A Family's Guide to Non-Toxic Living: Tips from a Health Coach
Non-Toxic living can seem overwhelming. Like everything is toxic and that it seems hopeless to live a non-toxic life. Rest assured, there are some simple and affordable ways to live a healthier life as a family. Here are 10 top ways to swap out toxins in your home for non-toxic living.
Why Non-Toxic Living
Avoiding toxins in your home is crucial for maintaining good health and avoiding long-term health problems. Toxins are found in many everyday products, such as cleaning supplies, personal care items, and furniture, and they can negatively impact our health by causing respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even harm to our reproductive and hormonal systems. By reducing exposure to toxins, we can minimize the risk of these negative health outcomes and create a safer, healthier home environment for ourselves and our families.
In addition to their direct impact on our health, toxins can also harm the environment. For example, cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals can pollute the water supply and harm aquatic life if they are poured down the drain. Pesticides used in agriculture can also harm wildlife and contribute to the decline of important pollinator species. By avoiding toxins in your home and choosing environmentally friendly alternatives, you can not only benefit your own health, but also contribute to the health of the planet.
NON-TOXIC LIVING FOR FAMILIES
"Friends don't let friends use toxic products"
As a health coach, I often talk to families about the importance of creating a healthy and safe home environment. One aspect of this is reducing exposure to toxins that can harm our health. Here are the top 10 toxins to watch out for and what to use instead:
1. Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can irritate skin and airways, and can also harm aquatic life if they're poured down the drain. Instead, use vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap to clean your home.
Some great companies to check out that provide non-toxic living products are:
2. Air Refreshners
Many air fresheners contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors, and fragrances that can trigger allergies and asthma. Use natural alternatives like essential oils or fresh plants to freshen up your home. Common brands to avoid are Glad Plugins, AirWick or Febreeze.
Some great Non-toxic air freshener companies are as follows:
- Caldrea Linen & Room Spray
- Muse Apothecary
- Enviroscent Plug in
- Grow Fragrance
- Pura
3. Non-Stick Cookware
Non-stick pans are made with PFAS, which can be toxic if they're heated to high temperatures. Instead, use cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
Some great pans you can think about taking a look at that will give you non-toxic cooking:
4. Food Containers
Some plastic containers contain BPA, which can leach into food and harm our health. According to the Mayo Clinic exposure to BPA is a concern because of the possible health effects on the brain and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children. It can also affect children's behavior. Additional research suggests a possible link between BPA and increased blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Instead, use glass or stainless steel containers instead. See the image to the left for a list of safe containers!
If you are looking for some great purchases:
5. Shampoo and Body Wash Containing Sulfates and Phthalates
Sulfates and phthalates are common ingredients in many baby shampoos and body washes. These chemicals can cause skin irritation and are linked to hormonal imbalances. To keep your baby's skin healthy, opt for all-natural, fragrance-free options that are free of these harmful ingredients. Companies like Babyganics, California Baby, and Method offer all-natural, fragrance-free baby shampoo and body wash.
6. Baby Wipes Containing Fragrances and Parabens
Non-organic or non-toxic baby wipes can contain a variety of harmful chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, fragrances, and alcohol. These chemicals can have negative impacts on a baby's health, including skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions.
Parabens and phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with hormone function and development. Fragrances, which are often added to baby wipes to mask odors, can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some babies. Alcohol, which is often used as a preservative in non-organic baby wipes, can dry out a baby's skin and cause discomfort.
To reduce the risk of harm to a baby's health, it's important to choose organic or non-toxic baby wipes that are free of harmful chemicals. Organic baby wipes are made with natural, safe ingredients, such as aloe vera and chamomile, which are gentle on a baby's skin.
When choosing baby wipes, look for brands that are certified organic, use all-natural ingredients, and avoid harmful chemicals. Brands like Burt's Bees, Seventh Generation, and Honest Company offer organic and non-toxic baby wipes that are safe for your baby's skin.
By making the switch to organic or non-toxic baby wipes, parents can help protect their baby's health and provide them with the best care possible.
Our favorite healthy brand for wipes is:
7. Water
Water can contain a variety of toxins, including lead, pesticides, and microplastics. These toxins can be harmful to our health and can negatively impact our immune system and hormone function. In order to reduce exposure to these toxins, it's important to choose water sources that are tested and treated, such as spring water or reverse osmosis filtered tap water. You can also consider using a water filtration system at home, like an activated carbon filter or a reverse osmosis system, to further purify your drinking water.
Some great ways to have clean drinking water:
- Berkey Filter
- Hydroviv Filter
- Kangen House Filter
- Pristine Hydro
8. Baby Clothing Made with Synthetic Materials and Dyes
The clothes your baby wears can also expose them to harmful chemicals. Synthetic materials like polyester can release harmful gases, and dyes can contain chemicals that can irritate your baby's skin. Choose organic cotton or bamboo clothing for your baby that is free of harmful dyes and synthetic materials.
This is one of the biggest reasons we at Mercurii Baby strive for the purest organic cotton, unbleached and only using non-toxic soy based dyes!
Other organic baby companies we love:
9. Crib Mattress Made with Synthetic Materials
A crib mattress is a crucial item for your baby's sleep and development. However, many conventional crib mattresses are made with synthetic materials and chemicals that can emit toxic gases. Choose a natural, organic crib mattress that is made with safe and non-toxic materials.
You should also consider purchasing organic crib bedding and blankets.
Overall, some great brands to check out for mattresses and bedding are:
10. Conventional Baby Formula
Conventional baby formula is often made with genetically modified ingredients, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. These ingredients can have negative effects on a baby's health and development, including digestive problems and allergic reactions. Additionally, conventional baby formula may contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol-A (BPA), which has been linked to hormonal imbalances and developmental issues.
Organic baby formula and goat-based formula are safer alternatives to conventional baby formula. Organic baby formula is made with organic ingredients that are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. Additionally, organic baby formula is free of harmful chemicals like BPA.
Goat-based formula is another alternative to conventional baby formula, and is made with goat's milk that is often easier to digest for babies with cow's milk sensitivities. Additionally, goat-based formula is free of genetically modified ingredients and harmful chemicals, making it a safer choice for your baby.
Choosing organic or goat-based baby formula is an important decision for parents who want to ensure that their baby is getting the best nutrition possible while reducing their exposure to harmful chemicals and ingredients.
Our favorite Baby formula is:
It has been the game changer for our family and I would not recommend anything else!
CONCLUSION
Honestly, you could argue everything is toxic. Which can be scary. Luckily our bodies are very resilient! So rather than be overwhelmed at the long list of toxins, just take the things that are most important to you and slowly make adjustments. You don't want to create a negative association with healthy decisions by rushing and placing un necessary pressure! So the key here is to enjoy the process and embrace the healthy swaps!
Happy Swapping!
-Gabi
CEO & Founder
