Simple Steps for Starting Your Journey Toward a Non Toxic Lifestyle
All it takes is one look at climbing disease and disorder statistics to see that something is changing in the world. Things aren’t made the same way they used to be. Corporate America takes shortcuts that allow manufacturers to use a variety of unnecessary ingredients to make their products taste better, look prettier, or last longer, all to satisfy their greed. Those unnecessary ingredients are often toxic chemicals that are linked to a variety of health issues, including chronic headaches, birth defects, infertility, diabetes, cancer, and more. Yet, they are still somehow approved for use by the FDA.
They may accept it, but you don’t have to. There are safe, effective alternatives you can turn to.
Blogger Nicole Graber says that removing toxins from her home put an end to her:
- Seizures
- Migraines
- Fogginess and forgetfulness
- Infertility problems
- Sleeplessness
Where to Start
If you’re ready to embark on a journey toward living a nontoxic lifestyle, here are some simple steps to take:
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Check product labels.
Compare the ingredients lists on the home and personal care products in your home right now to our list of ingredients to avoid. You may find that the ingredients in your favorite items are loaded with harmful chemicals.
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Take that list shopping with you.
Before you place products in your cart, check the ingredients lists to be sure they are free of harmful chemicals.
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Pick a starting point.
Going 100% non toxic may seem daunting, but even making a few small changes can make a big difference. Choose the products you’re willing to change out for the good of your home and your family:
Just the basics: Dip your toe into the non toxic waters and eliminate 84 toxins your family is exposed to every single day by switching out just your laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant, and facial moisturizer.
Start with your skin: Your skincare routine could expose you to 135 toxins! Imagine the difference in your skin — and possibly your overall health! — when you use cleanser, toner, night serum, moisturizer, and eye cream that is completely toxin-free.
Shop for the staples: Your family likely uses these products every day: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, bar soap, body lotion, lip balm, surface cleaners, stain remover, and laundry detergent. Swapping your usual products for non toxic ones will protect your loved ones from exposure to 117 toxins.
Ultimate overhaul: Clean out your cabinets and start fresh with all new home and personal care products — from laundry detergent and surface cleaners to body soaps, facial cleansers, lotions and more — and you’ll eliminate 252 toxins from your home!
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Take it to the next level.
When you’re truly committed to living a non toxic lifestyle, you want to go all the way. Here are a few more steps you can take to protect yourself and your family:
Bring house plants into your home: House plants are natural air purifiers. Certain house plants, like philodendron, Boston fern, peace lily, English ivy, spider plants, aloe vera, and golden pothos, remove formaldehyde, benzene, and other harmful chemicals from the air.
Switch to clean eating: Enjoy an organic diet of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables, with no processed foods or foods laden with pesticides and synthetic hormones.
Choose natural fibers: Wear clothing made with 100% cotton, linen, wool, or silk. Avoid wrinkle-resistant and permanent press clothing, as it’s treated with formaldehyde (exposure to which may increase the risk of various forms of cancer), which doesn’t wash out.
You’re On Your Way!
You’re already buying personal and home care products, food, and clothing for yourself and your family. When you purchase safe products, you minimizing the risk of exposure to the unknown. Take it step by step and you’ll be well on your way to living a healthier, non toxic lifestyle.
Resources:
Graber, Nicole. (22 Aug 2016). How To Begin A Healthy Lifestyle. Warmly Rustic.
Sommers, Claire. (2 Aug 2018.) 10 Ways To Your Chemical Free Home With Simple Tips, You’ll Love Them. Chemical Free Living.
Barineau, Jacki & Gorden. Guidelines for Nontoxic Living. Our Little Place.