Do Your Part, How to Be and Live Green in Charlotte, NC

Getting home at the end of a busy day is always a good feeling. But did you know that the air inside your home could be 3 times more polluted than the air outside? One of the contributors to indoor pollution could be the paint on your walls. Here's a few Do Your Part tips to help lower the air pollution inside your home.

Many paints contain VOCs or volatile organic compounds that can release toxic emissions inside our homes for years. VOCs are known to cause many illnesses including everything from chronic headaches to cancer.

Paints and finishes are the leading source of VOCs in our homes. So, when you're redecorating a room or re-finishing a piece of furniture - shop for low or no VOC products. Most paint companies now have those options and they're just as durable and cost effective. Just look for the green seal to make sure it's eco-friendly.

If you have a refinishing project on your to do list, be sure to look for non-toxic paint strippers. There made using that contain organic solvents instead of toxic chemicals that can also contribute to poor indoor air quality.

And as you're shopping for your home improvement project, try to buy only the amount of paint, thinner, or finish than your project needs. When your project is complete if you do have any products left over, Remember, all of these items are considered household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly. Check the can's label to find out how to properly dispose of it or use the Earth911 search feature on the DoYourPart.com homepage to find the safest option for you. These choices we make every day are easy ways for all of us to do our part and breathe easier!