A GUIDE TO CREATING A NON-TOXIC LIFESTYLE
Finding out that everything around you could be slowly harming you is overwhelming, I know that.
I truly got lucky with my mother being an herbalist and always interested in non-toxic living. Then I was even luckier when I found Ben, my amazing husband, who grew up following the Weston A. Price standards. So implementing holistic, non-toxic items into our household when we got married and started having kids was a no-brainer.
But I’m here to help if you’re just getting started and feel a little stuck on where to begin.
Here are six swaps I would make in my own home if I were looking to lower my family’s toxic load.
Swap out all your plastic clothing items for natural fiber clothing!
Most pieces of clothing these days are made from synthetic fibers, essentially plastic. These fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, and spandex. The key word here is synthetic! These fibers are manufactured by heating plastic (RED FLAG!) and turning it into a thick liquid, which is then forced through tiny spinnerets to create fibers.
The reason you’ll want to get rid of these pieces of clothing is because they can release microplastics, which may come into contact with your skin which is your body’s largest organ. These fibers can also contain harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and BPA, which may contribute to skin irritation, asthma, and more.
OPT for cotton, linen, wool, or hemp! These natural fibers are more breathable, hypoallergenic, and absorb moisture, helping keep the body cool (unlike synthetic fibers). Cotton is also SO easy and cheap to find! Old Navy, Walmart, Gap- they all have it!
Add a house water filter (preferably one that uses reverse osmosis and remineralizes).
Unfiltered water can contain bacteria, pathogens, and heavy metals. Exposure to these contaminants can impact overall health, including the nervous system and fertility. Waterborne illnesses are no joke, and filtering your water is SO important.
Unfortunately, we can’t always rely on our cities to do the job perfectly.
OPT for a reverse osmosis water filter, which can remove up to 99% of contaminants such as lead, chlorine, fluoride, and PFAS. It’s also relatively cost-effective and much cheaper than constantly buying bottled water.
The only thing to note is that filtration can remove beneficial minerals as well. Finding a filter that remineralizes is ideal, but you can also add minerals back in through supplements (like trace minerals) or even a pinch of quality salt.
Remove chemical household cleaners and switch to natural-based options—or make your own!
Many conventional cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can impact the respiratory system, cause skin sensitivity, and increase health risks. They often contain ingredients like perchloroethylene, ammonia, and bleach, which can be harsh on the body.
It’s actually pretty simple to make your own cleaners at home using vinegar, castile soap, and lemon. These work great for sinks, bathtubs, and countertops. Vinegar, in particular, is a powerful natural cleaner.
Brands I like include Branch Basics, Seventh Generation, Thrive Market, and Dr. Bronner’s.
Evaluate your kitchen Tupperware—use glass instead of plastic.
Plastic containers can contain BPA and other chemicals that may leach into food especially when heated, like during reheating or dishwashing.
This is a super easy swap. Glass containers help reduce exposure to microplastics and unwanted chemicals, and you can find them almost anywhere!
Remove feminine products that contain synthetic fragrances.
This is a HUGE one for the ladies. Fragrance is everywhere. It's in perfumes, shampoos, makeup, deodorants, and more and it’s no joke.
Artificial fragrances can contain undisclosed chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and sulfates, which can accumulate in the body over time. There’s often a lack of transparency on labels, as “fragrance” can represent hundreds of different compounds.
I love using essential oils around the house and choosing cleaner beauty brands because clean fragrances DO EXIST! Some favorites include Primally Pure, Crunchi, and Toups & Co. Organics. Feel free to message me on Instagram if you need recommendations or have questions about a specific brand <3
Slowly start choosing whole foods over processed foods—shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
Listen, packaged foods can be hard to avoid, and I’ve made a blog post with brands I support that are better than most. But in general, it’s much easier to avoid unwanted ingredients when you focus on whole foods.
My top recommendation is to shop the outer sections of the grocery store, where you’ll find fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and more. Look for organic, grass-fed, and pasture-raised when possible.
If your pantry and fridge are filled with these kinds of foods, you’re doing so much better than you might think. I also created a grocery shopping guide on my blog to help you navigate this!
I hope this helps you get started on your crunchy, non-toxic journey and I’m so excited to help you continue learning more.
Sami!