A Healthier Home: My Personal Journey to Combat Urban Pollution
Living in Nairobi, a vibrant city with its own set of environmental challenges, has been an eye-opening journey for me. Surrounded by its lush greenery, one might not immediately notice the hidden dangers of pollution. From the commonplace practice of burning trash to the scarcity of organic household products, these issues directly impact our health and well-being. Here, I share my personal strategies to combat these pollutants, hoping to inspire others in similar environments.
- Tackling Air Pollution
In Nairobi, air quality is a constant concern. To counter this, I’ve adopted several practices:
- Monitoring Air Quality: I use my won pollution meter to keep a close eye on the AQI (apps like AirNow are not accurate here, as there are very few measuring stations around the city), planning my outdoor activities accordingly.
- Using powerful air purifiers in each room
2. Ensuring Water Safety
Safe drinking water is not a given in Nairobi. And btw I run into this interesting study showing how only few countries around the world have clean tap water: https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/drink-tap-water-50-countries. I’ve invested in a robust water filtration system, both counter top (sourced in the US), and under the sink (run into a great company installing this in Nairobi (https://iclear.hk)
3. Reducing Chemical Exposure
Finding chemical-free products in Nairobi can be daunting. Whenever possible, we opt for organic personal care products, reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals. Some great local brands are available. We source the rest from abroad.
4. Combating Indoor Pollutants
- Regular Cleaning using a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom which would only move the dust from the floor to the air.
5. Managing Electromagnetic Radiation
In our tech-driven world, reducing electromagnetic exposure is vital. I practice device-free zones by creating areas in our home, free from technology, especially in bedrooms, helps in minimizing our daily exposure. I also measure EMF exposure in our home, mostly around electrical devices.
By sharing my personal experiences and solutions, I hope to empower others facing similar challenges. Remember, small changes in our daily routines can lead to significant health benefits.
For more personal insights and tips, join our conversation on Instagram: @emilian_popa
And please share your strategies in the comments!
