It's time for us, as consumers, to make our voices heard! Our choices and actions can drive significant change in creating healthier, more sustainable, and inclusive spaces for everyone. Here's how we can take charge and make a difference.
Build Knowledge and Demand Change
We must educate ourselves about what truly constitutes a healthy environment and demand these changes from designers, architects, builders, and manufacturers. For too long, manufacturers of building materials and household products have prioritised profits over the health of individuals and families. It's time to change that narrative. By refusing to buy products that compromise our health and the health of our loved ones and tradespeople, we can push for safer alternatives, just as we did with asbestos, lead paint, and engineered stone.
Advocate for Policy Changes
It's crucial to ask our governments and the building industry to implement regulations ensuring green products are not just sustainable but also health-friendly. Comprehensive policies that prioritise the well-being of all individuals, including those with disabilities and neurological disorders, are essential. We need to hold policymakers accountable and support initiatives that promote healthier building practices.
Promote Inclusive Education
Educational institutions must update their curricula to include comprehensive training on inclusive design. This ensures future designers, architects, builders, and policymakers are equipped to create spaces that cater to all disabilities. By advocating for these changes in education, we can ensure that inclusivity and health become standard practices in design and construction.
Educate Yourself and Others
Awareness is the first step towards making informed decisions. Learn about the hidden dangers in everyday products and share this knowledge with friends and family. Understanding the impact of indoor air pollution and the health risks associated with certain materials can help us make better choices and influence others to do the same.
Support Sustainable and Health-Friendly Practices
Invest in products and companies that prioritise both health and sustainability. Your purchasing choices can drive demand for safer alternatives. Look for products with certifications that ensure they meet health and environmental standards. By supporting businesses that are committed to sustainability and health, we can encourage more companies to adopt these practices.
How You Can Help Create Change
Choose the Right Designer: When building or renovating, hire designers and architects who specialise in creating healthy indoor environments, inclusive design, and biophilic design principles. These experts focus on enhancing well-being and creating spaces that connect with nature.
Demand Healthier Materials: When shopping for building materials, ask your local hardware store for healthier, more sustainable alternatives. Look for materials with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Opt for Natural Furniture and Decor: Choose furniture and decor items made from natural, non-toxic materials. Avoid products that release harmful chemicals into your home environment.
Support Local and Sustainable Brands: Buy from local businesses and brands that prioritise sustainability and health in their products. This supports your community and encourages wider adoption of these practices.
Participate in Community Initiatives: Join or start community groups focused on promoting healthy living environments. Collaborate with neighbours to push for local regulations that support sustainable building practices.
Educate and Advocate: Share information about healthy building practices with your network. Advocate for changes in local policies by attending council meetings and speaking up about the importance of health-friendly construction standards.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Switch to natural, non-toxic cleaning products to reduce indoor air pollution. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health.
Get Involved in Local Education: Push for changes in local school curricula to include education on sustainable and inclusive design. This helps to raise awareness from a young age and builds a foundation for future change.
No matter how small the effort, it can create a ripple of change that extends far beyond our own homes. Together, we can send a powerful message to policymakers and educational institutions about the importance of inclusive and healthy design.
Let's take charge and demand healthier, more inclusive environments for ourselves and future generations. Every choice we make as consumers can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world.
Comments