I have written extensively over the years about ways in which I think that we can improve our homes and our lives. This month, I will focus on getting toxic products out of cabinets, drawers and homes in honor of Earth Day on April 22nd.. I created a list of some of my favorite non-toxic products below, but there are actually many to choose from on the market today. If you have some favorite non-toxic products that you would like to share with our readers, please leave a comment here. I will include in future articles and blog posts.

 

How to Make your Life Less Toxic

Awareness about environmental toxins has become more prominent in recent years as more of these poisons enter our homes at an alarmingly increasing rate.

Our livers and other organs detoxify chemicals from our bodies. However, there are so many chemicals now in our environment that it is overtaxing our detoxing systems. This leads to many unexplained symptoms that many people experience. However, most people take a pill like an antihistamine to cope with the symptoms due to the fallout from heavy toxic overload.

 

Over the years during many organizing session, I have tried to show my clients how to make their environments less toxic in addition to teaching organizing strategies. I find that many people are suffering from health issues that are directly related to environmental toxins unbeknownst to them. It’s also important to note that these environmental toxins can negatively affect healthy children and pets. But it’s relatively easy today to choose non-toxic products. Read below for my recommendations on non-toxic substitutes for cleaning products, health and beauty products and toiletries. You can check many products for their safety level here https://www.goodguide.com/#/

 

Beauty and Health Care

If you’re unsure if your current beauty products are potentially unsafe please check these websites to see if they or their ingredients are on the list.

https://www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list/

http://www.safecosmetics.org/

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php#.WspdPJPwbwc

Chemicals in Makeup: Controversial Chemicals, Popular Alternatives, and How to Learn What You’re Putting on Your Face

 

 

 

There are so many wonderful organic, natural products on the market today. So it’s a matter of personal choice as to which ones you will like the best.

But here are some recommendations:

Make-up:

bareMineralsKitMinFusionEyeshadowbareMinerals and Mineral Fusion for eyeshadows, eyeliners, foundations and blush

 

 

 

 

BurtsBeesLipBurt’s Bees for lipstick, lip balm, lipgloss, and their new line of make-up, including eye make-up

 

 

 

 

PhysicianMascaraPhysicians Formula Organic Wear Line for mascara and eyeliner

 

 

 

 

MakeupremoverSW Basics Make-up Remover contains organic olive, jojoba and almond oil and effectively removes all make-up including waterproof.

 

 

Hair

AcureOrganicsAcure Organics, Alba Botanica Organics Moisturizing Shampoo and conditioner

 

 

 

 

GiovanniGiovanni Hair Styling Gel

 

 

 

 

Facial Skincare: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, facial oils, etc

AnnMarieJurliqueMyChelle, SpaDr, Annmarie Gianni Skincare, Jurlique

 

 

 

 

Oral Care

Fluoride is a known hormone disruptor. If you want to prevent cavities and lessen tooth sensitivity, eat less sugar and floss a couple of times a day.

Alcohol and antibacterial agents in regular mouthwash kill off good bacteria in your mouth.

Deoderant

Crystal Underarm Roll On–this doesn’t stop you from sweating (very necessary detoxing function) but prevents you from smelling foul.

 

 

 

Toothpaste

AniseToothpaste

 

Nature’s Gate Anise Toothpaste love the flavor of this one. I use it the am.

Dirt

 

Dirt Tooth Powder

Dirt tooth powder claims to re-mineralize teeth so that sensitivity goes away. I gave it a try since I had sensitive teeth. It works. Haven’t used fluoridated toothpaste in years.

 

Oral Rinse

PerioBrite Alcohol-free Mouthwash

 

 

 

 

 Shower Gel

any of Alba Organics products are great.

 

 

 

 

 

Cleaning Products

Multi-Purpose Cleaning

MrsMeyersMrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Anyone who has worked with me, knows that I love this product (in any scent). I have one in the kitchen cabinet, under the bathroom sink and in my organizing tool bag. Won’t harm anything, cleans well and smells delightful! (Buy the spray container first and then replenish with large bottle of concentrate.)

 

 

Orange Vinegar Homemade All Purpose Cleaner is cheap and easy to make. Watch my video on how to make it here.

 

Disinfectant Cleaner

(Please stop using bleach (Clorox) and ammonia (Windex) as these products are extremely toxic!

LysolCleanerLysol Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfectant Cleaner

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold as it is anti-fungal as well as anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to chlorine bleach because it is safe to use and doesn’t damage the environment, nor does it leave behind toxic residue or produce toxic fumes like chlorine bleach does. You can buy hydrogen peroxide from drug stores for around one dollar for a bottle of 3% concentration as well.

 

Mold Removal

homebioticHomebiotic Spray clinically proven to remove mold and germs.

And please open your basement door to let fresh, moving air into the damp space. Mold can’t grow easily when there is circulating air.

 

 

Grease and Grime Cleaners

CitraSolvCitrasolv for greasy kitchen items

 

 

 

 

BonAmiBon Ami Powder Cleanser

 

 

 

 

Floor Cleaner

BonaBona Hardwood Floor Cleaner

 

 

 

 

Laundry

BioKleenBiokleen Free & Clear Laundry Detergent

Stain Remover

 

 

 

 

OxyCleanOxy Clean Versatile Stain Remover does not contain chlorine bleach. Sometimes I let the laundry soak in the tub of the washer with the Oxyclean.

 

Dryer sheets. I really don’t think that these are necessary, but you can try these balls instead.

 

 

Moth Repellent

MothAwayMoth Away Moth Repellent Sachets are nice smelling herbal sachets that effectively repel moths.

 

 

 

 

Greening and Cleaning the Kitchen

Please reconsider using plastic ware (it leaches into food and water) and replace with Pyrex, bamboo utensils, mason jars and other glassware.

Please reconsider using nonstick (Teflon) and aluminum cookware (it leaches into food) and replace with stainless steel, enamel coated iron and regular iron skillet cookware.

ParchmentPlease reconsider using aluminum foil. There is scientific evidence that it contributes to Alzhemimer’s so why even chance it. Replace with unbleached parchment paper whenever possible. I line every roasting pan with parchment paper—it makes clean up a breeze.

 

Air Freshener and Candles

AirSenseChemical perfumes and scents are everywhere now and are really toxic. Choose real essential oils used in a diffuser or natural air fresheners. Regular candles just add toxins to your environment. If need be, choose soy-based or beeswax candles with essential oils for a nontoxic scent in your home.

 

Please look for dye and fragrance free everything. I can’t believe it, but now trash bags come scented. Nobody likes the smell of garbage but if you handle it correctly it shouldn’t stink. And the perfume that they add to the lining of the bag is yet another chemical that your body has to detoxify.

 

Water Filtration

Most tap water contains fluoride, chlorine (known hormone disruptors), impurities and other gunk. And plastic leaches into bottled water and creates so much waste and inconvenience. But there are other options.

AquaTruI have been thrilled with my AquaTru countertop reverse osmosis water filtration system. It’s so cool to watch it in action and the water is delicious. (Full disclosure: I’m an affiliate partner with this company.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

showerHead

 

 

 

Captain Eco Shower Head Filter reduces fluoride and eliminates chlorine. Your skin and hair will look and feel better.

 

 

Final Words

There are so many nontoxic choices for cleaning and beauty products today it’s just simply a matter of finding your favorite ones. A good rule of thumb is to look for fragrance- and dye-free products or products fragranced with real essential oils or botanicals. Avoid hard chemicals like bleach, ammonia, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, BHA and BHT. And enjoy a happy, safe, non-toxic home!