Creating a Healthier Home: 5 Ways to Establish a Non-Toxic Environment

BySarah

A non-toxic home is essential for the health and well-being of you and your family. The goal of this article is to reduce exposure to harmful toxins and create healthier living conditions for you and your family. By making a few simple changes, you can minimize the presence of toxins in your home and promote overall well-being. Here are 5 ways to create a healthier home.

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1. Use Natural Cleaning Products

One of the easiest ways to reduce toxins in your home is to switch to natural cleaning products. Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

Instead swap out for eco-friendly, plant-based cleaners such as

or you can opt for natural alternatives such as

These natural cleaning products effectively clean and disinfect surfaces without introducing toxins into your home. Making your own natural cleaning products can not only benefit your health and the environment but also save you money is the long run. These DIY solutions are versatile and can be used for various cleaning tasks around the home, from kitchen counter tops to Bathroom fixtures. Additionally by purchasing in bulk or by using products you already have on hand, you can further reduce costs and minimize waste.

Check out some of my Favorite DIY Cleaning Products

2. Choose Organic and Non-Toxic Personal Care Products

It may come as a shock to discover the abundance of toxic ingredients and harsh chemicals present in the personal care products we use daily. Exposure to hundreds of these toxins occurs through consumption, absorption, and inhalation, posing risks to our health. As our skin serves as the body’s largest organ, substances applied to the skin can get into the bloodstream, leading to potential health complications when harmful chemicals enter our system. This underscores the critical importance of opting for non-toxic personal care products to safeguard our well-being.


You might be surprised to learn how much companies can hide information about the dangers of their products. The fact that there are no safety standards for personal care products is concerning. With growing consumer demand for toxin-free alternatives, companies are resorting to savvy marketing tactics by promoting terms like “natural, organic, good for you, non-toxic.” However, the absence of regulations governing the use of such terms allows companies to manipulate their messaging without accountability. This places the responsibility on individuals to discern between healthy and harmful ingredients, making informed decisions for their health and the environment. This resource on toxic-free body care products aims to empower consumers to select safe options for their daily personal care routines.

The following list highlights toxic ingredients that should be avoided in cleaning products.

Toxic Ingredients to Look Out For

  • Aluminum Compounds: Found in antiperspirants, aluminum compounds have been linked to breast cancer and neurotoxicity.
  • Artificial Colorants: Artificial colorants can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain heavy metals that are harmful to health.
  • Benzalkonium Chloride: This compound is a skin irritant and may cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and can be toxic to aquatic life.
  • BHT & BHA: These preservatives have been linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, and potential carcinogenic effects.
  • Coal Tar: Commonly found in dandruff shampoos and hair dyes, coal tar contains carcinogenic compounds.
  • Ethanolamines: Ethanolamines can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may react with other chemicals to form carcinogenic compounds.
  • Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: Formaldehyde releasers can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and are classified as carcinogenic.
  • Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone can lead to skin irritation, pigmentation disorders, and may be carcinogenic with prolonged use.
  • Mineral Oil: Mineral oil can clog pores, leading to acne and skin irritation, and may contain impurities that pose health risks.
  • MIT– Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and has been associated with neurotoxicity.
  • Oxybenzone: Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor, can cause skin allergies, and has been linked to hormone disruption and potential environmental harm.
  • Parabens: Parabens are endocrine disruptors that may affect hormone function and have been associated with breast cancer and reproductive issues.
  • PEG Ingredients: Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) can be contaminated with harmful impurities, leading to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and potential toxicity.
  • Phenoxyethanol: Phenoxyethanol can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may impact the central nervous system with prolonged exposure.
  • Phthalates: Phthalates are endocrine disruptors that may affect reproductive health, hormone function, and have been linked to developmental and reproductive issues.
  • Polyethylene Glycol: Polyethylene glycol can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain impurities that pose health risks.
  • Polysorbate 60 and 80: Polysorbates can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may be contaminated with harmful substances.
  • Potassium Sorbate: Potassium sorbate can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may be toxic to aquatic life.
  • Propylene Glycol: Propylene glycol can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may cause systemic toxicity with prolonged exposure.
  • Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A found in skincare products, retinyl palmitate can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and potentially lead to skin damage.
  • Sodium Benzoate: Sodium benzoate can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may have adverse effects on the immune system with prolonged use.
  • Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfate: SLS and SLES can strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and may be contaminated with carcinogenic byproducts.
  • Synthetic Fragrance/Parfum: Synthetic fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritation, respiratory issues, and may contain phthalates and other harmful chemicals.
  • Toluene: Found in nail polish and hair dyes, toluene is a volatile organic compound that can affect the nervous system and respiratory health.
  • Triclosan: An antimicrobial agent found in soaps and toothpaste, triclosan has been linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.

By being aware of these potential risks and side effects associated with toxic ingredients in personal care products, consumers can make informed choices to protect their health and well-being. Opting for natural, non-toxic alternatives can help reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and promote safer skincare and grooming practices.

Make sure to do your own research on any questionable ingredients by using The Environmental Working Group Website and App to check the ingredients in your products.

3. Improve Indoor Air Quality

One of the most overlooked aspects of maintaining a healthy home is indoor air quality. We take in about 23,000 breaths every single day, mostly without thinking about it, which is a good thing considering all the other things we have going on in our lives. It’s one less thing we have to worry about. Breathing clean air is essential for our health and well-being. In today’s Fast paced world, we often overlook the quality of the air we breath indoors. Here are a few ways to improve indoor air quality

  • Open Your Windows Often: Opening your windows often and allows for the exchange of indoor and outdoor air, helping to remove indoor pollutants and bring in fresh, clean air.
  • Dust and Vacuum Regularly: Dusting and vacuuming regularly helps to remove dust, pet dander, and other allergens that can accumulate in your home and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
  • Replace Your HVAC Air FIlters Often: Replacing your HVAC air filters regularly is crucial for improving indoor air quality as clean filters can effectively capture dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, preventing them from circulating throughout your home. By maintaining clean air filters in your HVAC system, you can reduce the amount of pollutants in the air, promote better air circulation, and ensure that you are breathing cleaner, healthier air indoors.
  • Use a HEPA Air Filter in Your Home: Using a HEPA air filter in your home can significantly improve indoor air quality by capturing a higher percentage of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. HEPA filters are designed to trap even the smallest particles, helping to reduce allergens and pollutants in the air and creating a cleaner and healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
  • Have Your Air Ducts Cleaned by a Professional: Professional air duct cleaning is a proactive way to improve indoor air quality by removing accumulated dust, debris, and contaminants, reducing allergens and pollutants in your home.
  • Say NO to Wearing Shoes in the House: Encouraging a no-shoes policy in the house can help improve indoor air quality by preventing outdoor pollutants, dirt, and bacteria from being tracked indoors and circulated throughout your living space. Removing shoes at the door can minimize the presence of allergens and contaminants, leading to cleaner air and a healthier indoor environment for you and your family.
  • Eliminate Smoking In or Near Your Home: Eliminating smoking in or near your home can significantly improve indoor air quality by reducing exposure to harmful secondhand smoke, which contains numerous toxic chemicals and carcinogens. By creating a smoke-free environment, you can protect yourself and others from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and maintain a cleaner and healthier indoor atmosphere.
  • Add Air-Purifying Houseplants: (Snake Plant, Peace Lillies, English Ivy etc.) air-purifying house plants naturally filter out common indoor pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and airborne toxins, while also increasing oxygen levels in your home. These plants act as natural air purifiers, helping to create a healthier and more breathable indoor environment by removing pollutants and enhancing the overall air quality.
  • Toss Out Scented Candles and Air Fresheners: Candles and other air fresheners release harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory issues. Eliminating these sources of indoor pollutants can help create a cleaner and healthier indoor environment, free from the potentially harmful effects of artificial scents and chemicals. Instead use an all natural air freshener spray made with essential oils or make your own essential oil room spray.
  • Bathe and Groom Your Pets Regularly: Bathing and grooming your pets regularly reduces the amount of pet dander and hair that can circulate in the air and trigger allergies or respiratory issues..

These small changes can have a big impact on our health and quality of life, making it worth the effort to prioritize the air we breathe in our homes.

4. Reduce Plastic Usage

Reducing plastic usage is not only beneficial for the environment but can also have significant health benefits for individuals. Plastic products, especially single-use items like water bottles and food containers, often contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other additives that can leach into food and beverages. When consumed, these chemicals can disrupt hormone function, potentially leading to various health issues such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and increased risk of certain cancers. Additionally, microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles found in the environment and in seafood, can enter our bodies through consumption and inhalation, posing health risks. By reducing plastic usage and opting for reusable alternatives, individuals can minimize exposure to these harmful chemicals and contribute to a healthier lifestyle by supporting a cleaner and safer environment for themselves and future generations. Here are a few ways you can reduce plastic.

  • Replace Plastic Water Bottles with Glass or Stainless Steel: Plastic water bottles, especially those made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate, can leach harmful chemicals into the water, especially when exposed to heat or sunlight. One of the most concerning chemicals is Bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to disrupt hormone function and has been linked to various health issues.
  • Avoid Plastic Cutting Boards: Plastic cutting boards should be avoided due to the risk of microplastics being released when cutting, which can contaminate food and pose health concerns. Opting for alternative materials like wood or bamboo can help reduce the risk of ingesting microplastics and promote a safer food preparation environment.
  • Choose Glass or Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers: Opt for glass or stainless steel containers for storing food instead of plastic containers to avoid BPA and other harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
  • Use Silicone Lids or Covers: Replace plastic wrap with silicone lids or covers that can be reused and are free of harmful chemicals
  • Replace Plastic Cups with Glass or Stainless Steel: Plastic cups, especially those made from low-quality plastics, can leach harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, and other additives into beverages, especially when exposed to heat or acidic liquids. These chemicals can disrupt hormone function, leading to various health issues. Also, Over time, plastic cups can degrade and release microplastic particles into beverages, which can be ingested when consumed. Ingesting microplastics has the potential to cause health problems and may contribute to long-term health issues.

By minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, and other additives commonly found in plastics, individuals can lower the risk of hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and other health concerns. Making conscious choices to reduce plastic usage and opt for safer alternatives like glass, stainless steel, and natural materials can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

5. Filter Your Water

Filtering your water is an essential step in ensuring that the water you drink is clean, safe, and free from harmful contaminants. With increasing concerns about water pollution and the presence of harmful substances in our water supply, filtering your water has become more important than ever. Filtering your water helps to remove impurities and contaminants that may be present in the water. These contaminants can include bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful substances that can pose serious health risks if consumed. By using a water filter, you can effectively remove these impurities and ensure that the water you drink is clean and safe. Here are a few ways to Filter your water.

  • Reverse Osmosis: Reverse Osmosis Filters water by pushing it through a special filter that removes impurities and contaminants, leaving clean water behind. On average a basic under-the-sink reverse osmosis can cost anywhere from $150 to $400. More advanced systems with additional filtration and features can cost upwards of $500 to $1,000 or more.
  • Filtered Water Bottle: My go-to water bottle is the Clearly Filtered Water bottle. It has a hidden filter inside the water bottle that removes 99.99% of 220+ contaminants.
  • Filtered Water Pitchers: Filtered water pitchers help filter your water by using activated carbon filters to remove impurities and contaminants, improving the taste and quality of the water. These pitchers are convenient, affordable, and easy to use, providing a simple way to ensure that your drinking water is clean and safe.
  • Faucet-Mounted Filter: These Filters attach directly under your faucet and use a combination of activated carbon and other technologies to remove containments from the water as it flow through the filter.

By investing in a quality water filter and making a conscious effort to filter your water, you can ensure that the water you drink is clean, safe, and healthy for you and your family. Remember, clean water is essential for good health, so don’t overlook the importance of filtering your water.