In the latest in our ‘Big Picture’ series, we turn our attention to whether the solution to sustainable housing and climate-resilient living spaces lies in everyday crafts like knitting, weaving and origami. Once considered hobbies or artistic pastimes, these skills are now at the forefront of innovative designs addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
On World Health Day, the focus is often on healthcare access and disease prevention, but true public health starts at home. Around the world, including here in the US, millions of people live in homes that quietly undermine their health – whether through poor air quality, unsafe water or exposure to toxic materials.
Rattan has been used for centuries, with indigenous communities in Southeast Asia among the first to harvest and weave it into baskets, mats and fishing equipment due to its strength and pliability. During the colonial period, European traders introduced rattan to the West, where it became popular for furniture, particularly in the Victorian era.
Beneath the vast, windswept skies of the rippling Mongolian steppes, a centuries-old way of life continues. Here, nomadic herders move with the rhythm of the seasons, tending to their cashmere goats in one of the world’s harshest climates. The land is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, demanding resilience, adaptability and deep respect for nature. It is from this landscape that Oyuna draws its inspiration – not only for its textiles, but for a philosophy that embraces movement, sustainability and the interconnectedness of all things.
Often overlooked spaces in our homes, the attic, basement and garage play essential roles in storage, utility and sometimes even living space. These areas, however, are often prone to hidden health and environmental concerns, from poor ventilation and dampness to exposure to harmful materials. In the latest addition to WLLW’s ‘How To…’ series, we explore how to transform these underused spaces into healthier, more sustainable parts of your home.
As spring cleaning season approaches, many people turn to air fresheners, candles and scented cleaning products to refresh their homes. But while these products may give the illusion of a cleaner space, they often do more harm than good. Research from Purdue University’s innovative zEDGE Lab has shown that household fragrances and cleaning agents can make indoor air more polluted than the air outside, even in urban environments. The invisible pollutants they release can have serious consequences for respiratory health, cognitive function and overall wellbeing.
Water is an increasingly precious resource, yet in many homes it is used inefficiently and often wasted. With research showing that climate change is intensifying droughts across both the USA and the rest of the world, and water scarcity is becoming a growing concern, it is more important than ever to adopt habits that conserve water.
The Dalai Lama once said, “Sleep is the best meditation.” As daylight fades and the world around us becomes quieter, sleep offers more than rest; it becomes a refuge, a chance for the body and mind to reset. Yet true rest is shaped by the environment we sleep in. This belief lies at the heart of Obasan, a brand that has spent nearly four decades crafting bedding designed not just for comfort, but also for wellbeing.
The onset of Spring is often the time when we declutter and deep clean our homes, but home maintenance is something that should be considered throughout the year. While many of us remember to regularly dust surfaces, vacuum carpets and clean windows, there are plenty of less obvious maintenance tasks that can significantly improve the safety, efficiency and longevity of your home’s appliances and systems.
Clay plasters have been used extensively in buildings around the world for thousands of years. If sourced correctly, they are sustainable, low carbon, and among the healthiest wall finishes available.
Dust is an inevitable part of daily life, often regarded as little more than a nuisance. However, it’s worth delving deeper into its origins, seasonal variations, and presence in our homes. Understanding dust’s composition and behavior can help us tackle it more effectively, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment.
When it comes to making your home healthier, it’s true that small swaps can make a big difference. By rethinking the materials we use and making thoughtful modifications, we can promote both our own wellbeing and that of the environment. In this series, we examine how to make small changes that can have a big impact on each room in your home.