Toxins are everywhere these days, and the bad news is that they aren’t always completely apparent. Believe it or not, many of the products labeled as non-toxic can actually contain some pretty harmful chemicals. Below are five simple swaps you can make right now to help limit chemical exposure in your home for a happier, healthier life.
#1 – Check Your Cosmetics
If you’re trying to reduce the chemicals you put on your body every day, the first (and arguably most important) place to start is with your cosmetics. First and foremost, the FDA does not approve cosmetics in the same way it approves food and medications, but it regulates them, instead. Unfortunately, this means that many of the makeup products on your vanity right now may contain less-than-ideal ingredients that can harm your skin and your health over time. Instead of worrying about what’s in your makeup, make the switch to Dirty Hippie Cosmetics, which offers toxin- and cruelty-free organic cosmetics that are ethically sourced and handmade in Australia.
#2 – Switch Your Toothpaste
Of all the things that you would assume to be safe, toothpaste is probably at the top of the list. However, most of the major brands in the US and abroad contain questionable ingredients that make them foam up or claim to fight cavities. Rather than buying your favorite foaming toothpaste chock-full of fluoride that you probably don’t even really need, consider making the switch to fluoride-free toothpaste, instead. WooBamboo’s Vanilla Mint toothpaste contains diatomaceous earth and bamboo extract to provide an excellent clean – not harmful chemicals. As an added bonus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, too!
#3 – Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a critical step in your day-to-day life, but if you aren’t paying attention to the ingredients in your favorite sunscreen products, you might be slathering potentially harmful chemicals on your skin. Although you can make your own sunscreen with safe, natural ingredients, there are plenty of companies out there manufacturing truly non-toxic sunscreen options that you can feel good about. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide, which blocks UVA and UVB naturally, alongside aloe, shea butter, and cocoa butter for moisture and softness.
#4 – Switch Your Laundry Soap
Laundry detergent may seem like a no-brainer. After all, it’s designed to get your clothes clean and bright while leaving them smelling fresh. However, in an effort to sell more products, many of these brands use unnecessary (and sometimes harmful) chemicals in their detergents. Furthermore, many of the chemicals in traditional detergents tend to leave a gummy film on your washing machine and your clothes over time, and they can even break down the fibers in your expensive wardrobe. Making the switch to an organic brand has never been easier, and your clothes will thank you for it, too.
#5 – Household Cleaning Products
We live in a world where we believe that every surface and room in our homes requires a separate and highly specialized cleaning product. We have a special product for the windows, another for the floors, and still another for cleaning the toilet bowl. The chemicals in these products are often corrosive, and the fumes alone can make you sick. The good news is that you can replace almost every single one of these products with homemade cleaning supplies made from a few simple ingredients like vinegar, oranges, and citrus peel, among others. If making your own isn’t in the cards, numerous brands offer organic cleaning products that contain castile soaps and natural ingredients instead of harmful chemicals and detergents.
It’s always a good idea to reduce the number of chemicals in your home, and that’s especially true if you have children or pets. With so much focus on the environment, the number of eco-friendly and truly non-toxic products available on the market has skyrocketed. Scrutinize the labels in your home, then look for products that are better, all-natural, and harmful chemical-free, instead.
