HEALTHYHOMESTOOLKIT

There are many easy steps you can take to maintain a healthy and safe home for you and your family, while helping to preserve the environment and save water, energy, and money!

This guide will help you walk through your home, room-by-room, and identify many of these simple steps—from identifying common household products to avoid (such as those that contain harmful, hazardous chemicals) to saving money on your utility bills, and a variety of easy and inexpensive ways to provide a healthier and safer environment for you and your family.

HEALTHY HOMES: ROOM BY ROOM

2EXTERIOR, ENTRANCE & YARD

8BASEMENT

4-5KITCHENHEALTHY FOOD

3DINING AND LIVING ROOM

7BEDROOM

6BATHROOM

8ROOF

EXTERIOR, ENTRANCE AND YARD

Veggie peelings and fruit scraps can be composted to provide healthy, natural soil for trees & plants!

Weatherstrip doors and windows. If air can get in and out, so can bugs, mice, and rats!

Make sure outdoor garbage and recycling bins are tightly covered so you don’t attract rodents and other pests.

Leave your shoes at the door to avoid bringing in dirt, bacteria, and other allergens and toxic substances into your home.

It’s illegal to throw old electronics out with the trash! The city provides a number of ways to recycle electronics.

Avoid lawn-care and pest control products that contain hazardous chemicals.

Sitting and stagnant water can breed disease-carrying mosquitos.

Water your plants early in the morning. Mornings are cool, and water doesn’t evaporate as readily as it does in the heat of the afternoon.

Plant a tree! Request a free street tree from MillionTreesNYC. Trees absorb water and reduce run-off.

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LIVING ROOMDon’t smoke inside or near your home! Even second-hand tobacco smoke can cause cancer.

Old paint contains lead, and peeling and chipped paint is particularly hazardous. When choosing new paint, look for no-VOC or low-VOC paints and finishes and hire lead-safe certified contractors when doing renovation work in older homes.

In the winter, open shades during the day and close them at night. In the summer, close shades during the day and open windows at night.

Use energy-efficient CFL or LED lighting.

Turn lights off when leaving the room to save energy and money.

Regularly clean your AC unit’s filter to improve indoor air quality and help the unit work more efficiently.

Try setting the heat down 2 degrees in the winter and turning the A/C up 2 degrees in the summer to save energy.

Look for energy efficient ENERGY STAR® labeled electronics when shopping.

A clean house is a healthier house! Reduce dust and allergens by vacuuming carpets and upholstery and cleaning and dusting hard surfaces regularly. When possible, use a microfiber cloth or mop when cleaning.

3

KITCHEN

Buy local if you can! Community gardens can be a great way to choose local and organically grown produce that supports your community and is free of pesticides.

Keep your fridge at least 2 inches from the wall to save energy—this allows the condenser coils to work efficiently.

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and beans. They are better for your health and for the planet. And don’t forget to wash them before eating!

Avoid attracting insects and pests. Store all food (including pet food) in tightly covered containers.

Conserve water— don’t let the tap run while washing dishes! Use dishwashing tubs.

Make sure you run your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking to vent smoke and other gases from your home.

Avoid using non-stick pans. Choose safer cookware like cast iron or stainless steel.

Store-bought microwaveable, frozen, and pre-packaged foods are often high in calories, fat, and sodium that can lead to health issues such as heart disease and diabetes.

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Never use pesticide bombs or sprays. Instead use glue traps, gels, and bait stations. If you must use pesticides, open windows and keep them out of reach of children.

Food waste? Consider composting.

Only use plastics marked #2, #4 or #5 for food and beverages. Don’t use #3 or #6 labeled plastics or Styrofoam since they will leach into the food.Avoid using plastic in the microwave. Use glass or ceramic dishes instead.

Avoid sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners! Choose healthier alternatives such as water or low or no-fat milk.

Run the tap until water is cold to the touch before using it for drinking, cooking, or making a baby’s formula. Hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes and solder.

Avoid products labeled “DANGER!” or “POISON!”

Don’t throw away things you can recycle! Recycle paper, cardboard, metal, glass and plastic items.

Turn off/unplug chargers, coffee makers, and other appliances when not in use. Plugged-in electronics still use energy. Surge protectors make it easier and safe.

Use a re-useable bag instead of plastic or paper for groceries!

5

BATHROOM

Wash your hands regularly—kids too! Clean hands help prevent sickness and the spread of germs.

Always run the exhaust fan or open a window to remove moisture when showering or bathing. Clean dust from the fan regularly.

Turn off the faucet while brushing teeth or shaving.

Avoid cosmetics and personal care products that contain hazardous chemicals. There are many ways to make cheap, safe homemade beauty products.

Fix drips and leaks immediately: a faucet that drips just 10 times a minute wastes up to 347 gallons of water per year.

Always clean water spills and wipe down shower walls and other wet surfaces to avoid build-ups of mold and mildew.

Install water saving plumbing fixtures like low-flow faucet aerators and shower-heads.

Take shorter showers. Shortening your shower by 1 minute can save over 550 gallons per year!

Avoid using vinyl shower curtains, which contain hazardous PVC.

6

BEDROOM

Make sure gaps around your AC unit are tightly sealed.

Avoid using chemical air fresheners and sprays.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, particularly outside of each bedroom or sleeping area in the home. Test your detectors once per month to make sure the alarms work. Test the batteries annually.

Use safety plugs to cover electrical outlets.

Clean toys often to remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants. Avoid toys that are made of PVC (vinyl).

Wash bedding and linens weekly to remove dust and allergens.

7

LOWVOC

NOVOC

ROOF/ATTIC/BASEMENT

Are you doing repairs or renovations? Choose low-VOC or no-VOC paints and products.

Seal and caulk any gaps and leaks in walls, windows, and other openings to prevent hot or cold air from escaping, which can increase your heating and cooling costs!

Insulate your pipes and seal your basement ceiling to prevent cold winter air from chilling your house.

Service your boiler annually to keep it working as efficiently as possible.

White, reflective roofs and roof coatings can help keep your home cool and help save money on energy bills.

Regularly clean gutters and ensure water drainage is directed away from your home.

Know your home’s secrets. Older homes may have lead and/or asbestos; being aware of your home’s history will help you make healthier choices.

Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM) throughout your home. IPM is an alternative to pesticides that involves removing moisture, sealing up holes, and eliminating any pest food sources.

Control moisture to prevent mold issues, which can cause or exacerbate serious health problems such as asthma.

Address any cracks or leaks around windows or other exterior openings immediately to prevent water damage.

Insulate your attic to prevent heated and cooled air from escaping.

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Hazardous chemicals can often be found in common cleaning products and can be expensive. Here are a few simple recipes for making your own healthy and environmentally friendly cleaning supplies that will also save you money!

BATHROOM CLEANERWhite VinegarBaking Soda

Baking soda and vinegar can be combined to form a paste to clean toilets, tubs, and sinks. Baking soda also has many other uses for household cleaning!

ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY & GLASS CLEANEREqual Amounts White Vinegar and Water10 drops Essential oil (optional)

Vinegar has powerful disinfecting properties and an excellent degreaser. This spray is great for wiping down surfaces. Pour equal amounts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Add essential oil such as peppermint or orange for a pleasant smell. Some essential oils, like tea-tree or eucalyptus, help inhibit the growth of disease-causing microorganisms. Shake thoroughly. The vinegar smell will dissipate once the surface dries.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER1 tbsp Baking Soda1 tsp Castile Soap/Dishwashing Liquid3-5 drops Tea Tree OilWater

For tougher dirt and surfaces that require more scrubbing, this is a good all-purpose cleaner. Add the baking soda, castile soap and tea tree oil to a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. Shake or stir to combine.

DRAIN CLEANER1/2 cup Baking Soda1/2 cup White VinegarBoiling Water

Pour baking soda down drain. Add white vinegar and cover drain, if possible. Let sit for 5 minutes, then pour a kettle of boiling water down drain. The vinegar and baking soda break down fatty acids, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. This method can be used weekly to help prevent drain clogs. Do not use this method if you have used a commercial drain opener and it may still be present in the drain.source: www.lesstoxicguide.ca

MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHY CLEANING SUPPLIES!

GLASS CLEANER2 tbsp. White Vinegar2 drops Liquid Soap/Dishwashing Liquid2 cups Water

Pour 2 Tablespoons of vinegar and 2 cups of water into a spray bottle. Add 2 drops of liquid soap (or dishwashing liquid) and shake to mix. Spray on glass and wipe with lint-free cloth. Dry off with a second lint-free cloth. source: www.ct.gov/deep/greencleaning

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BLACK BEAN SALAD1 can black beans, rinsed and drained2 cans whole corn, drained and rinsed8 greens onions, ChoppedBunch cilantro and parsley2 jalapenos peppers, minced (optional)1 green bell pepper, chopped1 avocado- peeled and diced1 jar pimentos3 tomatoes, choppedSalt and pepper to tasteLime juice

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!

HEALTHY RECIPESKALE WITH COCONUT, GINGER, AND LIME Yields 4 servings (1/2 cup each)

1/2 cup light coconut milk1 tsp canola oil 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced2 tsps ginger, minced 8 cups kale, stems removed and chopped1/2 teaspoon sugar 2 tsps lime juice1/8 tsp salt (optional)

Preparation 1. Heat a deep fry pan over medium-low heat. 2. Add 1 tablespoon coconut milk and canola oil. 3. Add jalapeño and ginger; cook for 1 minute. 4. Add kale; cook for 2 minutes. 5. Add remaining coconut milk and sugar; cover

and cook for 4 minutes. 6. Stir in lime juice and a little salt if desired.

Try adding chickpeas, your favorite beans, or grilled chicken or fish. Don’t forget to rinse canned beans before using!

Kale comes in different varieties. Try kale with blue green, dark green or purple green leaves. Try mixing them together. Do not overcook and you will taste the difference.

HUMMUS2 (15.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added chickpeas

(garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation1. Combine the chickpeas, lemon juice, tahini,

and garlic in a food processor, blender, or magic bullet. Pulse until finely chopped and incorporated.

2. With the motor running, add the olive oil. 3. Thin with 1/4 cup water or more until the

desired consistency. Season the hummus with salt and pepper.

4. To serve: Spoon the hummus into a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, slices of red pepper, and pita chips.

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CHICKEN CURRY CASSEROLE

1 cup brown rice, long-grain, regular, dry1 tbsp. canola oil¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth¾ cup fresh celery1 cup fresh onions, peeled, diced1 ¼ cups fresh carrots, peeled, shredded1 ½ tsp curry powder1 tsp garlic powder½ tsp ground black pepper¾ tsp salt½ cup low-fat plain yogurt2 cups cooked fajita chicken strips, diced 1” (12 oz)

Preparation1. Preheat oven to 400 °F.2. Combine brown rice and 2 ½ cups water

in large pot and bring to a boil. Turn heat down to low. Cover and cook until water is absorbed, about 30-40 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Set aside. A rice cooker may be used with the same quantity of brown rice and water.

3. In a large pan, heat canola oil and chicken broth over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add celery, onions, and carrots. Cook an additional 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine curry powder, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and yogurt. Add vegetables, brown rice, and chicken. Mix well.

5. Pour mixture into a 9” x 9” nonstick baking pan. Bake uncovered at 400 °F for 15 minutes. Heat to an internal temperature of 165 °F or higher for at least 15 seconds (use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature). Serve hot.

¾ cup provides 1 ¼ oz equivalent meat/meat alternate, ¼ cup other vegetable, and ¾ oz equivalent grains.

Sourced from: USDA Recipes for Healthy Kids: Cookbook for Homeshttp://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/cookbook-homes.pdf

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RESOURCESNYC RESOURCESDepartment of Health and Mental Hygienewww.nyc.gov/health

NYC 311www1.nyc.gov/311/

Lead Poisoning Preventionnyc.gov/lead

Recyclingnyc.gov/zerowastenyc.gov/recycleon.nyc.gov/dropspecialwaste

Composting and Organicsnyc.gov/organicsgrownyc.org/compostnyxt.nyc/nyxtnyc/composting/

Zika / Mosquito Information:on.nyc.gov/mosquitoeson.nyc.gov/zika

WeatherizationSunset Park Redevelopment Committeesprcinc.org/programs/

Million Trees NYC Initiative:milliontreesnyc.org

NYC Housing & Preservation Development:nyc.gov/hpd

Tax Credits, Rebates & Savings:energy.gov/savings/empower-new-yorknyserda.ny.govconed.com/energyefficiencynationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Energy-Saving-Programs

Pratt Center for Community Development:prattcenter.net/energyfitnycprattcenter.net/resources/retrofit-nyc-guide-detoxing-your-home

NYC UTILITIESEnergyconed.com/energyefficiency

Waternyc.gov/dep

Fitnessnyc.gov/shapeup

Gasnationalgridus.com

HEALTHY EATINGGrowNYCGrowNYC.org

Healthy Eating and NutritionChooseMyPlate.gov/families

Just Say Yes to Fruits & Veggiesjsyfruitveggies.org

Children’s HealthHealthyChild.org

Illumination Fundlmtilluminationfund.org/grants/food/

GreenMarketCogreenmarketco.org/

Nutrition Information & Dietary Guidelinesteamnutrition.usda.gov/

nutrition.govhealth.gov/dietaryguidelines/menustat.org/

Schoolfoodnyc.org

nyc.gov/healthbucks

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SAFE PRODUCTSEnvironmental Working Groupwww.ewg.org

Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia: Guide to Less Toxic Productslesstoxicguide.ca

Toxics Use Reduction Institute turi.org

Cosmeticscdph.ca.gov/programs/cosmetics

Leadwww.achhd.org/leadpoisoning/lead-safe_contractor.htm

Department of Health and Human Services: Household Products Databasehouseholdproducts.nlm.nih.gov

United States Consumer Products Safety Commissioncpsc.gov

EPA Safer Choiceepa.gov/saferchoice

STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCESNew York State Pollution Prevention Institutenysp2i.rit.edu/

CT Dept. of Energy & Environmental Protectionct.gov/deep/greencleaning

U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyAsbestoswww.epa.gov/asbestosIndoor Air Qualitywww.epa.gov/iaq/ or 1-800-438-4318Integrated Pest Management & Pesticideswww.epa.gov/pesticides or 1-800-858-7378New York State Integrated Pest Managementnysipm.cornell.edu

National Center for Healthy Housingwww.nchh.org/

Saving EnergyEnergySavers.govEnergyStar.gov/Products

Saving Waterepa.gov/watersense

RecyclingEnvironmental Defense Fundwww.edf.org

Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoningwww.ceclp.org

Home Safety Councilwww.homesafetycouncil.org

CYPRESS HILLS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONCypress Hills Local Development Corporation (CHLDC) is a community-based multiservice organization in Cypress Hills/East New York, Brooklyn, a low to moderate income, majority Latino neighborhood with a diverse immigrant population. With community residents leading the way, the mission of CHLDC is to build a strong, sustainable Cypress Hills/East New York, where youth and adults achieve educational and economic success, secure affordable housing, and develop leadership skills to transform their lives and community. CHLDC was founded in 1983 by a group of local residents and activists to revitalize the neighborhood after a period of rapid neighborhood change. We now serve over 9,000 individuals each year through a range of programs for neighborhood residents. CHLDC addresses many issues affecting local residents, including the need for affordable, decent housing, a healthy neighborhood economy, high quality education, safe, fun, educational activities for children after school hours, and the need for young adults to achieve their educational and employment goals. Together, our programs strengthen the area’s physical and economic infrastructure, provide quality educational and social services, and foster local leaders.

NEW YORK STATE POLLUTION PREVENTION INSTITUTEThe New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) is a statewide research and technology transfer center funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. RIT and its partner universities, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Clarkson University, and the University of Buffalo, along with the state’s ten regional technology development centers (RTDC) together comprise NYSP2I.

Andrew Padian of PadianNYC Consulting also contributed to the development of this Toolkit. Funding provided by the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute through a grant from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NYS Pollution Prevention Institute or the Department of Environmental Conservation.