My Personal Journey Toward Nontoxic Living
In the first post of this series, I shared how I used to believe that being healthy was all about diet and exercise. But as I learned more, I realized that the everyday products I was using—things I never even questioned—were filled with harmful toxins that were burdening my body. That discovery changed everything. I swapped out my toxic candles for a diffuser with high-quality essential oils, replaced chemical-laden cleaners with plant-based alternatives, and switched to nontoxic body products and makeup. The results were undeniable—our home felt fresher, the air was cleaner, and my body felt healthier. My body wasn’t fighting itself anymore and my autoimmune disease went into remission. Looking back, I only wish I had made these changes sooner.
How to Start Reducing Toxins in Your Home
Switching to nontoxic products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small with these simple steps:
- Swap plastic containers for glass or stainless steel (mason jars are a great food storage option)
- Choose personal care items that are scented with pure essential oils
- Use plant based household cleaners for cleaning instead of chemical sprays
- Buy organic when possible to reduce pesticide exposure
- Open windows regularly for better indoor air quality
Where Are Toxins Hiding?
Toxins are commonly found in:
- Personal Care & Beauty Products (makeup, lotion, shampoo) - remember, your skin is your largest organ. Whatever you put on your skin, absorbs into your bloodstream.
- Cleaning Supplies (air fresheners, laundry detergent, disinfectants, glass cleaner) - we inhale the chemicals and touch these surfaces that have been cleaned with these products.
- Food & Food Packaging (pesticides, BPA in plastics) - these absorb into our foods whether we like it or not.
- Home Goods (candles, furniture, children’s pajamas with flame retardants) - we’re breathing these chemicals in on a daily basis.
Read more...Toxins are so prevalent in our household products. I was shocked at the chemical load found in things I used to use every day! So I started looking for safer products. Unfortunately, I found it to be more difficult than I thought. Many companies use clever marketing tactics, known as “greenwashing” to make their products seem natural and safe when they’re anything but. Words like “biodegradable,” “plant-based,” and “all-natural,” along with packaging covered in leaves and nature scenes, can be incredibly misleading. The truth? Many of these products are just as toxic as those that don’t even pretend to be safe. So how can you tell the difference? Let’s break it down.
Read more...After losing my husband to cancer, I began a journey towards wellness. As a single Mom, it became very important to me to stay well for my kids, and I wanted to do everything I could to help my family thrive.
For years, I thought being healthy was eating well and exercising. And while that’s a big piece of it, I didn’t realize that there were hidden chemicals in products I used every day that burdened our bodies and made health and healing difficult. I had no idea the damage that can be done to our wellbeing from everyday cleaners, makeup and even our hand soap. What I thought was freshening the air and cleaning my house was being absorbed into our bodies through our skin and lungs and causing interruptions to hormones and other important bodily functions.
Have you ever thought about what’s really in the products you use every day? I certainly hadn't. From the lotion you put on your skin to the candles you burn in your home, many common items contain toxins that can harm your health. Understanding what toxins are and how to avoid them can make a huge difference in your well-being.
Read more...Fall...
lt’s the time of the year of beautiful foliage, stunning sunrises and sunsets and cooler temperatures. We swap out shorts and t-shirts for sweaters and jeans. We rake leaves, pack up the yard stuff, and get ready to hunker down for the winter. While I LOVE summer and live for warm weather and sunshine, I also enjoy snow days, cozy sweaters, hot tea, and snuggling on the couch under a blanket with a good book.
Simple winter pest prevention tips
Camping and boating are two of our favorite things to do in the summer, but there’s a long stretch of time when these things have to sit in the yard over the winter. We ensure they get winterized, so nothing freezes that shouldn’t freeze, but a big concern while they are being stored is small pests looking for a warm, dry place to live and taking up residence in one or both of these. So how do we keep these creatures from deciding to make a home in our belongings?
Read more...
