Many of us--especially city dwellers--worry about the pollution in the air outside of our homes. But get this: the air inside your apartment or house may actually be more toxic than the air outside of it! Paint, furniture, flooring, and cleaning products all degrade the purity of the air we breathe inside.

But before you replace all your furniture with new organic options or repaint every wall with milk paint, consider these simple ways to reduce indoor air pollution:

1. Vaccuum more. I know this one might not feel so easy (especially if you've got young kids at home), but it truly goes a long way. Many toxins--including flame retardants--accumulate in dust bunnies, and brooms are not as effective as vacuums are at eliminating dust (they also send plumes of it into the air). HEPA-sealed vacuums are superior for their toxin-trapping capabilities.