If you ask my husband what my number one pet peeve is, he’ll definitely tell you it’s wearing shoes in the house. I literally *cringe* when it happens and have gotten to the point where I mostly don’t mind asking people to take them off. Now I’m not super picky about a spot free, disinfected house or anything, I just don’t want anything extra and unnecessary coming in.
This would include things like:
- pesticide and fertilizer residues
- outdoor pollutants
- germs from public places (such as restrooms)
- chemicals in dirt (such as lead)
- allergens
- industrial toxins
I also think about who would be the most exposed to these unnecessary visitors that get added to the floor. Pets and children, especially babies are the ones who hang out on the floor the most. Why create such a toxic environment for them?
Also, even if a wood or linoleum floor is very easy to clean often, how can you really get all of this stuff out of carpet? It seems that it would be much more difficult. And why create the extra work? I know I don’t like cleaning so much that I want to do anything extra! :)
http://healthychild.org/blog/comments/leave_dirt_at_the_door_how_taking_off_your_shoes_can_improve_your_health/http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/10/ask_treehugger_23.php
Photo By: ired
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I hate wearing shoes in the house, but it has more to do with comfort than anything else. However, since learning about the nasty stuff that can come into my home on shoes I’ve started to cringe when I see them worn inside also!
This is a great simple way to go green! I shared it on my FB page. ;)
I agree, Rebekah- it’s also about comfort, too! I like to kick my feet up on the couch as much as anybody else ;) Thanks for sharing this!