Our modern world is filled with incredible buildings, busy cities, and high-tech homes. But while we've built amazing places to live and work, we may have left something important behind: nature. More specifically, the helpful microbes—bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live all around and inside us—that make up our microbiome. These tiny organisms help us digest food, support our immune system, and even protect us from disease [1],[2]. But as we clean and seal our buildings, we may be reducing the microbial diversity that keeps us healthy.
Research shows that the places we live—our homes, schools, offices—aren't just settings for our lives. These built environments actively shape the types of microbes we come into contact with [3]. And if those environments are too clean, too closed-off, or too artificial, our bodies might be missing out on the healthy microbes we evolved to live with.
This has led scientists and designers to explore the idea of rewilding—bringing elements of nature back into our indoor spaces. Similar to how conservationists restore wild areas by reintroducing native species, rewilding our indoor spaces means reintroducing plants, pets, fresh air, and other natural features to support our microbiome and well-being [4],[5].
How modern designs affect the microbiome
Modern architecture often focuses on sleek, minimalist designs that feel clean and controlled. But these spaces may be too sterile for our biology. Our bodies thrive in environments with diverse microbes, not sanitized surfaces.
Materials like plastic and metals, commonly used in modern buildings, support fewer types of microbes than natural materials like wood—and may even promote the growth of microbial species associated with health issues [6]. In addition, certain plastics and composite materials can harbor harmful bacteria that are more resistant to cleaning agents [7].
Air-tight buildings with closed windows and powerful HVAC systems can trap pollutants and limit fresh air. This reduces the variety of microbes we breathe and diminishes our contact with the natural microbial world [3].
The long-term effects of these choices could be serious. Decreases in microbial diversity have been associated with autoimmune and metabolic conditions [8],[9] In particular, not being exposed to a wide range of microbes—especially in early life—has been linked to a higher risk of asthma, allergies, and other long-term immune conditions [10],[11].
In contrast, older buildings often had more natural airflow and materials that allowed better interaction with the environment microbiome. Natural ventilation and porous materials helped support healthy microbial exchange.
What is rewilding? Bringing nature’s benefits indoors
Rewilding indoor spaces means making small but powerful changes to bring back the microbial benefits of nature. This type of urban rewilding can happen anywhere—from homes to schools to office buildings. It’s not just about plants or pets; it’s about designing spaces to restore the microbial diversity that’s essential for our health. Here are actionable steps you can take to integrate more natural elements into your daily environment and routine:
1. Add indoor plants
Plants do more than brighten a room. They help clean the air, balance humidity, and support a healthy indoor microbiome. Studies show that having a variety of indoor plants can boost microbial diversity, support better immune function, and reduce illness and allergy risks [12]–[14].
2. Let in fresh air and sunlight
Designing buildings with "healthy porosity"—such as operable windows, atriums, and courtyards—allows fresh air and beneficial microbes to circulate [3]. Even in polluted areas, increasing airflow can dilute indoor human-adapted microbes, which include potential pathogens. In high-pollution settings, combining natural ventilation with air filtration in the built environment may offer the best balance for health.
3. Use probiotic cleaning products
Instead of killing all bacteria, probiotic cleaners introduce beneficial microbes that compete with harmful ones. This can lower the risk of disease while helping the indoor microbial community stay balanced [15],[16].
4. Consider pets
Homes with pets, especially dogs and cats, tend to have a wider range of microbes. These microbes can help children develop stronger immune systems and reduce the risk of allergies [17]–[19].
5. Get outside more
Spending time in nature—even short daily walks—can expose us to helpful microbes and improve our microbiome. Weekend activities like hiking, camping, or visiting farms or nature preserves help even more.
6. Learn and share
Understanding rewilding and its benefits can help families, schools, and communities make better choices. Education is key to creating healthier indoor spaces for everyone.
Challenges and considerations
Rewilding efforts may face obstacles like allergy concerns or cost. Some people may react to specific plants or pets, and not all environments are easy to redesign. Still, even small steps can make a difference. Adding a few plants, using natural materials, or opening a window more often are simple ways to start. Also, an at-home Tiny Health Gut Health Test is a great way to identify areas where your microbiome needs support, including an action plan with dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations.
Rewild your environment for microbial diversity
The way we design our indoor spaces plays a big role in our health. Modern buildings may look beautiful, but their sterility can limit the healthy microbes our bodies need. By rewilding our homes and public places—adding plants, pets, fresh air, and better materials—we can help restore the microbial diversity that supports our immune system and overall well-being.
Rewilding the built environment isn’t just a trend. It’s a shift in how we think about health, nature, and where we live. With better awareness of the environment-microbiome connection, we can design spaces that truly support life.
