Environment & Lifestyle

Why this matters

Your environment can either fight you or carry you. We lower the daily “load” so the body has room to heal—clean air, clean water, clean inputs, steady rhythms.

Simple start suggestions

You already know these but some members have asked for reminders!

  • Fragrance‑free home: remove synthetic scented products.
  • Water: filter your drinking and shower water.
  • Air: open windows daily if outdoor air is good; run a HEPA when needed.
  • Food: choose simple, organic when possible; cook more than you reheat.
  • Light: morning daylight; dim lights at night.
  • Screens: wind down 60–90 minutes before bed.
  • Movement: gentle, most days.
  • Sleep: cool, dark, quiet room; consistent bedtime.

Environmental checklist

Air quality

  • No synthetic fragrances (candles, plugins, sprays, detergents, dryer sheets).
  • HEPA air purifier sized for the room; change filters frequently. Know not all dust mite particles are captured.
  • If no pollen or AQI issues, ventilate.
  • Use exhaust fans when cooking/showering; keep humidity ~40–50%.
  • Address visible mold/water damage promptly; dehumidify basements.
  • Vacuum with a HEPA machine; wet‑dust instead of dry‑dusting.

Water quality

  • Use a solid drinking water filter (pitcher/under‑sink/whole‑house—whatever fits).
  • Shower filter to reduce chlorine/chloramine and other contaminants.
  • Glass bottles are superior to stainless; no plastic in heat.
  • If on a well, test annually; if municipal, review local report.

Cleaning & laundry

  • Unscented, non‑toxic cleaners (vinegar/baking soda/castile‑style).
  • Fragrance‑free, dye‑free laundry detergent; skip dryer sheets (use wool balls).
  • Wash new textiles before use; sun‑dry when possible.
  • Remove shoes at the door.

Home & furnishings

  • Choose low‑VOC paints and materials if renovating.
  • Air out new mattresses/furniture or choose low‑VOC options.
  • Use natural fibers when possible (cotton, linen, wool).
  • Minimize clutter for easier cleaning and less dust.

Kitchen & food handling

  • Stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware (avoid damaged nonstick).
  • Glass or stainless food storage; no hot food in plastic.
  • Buy, cook, and freeze fresh proteins quickly if histamine‑sensitive.
  • Prioritize whole foods; limit ultra‑processed items and seed oils.
  • Wash produce; choose organic when you can, especially for the “dirty” items.

Personal care

  • Fragrance‑free, simple ingredient lists.
  • Mineral‑based makeup and sunscreen when used.
  • Avoid aluminum and silver on or in the body.
  • Skip fluoride products; choose gentle, non‑toxic oral care.

Electromagnetic habits

  • Charge devices away from the bed.
  • Night mode/blue‑light filters after sunset.
  • Keep phones off the body when not in use; use speaker for long calls.

Light, sound, and sleep

  • Morning daylight exposure; evening lights low and warm.
  • Blackout curtains if needed; cool room temperature.
  • White noise if helpful; quiet hours for the home.
  • No TVs in bedrooms; devices out of the room at night.

Pest & lawn care

  • No pesticides/herbicides on lawn or garden.
  • Natural pest controls (traps, diatomaceous earth, entry sealing).
  • Pet care: unscented shampoos; wipe paws after outdoor walks.

Clothing & textiles

  • Wash new clothes/linens before use.
  • Choose unscented detergents; avoid fabric softeners.
  • Prefer natural fibers if skin is reactive.

School, work, and car

  • Keep a small fragrance‑free kit: hand soap, sanitizer, wipes.
  • Ventilate the car; avoid scented fresheners.
  • Pack safe snacks to avoid reactive foods on the go.

Rhythms & stress

Kids & family notes

  • Make swaps gradually so no one feels deprived.
  • Keep one or two “always safe” meals/snacks.
  • Teach kids to spot “fragrance” and “parfum” on labels—it becomes a game.

How to use this page

Pick three items that feel easy this week. Do those well. Add more when life allows. Consistency beats perfection.

And remember our digital mind can help you choose which environmental changes will give you the biggest lift.

Next up

Visit one of these pages: