A healthy, toxic-free home isn't built in a day. Making small, sustainable changes over time can have a big impact on your health in the long run. But when it seems like every available product out there has something toxic about it, how do we begin to live more naturally?
At one point, I was overwhelmed with information about the toxins in our products and food and I felt daunted with the task of having to learn everything just so I could keep my family and I safe from harmful chemicals and toxins that are way too common in our everyday products.
Whether you're new to your wellness journey or a self-declared almond mom, here are 10 simple non-toxic product swaps you should know about:
I made the switch from liquid laundry detergent after New York state banned the sale of laundry detergents containing phosphates, a common ingredient in many conventional brands. More recently, there has been discussion of banning laundry pods and laundry sheets in NYC because of the damage done to our waterways from chemical and plastic waste contamination. Switching to a non toxic laundry detergent not only reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals known to cause cancer, but also supports a cleaner environment.
My personal favorite is this non-toxic powdered laundry detergent. Its formula is highly effective at removing stains and odors without using any harmful chemicals. Plus, it's so much cheaper than using liquid detergent where the bulk of what you're paying for is water!
But it's not just what we're washing our clothes with, the importance of non-toxic and sustainable living extends to the clothing choices we make as well. This book on how toxic fashion is making us sick is a great resource for learning about the impact of conventional fashion on our health and the environment. It offers insights into how to make more conscious and sustainable choices when it comes to clothing, ensuring that we are not unknowingly exposing ourselves to harmful chemicals through our wardrobe.
I've heard about the concerns regarding fluoride over the years, but I never heard of an alternative that was equally safe and effective. Hydroxyapatite is a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, making it an excellent alternative to fluoride-based toothpastes. I love this hydroxyapatite toothpaste, but of course it's pricier than your average toothpaste. Worth the investment in your health, though.
I wish I could have rolled my eyes into another dimension when I found out about dental floss - can't we have anything that's not toxic! Dental floss is known to have PFAs that can be harmful to both our health and the environment.
Switching to a natural floss made from silk or bamboo can help reduce our exposure to these harmful chemicals while still maintaining good oral hygiene. I find that most natural flosses are thin and break easily, but this one I really love. It has no alcohol, artificial detergents, color or synthetic fragrances. It's also sufficiently thick to glide across every part of the tooth.
Switching from bagged to loose leaf tea is a game changer. Herbs play such a crucial role in the health and well being of humanity and I believe everyone can benefit from consuming a variety of herbs on a regular basis. A simple way to do this is by enjoying a cup of loose leaf herbal tea.
According to a recent study, each cup of tea produced by one plastic tea bag steeped at brewing temperature included roughly 11.6 billion MPs and 3.1 billion nanoplastics. By opting for loose leaf tea, you not only avoid the potential ingestion of harmful plastics but also enjoy a fresher and more flavorful cup of tea. It may seem more expensive to purchase a quality gourmet loose leaf tea, but when you consider how much tea is actually in a single tea bag it's easy to understand the value (plus the huge upgrade in quality!).
This loose leaf herbal tea is crafted by an herbalist for specific wellness goals. The tea is hand blended in small batches for quality & freshness and you can really taste the difference.
To further enhance your tea-drinking experience, consider investing in sustainable infusers made from materials like stainless steel or compostable materials. These reusable alternatives to single-use tea bags help reduce waste and support a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
One of the reasons there's aluminum in deodorants is because it block sweat ducts temporarily to stop sweating. While it may do a good job of keeping your underarms dry, these aluminum compounds have raised concerns about potential health risks like skin irritation, breast cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
I prefer using aluminum-free deodorants like this one, or this one. I've also found that using a glycolic cleanser on my underarms a couple times a week helps keep the bacteria away that causes the odor when sweating. This glycolic toner is another personal favorite.
A lack of magnesium could be a possible reason for body odor from sweat. A few years ago, I noticed my underarms would smell in the morning despite the fact that I took a shower in the evening. I started supplementing with magnesium and the odor completely went away. That's because magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in regulating sweat production and odor.
Sidenote: The most important thing to remember when prioritizing a healthy lifestyle is don't be afraid, and do what you can. Our bodies are amazingly intelligent organisms that know how to keep us healthy. Do the best you can to provide healthy conditions for your body to thrive but don't panic and fear that if you don't make these swaps, you're doing direct harm to yourself.
It's all about balance.
I used to use a fork to scramble my eggs on a teflon pan. Yikes. I didn't know! Now, I use wooden utensils made from natural materials like bamboo or olive wood. Unlike plastic or metal options, wooden utensils don't react with food when exposed to heat, making them safer to use. Not only are they more sustainable, but they also don't scratch the surface of non-stick pans, reducing the risk of ingesting harmful chemicals.
When possible, try to slowly swap your teflon pans with ceramic. Ceramic cookware is non-toxic, durable, and distributes heat evenly. In my opinion, this is one of the best non toxic cookware brands. It's a more sustainable choice compared to non-stick pans that can release harmful chemicals when heated. This can be a pricier investment but you can keep an eye out at thrift stores or yard sales for some good deals.
Good ol' lemon and vinegar. These two natural ingredients can work wonders as an all-purpose cleaner. Lemon acts as a natural disinfectant, while vinegar helps to break down grease and grime. Grab a set of reusable spray bottles and use the recipe below to make your own non toxic cleaning product:
With the strong acidity of vinegar and the refreshing scent of lemon, this mixture effectively fights dirt while being gentle on your living space. This versatile mixture can be used on various surfaces in your home, such as kitchen countertops and bathroom tiles. I've also been using it on my porch to keep the mosquitos away!
Dish soap residue can be harmful to human health, causing gastrointestinal problems, skin and eye irritation, endocrine disruption, and gut barrier dysfunction. To ensure the safety of both your family and the environment, opt for non-toxic dish soap options. Look for plant-based ingredients, such as coconut oil or aloe vera, which offer effective cleaning without the harmful chemicals. These natural alternatives are readily available in stores or can even be made at home using simple recipes.
The best kind of dish soap is one that is safe, effective, and easy to rinse off. It should also be free of harsh chemicals and fragrances. I love this natural green-tea scented dish soap so much I've just purchased two of the refill packs on Amazon.
Essential oil diffusers are a breath of fresh air in the world of home fragrances. Unlike candles, which often contain harmful chemicals that are released into your environment when burned, these devices disperse natural essential oils into your living spaces.
Here are a few blends based on various moods / intentions:
Essential oils don't just smell great in a diffuser, they also offer various therapeutic benefits, depending on the oil you choose. Clove bud oil, for example, is very useful to have on hand during tick season. If bitten by a tick, placing clove bud oil on the bite can reduce pain and swelling and inhibit the spread of disease from the tick.
I love a huge glass of water by the side of my bed, and it always used to be in a cheap plastic cup. I try to minimize the amount of plastic in my life and switching to 32oz wide mouth mason jars was an easy swap. Walmart usually has good deals on a 6 pack of these.
These glass jars not only look more aesthetically pleasing, but they are also a safer and more eco-friendly alternative to plastic. They are durable, easy to clean, and can be used for various purposes beyond just drinking water (sourdough starter, anyone!?). They also come with airtight lids so you can infuse herbs or citrus into your water with ease!
Not long ago, new studies came out suggesting the harmful potassium bromide found in many breads could be detrimental to our health. That's the reason I started exploring making my own bread at home. Not only does it taste SO much better, but baking your own bread allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring it is free from harmful additives and preservatives.
Whether you're interested in learning about sourdough or want to enjoy the simplicity of a bread machine, incorporating homemade bread into your routine can be a rewarding and health-conscious choice. This bread machine features a high-quality ceramic pan and a 15h timer, making it easy to throw all of the ingredients in the machine at night and wake up to the smell of fresh baked bread in the morning!
Here is a complete list of everything you need to get started baking bread, including recipe books for the bread machine!
To check the health ratings of numerous products in-store, check out the Yuka app. The Yuka app provides insights into the composition, impact on health, and environmental friendliness of various food, skincare, and home goods products. By using this tool, we can make informed choices and support brands that align with our values.
The journey doesn't stop with product swaps. Look for other areas in your life where you can embrace non-toxic living like incorporating organic and locally sourced food into your diet, using natural skincare products, and opting for eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Consider investing in air purifiers or houseplants known for their air-purifying qualities (like the snake or spider plant) to further enhance the quality of the air you breathe.
Non-toxic living is more than just an individual pursuit—it's about empowering our communities as well. By sharing what we've learned and experienced, we can inspire others to create healthier homes too. This shared journey of learning and growth creates ripples that extend beyond individual households, contributing to broader societal change.
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