• We dive into non-toxic living, why it’s important, and what you can do to support your well-being.

In our quest for a clean and healthy home environment, it's essential to be wary of the many home care products that contain chemicals, fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful substances. What's disheartening is that some companies try to pass these products off as "clean" or "all-natural," when, in reality, they pose serious risks to our well-being.

Consider the everyday items we often use: Windex, Lysol, air fresheners—the unfortunate truth is that they're unsafe. Regularly using such products could mean subjecting ourselves and our loved ones to thousands of toxins.

These harmful substances tend to spread onto everything we touch, and when our skin absorbs them, the consequences can be detrimental as our bodies attempt to metabolize them. Moreover, if we have little ones or furry friends in our homes, they're also at risk.

Our homes should be our havens, but unfortunately, many of them harbor hazardous chemicals that can wreak havoc on our microbiomes. Given that we spend significant time in our homes, it becomes crucial to be discerning about the products we use and the impact they have on our health and well-being.

How to create your non-toxic haven
Now, transforming your home into a non-toxic haven won’t happen overnight, but you can gradually ease into it by incorporating these four things.

1. Toss the toxins
Toxins are all around us. They can be found in the foods we eat, the cleaning products we use, and even the fragrances we put on our skin. In fact, many of us may be unaware that we are absorbing untested and unsafe chemicals in our products. 

• Manufacturers are not required to disclose the specific ingredients used in their fragrances because they are protected under trade secret laws.
• Women apply over 300 chemicals daily to their bodies via soaps, cleaning solutions, makeup, hair products, lotions, and perfumes. 80% of that is applied as part of a daily morning routine.
• The Environmental Protection Agency says that indoor air quality can be five times worse than outdoor air quality.
• Synthetic colors and dyes contain various chemicals that can negatively impact our skin and internal organs.

To toss the toxins, practicing discernment (yes, this means carefully reading the labels!) and actually learning about a company’s ethos is vital. Over time, we can better identify harmful substances hidden in everyday items and make more informed choices.

Through these mindful practices, we take control of our living spaces, creating a haven that promotes health, wellness, and sustainability.

2. Go Green
Surprisingly, common household items like mattresses, sheets, and furniture may contain compounds that pose serious health risks, affecting our endocrine, immune, and neurological systems.

Yet, by making a simple switch to organic alternatives, we can effectively reduce these harmful toxins and prevent the intrusion of pesticides, herbicides, and pollutants into our living spaces. Considering that we spend about 90% of our time indoors, creating a non-toxic home is a priority.

Our best advice? Choose wisely by opting for organic or sustainable fabrics, thoughtfully crafted to promote both health and environmental well-being. Also, remember to be mindful of the laundry detergent you use, ensuring a toxin-free experience for your linens and clothes. Your conscious choices can pave the way for a safer, healthier home and lifestyle.

3. Use non-toxic cookware
Cookware can be a hidden source of toxins, with chemicals potentially leaching into your food during cooking. For example, non-stick options, often labeled “Teflon,” contain carcinogenic substances like PFOA and PTFE. PFOA, which stands for Perfluorooctanoic Acid, is a synthetic chemical used to make products resistant to stains, grease, soil, and water.

Stainless steel cookware is considered safer, but there are concerns about nickel and chromium getting into food, especially with prolonged cooking or acidic ingredients.

A better alternative is a non-stick, ceramic-coated pan, free from Teflon, PTFE, and PFAS. Check out this article on the top non-toxic cookware picks.

4.Focus on your indoor air quality
Indoor air quality plays a pivotal role in our overall health and well-being. Think about how much time we spend indoors–whether we’re at home, work, or the gym, the air we breathe has a crucial impact on our respiratory health and overall quality of life.

To improve your indoor air quality, try incorporating more greenery as it can boost oxygen levels and minimize indoor toxins. A snake plant serves as an excellent low-maintenance choice, as it thrives with minimal light and water requirements.

While it may be disappointing news, it’s time to say goodbye to the Bath & Body candles, air fresheners, and sprays–but, if you still want to make your house smell nice, you can go for essential oils or fresh flowers instead.

Connecting all the dots
Although we're on a journey to create a safe and healthy environment, remember that nurturing your body is equally important.

Check out some of these most-loved products for a healthy home and body:

• This shower filter ensures your water immediately goes through an oxidation-reduction process where the chlorine atoms are converted into harmless chloride ions. Read more about it here.
• Activated Charcoal binds to the toxins in your body for detoxification.
• Super Greens is a powerful antioxidant that supports cellular detoxification. 
• Coated Silver neutralizes viruses, fungi, yeast, and mold.

Summary
Remember that embracing a non-toxic lifestyle is a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. This means making intentional decisions that nourish our well-being, support the environment, and foster a healthier, more sustainable future.

PS… Something BIG is coming to your home. Can you guess what it is?