I am often asked questions regarding how to live a low-tox life. The prospect may seem daunting, but I have found that breaking things down into manageable bite-sized pieces is the best way to make significant changes over a period of time. Below are a few of my favorite tips for cultivating a low-tox lifestyle. Remind yourself that this is a process and be encouraged that every removal matters and lessens the toxic burden of your home and the environment.
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Eliminate single-use plastics. Not only are single-use plastics detrimental to your own health, they are also an excessive source of pollution degrading ecosystem health at-large. A great place to start in eliminating single-use plastic is the kitchen: switch to glass and stainless steel, move away from disposable baggies and plastic containers. For any remaining plastic items, but sure never to put plastics in the dishwasher or heat them in the microwave—the heat increases the leaching of plastic chemicals and sheds microplastics into our waterways.
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Be aware of routine use of plastics and eliminate them wherever possible. Are you drinking water from a plastic bottle or filtering into a plastic container? By swapping to a glass option, you protect yourself and the environment. Pack reusable canvas bags in your car. Opt for stainless steel dishware outdoors instead of disposable plastics. Refuse plastic straws when out. Can you switch from laundry detergent to powders, and liquid soaps to bars? This all reduces systemic dependencies on petroleum derived substances and their consequent pollution.
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Identify sources of PFAS in the home. PFAS are the per-and poly-fluoroalkyl chemistries known as “forever” chemicals found in nonstick products. Around your home they are in nonstick cookware, dental floss, outdoor gear, and anything water-repellant as well as stain-resistant furniture and clothing. To avoid PFAS exposures, switch to stainless steel or cast iron cookware and avoid other nonstick and water-resistant items.
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Minimize exposure to chemical flame retardants, defined as substances used in many household goods to prevent and slow fires. Potential sources of exposure could be electronics and textiles (including sleepwear, mattresses, bedding, and furniture). To minimize exposure wear sleepwear made from natural fibers, use untreated pillows, mattresses, and bedding made from natural fibers (avoiding polyurethane foam) and frequently use a damp mop in rooms with electronics to prevent flame retardants from circulating in household dust. Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
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Avoid fragrance, perfume, and synthetic scents in products. Remove unwanted chemicals from your personal care routine by avoiding fragrance, perfume or scent in products. Fragrance chemicals are not often fully disclosed and can be a back door for hundreds of unwanted chemicals getting into your body and bloodstream.
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Buy better cleaners. When shopping for household cleaners, avoid overly harsh and polluting ingredients that claim antibacterial or antimicrobial action where unnecessary.
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"Eat consciously" by choosing real foods that are local and organic whenever possible. This helps you avoid processed food chemicals and pesticides while improving the nutritional value of your meals. Remember, food is information for your body, so feed it well to give it what it needs.
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Educate yourself on chemicals of concern. Visit www.madesafe.org to learn about environmental exposures and how to protect yourself. MADE SAFE has a collection of Chemical Profiles highlighted common harmful chemicals and also Product Profiles that identify problematic substances typically found in conventional everyday products.
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Contact legislators asking them to ban harmful chemical classes such as PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and high-risk pesticides.
- Vote with your dollars. When you purchase items, read the labels carefully and look for third-party certification validations, like MADE SAFE.
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