Q. We are renovating our home and want to try and be eco-friendly. Are there building products that are safer than others? Kim Toney, East Helena

A. Have you ever heard the saying "our homes are making us sick?" There is more truth to that statement than most people realize. When we think of green building products, we generally think of products that are renewable and/or energy efficient, products that are good for the environment. While everyone wants to do their part, some people are more passionate than others. Everybody however, is concerned for the health of themselves and their family. By switching to eco-friendly products we are not just helping the environment but we are improving the health of our family.

Indoor air pollution comes from products in our homes such as adhesives, carpeting, upholstery, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents, kitchen cabinets, and fireplaces just to name a few. Companies are addressing this problem with alternative products that are not only safe for the environment but safe for our family. Here are a few products worth checking out.

- Non-toxic and natural paints: low to zero VOC, no formaldehyde, and low to no odor.

- Green Flooring Products: Natural linoleum, bamboo flooring, cork flooring, wood floors, natural fiber carpeting and rugs.

- Kitchen Cabinets: No formaldehyde off-gassing.

- Countertops: Made from recycled porcelain, free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or non-toxic bamboo countertops.

- Shower heads: Filters the chlorine out of the water.

- Cotton insulation: Made from natural fibers, no itching, non-toxic, no formaldehyde off-gassing.

- Non-toxic cleaning products: Made from plant and animal based essential oils.

Other ways to improve the environment of your home is to install a top quality air filter and water filter. Use natural materials when ever possible such as sheets and blankets. Buy all-wood furniture and reduce the amount of plastics in your home.