We haven't been able to avoid green fever. We love the environment and are trying to do everything we can to save it. So when Barbara Nyke, of Nikka Design, wanted to talk to us about making our children's rooms greener and safer, we had to listen...
Are green products safer for children?
Yes! There is no reason for any product, particularly in a nursery to be made with toxic materials. This applies to paints, finishes, stains, dyes, adhesives, bed linens, furniture, diapers, clothes, bottles, etc..
Currently, there is no standard definition of what “green” means. Essentially being green or sustainably-manufactured means that it has been made with minimal to no environmental impact using renewable or recycled resources and potentially using sustainable manufacturing methods. The company might also have followed an internationally-recognized environmental certification protocol, like FSC, the Forest Stewardship Council.
The benefits of choosing a sustainably-manufactured product for your home are numerous. The top three reasons are:
- the product has been made by not depleting the earth’s resources.
- the company is practicing responsible manufacturing methods.
- the product can help to improve your home’s indoor air quality; particularly of importance for a newborn and children. Indoor air quality can be, and typically is, many more times polluted than outdoor air because of the hundreds of items we bring into our homes. The important sources of air pollution in the home include (but aren’t limited to): furniture, vinyl flooring, new carpets and carpet adhesives, paints, vinyl wallpapers, wall and household cleaning products.
Some products contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which are chemicals like formaldehyde, styrene, toluene, and a variety of benzenes found in carpeting, dyes, pesticides, fungicides, fire retardants and anti-stain coatings; these are frequently released into the air indoors. Considering that we spend 90% of our time indoors, this is an important element to readdress.
All consumers would be better off to avoid chemicals like these that are known to be carcinogenic, toxic to reproductive organs and endocrine disrupting.
Consumers should also consider shampoos, soaps and lotions that are marketed for babies. Typically, these standard products contain toxic and fragrant additives that can irritate skin and have been linked to development disorders. Avoid products that contain, but aren’t limited to: antibacterials/triclosan, petrolatum, phthalates, parabens and FD & C colourants.
Not to be forgotten are the stuffed toys that we give our children. Be aware of what the toy is made of inside and out and where it’s been made – chemicals are also used to make these. Select stuffed toys that are made with wool felt, organic cottons and other natural materials.
Barbara Nyke, of NIKKA DESIGN, is an eco-luxe design specialist and an accredited interior decorator. NIKKA DESIGN creates customized spaces using products that are environmentally certified, sustainably-manufactured and which will improve indoor air quality. Barbara is an accredited member of the Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA), www.cdeca.com and sits on the Board of Directors; and is also a registered member of the Canada Green Building Council, www.cagbc.ca .