Eco-friendly materials are focused on environmental impact. They’re designed to minimise harm to the planet across their lifecycle – from sourcing and manufacturing, to use and disposal. This can include things like:
Recycled or rapidly renewable materials
Sustainably harvested timber
Energy-efficient appliances
Low embodied carbon products
Products that can be reused, recycled, or composted
Sounds great, right? It is, but eco credentials alone don’t guarantee that a product is safe for your indoor environment or your health.
Low-tox (short for low-toxicity) refers to products and materials that are designed to minimise exposure to harmful chemicals in your home. This includes things like:
Paints with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
Formaldehyde-free cabinetry and joinery
Natural floor finishes
Non-toxic adhesives and sealants
Mould-resistant materials
A low-tox home supports better indoor air quality, fewer allergens, and fewer chemical sensitivities, which is especially important if you have kids, asthma, allergies, or are navigating other health concerns.
Some materials marketed as “eco-friendly” can still release toxins into your home. For example:
Bamboo flooring may be renewable and fast-growing (eco tick!) but some cheaper options use adhesives high in formaldehyde (low-tox fail).
Recycled carpet might reduce landfill waste, but could contain synthetic fibres and flame retardants that off-gas into your home.
That’s why looking for both low-tox and eco-friendly properties is essential when selecting healthy building materials.
Just because something’s labelled eco-friendly doesn’t mean it’s safe for your home. Always check for low-tox credentials too
You don’t need to choose between a healthy home and a healthy planet – you can have both. Here are some simple tips to help you make informed decisions:
Is this product free from formaldehyde, VOCs, and other known toxins?
Does it have any third-party certifications (like GECA, Global GreenTag, or Declare)?
Where was it made, and how far has it travelled?
Can it be reused, recycled, or safely disposed of?
What’s the product made from, and is that clearly disclosed?
Words like “natural,” “eco,” or “non-toxic” aren’t regulated – they can be used loosely in marketing. Look beyond the label and ask for data sheets or third-party verifications. Check out my blog post about Eco labels to learn more.
Brands that are doing the right thing will usually be proud to tell you about it. If it’s hard to get information about what’s in the product, that’s a red flag.
If you’re renovating or building a low-tox home, don’t assume that eco-friendly = healthy. While there is plenty of overlap, not every eco material is low in toxins – and not every low-tox product is great for the planet.
But with the right questions and a bit of research, you can choose materials that tick both boxes – supporting your wellbeing and a more sustainable future.
A healthy home supports both your wellbeing and the planet. Choosing materials that are both eco and low-tox is the key.
A 5-minute weekly email to help architects and designers choose sustainable and healthy materials with clear pros and cons, without the sales pitch.
Independent. Product-agnostic. Practical.
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@eco_edition
A 5-minute weekly email to help architects and designers choose sustainable and healthy materials with clear pros and cons, without the sales pitch.
Independant. Product-agnostic. Practical.
