PaperlessKitchen Blog

6 Tips for Managing Allergy Season the Eco-Friendly Way

Sadly, researchers have said we should brace ourselves for one of the worst allergy seasons in years. Scientists expect pollen counts to be elevated this spring, and the very thought has some of us sniffling already. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to lessen the impact of allergy season and maintain your green lifestyle philosophy at the same time.

1. Steam clean your home. Steam cleaning isn't just more eco-friendly than traditional cleaning products; it's also more allergy-friendly. Steam cleaners like our Vapamore models eliminate allergens from the air as they clean, and they can be used on virtually any surface. 

2. Water your houseplants less. The last thing you want to do when you're being assaulted with pollen outside your home is to encourage your plants to produce pollen inside your home. While you shouldn't let your plants go without water for days at a time for the sake of your allergies, you can use slightly less water each time. Just enough to dampen the soil is plenty; many of us overwater our plants anyway.

3. Purchase an eco-friendly air cleaner. Air cleaners help to remove impurities from the air, and many brands now produce models that are Energy Star rated.

4. Stay indoors. Monitor pollen counts carefully, and try to stay indoors on days when they are in the orange to red range. At the very least, avoid doing yardwork or cutting the grass on these days.

5. Get a late start. When you absolutely can't avoid being outdoors on a high pollen day, try not to head outside until after 10AM. Pollen counts typically drop after this time.

6. Try a natural treatment. Nettles and spirulina can both reportedly ease allergy symptoms; however, you should talk to your doctor before you try any natural allergy remedy.

There you have it, our top 6 tips for managing allergy season. Do you have any tips you'd like to share? You can do so in the "Comments" section.