Here are some green living tips for ridding your home of the toxins that can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is often found in the finishing products used on wood furniture, particle board furniture, and cabinetry. When purchasing kitchen cabinets, wood paneling, or other similar items, be sure to inquire about the formaldehyde content. Read more about the dangers of formaldehyde.

Mold & Mildew: Poor air quality caused by mold and mildew can cause serious respiratory problems for some people. If you want to reduce the risk of mold in your home, make sure you properly maintain the filters in all of your household appliances, including humidifiers, air conditioners, and air purifiers. In addition, shower curtains can sometimes be a source of mold and mildew. Read more about the dangers of mold in your home.

Dust: Too much dust can reduce the air quality in your home. If you want to reduce dust, consider replacing your drapes and curtains with window blinds, and replacing your carpet with hardwood flooring. Learn more about reducing dust in your home.

Visit the EPA for more about improving indoor air quality.

When choosing curtains, draperies, and window blinds for a green home, it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying. Window treatments are an often overlooked source of indoor air pollution due to toxic plastics and sealants. Here are a few suggestions for choosing eco-friendly window treatments and coverings.

Bamboo Blinds: Bamboo is a wonderful and sustainable resource for green living. When choosing bamboo window treatments, it’s important to select styles that do not contain any toxic sealants or wood finishing products. Non-toxic window treatments usually have indicate that on the label or box.

Natural Silk Curtains: Produced by the silkworm, silk is a natural protein fiber that can be found in curtains, sheers, and other household items such as silk bed sheets. Like bamboo, silk can sometimes be treated with toxic fabric protectors and fire retardants, so look for manufacturers committed to non-toxic production.

Flax Linen Curtains: Curtains and draperies made with 100% flax linen are an environmentally friendly window treatment option. Natural flax is a rich beige color that works well with just about any color scheme.