Why Non-Toxic Living?
Before I go straight into the non-toxic swaps I made, let’s talk science. Every day we’re exposed us to a myriad of toxic substances. Some enter our homes through cleaning products, others through beauty and skincare items, or even the food we eat and what we cook it in. These chemicals, some which are known as endocrine disruptors (EDC’s), can interfere with our hormonal balance (Click here for a great article and video series on EDC’s). Making non-toxic swaps is like giving our bodies a breath of fresh air—free from harmful substances.
Easy Swaps for Everyday Products
If you’ve become aware of the toxins lurking in everyday products and are eager to start towards a healthier, more non-toxic lifestyle, navigating the starting point can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why I made this post; I’ve outlined a few key areas to start your detox journey. For those craving deeper insight into specific areas, I’ve included links to more detailed blogs, offering specific and helpful information (based on my own experience). Remember the key is to take it slow as implementing too much change at once can throw you into the deep end and likely send you backwards. Embrace these swaps and changes one step at a time.
Cleaning Products:
Many household cleaning products contain potentially harmful chemicals that can be toxic if inhaled. Common ingredients like ammonia, bleach, and certain fragrances may contribute to respiratory issues and other health concerns (yep, most synthetic fragrances are actually toxic to smell, make it make sense!). Opt for castile soap, vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. They’re effective, budget-friendly, and kind to your home and the environment. I have a full breakdown of the DIY cleaning solutions that I use here.
Skincare & Beauty:
Upgrade your beauty routine with non-toxic skincare and beauty products. Again you can see all the natural and affordable products I use for my skin here. Where possible, I try to stick to the most simple, minimal-ingredient products I can like shea butter, jojoba oil, herbal cleansers and sugar scrubs. But if that’s not for you, look for brands committed to clean ingredients. Your skin will thank you!
Kitchen Essentials:
Where possible, embrace cooking with fresh, organic ingredients. The article I linked at the top about EDC’s mentions the potentially harmful effects of pesticides and herbicides. While the surface residue can be effectively cleansed of these with a simple water and baking soda mix, it’s also worth knowing about how some foods absorb these EDC’s when growing and can’t just be rinsed off. Check out this post to learn more about the “Dirty Dozen” list of fruits and veg that tend to have higher pesticide residue. Elsewhere in the kitchen, swap out plastic storage for glass containers, and ditch non-stick cookware for stainless steel or cast iron. My favourite non-toxic kitchen products can be found here.
Laundry:
Traditional laundry detergents often hide harmful ingredients. If you’re like me you’ve glanced at the label on your detergent and realised you can’t make out what any of the ingredients are, so after doing a bit of research this is generally what you want to look out for/avoid.
It Benefits Beyond You Too
Non-toxic living isn’t just about personal wellness; it’s about global well-being. Harmful chemicals in traditional products find their way into our waterways, impacting aquatic life and ecosystems. You’ll often see this labelled on conventional cleaning products too. Making the switch is a small but impactful step towards a healthier planet.
Future Swaps:
I’m excited about future swaps, like diving into sustainable fashion, exploring zero-waste alternatives, and supporting local, eco-conscious brands.
Remember, take it slow to avoid overwhelm. Going more non-toxic is a journey, not a destination. Take it one simple swap at a time!
