A space that is beautiful can give great pleasure but one that is functional, works with your lifestyle and has a reduced amount of toxic chemicals, will contribute to a greater sense of well-being and improved health.

I am passionate about holistically designed interiors and I am concerned that our homes are not providing as healthy an environment for us as they should be.

Did you know that where our furniture, bedding and textiles used to be untreated woods and natural fibres, we are now increasingly exposed to flame-retardants, polyurethanes, formaldehyde and solvents, amongst many other harmful chemicals?

We cannot eliminate toxins completely, but we can explore ways to reduce them whilst still aiming to have a fabulously stylish home.

For a quick fix to cleaner indoor air, here are five top tips from Beautiful Healthy Home that you can implement immediately:

So start your journey today to a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.

Beautiful Healthy Home

**Avoid using chemical air ‘fresheners’**

They have the potential to emit high concentrations of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Rather than masking smells or filling the air with toxic chemicals that you and your family end up breathing in, try an essential oil diffuser instead. They tend to last for many months so are a good investment. When you know that the fragranced air you are breathing in isn’t causing your body any harm it will contribute to a greater sense of relaxation and wellbeing.

**Choose natural skincare**

Depending on the ingredients, skincare can go any number of places; our pores, our blood, even our breast tissue. We believe the ingredients within skin care should nurture the skin barrier and only contain ingredients that penetrate the layers when they truly mean good!
We have a lovely selection of natural skincare available here.

Select natural wax candles

Paraffin wax really has had its day. It is time to move on from these types of candles to sustainable plants based ones: where nature really is best for helping to save the planet and ourselves.
Swap to a natural soy wax candle with essential oils and be comforted by the fact you are no longer adding carcinogenic toxins to your indoor environment. Plus natural wax can be easily cleaned (with eco! soap and warm water) from the receptacle meaning you then have a lovely jar to reuse.

Consider reusables, avoid virgin plastic

We have become so used to disposable items in our everyday life that it can be a minefield as to know where to start. Changing habits can be difficult so just start small. Start with one thing. Once you are using it without reaching for the disposable option anymore, seek out the next challenge!
Here at Beautiful Healthy Home we have incredible reusable essentials by LastObject available here.

Choose eco cleaning products

This is vital not just for your own health but the health of the planet. We are poisoning our rivers and seas with the chemicals we throw down our loos and sinks. Not all contaminants are removed by the waste water plants so the residues build up and have a negative impact upon wildlife. We are also often working in close proximity to them so an breathe in their nasty vapours.
So choose eco, sustainable and where possible refillable.

And that is it! The first 5 steps to a beautiful healthy home.

We suggest you copy and paste this list into your phone or laptop and keep referring to it each time you are out shopping….or even easier, come shop with us!

STEP ONE: Avoid using chemical air ‘fresheners’, try essential oils

STEP TWO: Choose natural skincare

STEP THREE: Select natural wax candles

STEP FOUR: Consider reusables, avoid plastic

STEP FIVE: Choose eco cleaning products

And don’t forget to open your windows and let the fresh air in!

More info in posts to come, and if you have any ideas or suggestions, I’d love to hear from you.

Zoë x

Beautiful Healthy Home

Images: diffuser image © join candles london, soap image © evergreen soap company , candle image © join candles london, LastSwab image © LastObject, Eco cleaning © Daiga Ellaby via Unsplash

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5 Top Tips for cleaner indoor air