As a non-toxic living consultant, consumer protection attorney, and a mom who recovered from mold toxicity and Lyme disease, I’m constantly searching for products that are safe for my home and worth recommending to my clients.
The typical home contains many hidden toxins emanating from everyday products. We’re exposed through touch, breath, and ingestion, and over time these toxins can challenge the body’s natural detox systems, leading to health issues like chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, fertility challenges, and respiratory disease.
Small changes can make a difference. Creating a home that supports your health is easier than you may think, especially in wellness-focused Santa Barbara. We are fortunate to have numerous local retailers offering thoughtful, safe, and sustainably made products.
This shopping guide makes it easy to choose products that align with clean living values—no greenwashing, just genuinely safe options from businesses you can trust.
Most conventional furniture is made with pressed wood and particle board held together by formaldehyde-based adhesives that quietly off-gas into your home long after you've arranged the room. For quality pieces, head to Celadon House and check out their Slice Dining Table, made from FSC®-certified solid oak and stained with a natural vegetable oil-based finish. The table comes in four sizes, starting at $2,108. celadonhouse.com
Your towel is the first thing to touch your skin after it's cleaned, yet conventional cotton—one of the most chemically intensive crops—may contain residues of pesticides, chlorine bleach, and synthetic dyes.Instead, wrap yourself in organic luxury with a plush Heritage Natural Towel from Pierre Lafond Upstairs. Made from 100 percent organic cotton grown from heirloom seeds, they retain their natural color without dyeing. Prices range from $20 to $94. shopupstairs.com
I’m often asked about cleaning products. Ditch the toxic fumes and harsh chemicals of conventional products and pick up one of my favorites at Sunkissed Pantry. Their signature product, an in-house-made All Purpose Cleaner, is formulated with simple ingredients, provides a powerful clean, and sells for $0.26/oz. sunkissedpantry.com
If you have kids who love to create, here's a way to extend clean care to their art supplies. Many conventional paints contain synthetic pigments, heavy metals, petroleum-based binders, and preservatives. For safer options, Heritage Goods & Supply offers Natural Earth Paint sets featuring six vibrant colors made with natural earth pigments and organic ingredients. heritagegoodsandsupply.com
Karen Bloom is the founder of Natural Haven, a non-toxic living consultancy based in Santa Barbara. naturalhavensb.com