There are many aspects to consider when making your home a true haven: the comfort of the furniture, the flow of air throughout the space, the natural elements brought indoors, the lighting of each room, the organisation of cupboards, cabinets, and chests of drawers, the display of your most meaningful memorabilia, and the cleanliness of the space overall.
Another aspect to consider is how, when curating your home, the different facets you've chosen to fill your space will affect your and your loved ones’ health.
It is unfortunate that many seemingly harmless everyday items - intended to maintain the sanctity of your home - are brimming with chemicals that can affect your hormone balance by disrupting their functions.
These endocrine disruptors have also been found to negatively impact metabolism, immunity, and the nervous and reproductive systems.
These unlikely antagonists of hormone health are often found in plastics, fragrances, cosmetics, candles, cleaning products, fabrics, as well as household furniture (through the general use of flame retardants on factory-made furniture).
They can be absorbed through your skin, but your contact with these chemicals can also be linked back to your food and beverage choices, as not only are these chemicals used in the packaging and storage of your favourite treats, but they are also sometimes coated with chemicals during the cooking process, for example, through the use of non-stick cookware.
Some of these chemicals are recognised as being undesirable (such as parabens, phthalates, and BPAs) and will be acknowledged as such on product labels. However, this is not yet a market-wide approach.
Nonetheless, by being aware and seeking alternatives when you can, you will be able to protect yourself and your sanctuary from these chemicals.
From then on, being mindful of your purchasing choices and reading labels will make a big impact and might just have greater environmental benefits. For example, by refusing receipts when shopping, not only will you be protecting yourself from contact with BPAs found in the paper and ink of receipts, but you will also be reducing your waste and environmental impact.
Finding alternatives to your favourite cleaning and storing products might just be as simple as looking out and opting for fragrance-free detergents, nature-based home care, glass storage containers, and stainless steel or ceramic cookware.
However, a balanced approach is important to keep in mind. Make small changes when it is right for you. For example, instead of throwing away all your trusty non-stick cookware (that can be lined with BPAs), consider donating them or using them until you’re ready to finance a cast iron skillet.
At Wellness Warehouse, we stock many safe, environmentally-friendly, and effective home care solutions to help you keep your home healthy and safe. These products naturally tackle pesky grease and grime and unsightly microbes effectively, whilst remaining hypoallergenic, pet-friendly, and chemical- free — perfect for a worry-free and hormone-healthy you!