Non-toxic living

Written By Madeline Brouwer

Every day our body is exposed to thousands of toxins. Many of these are found in everyday products without us realizing they are even there hindering the way our body is functioning.

“Forever Chemicals” or PFAs are one of the most detrimental types of toxins found in our environment today. PFAs are called forever chemicals because the human body does not have the ability to break them down when it comes in contact with them. The inability to breakdown and remove the toxins from the system can result in a variety of health effects including, altered immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer.

PFAs are found in our food, water, cooking products, clothing, beauty products, air, and so much more. Exposure to these chemicals are practically inescapable in our modern day. However, we have to ability to limit the amount of toxins we come in contact with by being conscious of what is in our environment.

Visiting the EWG is a great place to start when searching for alternative products to use in your everyday life: https://www.ewg.org/ewgverified/

Downloading the Yuka app on your phone is a quick and easy way when you are out an about to check the health ratings of certain products.

One of the simple ways to start entering into a life characterized by non-toxic is understanding less is more. The fewer ingredients on the list the better, the fewer products used the better, the fewer additives used the better, the fewer outside influence the better. Simplifying what is in your home is a great place to start. Below is a list of items and a few examples of non-toxic alternatives. As you go through the list you may notice many of the alternative, non-toxic options are from brands you have never heard of or found you cannot get at the local grocery store. Many of the big box brands or advertised products are filled with toxins due to the mass production of items and the cost to make.

*This is not an exhausted list of items or alternative brands

Bathroom:

  • Hand soap- Everyone, Attitude, Branch Basics, Dr. Bronner

  • Towels- 100% Organic Cotton

  • Shampoo and Conditioner- Babo Botanicals, Attitude

  • Body Wash- Dr. Bronners, Everyone 3-in-1

  • Razor- Single blade safety razor

  • Oral Care- David’s, Attitude, RiseWell, Tom’s (Fluoride Free), boar bristle or bamboo toothbrush

  • Facial Cleanser- Primally pure, Rowe Casa,

Cleaning:

  • Dish Soap- Dr. Bronners, Attitude, ECOS

  • Laundry Detergent- Molly Suds, Truly Free, Blueland

  • Stain Remover- Branch Basics, MamaSuds, Aspen Clean

  • Dishwasher- Molly Suds, Blueland

  • Hardwood Floor Cleaner- Aunt Fannies,

  • Multipurpose Cleaner- Aunt Fannies, Branch Basics, Thieves (by Young Living)

  • Degreaser- Truly Free, Vinegar, Rowe Casa

Personal Care:

  • Deodorant- Primally Pure, Humble, Crystal (unscented)

  • Clothing- Natural Fibers (Linen, Cotton, Wool, Hemp)

  • Makeup- Crunchi, Well People, Ilia

  • Perfume- Dime, Henry Rose, Just the Goods

  • Moisturizer- Primally Pure, Dime

  • Nail Polish- Piggy Paint, Ella+Mila

Home:

  • Pots and Pans- Stainless Steel, Cast-iron, Ceramic

  • Food Storage- Glass or Stainless Steel

  • Dishes- Glass, Stainless Steel, Lead-free Ceramic

  • Mattress- Naturepedic, Avocado

  • Sheets- 100% Organic Cotton

  • Pillow- Avocado, 100% Down-filled cotton cover

  • Candles- 100% beeswax, Fontana, Primally Pure

Infant:

  • Car Seat- Chicco ClearTex, Nuna, UppaBaby

  • Clothing- 100% Organic cotton or wool

  • Stroller- Nuna, Bumbleride, Chicco ClearTex, UppaBaby

  • Diapers/Wipes- Pura, Kudos, Freestyle, Dyper, Honest

  • Soaps- Pipette, Babo Botanicals, Rowe Casa

  • Balms- Earth Mama, Pipette, Babo Botanicals

  • Bottles- Glass bottles: Dr. Browns, Evenflo, Pigeon

Madeline Brouwer
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