LuAnn Gilmore\’s Blog

Feeling closed in during the cold winter months?   Longing for a breath of fresh air?   Surround yourself with houseplants that are not only beautiful, but also help cleanse the air we breathe.

According to a 2 year study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, the following plants help filter and cleanse the air from common chemicals often found inside our offices and homes.   This study was prompted from the growing medical threat that indoor air pollution is having on our health.

Benzene is a common solvent used in gasoline, inks, oils, paint, plastic and rubber as well as in the manufacturing of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals and dyes.   The Gerbera Daisy, pot Mum, Peace Lily, Bamboo palm, Dracaena Warneckei, English ivy and Mother-in-law™s tongue were found to help remove Benzene concentrations.

Formaldehyde, also commonly found indoors stems from urea-formaldehyde foam insulation, particle board or pressed-wood products, many paper products including grocery bags, waxed paper, facial tissue and paper towels are treated with urea formaldehyde resins, and many household cleaning agents contain formaldehyde.   Plants found to remove formaldehyde concentrations include:   Bamboo palm, Dracaena ˜Janet Craig™, Mother-in-law™s tongue, Dracaena Marginata, Peace lily, green Spider plant, and golden pathos.

Trichloroethylene is used in some printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives.   The top 5 plants found to remove its concentrations were in order:   Gerbera daisy, Dracaena Marginata, Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Dracaena ˜Janet Craig™ and Bamboo palm.

This research also suggests that 15-20 of these tested houseplants can purify a typical 1800 square foot home.   Why not invest in some today and beautify as well as purify the interior of your home.

Brought to you by EcoBroker International.   12/10

A new rule will go into effect this month requiring renovation and repair contractors to be EPA-certified to work with lead paint hazards if they will work on a residential property built before 1978 in which lead-based paint may be disturbed. HUD estimates that this could be as many as 35 million properties. The rule also applies to places where children under 6 spend large amounts of time, such as child care centers and schools. The certified contractor must provide the occupants (owner or tenant) with a new information booklet and must follow lead safe work practices.

There are several important exemptions to this rule:

1. Homeowner occupants or tenant occupants may do the work themselves without certification.
           *Due to the potential hazards, EcoBrokers would recommend that these individuals be provided with the booklet mentioned below to avoid exposing the occupant families to  lead hazard.
2. A residence where there are no children under 6 and no pregnant women as regular residents is a possible exemption.
3. If the area disturbed is less than 6 square feet indoors or 20 square feet outdoors, the project is exempt. Because lead paint was so prevalent on window frames in pre-1978 houses, window replacement on these homes is never exempt.
4. If a qualified lead test specialist certifies that no lead paint will be disturbed, the project is exempt.
5. There are a few additional less likely exemptions.

The required disclosure booklet is to be provided by the contractor, but you may wish to have it for your reference as well. You can get it at

http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

(English) or http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochuresp.pdf  (Spanish). The EPA has also prepared a 17 minute film of information for Realtors – they appear to believe that all real estate brokerage professionals are members of the National Association of REALTORS ®. That film is available to everyone at http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid25955667001?bctid=29590050001

As EcoBrokers, we should all be in the business of providing full information to our customers, clients and sphere so they can protect their families and themselves. While we have mentioned a few exemptions, the real emphasis should be in helping people protect themselves. If you know anyone in a house or apartment that was built before 1978, you might want to provide them with this information.
 

John K. Stovall, EcoBroker Certified ®, ABR
EcoBroker International
Vice President for Business Development
800-706-4321www.EcoBroker.com

We are fast approaching the time of year when flying and crawling critters come out in full force. So, right about now, your thoughts are most likely turning toward indoor pest control.

Are you also thinking œgreen as you revisit treatment options for keeping bugs at bay? If so,  read on for alternatives that green enthusiasts say can make your efforts more eco-friendly.

“Green” Products and Services

A shopping trip, or queries to pest control companies, will reveal varied options. Here are three.

• Organic pesticides – Formulated to kill/repel specific – or wide ranges of – pests. Some of the more popular ones are made from plant, herb, or citrus fruit extracts.
• Natural baits/traps – Nature-based attractants lure targeted pests with  bait laced with natural pesticides.
• Eco-sensitive treatment plans – Some pest management companies specialize in all-organic services. Most others offer hybrid plans that blend natural measures with judicious use of synthetic, low-impact materials.

Tip: Before you buy, read product labels carefully and ask about efficacy of treatment plans.

Homemade Spot Treatments

Well, what about green DIY remedies? Reputable home/garden sources offer up tips like these.

• Herbs – Bay leaves are said to repel a number of pests (ant, roaches, flies, and more); simply place leaves in affected areas. Set small bowls of basil where needed to keep flies and mosquitoes away and use garlic cloves to discourage some kitchen pests.
• Spices – To deter ants, sprinkle cinnamon, paprika, or cayenne powder at their entry points. Ants also dislike the odor of cloves, as do roaches and many winged pests.
• Dish soap – When mixed with water and rubbing alcohol, it  makes a multi-pest spray.
• Boric acid – This natural insecticide works on most household pests. It can be used alone, or mixed with other substances to make pest-specific bait.

Caution: Place only in areas safely out of reach of children and pets.

Tip: Before you try, research target pests, as well as directions for mixing ingredients.

As you attempt to be more green in your efforts to be pest-free do exercise caution and care with all pesticides. Do some research and weigh your options as you attempt to strike the desired balance between results and eco-friendliness.

Have a great month and by all means give me a call if I may be of help to you, a neighbor or friend.

When renovating or redecorating, consider products that are better for your health as well as the environment. By selecting products that emit low or no V.O.C.’s (volatile organic compounds), you can improve your indoor air quality, and thus you and your family’s health.

Products to consider that emit V.O.C’s include:

Carpet & Flooring

Paints & Stains Kitchen & Bathroom   Cabinets Granite Countertops

Ask local vendors for low V.O.C. & no V.O.C. choices. It never hurts to ask.

If you would like specific product vendors for any of the above, email me: LuAnn@TheGilmoreGroup.net & I’ll be happy to supply names of local vendors.

* For more information on Indoor Air Quality go to:

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/is-imprv.html

Radon  Testing

Did you know that radon is the 2nd leading cause for lung Cancer in the US?   Much of Georgia consists of rock and soil that is radon gas emitting.    Due to the fact that newer homes are being  built “tighter” in order to  provide better energy conservation, the risk of increaed radon levels in our homes  has become  greater.   Have a radon test performed in your home by a professional.   If increased levels are detected, it is easy to mitigate to reduce to EPA recommended levels.

To learn more  about Going Green, simply click on the following link: Going Green!