The Ultimate Guide To Starting A Non-Toxic Lifestyle

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As moms, we wear so many hats—caretaker, chef, teacher, and more—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to create a healthy and non-toxic home for our families. I’ve been on this journey for a few years now, and while it’s been a learning curve, the rewards have been worth every effort. I want to share practical, doable steps to help you embrace a healthier, non-toxic lifestyle without feeling like you have to overhaul everything overnight.

1. Start Small and Build Momentum

When I first began transitioning to a healthier home, I made the mistake of trying to change everything at once—and it left me burnt out and frustrated. Over time, I realized that small, intentional changes are more sustainable.

Action Tip: Pick one area to focus on, such as switching to non-toxic cleaning products or swapping out plastic food storage containers for glass. Once that becomes second nature, move on to the next change. Also, to be budget friendly, replace things like makeup or hair products as you use the ones you already have up. Every small step counts!

2. Simplify Your Cleaning Routine

One of the easiest ways to reduce toxins in your home is by rethinking your cleaning products. Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can affect your family’s health.

Personal Story: When I swapped my conventional all-purpose cleaner for Force of Nature, I was amazed at how effective it was. It is a powerful disinfectant, but is completely non-toxic, so I can use it on anything. Plus, my kids could help clean without me worrying about them being exposed to harmful chemicals. Read more about Force of Nature here.

Action Tip: Look for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning brands or try making your own. Focus on multipurpose products to simplify your routine and reduce clutter.

3. Prioritize Non-Toxic Personal Care

From lotions to shampoos, many personal care products contain ingredients that can disrupt hormones or irritate the skin. Transitioning to non-toxic options has been a game-changer for my family. I have seen a tremendous difference in my hair and skin since switching over to non-toxic products.

Action Tip: Check the labels on your products and avoid harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is a great resource for finding safer alternatives. Check out my Amazon Storefront page to see some of the products I use and love.

4. Focus on Whole, Real Foods

Healthy living starts in the kitchen. While it can feel overwhelming to change your family’s eating habits, focusing on whole, real foods makes a big impact.

Personal Story: My husband is celiac, so gluten-free eating became a necessity in our home. At first, I struggled to find affordable and accessible gluten-free options, especially while living abroad. But by focusing on naturally gluten-free staples like fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats, we were able to simplified our meals and improved our health. Being on the carnivore diet has made it even simpler, and we feel great!

Action Tip: Plan meals around whole foods, cook at home as often as possible, and involve your kids in meal prep to teach them about healthy eating.

5. Be Mindful About Plastics

Plastics can leach harmful chemicals, especially when heated or used for food storage. Reducing plastic use is one of the simplest ways to lower your family’s exposure to toxins. One of the easiest switches for us was buying a good set of glass food storage containers. We also replaced our kids plastic water bottles for stainless steel. These water bottles are our favorite!

Action Tip: Replace plastic water bottles, food storage containers, and kids’ dish-ware with stainless steel, glass, or silicone alternatives. Avoid microwaving food in plastic containers.

6. Improve Your Indoor Air Quality

The air inside our homes can sometimes be more polluted than the air outside. Simple changes can drastically improve the air your family breathes.

Action Tip: Open windows daily to let in fresh air, invest in houseplants that naturally purify the air, and consider an air purifier if your budget allows. Avoid synthetic air fresheners and opt for essential oil diffusers instead.

7. Create a Non-Toxic Sleep Environment

We spend a significant portion of our lives sleeping, so ensuring a healthy sleep environment is essential. This became especially important for me after noticing how much better my family felt with a few small changes.

Action Tip: Choose organic or non-toxic mattresses and bedding, avoid synthetic materials, and keep your bedrooms free from electronics to reduce EMF exposure.

8. Educate Yourself, but Don’t Overwhelm Yourself

When I started diving into the world of non-toxic living, I found myself spiraling into information overload. While research is essential, it’s also important to give yourself grace and take one step at a time.

Action Tip: Follow a few trusted blogs, podcasts, or books focused on non-toxic living (like this one!). Remember, you don’t have to know or do everything all at once.

9. Get the Kids Involved

Healthy living is a family affair, and involving your kids not only lightens your load but also helps them develop lifelong habits.

Personal Story: My kids love helping me choose their favorite fruits and veggies at the market, and we also talk about how different foods can make us feel. By involving them, they’ve become more excited about healthy choices.

Action Tip: Make healthy living fun and engaging for your kids. Turn it into a game or let them help with simple tasks.

10. Celebrate Your Progress

It’s easy to focus on what you haven’t done yet, but celebrating your progress is just as important. Every small step you take contributes to a healthier, happier home.

Action Tip: Reflect on how far you’ve come, whether it’s swapping out one product or completely revamping your lifestyle. Celebrate those wins and keep moving forward.

Final Thoughts

Healthy, non-toxic living doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. By starting small, staying intentional, and giving yourself grace, you can create a home that supports your family’s well-being. Remember, this journey is about progress, not perfection.

What are your favorite non-toxic tips? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear your ideas and experiences!