The way we live in our homes determines how we use energy, how much waste we produce, how much water we consume, how many chemicals we use, how intense our pesticide input is and the degree of land consumption. Even if we do not see and understand all interconnections, we all contribute every day to the worldwide environmental degradation.

This article will show you that there a many possibilities to minimize your impact on the environment in your home without losing your quality of life. Everyone experiences quality of life in a particular way. But what connects all of us are the essential benefits of clear air and clean water, tranquility and nature. This are the most precious goods, that our wonderful earth is offering us daily for free, and they are at risk.

The relationship between human development and Nature’s adaptation ability and buffering capacity is out of balance. There is no doubt that serious issues need to be managed urgently on a global scale, but the importance of everyone’s participation should not be underestimated. Furthermore, only few people are aware of the potential health threats in products and materials found in our houses.

I had several patients with “inexplicable” symptoms like allergies, asthma, depression, headache and tiredness, most of them associated with a low immune system. In many cases the source of their conditions was in their houses due to the overuse of chemicals, pesticides, outgassing chemical additives from building materials, adhesives and binders. Another important health threat in a house is mold, due to increased insulation and tighter construction with decreased ventilation, as well as new building materials and new products.

Chemicals are another invisible enemy in our house and garden. The use of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides is very extensive in Australian households and participates actively to the ongoing health problems of thousands of residents and at the same time to the decreasing quality of our air, soil and water. Due to the different exposure and body constitution, the health effects may be different in each person, the symptoms may be hardly comparable.