We do our best to live toxin-free at home, but buying organic veggies and wearing gloves to clean isn’t enough. In fact, there are likely many hidden sources of harmful toxins in your abode right now.
We now know how effectively colour in the home can influence our moods, and we’ve come to discover the impact lighting has on our happiness within a space.
From your choice in cleaning products and bedding, to air quality and building materials, there are many small and large avenues for harmful toxins to rest within your space.
“The toxicity of the materials we build our homes with, and the possessions we fill our homes with, impact greatly on the health of our homes,” says Dave Martin. Picture: Ross Campbell
“We often think about the toxicity of air pollution in our cities and towns, but rarely think about the quality or toxicity of the air within our homes,” says Dave Martin, CEO at The Sociable Weaver.
“All products within our home can off-gas if they are made from toxic chemicals. So the more products, finishes and furniture that we have in our homes that aren’t made from natural materials, the more we are impacting the air quality of our living and sleeping spaces.”
Here, Dave shares his top tips for creating a toxin-free home.
Dave created this non-toxic 10-star home, which costs AUD$499,000. Picture: Dan Hocking
See more: Does waterfront apartment living come with a price?
“Reducing toxins in your home is simply about choosing to use products that are as natural and chemical-free as possible,” Dave says, adding: “Return to nature and avoid things that have been manufactured synthetically.”
While this counts when it comes time to choose your homewares and furnishings, the consideration should, in fact, begin in the building stage.
We’re talking about utilising things like natural and sustainable building materials and zero VOC paints.
“For us, a non-toxic home is one that limits the amount of toxins introduced to the home throughout construction and then also throughout the entire life of the home,” says Dave.
Like you would your bedding, choose clothing that is organic and made from natural textiles and dyes. Picture: Dan Hocking
“We recommend all our clients engage a building biologist to consult on the design of their home to truly ensure that home is as healthy as it possibly can be.”
Once that box has been ticked, the same principles should apply in the decor process.
“In the same way that we should endeavour to eat organic food for the health of our bodies, we should use organic and non-toxic objects in our homes,” says Dave.
“Small changes like choosing organic cotton bedding or natural cleaning products can create a home that is not only healthier for the planet, but is also healthier for your family.”
Below, Dave shares his top tips for achieving a toxin-free space in each major room of your home.
The living room
Choose natural and organic furnishings. Look out for items like rugs, sofas, armchairs and coffee tables in sustainable and organic materials.
Living room. Picture: Llark Architects
Ensure the room is exposed to as much natural sunlight as possible and open windows to encourage adequate airflow.
It’s also wise to design your home’s electrical wiring to minimise activity around bedrooms and ensure internet modems are away from sleeping areas to minimise an electromotive force (EMF).
See more: 11 things to buy before moving into a share house
The bedroom
You’re to spend one-third of your life sleeping, so you’d be wise to make sure the bedroom is a place that puts your wellbeing first.
When it comes to your bed, organic bedding in breathable fabrics like linen, cotton and bamboo are ideal, and this extends beyond the bedding to your pillows and mattress, too.
Imagine coming home to this every night… Picture: Erinna Giblin
Like in the living room, fresh air is valuable here to whip away any nasties flying around, so be sure to open your blinds and windows come sunrise.
The bathroom and kitchen
These zones are the place where products are most likely to make contact with your skin.
Dave says you should always choose natural and non-toxic beauty products like hand wash, shampoos, and moisturisers, as well as cleaning products for your kitchen items like dish soaps and even floor cleaners.
Organic towels are now widely available and should be used in both these spaces, too.
Opt for natural beauty products and cleaning products. Picture: Ross Campbell
See more: Unpacking after moving house: A survival guide
Article repurposed from Your guide to creating a toxin-free home by Katie Skelly. Author at realestate.com.au.
