8 OF THE EASIEST STEPS TOWARDS TOXIC FREE LIVNG

SIMPLE CHANGES YOU CAN START TO MAKE TODAY

Let me just start by saying, this kind of change is all about baby steps.  Remember, lots of small changes can make a big difference.  We all we want to protect your family and this wonderful world we live in, but when you dive in into this subject, it’s a rabbit hole.  You start to realise there are nasties in just about everything.  But thankfully, there are safer alternatives out there.  Instead of 8 steps, I could write 888, but the purpose of this is to highlight some simple changes and first steps you can do to get ‘rolling’ towards toxic free living.

What is toxic free? 
It means to be free from any natural or man-made poisons, that will have a negative impact upon our health. 

Why try to be toxic free?
The way I see it, our body is a temple and our earth is a heaven – we need to take care of both!  It’s important to understand that the skin can absorb practically any particles that comes into contact with it, ending up in our bloodstream.  Our world is full of hidden toxins, in our food, our products and in the air we breathe.  Many are completely unnecessary and used to make cheap products, with long shelf lives, that generate big profits.  It’s unfortunate big companies and governments turn their backs to proven links between these ingredients and the major health issues of today such as cancer, autism, alzheimer’s, heart disease etc.  But by taking things into your own hands, you can reduce your exposure, and reduce your risk of diseases.  All at the same time as helping the planet.  Winning!!

How do I live a toxic free life?
Education!  It’s very difficult to avoid all, unless you’re going to be fully self contained away from all human civilization, but even then, air pollutants travel.  Start reading labels, making small changes and step by step we can clear the air and make safer home environments.

Some of these swaps can be an additional cost but do it gradually and know that it’s an investment into your & your family’s wellbeing.  Feel the joy and be proud in making better choices moving forward.

The 8 steps:

1. Fragrance Stinks!
   If you only do one of these steps, start to avoid any personal care or cleaning product that lists fragrance or perfume as an ingredient, including those in air fresheners. The word fragrance is used to hide a chemical cocktail of over 3,000 different ingredients. These chemicals can contain carcinogens, hormone disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, asthmagens and allergens.  No thanks!
   Tip:  100% natural essential oils in a diffuser to fill your home or even as worn as perfume.  Not only do they have beautiful scents, but they have many added health benefits too.  Another alternative is this toxic free fragrance I use and always get compliments on.
   
   
2. The Dirty on Cleaning Products.
   Our homes are meant to be our safe space, where we spend a large amount of our time, however many home cleaning products contain synthetic fragrance and a bunch of unnecessary chemicals. Using these products all over the home, we’re spreading tiny particles of toxins. Laundry detergent is especially dangerous as our clothes come into direct contact with our skin, as well anything we use without gloves.
   Tip:  You don’t need to start making your own cleaning product, as there are many cost effective eco-friendly ones now on the market, however if you did want to try an easy DIY – use bicarb soda and vinegar.  I put off using this for a long time thinking it was too simple and cheap to be effective… I was wrong!  Give it a go.
   
   
3. Organic produce
   This one can hit the pocket a little more, but it’s an important one to reduce your pesticide burden. Organic foods are produced only using natural substances and avoiding all artificial chemicals or genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), all of which play havoc on our health. The other upside, organic foods contain higher antioxidant content which help lower our risk of various diseases.
   Tip:  A great place to start is to either switch to organic or avoid the conventional produce that are listed in the ‘dirty dozen’ as these have been found to contain the highest levels of pesticides.  Also get to your local farmers market, and taste the difference!
   
   
4. Plastic or Glass? Glass!
   Not only is glass better for the planet in the battle against plastic, but they’re safer for us too as they don’t leach harmful chemicals into our food. This goes for storage, but especially if you reheat food in the plastic containers.  Although there is a move with BPA-free containers, many companies are replacing BPA with similarly harmful chemicals like BPS and BPF.  Glass is non porous, unlike plastics making it healthier and easier to clean.  Tick, tick! 
   Tip:  I also use a bunch of old jars, big and small to store food in the pantry or to store leftovers.  These are free and last forever (unless broken, then at least we can recycle them). 
   
   
5. Clean water aint so clean!
   Water is the spice of life and essential to our health. Our government attempts to provide us with water that is safe, however the quality at the point of consumption may not be beneficial for our long-term health. Contaminates including heavy metals, chlorine, pesticides, bacteria, organic & in-organic compounds all can be present.  Finding a filter that takes out the bad but leaves the good is the best idea. 
   Tip:  A water jug filter is a good start, but a better investment is in a bench top or under beach system.  I use  this reverse osmosis system which removed nasties and adds in some goodies - I love it!
   
   
6. Ditch the cling wrap!
   There is a much-needed movement towards reducing plastic waste these days, especially SUP (single use plastics) to help protect our environment, but it’s also needed to protect our health. Plastic wraps can be made with PVC or BPA and often are in direct contact to our food. There are many great alternatives on the market these days like bees wax and reusable wraps.
   Tip:  We’re currently using Agreena 3 in 1 reusable wraps and for times when items won’t make it home (partners lunch) I use these sandwich bags, which can be reused a few times, if they do make it home.
   
   
7. No to Non-Stick Cookware
   Buy a cast iron pan instead. They are cheap, last forever and won’t expose you to the chemicals found Teflon pans. Non-stick cookware can release dangerous fumes if overheated, leaching straight into your food. 
   Tip:  Other substitutes are ceramic, stainless steel or glass for baking.
   
   
8. Unbleached Toilet Paper
   As mentioned throughout the above, there are many unnecessary chemicals in our products that just don’t need to be there. Bleach in toilet paper is one of them. The very thing we use to make something look white and clean, is dirty and toxic.  Our skin is the largest organ, and our who-ha’s are the second most absorbent area, followed by the eyelids.  But when reaching for something so highly consumed, ensure it is made from something that isn’t harming the environment – hello bamboo!
   Tip:  My favorite brand of course is EcoCheeks.

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