These days it can be daunting to sift through the information online about ways to maximize your health. Health is a wheelhouse, and every small step taken toward a lower toxic load adds up to help us achieve a longer, healthier life. The decisions that we make now leave a mark on our friends and families, creating a ripple effect of awareness that goes beyond our personal health and sets the stage for generations to come. If you are in a whirlwind of information overload and want to start simple, here are some small investments you can make that will add up to propel you into your health journey!
Air Purifier
It's no secret that there are pollutants in the air all around us. While we can't control what goes on outside, we can make one small investment toward healthier air inside our homes. By simply adding an air purifier to your most lived in rooms, you will be reducing allergens, inhibiting mold growth, and even limiting circulation of infectious particles from viruses and bacteria. I love the AirDoctor for its UltraHEPA filters that capture particles smaller than standard HEPA filters. It also contains a Carbon/VOC filter to eliminate gases and odors, which isn't standard across most air purifiers.
Pro Tip: Add an evaporative humidifier to go along with your air purifier to make sure your air doesn't dry out.
Cookware
Investing in good cookware is a must. The safest materials to look for are stainless steel and cast iron, and they will last a lifetime with proper care. Also, be sure to toss that plastic tupperware that holds onto stains and is likely missing a lid, and get a good set of glass storage containers.
Pro Tip: Replacing your cutting board with stainless steel or tempered glass is a must, too.
Fragrances
Nobody wants their home to smell bad, but you may be putting your family at risk of allergies, headaches, and even hormone disruption if you're using synthetic fragrances in your home. When I started diving into lower-tox living, fragrances were the first thing to go. Ditch the wall plug-ins and traditional candles and look for naturally scented options instead. Candle and aromatherapy companies have jumped on board to create safer scents that don't pollute your space, so this swap is definitely attainable.
I love the "made in Alabama" coconut wax candles from Golden Belle Candle Company.
Pro Tip: Pure unscented beeswax candles have been shown to cleanse the air, rather than just conceal odor, so this is an easy, safe swap to put all around your home.
Bedding
The average person spends 1/3 of their time sleeping, so bedding is a great overhaul to include in your low-tox living swaps. Traditional mattress materials may off-gas harmful chemicals that come from flame retardants, formaldehyde, plastics, and adhesives. By choosing organic cotton, wool, or natural latex mattress materials, you will rest better knowing that you're breathing clean air as you sleep. I personally chose a mattress and waterproof cover from Turmerry and, from price point to comfortability, I have no regrets.
Pro Tip: If you're going to invest in a clean mattress, go ahead and switch your pillows and sheets that are likely to contain these same harmful chemicals. A good rule is to look for the "Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification" which ensures that a product is free of harmful substances.
Cleaning Products
Check your dishwashing liquid, countertop disinfectant, and dishwasher detergent. In recent years companies have been formulating safer options for everyday products. My favorite dish detergent and all purpose cleaner right now are from Attitude, and I love the powder dishwasher detergent from Earthley. If you are more of a DIY person, you can't go wrong with hydrogen peroxide and water.
Pro tip: A little baking soda goes a long way! I clean our white shower with baking soda and water with a touch of vinegar to disinfect, and it has never looked better!
Body Care
Our skin is our largest organ, so it makes sense that we should be paying close attention to what we expose it to on a daily basis. What works for one person may not be suitable for the next, but the fact that you are even thinking about the products that your skin is exposed to is a step in the right direction! Switching your body care products can be intimidating, but start small and remember it's not time wasted to look up questionable ingredients when you read the labels. My recommendation is to avoid the obvious negative ingredients such as phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and parabens. I found a fabulous local company called Eden's Farmacy in Madison that makes all natural products at reasonable prices, and have implemented their hair care and deodorant into my swaps. You can also find them at Greene Street Market. I love a good bar soap and body butter from Buckley Farms in Fayetteville, Tennessee. They are all natural and smell delightful, while leaving my skin feeling clean and super moisturized.
Pro Tip: Get yourself a good mineral sunscreen when you are making body care switches. Look for something with Zinc Oxide as the active ingredient and minimal inactive ingredients. I have been through dozens of sunscreens and I've found that my favorite is Sky & Sol face and body sunscreen.