As promised, I am back to share more about ideas about how to stay a bit more comfortable while our area is under a blanket of wildfire smoke. It is supposed to get a bit better tonight but unless there is some rain and some wind to clear this stuff out, we are still going to be dealing with if for a while. Currently, our air quality levels are worse than Beijing and Jakarta. This is not good.

IMPROVING YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT

Houseplants

Houseplants have been proven to help with air quality. They can help clean the air in the house of woodsmoke but also of the many toxins that can be released when houses and other structures burn in these fires. Formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE) which are often found in fragranced, airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides and pesticides and disinfectants (phenols) can be released in large amounts and can be part of what is in the air. Fortunately, Nasa has done studies that prove that there are houseplants that make a significant impact on these toxins as well as the smoke in general.

I have always liked houseplants and already have them vining around my house. As a Master Gardener and Permaculturist, plants are a large part of my world. They are relaxing, beautiful and clean the air as an added bonus. This is great and gives me an excuse to buy more. (Some women have shoes, I have plants)

One of my favorite resources for houseplants is a community treasure called Retreat Interiors. Btw, it is a fantastic place to buy a housewarming gift too. Retreat had a large selection of plants in many sizes but best of all, they are all super healthy. I mean, I’m not talking you-just-got-this- from-the-big-box-store kind of healthy. I’m saying these plants are robust! I was in Retreattoday and bought three different plants.

A few plants that I like a lot for these purposes and that do well in low light Dracaeana which is sometimes called snake plant. It takes less room than a lot of plants because it grows vertically so that is super great too. Ficus Benjamina (cutest name ever, Benjamina) also known as weeping ficus is super cute and also does well in low light as does the Pothos which you can find in a lime green at Retreat Interiors. There are countless other houseplants that are amazing and help keep the air fresh and clean but I won’t mention them all here. Just go on down to Retreat Interiors and have them help you in finding something right for your needs.

Best excuse ever

Air quality specialists have said it is best not to stir up the air in your home so don’t vacuum or do anything else to stir up particulates that may have entered your home. Wait a few days until air quality conditions are better. Then open the doors and windows and do a deep cleaning. Vacuum carpets and upholstered furniture, clean drapes and dust everything. Wash your pets and brush them outdoors so they aren’t bringing in stuff on their fur.

Shower daily

If you don’t already, shower right when you come home so that you are not bringing particulates in to your home. Definitely shower and rinse your hair before you go to bed so you aren’t covering your linens with the stuff and breathing it all night.

Keep doors and windows closed

As much as you are able, keep the house closed up. It is not going to make the air better to open doors or windows up to the pollution that is floating around right now. Hold tight for a few days and then you can air things out.

GET ACTIVE

At Home

Since this isn’t a good time to be outdoors, you might have a little extra time on your hands. Consider using this time in a positive way. Is there something you have been meaning to learn about but haven’t slowed down enough to do? How about organizing and scanning your photos or emptying out your email inbox (what would that be like!). I have been mending items that I have had stashed in a basket and can now put away. All of these things are very satisfying.

Local and National

Since you have issues with the air quality, take preventive measures by voting for candidates that value and take action towards environmental preservation. Write letters to Congress, your State Representatives and anyone else that you think might have a positive influence. Volunteer and donate to causes and organizations that meet your environmental goals.