Our lives as consumers are overrun with products that we need to buy, use and consume on a regular basis. In order for a whole lot of these products to be made, harmful chemicals are used to keep costs down, make them last longer and enhance their performance.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to avoid these, but if you really want to improve your own and your family’s health, there are some swaps you can make for safer living. Here are a few ideas to get started.
Soaps and Personal Care
Believe it or not, the products we use on our skin are absorbed into our bodies. This means that any chemicals lurking in your soaps, deodorant, lotions, makeup, and intimate products are probably seeping into your skin and having an effect on your long-term, overall health. You might not feel the impact on a day-to-day basis, but keep in mind that they can still be toxic.
They may be harder to find, and even a little more expensive, but healthy and safe natural alternatives do exist, and they’re usually amazing products too. Think of items like natural, goat’s milk grapefruit soap, lotions, and deodorants scented with gorgeous lavender essential oils and even natural makeup that you can rest knowing isn’t harmful to your skin.
Hair Products
Sulfates, parabens, alcohols, and more. We’ve all heard these words floating around in the beauty industry and we know they’re not good for us or our hair. Most shampoos and conditioners, unfortunately, feature at least one or more of these harmful chemicals which can be harsh and damaging to our hair and scalp, as well as impact our overall health in the long term.
Look for natural hair products instead that use nourishing ingredients like plant oils, aloe vera, chamomile, avocado, and organic honey. In this way, you’ll be able to achieve silky, luscious hair without any of stress.
Laundry Detergent
Natural laundry detergents are not only gentler and better for our skin, but they have other benefits too. This swap is great for environmental benefit and even preserves the life of your clothing, preventing damage and fading and helping it to last longer – so you’ll even save money!
There are loads of great natural detergent swaps on the market, but if you’re a keen DIYer, there are a few natural detergent recipes available that you could try out yourself.
Cleaning Supplies
Your other cleaning supplies matter too. Keep in mind that everything you spray onto your surfaces gets into your lungs too, so you’ve probably had a few choking moments when cleaning your kitchen or bathroom. If you’ve got a few essential oils on hand, you could try some home recipes for all-purpose cleaning products too. However, if you’d rather save yourself the hassle, simply look out for the non-toxic kind of products and you’ll be set.
Cookware
As useful as your non-stick pans are, the bad news is that they can be harmful too. Studies have shown that the chemicals used in the coatings could potentially lead to a few health issues including cancers and reproductive problems. That’s why switching over to stainless steel and cast iron cookware is the safest way to go.
A bonus is that these items typically last way longer due to the quality and durability of the materials, which means you’ll be making long-term investments in your health and kitchen.
Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are all the rage right now, ever since people have cottoned on to the fact that plastic is slowly killing us and our beautiful planet. This is a great swap to make, but keep in mind that plastic replacements (especially over the long term) can still be bad for our bodies, especially when they’re exposed to the heat.
If you want to be one hundred percent sure that your bottles are BPA free, your best bet is to opt for a glass bottle or even a stainless steel one. This also gives you the option to invest in a double-walled, insulated bottle to keep your cold drinks cold and your hot drinks hot for hours on end which is a great bonus.
The Bottom Line
Making healthier swaps in your home and lifestyle simply comes down to awareness. The more you learn about the products you use and consume, the more you’ll understand what needs to be swapped out and the best ways for you to do so. Today is a great day to start your chemical-free journey!
