Each year Earth Day invites us to reflect on how our everyday choices impact the planet. Most conversations center around reducing carbon emissions, cleaning up plastic waste, and protecting wildlife. But there’s another piece of the environmental puzzle that often goes unnoticed: the quality of the air inside our homes. We may not think of indoor air quality (IAQ) as an Earth Day topic—but we should. 

 

Why Indoor Air Quality Matters 

Did you know that Americans spend an average of 90% of their time indoors? That means the air inside our homes, offices, and schools plays a major role in our overall health and wellness. What’s more, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. 

Pollutants come from a surprising number of sources—many of them hiding in plain sight. Common contributors to poor IAQ include: 

  • Cleaning products and disinfectants 
  • Building materials and new furniture (which can off-gas VOCs) 
  • Synthetic fragrances and air fresheners 
  • Pet dander, dust mites, and mold 
  • Smoke from cooking or fireplaces 
  • Outdoor pollutants that seep inside 

And while these pollutants may be invisible, their effects are not. Headaches, fatigue, allergies, and respiratory issues are just a few of the potential health consequences of breathing in poor-quality air—especially over time. 

 

What IAQ Has to Do with Earth Day 

Indoor air quality and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand. In fact, many of the things we do to support a healthier planet also improve the air we breathe inside our homes. 

Here’s how IAQ connects to Earth Day values: 

  • Reduce Harmful Chemicals
    Choosing low-VOC paints, unscented or naturally scented cleaning products, and safer building materials helps cut down on indoor pollution and keeps harmful chemicals out of the environment. 
  • Use Energy Wisely
    Improving ventilation and sealing leaks not only reduces indoor humidity and airborne pollutants—it also improves energy efficiency, which lowers your carbon footprint. 
  • Rethink Scented Products
    Many air fresheners, candles, and sprays contain VOCs that can linger in the air and contribute to indoor pollution. Switching to natural alternatives or going fragrance-free benefits both your lungs and the planet. 
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—Indoors
    Reducing clutter and avoiding synthetic materials (like certain plastics) can improve air quality and reduce waste at the same time. 

Earth Day, Every Day 

This Earth Day, take a moment to think about the air inside your home. What are you breathing in every day? And what small changes could make a difference? Creating a cleaner indoor environment doesn’t require an overhaul—just a little awareness. Open a few windows when the weather allows. Choose greener products when you shop. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter. And stay curious about what might be affecting your air. 

Because a healthy home supports a healthy planet.
And Earth Day is the perfect time to begin that journey.