing wood from old buildings, barns, or other sources, you contribute to the conservation of forests and minimize waste. Reclaimed hardwood flooring provides character and history to your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 4. Natural Stone: Certain types of natural stone, such as slate and travertine, are environmentally friendly flooring options. They are abundant and have a long lifespan, making them sustainable choices. Additionally, stone flooring can help regulate temperature and keep your home cool in hot weather, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. Flooring Types to Avoid: While it's essential to focus on eco-friendly flooring options, it's equally important to be aware of flooring types that have a higher environmental impact. Here are some flooring types to avoid: 1. Vinyl Flooring: Vinyl flooring is commonly used due to its affordability and wide range of designs. However, it is typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a synthetic material that releases toxic compounds during production and disposal. PVC is non-biodegradable and can release harmful chemicals into the air over time. 2. Carpet: While carpet can provide warmth and comfort, it is often made from synthetic fibers derived from petroleum. The manufacturing process involves the use of chemicals and energy-intensive production methods. Additionally, carpets can trap dust, allergens, and pollutants, affecting indoor air quality. When it comes to creating a healthy home, every decision counts. When selecting any flooring material, consider factors like non-toxic finishes, low VOC emissions, and sustainable production methods. By making informed decisions, you can ensure that your flooring not only looks stunning but also aligns with your healthy, holistic lifestlye.

When it comes to maintaining a healthy living environment, mold is a silent menace that often goes unnoticed. Mold can thrive in various areas of your home, causing damage to both your property and your health. In this blog, we will explore the different types of mold, discuss the associated allergies, reveal the hidden locations where mold can lurk, shed light on proper testing and remediation methods by professionals, and share effective prevention strategies to keep your home mold-free. 1. The Different Types of Mold:Mold comes in many forms, each with its own characteristics and potential health risks. The most common types of indoor mold include: a) Cladosporium: This mold typically grows on fabrics, carpets, and wooden surfaces. Exposure to cladosporium can lead to respiratory issues and skin infections. b) Aspergillus: Found in warm and damp areas, aspergillus can cause allergic reactions, lung infections, and even toxic responses in some cases. c) Stachybotrys chartarum (Black Mold): Known as the "toxic mold," it thrives in areas with excessive moisture and can produce mycotoxins that may have severe health effects, including respiratory problems and neurological symptoms. 2. Allergies and Health Risks:Exposure to mold can trigger various allergic reactions and health problems, such as: a) Allergic rhinitis: Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes. b) Asthma exacerbation: Mold spores can worsen asthma symptoms and lead to respiratory distress. c) Skin irritation: Contact with certain types of mold can cause rashes, redness, and itching. d) Respiratory infections: Prolonged exposure to mold may increase the risk of respiratory infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. 3. Hidden Mold Locations:Mold is notorious for hiding in inconspicuous areas within our homes. Some common locations where mold can thrive undetected include: a) Behind walls and wallpapers: Moisture seepage or water leaks can create ideal conditions for mold growth within wall cavities. b) Underneath carpets and padding: Damp carpets that are not adequately dried can become breeding grounds for mold. c) Attics and basements: Poor ventilation and high humidity levels in these areas make them susceptible to mold infestation. d) Bathroom and kitchen: The presence of moisture, coupled with inadequate ventilation, makes these rooms prime spots for mold growth. 4. Proper Testing and Remediation by Professionals:To accurately assess the extent of mold contamination and ensure effective remediation, it is crucial to involve professionals. Certified mold inspectors can perform thorough mold testing, including air sampling and surface swabs. If mold is discovered, professionals can then carry out appropriate remediation, which may involve: a) Isolation of affected areas to prevent further contamination. b) Use of specialized equipment to remove mold and clean surfaces. c) Proper disposal of contaminated materials to avoid spreading mold spores. d) Implementing preventive measures to reduce moisture levels and discourage future mold growth. 5. Prevention Strategies:Prevention is key in mitigating mold issues in your home. Here are some preventive measures to consider: a) Control indoor humidity: Use dehumidifiers, properly ventilate bathrooms and kitchens, and promptly repair any leaks or water damage. b) Ensure proper airflow: Regularly clean and maintain HVAC systems, air ducts, and exhaust fans. c) Keep your home well-insulated: Proper insulation can prevent condensation and moisture buildup. d) Regular inspections: Conduct routine inspections of areas prone to moisture, such as basements, attics, and crawlspaces. Sign up HERE to receive a referral to a Holistic Agent near you! For more informaiton on indoor mold testing visit: https://texasmoldinspectors.com/  

Protect your family from toxic waste sites As a child of the '80s, I lived in a Houston suburb where I was part of a close-knit community. However, little did we know at the time that the youth baseball and softball fields we played on were being contaminated by one of the worst toxic waste sites in the history of the United States (1). Since then, I have seen numerous people I care about suffer the consequences of illegal dumping carried out by seven chemical companies, including Monsanto, which was both the original owner of the site and the largest dumper (2). Did you know that the US Environmental Protection Agency has published an interactive nationwide map displaying cancer risk? You can find this map and others on the EPA's webiste.  What is a Superfund Site, you ask? In case you are unfamiliar with the term, a superfund site is any land in the United States that has been contaminated by hazardous waste and has been identified by the EPA as a candidate for remediation, due to the risk it poses to human health (3). Associated Health Conditions There are increased cancer rates surrounding a majority of superfund sites. Depending on the chemicals dumped into the environment, living or working near a superfund site can result in several chronic health conditions, including but not limited to respiratory problems, speech and hearing impairment, skin issues, infertility, birth defects, immune dysfunction, auto-immune diseases, cardiac anomalies, fatigue, headaches, liver and kidney damage, and other rare illnesses. Studies have also linked Superfund sites to various types of cancer, such as leukemia (4,5,6). How can you protect yourself from toxic waste? As our society becomes more environmentally conscious, the real estate market is following suit. Buyers today are increasingly seeking out land that is environmentally sustainable and free of toxins. This is where Holistic Agents come in. A Holistic Real Estate Agent helps clients navigate through the potential hazards of toxic land and provides them with the information they need to make the most informed purchasing decision. By working with a Holistic Agent, buyers can ensure they are investing in a property that is both safe and environmentally responsible. Looking for a Holistic Realtor in your area?  No problem! Sign up HERE to receive a referral to a Holistic Agent near you. References:   http://articles.latimes.com/1992-06-20/business/fi-556_1_toxic-waste  https://www.khou.com/article/news/investigations/as-life-rebuilds-around-brio-superfund-site-former-residents-still-reeling-from-toxic-past/285-d4a0dc8d-4ec3-4840-8ed2-8222845eca42 https://ejscreen.epa.gov/mapper/ https://www.epa.gov/superfund/contaminants-superfund-sites https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality