Little changes such as swapping plastic for glass, using natural cleaning products and reducing your consumption can all add up over time and make a huge difference.
Here are seven ideas to get you started.
Give your home a chemical detox
You can be exposed to a range of harmful chemicals at home. Go through your cupboards and clear out any unused chemical cleaners and old paint cans. Check your local council’s website for advice on how to dispose of paint and chemicals. Use natural cleaning products such as vinegar and baking soda instead of toxic cleaners.
Go green
Indoor plants can be statement features in themselves, adding to the beauty of your home. But most importantly, plants help to clean the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen. Plants that can help purify the air include spider plants, peace lilies and Boston ferns. You can also practice sustainable living by growing your own herbs in the kitchen.
Recycle, reuse and repurpose
Think carefully before purchasing new furniture or homewares. We live in a society of fast fashion and homewares, and it’s all too easy to throw away perfectly good things and replace them each season. Give old furniture a new lease of life with a DIY project or a lick of new paint.
Choose low VOC products
While we’re talking about paint, make sure you scrutinize the label. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals that are present in paint and are released into the air. Look for eco-conscious products with low or zero VOC levels.
Reduce plastics in your home
Phthalates are a family of artificial chemicals used for making plastics, cleaner, and fragrances. Research shows that scratched or heated plastic breaks down and releases chemicals that can be harmful to our health.
Replace plastic food containers with glass, enamel, stainless steel or porcelain.
Get rid of dust
Up to 45 different chemicals can be commonly found in indoor dust, many of which can be identified as “endocrine disruptors.” Wipe your shoes on a doormat or take your shoes off before entering the house. Use a damp cloth instead of a dry one to prevent dust particles from circulating through the air.
Use an air purifier
The average home can be up to five times more polluted than the air outside. An air purifier like Dyson’s Pure Hot+Cool Link purifier captures gases and 99.95% of fine particles such as allergens and pollutants including pollen and allergens, pet dander, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and benzene. It can be used as fan in hot weather and as a heater in the cooler months.
