Creating a Non-toxic Home

In today’s world, toxins are everywhere. Toxins wreak havoc in the body and play a role in the development of virtually every disease. While it is not healthy to worry about every toxin that we may come across, it is impactful to make the factors that you can control as non-toxic as possible! Here are a few foundational ways to lower your toxic burden within the home:

Filter your water

In the US, the tap water is heavily polluted. Studies have proven that our tap water is contaminated with heavy metals (like lead & arsenic), toxic “forever chemicals” (like PFAS), microplastics, and in trace amounts, pharmaceutical medications!

Filtering your water is essential for lowering your exposure to toxins. One of the best filters to invest in is a reverse osmosis (RO) filter. These filters effectively remove most contaminants (including essential minerals, so it is important to remineralize your filtered water!) Carbon and ion exchange filters can be a good start, but they do not remove as many contaminants as RO filters. My favorite water filter is the under the sink filter from AquaTru.

Eat organic

Toxic chemicals such as pesticides are heavily used in conventional agriculture. Pesticides cause oxidative stress, which leads to damaging our DNA. Pesticides have been found to contribute to the development of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as cancer and other respiratory and reproductive disorders. Choose organic foods when possible to significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful pesticides!

Avoid scented candles, air sprays, plug-ins, and fragrances

While these products may smell good, these are packed with harmful chemicals that add to indoor air pollution and trigger allergies, breathing problems, and hormonal imbalances. Cleaner alternatives include essential oil diffusers and essential oil sprays.

Use clean beauty & household cleaning products

Both beauty products and household cleaners are packed with toxic chemicals that can contribute to the development of allergies, skin irritations, and other complications. For cleaning products, I use Branch Basics and Koala Eco and love that their products are both safe and effective. The EWG has a database to search for recommended personal care products and can be helpful for choosing clean products.

Creating a non-toxic home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—small, simple changes can make a big difference in improving your indoor environment and overall health. By making small changes, you can reduce your exposure to toxins and create a safer, healthier space for you and your family. Remember, it's a journey, so start with manageable steps and build from there. Your home should be a sanctuary of wellness, and these simple changes are a great way to achieve that!