I started the "non-toxic journey" 6 years ago.. and I know exactly how overwhelming it can feel.
But I promise you that making small changes, one space at a time, is the best way to get to a toxin-free home!
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I recommend finding a space to list brands you want to swap to after you run out of your current products (I use my notes app on my iPhone). That way, when I learn about a new, non-toxic product, I don't have to go out and purchase it right away. Instead, I can budget it in and get that product when my current one runs out.
The bathroom is a space that can quickly be FILLED with toxic products and was one of the first spaces in which I made more conscious purchases.
1. Toilet Paper/ Kleenex
Who would have thought that toilet paper has toxins in it?! Lots of toilet paper brands treat their TP with bleach to give it that bright white look.. which quite honestly sucks.
My number one recommendation is to consider a bidet. Most other countries use bidets (which reduce waste and work so well, save you money in the long run, and prevent you from loads of toilet paper stock-ups).
In case you don't know what a bidet is- it's a water system that attaches to the toilet and sprays water on your bottom after you go to the bathroom. You can sit a few extra seconds to let it dry, use reusable towels to wipe dry, or use a small amount of toilet paper.
We use this bidet and LOVE it. Of course, we still buy toilet paper, especially for guests that come to our house!
If a bidet is not something you are interested in, here are some cleaner toilet paper and Kleenex alternatives that you can look into:
Bamboo brands like Thrive or Grove
Who Gives a Crap TP
Reusable towels that you can wash like you would cloth diapers.
Using a reusable handkerchief for your nose. (We've been using Addy's old burp cloths, which are actually cloth diaper inserts because they're so soft and absorbent!) You could also cut up old t-shirts/clothes to use as handkerchiefs!
2. Room Spray
You may not think twice about the sprays you use to freshen up your bathrooms, but typical air fresheners often contain a whole cocktail of chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Switching to a non-toxic alternative like Poo-Pourri offers a safer and equally effective solution. Unlike conventional bathroom sprays that mask odors with harsh chemicals, Poo-Pourri is designed with natural essential oils that trap unpleasant smells below the toilet water surface before they ever enter the air.
This approach not only neutralizes odors but also adds a pleasant fragrance without the use of aerosols, phthalates, or formaldehyde. Making the switch to Poo-Pourri can help maintain a fresh bathroom while also supporting a nontoxic home. It's available in a lot of different scents, too!
3. Hand Soap
Replacing conventional hand soap with a non-toxic alternative is a simple yet effective step towards a healthier home environment.
Traditional hand soaps often contain chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, which can be harsh on the skin and potentially harmful to health over prolonged exposure. Opting for a non-toxic hand soap made from natural ingredients, such as plant-based oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts, can offer a gentler and safer cleansing experience. These soaps not only effectively clean your hands but also provide natural moisturizing benefits without stripping the skin of its natural oils!
As an added bonus, eco-friendly hand soaps typically come in sustainable packaging, reducing environmental impact.
I like to use Puracy hand soaps, which are scented with essential oils and are sulfate-free and hypoallergenic. This brand, Everyone, also has excellent options for hand soap!
4. Toothpaste
Switching from regular fluoride toothpaste to one formulated with hydroxyapatite will be a significant step forward in replacing toxic products.
Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that makes up the primary structure of tooth enamel and bone, offering a natural, fluoride-free alternative for remineralizing teeth and protecting against decay.
Unlike traditional fluoride toothpaste, hydroxyapatite toothpaste binds directly to the surface of the teeth, filling in micro-scratches and promoting the repair of the enamel! This not only helps prevent cavities but can also significantly enhance the whiteness of your teeth by smoothing the enamel and making it more resistant to staining. How awesome is that?!
We love Boka toothpaste for my husband and me and Risewell for our daughter (and eventually son)! Click the picture here to grab some other great options for toddler toothpaste.
5. Skin & Hair Care Products
Switching to non-toxic skin and hair care products can profoundly impact your health and well-being. Did you know the skin is the body's largest organ? As the body’s largest organ, the skin absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it, meaning that toxic chemicals in conventional beauty products can enter our bodies and impact our health. These products often contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can disrupt hormones, irritate the skin, and have long-term health risks.
By choosing non-toxic alternatives, you can significantly eliminate these dangers. Such products are made with natural, often plant-based ingredients that are gentler and provide nourishment without the negative effects!
Making this switch protects and improves your skin’s health, reducing sensitivity and allergy risks, but also promotes a sustainable and ethical approach to personal care!
Here are some clean alternatives to switch to for your skin:
Lotion: Everyone brand has some great options for hand lotion!
Makeup: check out this blog full of recommendations
Sunscreen- We don't use sunscreen often, but when we do, this is a clean option.
Shampoo and Conditioner: I use Acure, which is Vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free.
Perfume: If you want an extra spritz to smell nice, I've heard great things about Dime Beauty perfumes.
Deodorant: I usually don't wear deodorant very often because I don't need it! (the cleaner you eat, the less you smell). But if I do need it, I use Primally Pure.
Check out this blog for more skin product recommendations!
6. Period Products
Switching to non-toxic period products is a critical move towards a healthier lifestyle. Conventional menstrual products like tampons and pads often contain synthetic fibers, dioxins, fragrances, and other chemicals that can pose risks to the body. These substances can potentially lead to irritation allergic reactions, and disrupt hormonal balance due to prolonged contact with intimate areas. Yuck!
Non-toxic options such as organic cotton tampons and pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are made from natural materials and are free from harmful chemicals. These alternatives not only reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome and skin irritation but also minimize waste.
I recently swapped to leakproof underwear! It has been such a great switch for me, but I've also tried flex discs in the past, which are a great alternative to using tampons. You can also try menstrual cups as an alternative to tampons!
If you're still looking to use conventional pads and tampons, organic options are MUCH better for you than those you can buy in the store. Rael is a great brand for pads of every size, tampons, and general women's care products.
7. Cleaning and Disinfecting
Switching your bathroom cleaning products to non-toxic alternatives is a SUPER vital step towards creating a healthier home environment. Traditional bathroom cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and chlorine, which can emit toxic fumes that irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin and may have long-term health impacts due to exposure. Also, all those substances can linger on surfaces, posing risks to children and pets who may come into contact with them!
Non-toxic cleaning products, made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils, offer effective cleaning without these harsh side effects. They are a much safer option for your family!
One of my favorite products is Force of Nature, which uses electrolyzed water to make a strong disinfectant cleaner that is totally SAFE. It has no fragrances, allergens, preservatives, dyes, or irritants. I can clean Addy's high chair and toys, and she can immediately put them in her mouth without me worrying! It's seriously so awesome.
Another great cleaner I LOVE is Young Living's Thieves cleaner. I use this household cleaner in all areas of my home, but I also specifically use this bath scrub to replace some of those tougher bathroom cleaners! The scent is fantastic and is safe to use in areas where your children and pets are present.
Instead of using paper towels or Lysol wipes, I use an E-Cloth and wet it to clean.
Guide to Nontoxic Living
Want even more info to help your journey toward healthier living? Check out my Guide to a Non-Toxic Lifestyle! I designed this comprehensive resource to help you minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals in everyday life! It includes detailed PDFs filled with actionable tips, step-by-step advice, and swaps for your personal care routine. Plus, I've included carefully curated product recommendations, with most of the products (if not all) being products I use and LOVE in my own home. I hope this blog, alongside my guide, will empower you to make informed, health-conscious decisions for you and your family!
For even more information on toxic ingredients and small changes you can make in your home, check out this podcast that we recorded! It has a TON of helpful information about switching to nontoxic products in your home.
Good luck swapping!
Always,
Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
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