Detox Your Home – 10 Simple Swaps
It should be no surprise that the words – cleanse + detox – are heavily searched in January. And, if you are in need of some simple, actionable tips to gently detox your body you should definitely check out last week’s post. Because today, we are going to talk about simple ways you can detox your home!
But first, let’s take a minute to talk about toxic load…
Our toxic load is an accumulation of all of the chemicals we encounter daily that burden our body, our organs, and our immune system. Did you know that toxins can come from just about anywhere? The most common sources are environmental threats, radiation, and through chemicals that may be in the household and self care products we reach for everyday. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food we eat and can permeate our skin.
Exposure to toxins can accelerate aging, deplete our energy, cause digestive distress, and hormonal imbalance. With that in mind, I am sure you are ready to learn more about how to reduce the toxins in your home because lets be honest, every little bit helps! So, let’s get into those simple steps you can take to reduce the toxic load in your home…
MAKE YOUR OWN CLEANING SOLUTIONS
- You probably already have a few of these ingredients in your home as we speak –
Ingredients like –
White Vinegar – great for cutting grease
Baking Soda – absorbs + eliminates odors + is a great scrubber too
Salt – is useful for cleaning stains
Castile Soap – is great at lifting dirt, stains + grease
All of these ingredients are great for making all natural cleansers!! One of my favorite all natural cleaners is a soft scrub, click here for the recipe.
Simple Self Care Swaps
There are many self care products in our homes that hold a ton of chemicals that can contribute to our toxic load. So lets chat about some products you use daily that you should take a closer look at, and potentially swap out for an all-natural version –
- Toothpaste + Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Hand Sanitizers + Soaps
- Perfumes/Colognes
- Bug Spray, Sunscreen
- Laundry Detergent
- OTC Pain Relievers + Creams
- Cleansers/Moisturizers
- Ointments + Creams
In the interest of taking small steps forward, just pick one of these self-care products and find a natural alternative. Go ahead and write it on that grocery list now so you don’t forget. Once you’ve found a swap you love, move onto the next product. Remember, gradual change over time is more likely to stick long term. And, if you don’t find an all natural option you love, reach out to me and we can work together to find the perfect fit!
DIRTY DOZEN/CLEAN FIFTEEN
If you don’t know, each year the EWG posts two lists – the Dirty Dozen + The Clean Fifteen. It’s basically the go – to guide for tracking pesticides in produce. At the top of the list on the Dirty Dozen is Strawberries! I was blown away when I learned that because they are a staple in this house.
Wondering what topped the Clean Fifteen?! Avocados…yet, another staple in this house! It’s all about balance, right? I make sure to buy less of the items on the dirty dozen list but, if that is unavoidable…strawberries… I try to pick up from a local, organic farm and always use a simple produce wash before setting them on the table.
I’ve linked the page on the EWG site where you can download your own shopper’s guide to learn more!
#DETOXTHEBOX
This is a swap I made just a couple of years ago. I read somewhere that the chemicals found in feminine hygiene products are the cause of more infections, and may even cause reproductive harm. WHAAAAT?! These things are supposed to make life easier for us not hurt us! So, what kind of products should you look for in the future– unscented, and chlorine free would be a great place to start.
But, if you are looking for more detailed information, check out this site.
INVEST IN A QUALITY WATER FILTER
One of our best purchases in 2020 was our Berkey Water Filter. They are truly amazing! Here’s the skinny, we had another water filter before purchasing the Berkey but in quarantine we finally had some free time and decided to test our former filter’s quality against water straight from the tap.
The result?
Our tap water was better quality than our filter. Which I found bizarre because we put our tap water into the filter…
Anywaaaay, the Berkey is a great option because it is better at removing contaminants, and unlike other water filtration systems (made of plastic), the Berkey is made of stainless steel. So, you’re reducing plastic waste even further. Also, even though there is a bigger upfront investment, the filters last a long time so, in the long run you are actually spending less money.
I’ve heard someone say it would be safe to drink pond water from this thing! Now, I am not saying you should test that out or that I would test that theory but, that’s insane!
DETOX YOUR HOME - BONUS TIPS
- Purify the Air by adding more house plants + swapping candles for an essential oil diffuser
- Replace plastic kitchen containers with glass or wood
- Ditch the plastic storage bags for reusable silicone bags
- Replace Paper Towels with Microfiber Cloths in your Cleaning Routine
- Try Tree-Free Toilet Paper
MY HOME DETOX GOAL
This year I am committed to learn more about composting our food waste. We have a little bin on our countertop that is slowly filling up, and to be honest I have to do some more research on where to take it from there…but, the bigger picture for this year is to start my own medicinal herb garden. Don’t worry, I’ll try to share my journey (mistakes and all) along the way.
What simple swap will you make to detox your home this year?
