Do you know what’s in your shampoo? What about your cleaning products, your deodorant or even your mattress? New research is finding that toxic chemicals can lurk in the most surprising – and also the most common – places, causing many of us to re-think our lifestyle choices.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to freak out. The product choices you make and healthier habits you form can make a real difference. I’ve discovered that these five steps can help to reduce your exposure to everyday chemicals. And the best news? They’ll also help you live a more sustainable life, which the planet will thank you for!
1. Add more green to your space
Plants are a great way to naturally purify the air around you. They’re able to remove harmful toxins (formaldehyde, xylene, benzene and toluene) that enter our spaces through things like household cleaners and synthetic materials. Some of my favorites are spider plants, mother-in-law’s tongue, english ivy, and dracaena.
2. Use natural personal care items
Unfortunately, many personal care items are full of toxins that, at first glance, seem to be good, but really end up hurting us in the long run. Toxins like phthalates, parabens and formaldehyde are linked to health issues. Natural personal care products use plant-based ingredients and avoid these nasty chemicals.
3. Switch to glass
Plastic is damaging both our environment and our bodies. There have been multiple studies on plastic sneaking its way into our food and water sources. One way to help reduce plastic production and exposure is to switch to glass. Glass is considered one of the safest materials you can use to store food and water.
4. Use natural cleaning items
Just as with personal care products, cleaning products introduce toxins into your space. Natural cleaning items are able to clean your home without compromising the health and safety of your loved ones.
5. Go organic
With the fertilizer and pest control chemicals today, it’s no surprise that toxins end up on our produce. Organic means grown ‘without employment of chemically formulated fertilizers, growth stimulants, antibiotics, or pesticides’ (Merriam-Webster). In other words, organic food is grown naturally and the amount of toxins on the food is almost non-existent. Though more expensive, it’s worth swapping a couple of items from your weekly shop if you can.