Everything we breathe, touch and come in contact with every day in our homes can have a significant impact on our long-term health and wellbeing. I think of my home as my sanctuary, especially during quarantine and all the extra time spent at home – and I’m working to eliminate as many household toxins and chemicals as possible to create a healthy environment. Creating a healthier, less toxic home doesn’t have to be difficult; you can start by making smaller choices with common household items. Here are 7 quick ways you can make your home less toxic.
Improve air quality
Protecting ourselves against air pollution and improving air quality in our homes was a big topic this year with wildfires burning along the West Coast. It’s also something we should be doing year-round to make our homes less toxic – and you can do this in so many ways. You can open your windows, add air-purifying plants, diffuse or spray essential oils and invest in a HEPA-approved air purifier.
Upgrade your Tupperware
Plastic food storage can be loaded with harmful chemicals such as BPA, BPS and phthalates. Plastic Tupperware can be especially harmful when you heat your food in them or place hot food directly into them since the heat will allow the plastic chemicals to absorb into your food. Instead, opt for glass containers. I also like to use beeswax food wraps to minimize my consumption of plastic wrap. It’s reusable, made of organic cotton and bee’s wax and the warmth of your hands molds the wax to whatever you’re wrapping.
Get rid of commercial candles, air fresheners and plug-ins
A lot of synthetic fragrances and ingredients can be found in commercial candles, air fresheners and plug-ins. Instead, choose more natural options such as essential oil diffusers or sprays and beeswax or soy candles scented with oils.
Ditch the dryer sheets
Dryer sheets contain harmful chemicals and perfumes that stick to your laundry and filter into your air. I like to use 100% wool dryer balls (either unscented or scented with essential oils). They naturally soften your laundry, decrease drying time, reduce static electricity build-up and last for months!
Swap your cleaning products
Switching to natural, non-toxic cleaning products can help create a healthier home. Eco-friendly cleaning products are safer for the environment, often save resources like packaging, contain fewer allergens and are often cruelty-free.
Practice clean and slow beauty
While we know a lot about clean beauty, slow beauty is something that can be practiced simultaneously. Slow beauty is all about sustainability and approaching beauty from an ecological and responsible perspective. So not only are you using products with clean ingredients but you’re also minimizing unnecessary consumption and waste by consuming less. Slow beauty has definitely made me more mindful of the way I shop for and consume beauty products – and it has made me consider what’s actually “essential.”
Clean regularly
Cleaning regularly will help reduce allergens and dust particles that enter and circulate in your home. Many home products like electronic devices, carpets and furniture contain flame retardants. Flame retardant chemicals can escape from these products into the air and attach to dust. Since we breathe in dust daily, you’ll want to move dusting and vacuuming specifically to the top of your list.
Would you consider your home non-toxic – or are you striving for a non-toxic home? I’d love to hear your tips!
