If you’re just dipping your toes into the crazy and overwhelming world of non-toxic living, let me save you some time (and possibly a few grey hairs).
I’ve been there, deep into the Google rabbit hole, and was pretty sure that everything in my house was out to get me.
My journey started back in 2010 when I was misdiagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, only to later find out that it was the chemicals in my food were behind my symptoms. That huge wake-up call (and huge medical bills!) sent me into this panic to just get rid of everything that could be toxic! And let’s just say…I did not handle it well at first.
I didn’t know where to start! Do I start with food? Shampoo? Laundry detergent? Do I just throw everything out like they do on that show The Biggest Loser? But, I paid good money for this stuff! GRR!
Please don’t be like 2010 Jen! I now know that it doesn’t need to be so scary and so overwhelming. So, here are the top five things I really wish someone had told me before I started.
1. Don’t Panic – Seriously
I know that urge to just toss every single product in your house and start fresh. But listen, stress is just as bad for your body as toxins, so take a deep breath. Non-toxic living is about reducing exposure, not achieving some impossible standard of purity.
👉 Start with small swaps. Use up what you have, then when it is time to buy new, replace it with a better option. No need to Marie Kondo your entire home overnight (who else watched that show and then ripped their house apart?)
Pro tip: If you ever find yourself panic-Googling “do scented candles actually kill you,” it’s time to log off and take a walk.
2. You Can’t Go Non-Toxic All at Once (And That’s Okay)
When I first started, I thought I had to overhaul everything immediately. Food, cookware, cleaning products, beauty products, laundry…all at once. And let me tell you, that’s a surefire way to burn out and go broke.
💡 Instead, tackle one area at a time. Start with what you use most. Maybe switch to a cleaner laundry detergent this month, then swap your plastic food containers next month. Small, consistent changes add up.
3. Some People Will Think You’re a Conspiracy Theorist
Yup. The moment you casually mention that conventional deodorant contains aluminum, and suddenly your friends are looking at you like you just told them that the earth is flat and you just had a convo with an alien.
Not everyone is going to understand your non-toxic journey, and that’s okay. Some will think you’re being dramatic. Others will call you “paranoid” or an “alarmist.” Hell, I even had a family member say, “Well, if toxins were really that bad, the government wouldn’t allow them.” (I’ll let you sit with that one for a moment.)
And, if you live with someone? Let me tell you, trying to detox your home is one thing, trying to convince a stubborn partner to ditch their cologne-soaked laundry detergent? A whole other battle.
I tried to ease my ex into it, but that was a no-go. He still used bleach to clean the bathroom and super strong fabric softener Needless to say, I learned to pick my battles.
So, if you’re struggling to get a partner or family member on board, just focus on making the changes you can control. They may come around, or they may not. You can’t control them.
🎯 My advice? Lead by example. People will notice how good you feel and may come around when they’re ready. Until then, just smile and keep doing what you’re doing.
4. I Wish I Knew What Greenwashing Was
I got so fooled in the very beginning. If something was sold at a health food store and it had a “natural” label on it, I was sold. Well, it turns out, brands are really good at making their products seem safer than they actually are.
🚩 Red flags to watch for:
- Words like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “clean” with no actual certifications
- Products that list “fragrance” without explaining what’s in it
- Cleaning products that don’t disclose full ingredients (because legally, they don’t have to. Crazy, right?)
Pro tip: Download apps like Clearya or EWG’s Healthy Living to scan products and see what’s actually in them. These weren’t available when I first started so you have an upper hand!.
5. There Are Non-Toxic Alternatives for Almost Everything
At first, I thought going non-toxic meant I’d have to give up all the good stuff. No more makeup? No more candles? No more wine?! (Okay, I probably learned that last one a bit quicker than I care to admit!) But the truth is, there are safer alternatives for almost everything.
- Beauty: Ditch conventional skincare and makeup for brands like Well People, Annmarie Gianni Skincare and Rahua shampoo.
- Home: Swap air fresheners for essential oils, beeswax candles, or a simple stovetop simmer pot.
- Cookware: Trade non-stick pans for stainless steel or cast iron (trust me, they’re worth the learning curve).
- Laundry: Use fragrance-free detergent and wool dryer balls instead of toxic dryer sheets.
The best part? Once you start making these swaps, you’ll never want to go back.
And, yes… you can get organic wine.
What I Know Now
Not everything is going to happen overnight. It took me a couple of years to get the hang of it. I now know to take my time and make changes where and when I can. And, I don’t worry about what I can’t control, I only focus on what I can control.
Soon enough, you too will get the hang of it, and you will have eliminated 80% of the toxins in your and before you know it. All of this WILL become second nature.
You got this!
Want More Non-Toxic Tips? Download the Free “7-Day Home Detox Guide”
Looking to make changes in other areas of your home? My free “7-Day Home Detox Guide” offers simple, low-cost steps to make your home healthier, one day at a time.
Get it here to start building a non-toxic lifestyle that works for you!
Where to Go from Here: Resources to Keep You Empowered
Your non-toxic journey doesn’t have to be a lonely one.
You can stay connected on social media Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram where I share daily tips, product recommendations, and encouraging messages to keep you inspired on your journey.
And if you’re looking for trustworthy, non-toxic products to add to your routine, my online shop is curated with only the best low-toxic and non-toxic items I personally use and recommend.
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