BABY STEPS
Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle can feel overwhelming. That’s why I do the research for you!
I encourage you to start with small, easy changes and add a little bit at a time. Even small changes have big impacts.
Do not throw out everything in your house right now!
Instead try these tips:
*As you finish bottles, make a conscious effort to replace them with nontoxic products.
*Start by replacing products you use the most with less toxic alternatives. Eventually you can get to the less frequently used items.
*Prioritize replacing items that go into and onto your body, like water, food, cookware, and personal care products.
Baby Step Examples (some of these are free!):
Improve indoor air quality by opening windows when weather allows and using kitchen exhaust fans while cooking to reduce buildup of airborne chemicals.
Vacuum and dust regularly, ideally with a HEPA filter vacuum, to reduce household dust that can contain chemicals from furniture, electronics, and flooring.
Wash hands before eating, especially after handling BPA-laden store receipts, cleaning products, or other coated surfaces that may contain chemical residues.
Choose unscented products when you shop. Ditch air fresheners, plug ins, scented candles, fragranced cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, sprays), and personal care products (skincare, haircare). The compounds in "fragrance" do not have to be disclosed by manufacturers and typically contain Endocrine (Hormone) Disrupting chemicals.
Avoid heating food in plastic containers or plastic wrap, as heat can increase the transfer of chemicals into food. When you're ready, invest in glass or stainless steel food storage containers.
Replace disposable aluminum pans with glass or stainless steel. If not ready to do that, use unbleached parchment paper as a barrier on aluminun pans.
Stop drinking or showering with unfiltered Tap Water. Add a Whole House Water Filter or a basic Point of Contact Water Filter such as Sink faucet or Bath/Shower faucet. Or simply start with a pitcher-style water filter.
Choose fresh or frozen foods more often than heavily processed packaged foods, which tend to have more contact with packaging materials and additives. Aside from the chemical exposure, reduce heavily processed packaged foods because they tend to be higher in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium, and lower in fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients compared to whole, minimally processed foods.