THE DIRT
Our homes are our havens yet we are increasingly filling them with products that may have high environmental and health costs.

Health Cost:
Few people are aware of the silent, continuous off-gassing that occurs from the PVC underlay under most carpets and from the glues used in our sofas and in particle board furniture.

Studies by the Silent Spring Institute in 2003 (an environmental health organisation) found 66 different endocrine (hormone) disrupting compounds in the vacuum cleaner dust of all homes tested.
 
Many of these contaminants are likely to find their way into our bodies via consumer products we choose to purchase and bring into the home.

Formaldehyde which is known to cause cancer in animals and is a probable human carcinogen, has recently been found in alarmingly hight levels in blankets, linen and clothing imported from China.

Human Cost:
Choosing products that have been fairly traded supports positive business structures in developing countries.

Environmental Cost:
Cotton uses approximately 25% of the world’s pesticides, while using only 3% of the world’s arable land. Many pesticides are made from non-renewable petrochemicals and can cause significant ecosystem disruption.

Many plastics and synthetic fabrics are made with petrochemicals.

Instead of PVC, polyester and virgin forest wood, choose natural and organic fabrics and sustainable woods. 

Opting for unique high quality products that will last from one generation to the next is a far superior option than choosing the 'cheap and cheerful' products that may only last the season! It is also worth considering antiques.

G SPOT
Rather than drab and boring, the modern green home is often the hippest on the block!


COME CLEAN
A green home can be a beautiful, unique and comfortable home with these beautiful products....................................

The Dharma Door is dedicated to empowering craftspeople in developing countries through Fair Trade. Hand-embroidery, block-printing and weaving all feature in The Dharma Door range of quality gifts and homewares. From small collections to special "one-off" pieces, there is sure to be something that catches you eye! www.thedharmadoor.com.au

Would you like …… your bedding to feel like fresh linen every time you go to bed? … to feel cool in summer and warm and snug in winter? … bedding that is easy-to-care-for and lasts a lifetime? … all this and environmentally-friendly? If yes, see the fantastic sheets, pillow cases, and quilt covers at the beautiful Margaret River HempCo shops in Margaret River or Fremantle; or online at www.hempco.net.au

Ecolinen organic bed linen merges chemical-free yarns with natural Australian style.  Free from the toxic dyes and insecticides used in conventional cotton production, ecoLinen is created using the purest ingredients that don't irritate your body - or the earth.  Fine-quality, long-lasting and wrinkle-resistant, ecoLinen feels soft and delicious against sleeping skin. www.ecolinen.com

Remill offers sustainable timber solutions for the interior of your home. They specialise in reclaiming old, salvaged timber and transforming it into unique machined or handcrafted products. They have many options to choose from, including period matched mouldings- architraves, skirtings, picture rails, floorboards and decking. They can also custom build furniture, doors and windows for you. www.remill.com