Today there are more products than ever that contain potentially harmful ingredients, chemicals and other man-made toxins. These include many popular bath and body products, such as shower gel, bubble bath, cleansers and more. Household products like laundry supplies, cleaning products, and air fresheners also contain harmful chemicals. Most of these are packaged under the guise of fragrance. These scented products usually contain chemicals such as phthalates and synthetic fragrances that disrupt the endocrine system.
Endocrine Disruptors are common chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system. This system helps regulate hormones, metabolism and even plays a role in our immune system. There are both man-made chemicals and natural substances that have the potential to disrupt the endocrine system. Common ingredients one may find that disrupt this system include dioxin and dioxin like compounds, DDT, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and certain plasticizers. These can be found in many everyday products we use including bottles, containers, cans, toys, cosmetics and more.
Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system can stunt growth, cause problems with infertility, and disrupt our immune system. Switching to organic products can reduce adverse effects to the chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis. Taking small steps every day to improve the quality of the air you breathe, the food you consume, the products you use on your skin and in your home, can go a long way to make you feel happier and healthier. Of course there are tons of sustainable and organic products out there, but many tend to be quite expensive and some are not as effective. (Source) (Source)
Below are some simple ideas to help you get started:
Choose Green Cleaning Supplies
Next time you are at the store picking up cleaning supplies consider buying a couple organic or green cleaning supplies to slowly start changing your supply to be more organic. It is also super easy to make your own. I have used Puracy, Seventh Generation, and DIY combinations of castile soap, baking soda and vinegar. Consider looking on Pinterest for other natural DIY cleaning supplies. (Source)
Change Your Cookware
One surprising common source of these disruptive toxins may be found in your pots, pans and other kitchen essentials. Teflon and other non-stick cookware contain chemicals that release harmful gases when you cook with them. To avoid this, consider trying stainless steel and cast iron. I have used stainless steel, cast iron and a ceramic line by Green Pan. (Source)
Replace Food Storage
Like pots and pans, another common place where toxins exist in our kitchen is in our plastic Tupperware. Consider trying glass containers for storing food instead. I have used Pyrex, as well as switching out plastic lids with silicon. When cooking avoid directly placing your food on aluminum foil, and opt for parchment paper or silicone baking sheets instead.
Plastic sandwich bags are one of the largest sources of waste for many people. This has been a slow switch in our home as I have rotated through many sandwich bag alternatives that often ended up hard to clean, thrown away by my children or did not hold up with repeated use. I use and have really liked stasher bags. They are made of platinum grade silicone and come in a variety of sizes and colors. They are also free of BPA, PVC, latex, lead, cadmium, and other toxins. You can cook, freeze, store, and more with this safe, eco-friendly option. Recently, I have also used Lunchskins and Matter bags. Replacing your plastic Tupperware for organic alternatives will not only help decrease toxins in your home but save on waste as well. (Source)
Ditch the Dryer Sheets
This is one of the simplest swaps to make. Just put three wool dryer balls in your dryer and leave them there. They soften your laundry naturally with no chemicals or synthetics. For fragrance, I use a few drops of lavender essential oil on the balls to keep laundry fresh and smelling amazing. Essential oils are a great way to add fragrance to your clothes and home without the added toxins. (Source)
Leave Shoes at Door
Wearing shoes inside brings in all sorts of toxins into your home including pesticides, bacteria, feces, dirt, allergens, neurotoxins like lead, and so much more. Consider keeping shoes in the garage or have a basket by the door for people to place their shoes in and keeps the toxins out. (Source)
Use Filtered Water
Based on the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s comprehensive Tap Water Database, which compiles results from water utility testing across the U.S., water quality varies widely in different communities. In some urban areas water quality is simply not as up to standards as it should be. Drinking contaminated water can lead to serious illness and diseases. Try getting either a water filter to add onto your sink or even a pitcher to hold water that will filter it before use.
Enjoy Clean Beauty
Skincare products and makeup are applied directly to your skin, which is your largest organ. They are also one of the main sources of added chemicals, fragrances and toxins. According to the Environmental Working Group, women use an average of 12 products a day, containing 168 different chemicals. By replacing your skincare, you will greatly reduce the chemicals absorbed into your body. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database is a great resource to search for current brands and products for finding cleaner alternatives. Simply look up your current brands to decide which ones to swap. I slowly replaced my makeup and skincare by referencing Skin Deep if I am unsure of a product’s ingredients. I have found that Beautycounter is EWG verified, bans 1,800 ingredients in their products and has an entire collection of high-performing skincare regimens for every skin type, as well as makeup options. I also like using Beauty by Earth, ILIA, Primally Pure, and 100% Pure. There are also tons of DIY options on Pinterest to create your own makeup and skincare routine.
Bring Plants into Home
According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, Chinese evergreens, spider plants, peace lilies, snake plants, and English ivy are some of the best plants to have in the home and help filter your air. These can help filter harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene xylene, and ammonia. Over the last several years, I have added plants to nearly every room in our home. I have become attached to the plants – so I guess you can call me an official “plant mama.” Not only has this helped reduce toxins in my home, but has also served as a great form of self-care to reduce stress.
Scent Home with Essential Oils
Unfortunately, most of the commercial products made to scent and deodorize the home are full of dangerous chemicals or synthetic fragrances. There are many safer ways to brighten your home with a fresh, clean scent without these harmful ingredients. While having a diffuser on in your home is one option, you can also make your own DIY diffusers with your favorite scents. My children all have diffusers in their rooms which aid in restfulness, reducing stress and freshening up the air. I also make my own linen spray to create a clean smelling home. Some of the best essential oils for the home to add a fresh scent include lemon, lavender, peppermint, and orange. (Source)
Buy Organic Food
One of the best ways to avoid ingesting harmful toxins and chemicals is to try and buy local and/or organic food. Some people also opt for growing it themselves. Of course while these are some of the best ways, they are not always the most affordable options. One resource to make yourself aware of is the dirty dozen list on EWG. These are the top twelve fruits and vegetables to avoid as they are sprayed with the most pesticides.
Reducing toxins does not have to be perfect or something that happens overnight. It has taken me lots of trial and error and testing of many products and options to find replacements products that have clean ingredients and perform well. The good news is there is more awareness about the need for safer alternatives of clean products on the market to try, and more resources to help you and your family make choices that are right for you and your home. What switches have you made or are you planning to make this year?