Swaps I Made for a "less" toxic lifestyle

Ever since I was old enough to adventure out as a kid, I was always curious and amazed by the relationship between nature and the human body. I would rush home from school to watch Dr Oz or spend my free time researching healthy alternatives and such.

Every year we find out that another household product is causing cancer or disruptions to our bodies. It is so hard to keep up and for most people it is so overwhelming that they don't try at all. Posts like these tend to make people roll their eyes and say "everything causes cancer these days". Life is all about balance and I mean this in every way. We thrive best when we balance our diets, our social and love life, our work and hobbies. Why wouldn't you choose balance when it comes to using products and household items that could ultimately lessen your chances of hidden exposures?

Changing out a few household products over the course of a few years is WAY easier than it sounds. I defiantly did not make these changes all at once. Some things take longer to get used to and some you will find to be easier than before and you would never go back. If you absolute can not stand how something works then who is to tell you not to go back to what you were doing before? again... Life is all about balance.

Lets get started! I have listed some of my favorite swaps that I have done over the years. I have spent countless hours researching the effects of hidden toxins in our life and I am simply sharing what I have done to create a healthy balance for me!

** Not all "clean" products are created equally. Stores are filled with greenwashed products that claim to be chemical free. If you are dedicated to finding cleaner, less-toxic products then please do your research. Reading back labels and knowing what these ingredients are is the ONLY way to know if your products are safe. Use apps such as YUKA to scan labels and find out what is best!

#1 - Plastic Kitchenware

Swap your plastic bowls, containers, straws, etc for less toxic materials. This has been one of my favorite swaps so far. Out of everything I have researched, it is no doubt that plastic in our kitchen has been linked to many underlying issues. Plastic constantly leaks chemicals into our food and beverages and even more when heated. I have removed almost all plastic other than a few mixing bowls and I now use glass or metal. Some items to look for include cutting boards (try using wood or glass), reusable straws (try using metal, glass or bamboo), instead of using plastic containers to store food, try using glass jars (I save my sauce jars).

#2 - Kitchen Cookware and Bakeware

I recently researched and wrote an entire article on the dangers of long term exposure to leached chemicals from certain cookware such as metals and non stick pans. Some healthier pots & pans materials include stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic.

It is always worth swapping out those cheap utensils you have had since your first apartment and investing in some quality wood or stainless steel (Tip: Hand wash utensils for longer life).

I have also swapped out aluminum as much as possible for unbleached parchment paper, silicone baking mats and stainless steel baking sheets.

#3 - Cooking Ingredients

You already know there are thousands of "don't use this, use this" products on the shelves at a grocery store. Some of the swaps we have done that work for our less-toxic lifestyle include cooking with healthier oils such as coconut and avocado oil, grass-fed butter, ghee, olive oil and avoiding oils such as vegetable, sunflower, canola and soybean.

Salt is a mineral our bodies require for our nerves, muscles and water balance to function properly. Too much has it's own list of effects but we also need about 500 mg to function so avoiding it without a doctors reason to do so is not necessary. I would however recommend upgrading to a more higher quality salt such as sea salt or Pink Himalayan for the few added minerals we may absorb.

#4 - Cleaning Supplies

It is pretty obvious that the cleaning brands and supplies we all stocked up on in early 2000 are not as popular these days. As a kid all the way until I moved out at eighteen, I can remember being obsessed with cleaning. Wood polish on the tables, windex on the glass and windows, bleach in the bathroom, that strong scent of apple that filled the air. There is something so satisfying about the before and after effect you get. Who would have thought that my cleaning obsession would turn out to be one of the most toxic things I did as a child.

Stores are filled with items labeled "clean" products but the best thing you can do is read the ingredient labels or use natural cleaners. This topic is controversial to many because ingredients in this category seem to change frequently. I have shopped from the GROVE website for YEARS assuming everything on the website MUST be toxic free but that is not the case. Some of the products I use for cleaning include:

DIY Cleaners include vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, lemon juice

Brands I like include Branch Basics, Dr. Bronner's, Mrs. Meyers (Less toxic but not fully),

#5 - Fragrance

The cleanest artificial smell is no smell at all!

I have been a fragrance buff my entire life. I love candles, perfume, body sprays, scented body care, scented hair care, scented room and linen sprays, etc. This is something that is taking me the longest to swap because I STILL LOVE IT clearly. The first thing I want to point out is that after using less or completely getting rid of some of the products listed above with strong fragrance, I have noticed so many change such as less headaches and no skin irritations.

1. I no longer burn candles unless they are soy and the windows are open. Instead I use aromatherapy such as essential oil diffusers or even wax burners occasionally.

2. I use scent free facial wipes and moisturizers

3. I only use perfume for special occasions, otherwise I have cut out daily usage.

4. Scent free trash bags

5. Essential oils on wool balls instead of the highly toxic dryer sheets

6. If something in your home smells bad for any reason, try finding ways to use vinegar, a natural deodorizer.

#6 - More Hidden Toxins in Your Home to Research

1. Sunscreen & Bug spray

2. Makeup, tooth and deodorant/antiperspirant products

3. Nail polish

4. Laundry supplies (soaps, dryer sheets, etc)

5. Fresh clothes from the store are typically sprayed with mold protectant so wash before wear

6. Plastic shower liner (opt for a cloth material, double lined curtain that can be washed regularly).

7. Bath mats that can not be washed ( I typically use the shirt I was wearing to step onto the floor after my shower)

8. Carpets and rugs are full of allergens (clean frequently or replace)

9. Expired Medications