We’re spending more time in our homes currently. My sweet friend @naturally.aimee and I brainstormed a list of things we can do to make our homes and lives #alittlelesstoxic This is not intended to be a list of Must-Do things you need to accomplish all at once or ever! We broke the year down into seasons and have included some ideas, tips, and tricks to consider implementing.
🌱 Spring Theme: Cleaning!
– Start to swap out cleaning products for effective and less toxic alternatives.
– Removing dust. Do a deep cleaning when you can and try and dust and vacuum 1x a week minimum.
– No shoes on inside.
– Open up windows or doors every day possible.
– Change the input and output filters for heating and a/c vents.
– Start to read labels on everything and replace with better options.
☀️ Summer Theme: Outside!
– Sun safety: limit exposure with shade and clothing then opt for safer ingredient sunscreens.
– What’s in that bronzer, sunscreen, insect repellant, dry shampoo, etc.? Your skin absorbs much of what is put on it. Consider some less toxic alternatives anywhere you can.
– Make an ascorbic acid spray for before and after swimming in chlorine.
– Drink lots of purified water.
🍂 Fall Theme: Stocking Up!
-Replace anything with concentrated toxins or that you are exposed to regularly as they wear out or run out.
– Research ahead so you are prepared when you buy.
– Consider better options for coffee beans, teas, dried herbs, spices, rice, dried legumes, meats, produce, cookware, air purifier and water filtration system.
– Look for brands that are “eco-friendly,” or “non-toxic” and learn about greenwashing.
-Swap worn out plastic storage for glass, silicone, and stainless options.
-Worn out beds, bedding, rugs, and furnishings can be replaced with better options too including organic cotton and natural fibers and materials.
❄️ Winter Theme: Immune Strength!
– Nourish with real food, then add quality supplements as needed. Consider adding fermented foods, essential oils, exercise, sunshine and fresh air.
– Healthy habits can improve overall well being. Ex: leave shoes at the door, sit down to eat, dry brush, diffuse essential oils, washing hands when you come home and as needed, get extra rest when you feel unwell. Having a stress management plan for difficult days is also critical to protecting your health.
-Invest in an air purifier as we have less access to fresh air outdoors. -Implement immune supportive foods and herbs and spices like mushrooms, elderberry, turmeric, garlic, onion, ginger, cayenne, lemon, cinnamon, bone broth, …
-Move your body
-Stay hydrated
✨ EWG and Think Dirty can be helpful tools for many of these things.