Everything You Need To Know About Dust

We’re all familiar with that aggravating layer of dust that builds up on surfaces in your home. However, here are a few interesting facts about dust you may not know.

• Dust isn’t just dirt. Dust is made up of many things, including skin cells, dust mites, human and animal hair, soil, cosmic dust, pet dander, textile and paper fibers, pollen, and more.
• Dust particles can hang in the air for up to five days. This is one reason why dust inevitably accumulates again so quickly after you’ve cleaned.
• The average person sheds two pounds of skin cells each year. The more people living in your home, the more skin cells are shed and the more dust accumulates.
• Every drop of rain contains dust. Airborne dust helps create cloud condensation nuclei, which allow water droplets to form. When the droplets become heavy, they fall to the ground, carrying the dust along with them.
• Dust isn’t all bad. Dust in the atmosphere results in stunning sunrises and sunsets, because it absorbs blue and green colors while allowing yellows, oranges and reds to shine through.
• Five billion tons of dust travels through the atmosphere each year. Dust levels are closely monitored by NASA, as they impact everything from air temperatures to ground cooling and rainfall levels.

Tips for Reducing Dust
Use these tips and tricks to minimize dust and improve your household’s well-being.

1. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust on hard surfaces.
2. Minimize fur and dander by brushing your pets outside.
3. Change your HVAC filters regularly.
4. Use a lint roller to remove dust from curtains and lampshades.
5. Dust electronic screens with a fabric softener sheet.
6. Place doormats on the inside and outside of the entrances to your home.
7. Be sure doors and windows are well sealed to reduce the levels of pollen and airborne dust.

Everyday Eco-Friendly Swaps

Going green doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Start reducing waste today with these simple alternatives to everyday items.

Reusable lighter: If you have a collection of candles in your home, consider purchasing a reusable lighter from The USB Lighter Company. These lighters are made to last with lithium batteries that you can charge again and again through a USB port.

Sustainable coffee filters: Whether you love your Keurig or a traditional coffee maker, you can save plastic (and money) with reusable K-cups and reusable or compostable coffee filters.

Refillable pens: The next time you need to pick up pens, consider Pilot B2P pens. They’re refillable and are made from recycled water bottles.

Lotion bar: You may be familiar with shampoo bars, but what about lotion bars? Simple and mess-free lotion bars are a sustainable, travel-friendly alternative to plastic bottles with hard-to-recycle pumps.

Smart thermostat: Consider purchasing a Nest thermostat to help reduce your energy usage. The accompanying app teaches you about your energy needs and displays a leaf icon when you choose an energy-saving temperature.

Chia Seeds: A Tiny Superfood

Derived from the Salvia hispanica plant, chia seeds are a tiny, versatile superfood that packs a nutrient punch. Not only are they full of vitamins and minerals, but chia seeds also contain antioxidants that benefit your skin, omega-3 fatty acids for brain health, fiber that aids digestion and promotes weight loss, calcium for bone health, and a significant amount of protein.

Chia seeds don’t have a strong flavor and can easily be added to your diet. You can bake the seeds into bread or cookies, combine them with water to use as an egg substitute, or sprinkle some on top of oatmeal, yogurt or salads. If you’re not a fan of the texture, try blending chia seeds into a smoothie or homemade ice cream.

Chocolate Chia Pudding

Ingredients
6 Tbsp. cocoa powder
6 Tbsp. maple syrup
3 tsp. vanilla
3 cups almond milk
¾ cup chia seeds

Toppings:
Fresh berries
Mint leaves

Directions
In a large bowl, add all ingredients and stir until thoroughly combined. Allow mixture to stand (without stirring) for 15 minutes.

Whisk mixture, then cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. Remove from fridge and stir. Spoon into six small jars or glasses. Serve topped with fresh berries and mint leaves.

Serves 6