I was shocked & saddened to read an article recently on the EPA’s website citing research stating that the average adult spends 90% of their time indoors. Do the math: that’s 21 hours, 36 minutes indoors and just 2 hours, 24 minutes outdoors. If that. No wonder we’re earning ourselves the label of the “indoor generation”.
Why does it matter? 1. If you’re outdoors, you’re more than likely somewhat active & not in front of a screen. 2. That same EPA article states there can be a serious risk from the cumulative effects of indoor air pollution, and that “people who may be exposed to indoor air pollutants for the longest periods of time are often those most susceptible to the effects of indoor air pollution. Such groups include the young, the elderly and the chronically ill, especially those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular disease.”
So here’s the challenge: open the stopwatch on your phone- hit start each time you step outside and stop when you come back in. See how many outdoor minutes you can accumulate each day. Bonus points if you’re active while outside!