‘Increasing environmental awareness directs us to think as carefully about how we furnish our homes as how we use energy and water’
Sir Terence Conran
Hello , I’m Charlie
I’m a Healthy Homes Expert, Holistic Health Coach and Restorative Interior Designer.
I passionately believe that to achieve optimum physical and mental health we need to embrace our interconnectedness with the environment and create living and work spaces that reflect this symbiosis.
Through my work in Sustainable Property Development, Holistic Health coaching and as a WELL accredited professional, I help people design their homes and offices to optimize both human health and that of the planet.
I show people how to create nurturing spaces that maximize their health by showing them how to minimize toxins and make more eco conscious choices when creating their homes.
Detox Your Body
Revitalize from within- Boost your energy naturally
- Cleanse toxins for better health
- Simple and effective detox routines
- Support your overall wellness
Detox Your Home
Create a healthier living space- Reduce harmful chemicals indoors
- Promote a safer environment for your family
- Eco-friendly cleaning solutions
- Improve air quality effortlessly
Detox Your Body and Home
Complete wellness, inside and out- Comprehensive detox plan for life balance
- Maximize your health and living space harmony
- Holistic approach to total well-being
- Simplify your lifestyle with dual benefits
Why should you care?
By making more conscious consumer decisions such as looking at production methods, company ethics, attitude to waste and material safety behind brands and products, we will all make great steps towards creating a healthier environment both inside and outside our homes, supporting healthy homes, wellbeing, housing, and the built environment.
Due to increasing levels of toxicity in our food, water, air and the products we use, we need to educate ourselves in the latest ways to detox our spaces and bodies, improving air quality, water quality, acoustics, circadian science, and ergonomics within our homes and real estate spaces. Our lives really do depend on it.
Embracing sustainability and the recycling, re-purposing and re-use of items where possible is of paramount importance for our wellbeing and happiness, supporting sustainable design, regenerative design, wellness real estate, and long-term longevity. For the health of the planet and us. The Climate Emergency is not coming… its here!
An aesthetically pleasing home and one that ‘gives us joy’, is of course vital, it expresses our individuality, encourages our creativity, creates a family community, but everything behind that aesthetic is often overlooked in property, real estate, and sustainable housing decisions.
Accredited By
The Healthy Home Therapist
Are you an Interiors Addict and want to know how to up your game by creating greener, healthier and more sustainable spaces?
Are you decorating your New Home or Office or preparing for a New baby and want to know how to avoid the toxic chemicals in many products?
Or are you moving property and want help sourcing a sanctuary that will optimize your health and not undermine it?
Which products heal and which products harm?
Click below to find out more …
Business to Business Consulting
Are you an Interior Designer that needs advice on which sustainable and healthy products/materials to specify for your clients?
Or are you one of those great businesses that care about the health and wellbeing of their employees and clients and want to design your premises with wellness, ethics and sustainability in mind?
Do you want to know more about qualifying your building as a WELL certified building, marking you out as a leader in wellness within the built environment?
Click below to discover how…
One Health Coaching
Are you suffering from headaches, autoimmune issues, nausea, skin issues, unknown aches and pains etc?
Have you tried all the detox diets and juiced like a crazy person but you still feel like crap?
Have you considered that toxins in your home, office or in the environment in general could be making you ill?
Do you want to hear more about the body & lifestyle detox protocols that have helped heal me and others from autoimmune issues?
Click below & start healing ..
The Hidden Health Cost of Unsustainable Fashion with Louise Gookey
This week on The Healthy Home Show, I sat down with presenter and sustainability advocate Louise Gookey to dig into a topic that touches all of us: the hidden health and environmental impact of fashion and consumer choices in our homes.
It turns out that what we wear, clean with, and throw away is quietly shaping not just our planet’s future but our hormones, our wellbeing, and even our stress levels.
Listen to the full podcast episode – Spotify
Listen to the full episode – Apple Podcasts
The Problem with Fast Fashion
-
Two-thirds of the clothes produced worldwide contain plastic in the form of polyester and other synthetics. Every wash releases microplastics into waterways, which end up back in our food and drinking water.
-
A single polyester t-shirt can take 200 years to decompose in landfill—yet it never really “disappears,” only breaking down into microplastics.
-
Only 9% of what we send for recycling is actually recycled. Much of our discarded clothing ends up shipped to poorer countries, where communities are forced to deal with our waste.
-
Fashion production is accelerating. Instead of two or four seasons a year, some brands now release new lines 12+ times a year, fuelling a throwaway culture where clothing is designed not to last.
And it isn’t just the environment paying the price. Our health is on the line too. Toxic dyes and flame retardants used in textiles are linked to eczema, asthma, allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and even cancers. Research has even found lead in baby clothes from some fast-fashion brands.
The Hidden Toxins in Everyday Products
The issue doesn’t stop at fashion:
-
Cotton farming is one of the most water-intensive industries on the planet. A single pair of jeans can require up to 10,000 litres of water to produce, often in regions already facing water scarcity.
-
Sanitary products (tampons, pads) often contain glyphosate, plastics, and polyester threads—chemicals that can disrupt hormones when used in one of the body’s most delicate areas.
-
Household cleaners and beauty products are marketed to us as needing a different bottle for every surface or skin area. In reality, most of these are unnecessary—and many contain harsh chemicals that linger in our indoor air.
Smarter Swaps That Make a Difference
Louise reminded us that the simplest actions can be the most powerful. Here are a few to start with:
-
Turn off the tap of overconsumption. Before buying, check what you already own—you might rediscover forgotten treasures at the back of the wardrobe or cupboard.
-
Buy less, buy better. Choose organic cotton, natural fabrics, or second-hand. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), Soil Association, or B Corp.
-
Repair instead of replace. Learning to sew on a button or mend a hem reduces waste and saves money.
-
Swap plastics in the kitchen. Replace cling film with beeswax wraps, plastic Tupperware with glass, and skip heating food in plastic containers.
-
Simplify your products. One non-toxic multipurpose cleaner can replace a cupboard full of bottles. In skincare, one organic oil can replace five separate creams.
-
Choose reusable period products. Moon cups and period pants may feel like an investment at first, but they save hundreds of pounds over time and drastically cut waste.
Key Takeaways
-
Clothes = plastics. Two-thirds of garments contain synthetics that shed microplastics and harm health.
-
Waste is a global injustice. Only 9% of recycling happens; much of our waste is shipped overseas.
-
Health is directly impacted. From endocrine-disrupting dyes to glyphosate in tampons, toxins are in everyday items.
-
Consumerism is the trap. We don’t need more “stuff”—we need mindful, slower choices.
-
Small swaps matter. Multipurpose cleaners, organic fabrics, and reusable products reduce toxins and save money long-term.
Closing Thought
As Louise put it so simply: “Just turn the tap off.”
Before rushing to buy the next eco-product, pause. Look around your home. Can you repair, reuse, or repurpose first? Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about slowing down, consuming less, and making conscious choices that protect our health as much as our planet.
Where to Follow Louise Gookey and her work……
Louise’s Website – www.louisegookey.co.uk
If you enjoyed hearing Louise’s insights on the importance of Healthy and Sustainable Fashion…. You can learn more and dive into all of my 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
Please leave a review for the show, if you are so inclined. It really helps me understand where to guide the content next or you can just give a rating. And, if you prefer to watch your content on Youtube, we have that covered too!
Be WELL
Charlie x
The Hidden Dangers in Modern Homes
When you think of a “dream home,” you might imagine natural light, beautiful finishes and an open-plan kitchen. But what if that dream home is quietly making you or your family sick?
In this episode of The Healthy Home Show, I sat down with Annie Scog (BBNC, Adv Dip – Building Biology, LFA, CPHD) , an expert in building biology and founder of The Healthy Home Expert in Australia.
Her story begins with her sick cat Smokey and leads us into the lesser-known world of toxic materials, EMFs, mould, and misguided building practices that are compromising our wellbeing.
The Startling Truth: Most New Builds Aren’t Healthy
Australia is in a building boom but as Annie explains, this comes at a major cost to health and quality. It turns out:
-
1 in 10 new builds in Australia will develop mould and condensation issues within 10 years (Tasmanian University).
-
1 in 4 people lack the gene needed to detox from mould exposure putting them at risk of chronic illness.
-
Dead mould spores are still toxic and are often present even after visible mould is removed.
-
New homes are built to last just 20–30 years, but issues are appearing much earlier.
From Sick Pet to Expert: Annie’s Story
Annie’s journey started when her cat Smokey developed hyperthyroidism which her holistic vet linked to flame retardants in the home.
A stopgap renovation using PVC flooring introduced phthalates and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) into her home. These odourless toxins embedded in dust and likely triggered her pet’s illness.
“I can’t prove it with medical science, but I’m convinced our home made our cat sick.”
This led Annie to retrain in building biology, gaining certifications in mould, EMFs, air quality, water safety, and healthy materials.
What We’re Still Getting Wrong in Construction
Annie’s key concern? We’re not building for climate or for humans.
-
Homes aren’t oriented properly, leading to overheating or cold spots.
-
Dark roofs absorb too much heat yet are still widely used.
-
Cross-ventilation and thermal mass are ignored in favour of fast builds.
-
Developers are rushing through cheap waterproofing, which fails quickly and encourages mould growth.
Thermal Comfort = Healthier Homes
Simple design improvements can reduce energy use and improve health:
-
Low-E glass to filter UV rays and heat
-
Lime-based paints and plasters to regulate humidity
-
White or light-coloured roofs to reflect heat
-
Correct building orientation to maximise sunlight and breezes
-
Proper insulation and airtightness (with ventilation!) to avoid thermal bridging
Mould + EMFs = A Toxic Combo?
Did you know mould grows faster in the presence of Wi-Fi radiation?
Research by Dr Magda Havas and others suggests EMFs may increase mould toxicity and growth rate. Annie warns:
-
Smart meters and inverters should never be placed on bedroom walls
-
Induction hobs and fridges emit magnetic fields which is especially concerning for pregnant women
-
Bedrooms should be low-EMF zones: no chargers, phones, or metal spring beds
If you’re considering Wi-Fi shielding paint or canopies, get a professional EMF assessment first or you could risk making things worse.
What’s Really in Your Tap Water?
Forever chemicals like PFAS are now headline news. Annie recommends:
-
Reverse osmosis systems (not Brita) at point-of-use
-
Shower filters to reduce chlorine exposure through skin
-
Avoiding plastic water bottles, which may leach microplastics and hormone-disrupting chemicals
“If clean water costs £300–£400… the real question is: what is your health worth?”
Why Geopathic Stress & Nature Still Matter
Annie also explored Geopathic stress: energy disturbances caused by underground water, fault lines or ley lines. Ancient builders used dowsing rods to avoid building homes in energetically compromised areas. Modern homeowners can still benefit from checking what’s beneath their bed.
She also champions Biophilic design:
-
Incorporate natural light and access to nature
-
Use lime plaster and natural textures
-
Choose organic, breathable textiles especially for babies and children ( we also heard about the dangers of formaldehyde in bedding in the last podacvst epiode with carly Harryman
You can listen to that episode here
Annie’s 8 Pillars of a Healthy Home
-
Clean air
-
Clean water
-
Low-tox materials
-
Low EMF exposure
-
Thermal comfort
-
Natural light
-
Biophilic connection
-
Geopathic & energetic balance
What can you do today?
-
Use HEPA vacuums and clean dust regularly
-
Avoid carpets; use washable rugs instead
-
Don’t make your bed immediately — let it air!
-
Change your mattress every 10 years
-
Choose IKEA over cheaper MDF brands….apparenlty it has some of the lowest formaldehyde levels on the market
Where We Need Government Change
Annie’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the home. She’s:
-
Launching The Transparency Movement, a non-profit to fund women in trades and demand clear labelling on materials
-
Developing a CPD-accredited course for architects and builders in Australia
-
Pushing for the adoption of international frameworks like Living Building Challenge and WELL for healthier materials
“Green building doesn’t always mean healthy building. We need both.”
Final Thoughts
Annie’s overarching concerns…
“We’ve spent so long building for speed and profit, we forgot to build for people. It’s time we change that brick by brick.”
Where to Follow Annie’s Work
Annie’s Website – Healthy Home Expert – Australia
If you enjoyed hearing Annie’s insights on the importance of Building Healthy Homes…. You can learn more and dive into all of my 12 main concepts that create a Healthy Home and Lifestyle on my website – www.charlielemmer.com
Please leave a review for the show, if you are so inclined. It really helps me understand where to guide the content next or you can just give a rating. And, if you prefer to watch your content on Youtube, we have that covered too!
Be WELL
Charlie x
P.S If you are reading this Newsletter and haven’t yet subscribed. Here’s the link so you don’t miss future editions… It’s free ! So don’t miss out on information that could keep you and your family in the best health.
Break Free at the Life Beyond People-Pleasing Summit
Discover how to break free from pleasing people and reclaim your power and create an authentic life.
other subjects to consider
-
Life Beyond People Pleasing: Break Free & Reclaim Your Power
-
Stop People-Pleasing & Start Living—Join This Free Summit
-
The Cost of people pleasing—And How to Break Free
Hey Everyone,
Have you ever felt like you’re constantly sacrificing your own needs to avoid conflict, gain approval, or keep the peace? You say yes when you mean no, suppress your true feelings, and prioritize others—only to feel resentful, drained, and unseen.
That’s the reality of the People Pleasing—but there’s a way out.
On May 30th join me and other experts at the Life Beyond People-Pleasing Summit, a FREE 5-hour LIVE virtual event designed to help you transition from people pleasing to one who leads with confidence, authenticity, and self-respect.
Can’t attend live? Don’t worry, the recording will be available for 48 hours.
👉 Snag your FREE spot here now
In just one powerful session, you’ll discover how to:
✅ Break free from the People Pleasing and stop seeking validation at the cost of your own happiness
✅ Set clear, guilt-free boundaries so you can put yourself first—without feeling selfish
✅ Replace people-pleasing with authentic self-expression and start living in alignment with who you truly are
✅ Step into your power—one who leads and creates with strength, integrity, and emotional resilience
This isn’t about becoming selfish—it’s about becoming grounded, self-assured, and truly free.
Imagine waking up every day feeling fully in control of your life, making decisions from your truth instead of fear, and creating relationships based on mutual respect—not approval-seeking. Sounds empowering, right?
It’s not just possible—it’s happening at this event.
👉 Register FREE now and step into your power!
Let’s rewrite the script—from approval-seeker to self-leader.
See you there!
Charlie x
P.S. – If you’re on the fence about joining, ask yourself this:
What has being a people pleaser truly cost you in your relationships, career, and self-worth?
