5 Tips for Toxin-Free Living

From phthalates and sulfates to formaldehyde and ammonia, it seems like the more research we do, the more toxins we find in our everyday household products. Our makeup has talc, our hand soap has triclosan, our mattress has polybrominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants), our canned food has BPA, our perfume has its secretly toxic “fragrance.” Can we win? Is there a way to live toxin-free in this increasingly toxic world?

As moms, we want to protect and provide healthy products for our families to use. We don’t want our kids to have to suffer from ailments that can be prevented by removing toxic products in our home. The good news is, we can do that! While we might not be able to eliminate our family’s exposure to toxins, but we can dramatically reduce it. Knowledge should bring power and confidence, not helplessness and fear. 

You aren’t on this journey alone. Here are 5 tips for toxin-free (well, almost) living.

Know Your Toxins

Perhaps we may never know ALL of the toxins out there, but there are a few to always look for.

  • Fragrance: Almost every time a company doesn’t disclose how they derived the fragrance, say as an essential oil, I assume it is toxic. The Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973 allows for companies to not disclose how they create their fragrances as to not give away their “trade secret.” But the real secret isn’t the fragrance, it's the toxin. [1]

  • Triclosan: This toxin is commonly found in hand soaps and many antibacterial products. Studies have shown Triclosan to have negative adverse effects in both the short-term such as in thyroid hormones 1, and the long-term such as in cancer. [2]

  • Talc: Restricted in the European Union, Talcum powder is often found in baby powder and cosmetics. It has shown to increase the risk of health problems such as respiratory distress, ovarian cancer, organ toxicity. [3]

  • Flame Retardants: Bromine, chlorine, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers are all toxic flame retardants that can be found in many children’s products, mattresses, and other furniture. Noted adverse effects such as endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and neurological function have all been reported. [4]

  • Phthalates: These chemicals are found in many personal care and cosmetic products, as well as food packaging wrap, detergent, vinyl flooring, and rainboots. “One phthalate, Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), is an endocrine disruptor and can cause cancer.” [5]

  • Aluminum: Found in many deodorants, aluminum foil, vaccines, and even in manufactured cheeses like Kraft Singles, Aluminum is a heavy metal toxin. [6]

Toxins are everywhere, including many family and personal care products. So where does this leave us? In this case, ignorance is not bliss and so we get the opportunity to reduce toxic exposure in our home.

Throw Away Toxic Products

Basically, it’s time to revamp cleaning, cosmetic, and personal care products. First, read your labels on your products. This should be the first thing you do before you buy a product, but also the first thing you do when going through your current stash and eliminating toxic products. The general rule is, if there are ingredients you don’t recognize, research them. Your research will help you understand what an ingredient is, its benefits, its consequences, and what is unknown or undecided about it. From this research, you are smart enough to decide if the pros or cons weigh heavier. Once you decide whether or not it is safe for your home, toss it out. We have all kept something for far too long simply because it was full and the thought of throwing it away meant it was a waste (even though it only costs a couple of dollars). It’s not a waste because it’s poison. Your families health is priceless.

Stock up on Non-Toxic Household Essentials

Specifically for cleaning, there are some products that you will want to have on hand. All of these can be mixed a bunch of different ways to create everything from laundry detergent to hand soap to an all-purpose cleaning spray.

  • White Distilled Vinegar

  • Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Baking Soda

  • Castile Soap (bars and liquid)

  • Essential Oils (particularly citrus, but anything with antibacterial/antiviral properties will be used often)

  • Aloe Vera Gel

  • Witch Hazel

  • Lemons

  • Washing Soda

  • Olive Oil

Make Your Own Products

It requires more work, but it’s worth it. When you make your own products, you can trust that they are both safe and effective. If you need help, here are a few of our favorite personal care and household DIY’s.

Do-It-Yourself Toothpaste

5 tbsp Calcium Powder 

2 tbsp Baking Soda

3 tbsp Xylitol Powder 

~5 tbsp Coconut Oil to achieve desired texture

10 Drops Clove Essential Oil

10 Drops Spearmint Essential Oil

Directions: Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients, blend until smooth. Store in an airtight glass jar.

All-Purpose Cleaner

16 oz Glass Cobalt or Amber Spray Bottle

2 tbsp Liquid Castile Soap

15-20 drops Lemon and/or Orange essential oil

Distilled water

Directions: Using a funnel, pour all the ingredients into the spray bottle and give it a gentle shake.

Lavender Hand & Body Soap

Foaming Hand-Soap Dispenser

2 tbsp Liquid Castile Soap

20 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Distilled water

Directions: Put the castile soap and the peppermint essential oil into the spray bottle. Fill the rest of the spray bottle with distilled water. That’s it!

Do-It-Yourself Baby Wipes

Unbleached Durable Paper Towels (or old swaddle cloths cut into squares for reusable wipes)

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tbsp Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel

15 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

15 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil

1-2 cups of Distilled Water (or boiled and cooled water)

Directions: Fold your paper towels accordian style and cut in half. Place into a airtight container. Mix your wet ingredients into a mixing bowl. Pour your wet ingredients over your paper towels. Let sit for at least 30 minutes so that the towels soak up the liquid. Alternatively, you can use old swaddle cloths cut into squares for reusable wipes.

Look for Healthy Alternatives

We love DIY products, but the reality is, some things might be too difficult or time consuming to make yourself. When looking for products on the shelf, make sure to read the label and identify the ingredients as safe. Another great option is to check in with your local health food store. They are likely to have some great advice on trusted brands and products.

Choosing to live a Holistic Lifestyle can feel overwhelming at times - the research and the options seem endless. But, you are here, learning, growing, and improving the health of your family. By educating yourself, eliminating toxic products, stocking up on non-toxic household essentials, making your own products, and choosing healthier alternatives, you are on your way to reduce toxic exposure for your family.

1 https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm205999.htm

2 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jat.1316

3 http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/talc/

4 https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/flame_retardants/index.cfm

5 https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/phthalates

6 https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/TP.asp?id=191&tid=34

General HealthSprigs Lifetoxins, non toxic, Healthy LivingComment