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.ewg.org/skindeep/search.php#.WspdPJPwbwc
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:
bareMinerals and Mineral Fusion for eyeshadows, eyeliners, foundations and blush
Burt’s Bees for lipstick, lip balm, lipgloss, and their new line of make-up, including eye make-up
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Line for mascara and eyeliner
SW Basics Make-up Remover contains organic olive, jojoba and almond oil and effectively removes all make-up including waterproof.
Hair
Acure Organics, Alba Botanica Organics Moisturizing Shampoo and conditioner
Facial Skincare: cleansers, moisturizers, serums, facial oils, etc
MyChelle, 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
Nature’s Gate Anise Toothpaste love the flavor of this one. I use it the am.
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
Mrs. 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!
Lysol 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
Homebiotic 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
Citrasolv for greasy kitchen items
Floor Cleaner
Laundry
Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Detergent
Stain Remover
Oxy 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
Moth 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.
Please 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
Chemical 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.
I 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.)
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!
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