In our world today, we are surrounded by things that can poison us. I know that sounds dramatic but if you really look into it, you would be shocked at the things that we are putting in our bodies and environments. When we are prioritizing health, it means making active changes in all facets of life. It will take time but one swap at a time is progress nevertheless. Here are 5 swaps that I have made that I do believe have improved my quality of life.
- Household cleaning products: Have you ever looked at the ingredients on a regular household cleaning product like Windex? Talk about toxic chemicals! I recommend making your if you have the resources. If you can't, brands like Evergreen from Target are great options.
- Food storage containers: I know little plastic options are easy and cheap but that can expose your body to many microplastics over time. Investing in glass and stainless steel containers have been the right supplement for me. Also, they feel nicer to use and glass is pretty. You've got to enjoy all the perks, right? <3
- Toothpaste: A lot of the name brands of toothpaste that we know so well have things in them that are so toxic. Like, we put it in our literal mouthes at least two times every day on average and we are not even allowed to swallow it. It's not that I want to but that seems like a red flag to me. I have gravitated to different fluoride-free options from TOM and Burt's Bees that I would recommend and still do a good job.
- Water Bottles: For obvious reasons regarding both our health and the environment, I feel that it is so necessary for us to cut out plastic water bottles and cups, both reusable and disposable. Again, I recommend choosing glass or stainless steel.
- Air Fresheners: Many things we use to make our spaces smell better, whether it's candles, sprays or something else, are filled with toxic chemicals to make them "last longer" or smell stronger -- but at what cost? Instead, use essential oil diffusers, beeswax candles, or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks and orange slices for a natural aroma.
I could get into foods too but that's a totally different animal.
Did this change your outlook on the things you're using? Will you implement any of these swaps? Have you made any different swaps that I missed?
This post really opened my eyes to how many everyday products can be harmful. I haven’t made swaps yet, but I’m definitely inspired to start with a few of these changes. I can definitely see how making small adjustments could have a big impact on my health and the environment.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've heard of a lot of these things, but the toothpaste definitely surprised me. It definitely makes sense as to why we are told not to swallow toothpaste when we are learning to brush our teeth as kids. I do really enjoy the feeling of my mouth being clean, and some of the more "organic" toothpastes I've tried, don't feel like they do the job very well... I'll definitely have to take a look at your recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are talking about this. I use the YUKA app. It is free. You scan items food/household products and it tells you if it is paraben free. I've learned fluoride is actually bad for you so I use the brand HELLO. Switching those cheap pastas as well to Italian made. I think it's important to know what you are eating and using because throwing chemicals in your body is not good!
ReplyDeleteAs a firefighter, I just have to say-- be careful making your own cleaning solutions! If you don't know how one chemical will react with another, don't use them together because the fumes could make you sick or even kill you. But other than that, I definitely agree with a lot of what is said here. Including food products, my family like to grow a lot of our own fruits and vegetables, and we make our own pastas and bread quite often. My mom is a bit of a health nut, so many of these habits are kinda infused in me.
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