Part Three of The Home Detox Series.
Let’s face it, your kitchen is a mess. It’s time to reclaim it and your health in the process. A kitchen detox is just what you need!
Detoxing your kitchen is a great way to create a healthy home. By getting rid of all of the toxins in your non-food items, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and protect yourself from their negative effects.
So, let’s discuss some of the best ways to detox your kitchen and create a non-toxic living environment.
So, first things first…
Let’s Get Organized
So, just like the other posts in The Home Detox Series, we want to start by cleaning and organizing.
Start with one small area first. Don’t try to tackle the entire kitchen all at once. That’s just too overwhelming and it will make the whole process seem daunting.
Instead, start with one small area, like the countertop, one drawer, one cabinet…
I find that if I go in thinking that I am just going to do one area, I wind up doing more than I thought I would!
Next, pull everything out of one cabinet and clean the shelves.
Then, put away like things together. This will make organizing a lot easier and it will help you to keep things organized in the future.
For example, put all the food storage containers together, all the pots and pans together, all the spices together, etc.
Put all the items that you use often within reach. This way, you don’t have to go digging for your daily items. This will help you find things easier when you need them.
Now that you’ve pared down your kitchen to only the essentials, it’s time to get rid of anything else that’s taking up space.
If you haven’t used an item in the last year, chances are you’re never going to use it. So donate it or toss it!
You can also read this post for more kitchen organizing tips.
Get To Cleaning!
Start by wiping all of the counters down. And don’t forget the backsplash.
Next, Move on to the front of the cabinets and the front of the appliances.
Lastly, vacuum or sweep the floor.
Be sure to use non-toxic cleaning products or try making your own.
Now, on to tackling those toxins!
The top toxicants in the kitchen and how to avoid them
Pesticides on fruits and vegetables
Over 1 BILLION pounds of pesticides are used on US crops each year.
Farmers use pesticides to kill pests, and they are often used on fruits and vegetables in order to keep them from being damaged by bugs. However, these pesticides can also be harmful to humans.
Pesticides can cause a variety of health problems, including weight gain, cancer, developmental problems, and endocrine disruption. In addition, pesticides can build up in the body over time, and they have been linked to neurological problems such as ADHD. As a result, it is important to limit your exposure to pesticides by eating organic produce whenever possible.
What can we do about it?
- First, buy organically grown food.
- Organic foods bearing the USDA organic seal are grown and raised without the use of pesticides and don’t carry the residues commonly found on conventionally grown foods.
- While at the market, look for the #9 at the beginning of the PLU# on the sticker.
- And, yes… it can be slightly more expensive but, it is better to pay a little bit more now to invest in your health because it does make a difference!
- We don’t have to buy EVERYTHING organic, especially when we are on a budget. So, if you need to prioritize, the best way to do that is using The Environmental Working Groups Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 list.
- Just buy one or two things off of the Dirty Dozen list and buy the rest from the Clean 15 list. This will save you money while limiting your exposure to pesticides.
BPA in canned foods and plastics
BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical that was first synthesized back in 1891 as a synthetic estrogen and over the years, made it’s way into hundreds of thousands of consumer products.
It is a chemical that is found in many canned foods and plastics. BPA is used to harden plastics and to line metal cans, and it can leach into food and beverage products.
BPA has been linked to a number of health issues, including cancer, infertility, weight gain and developmental problems.
And, don’t be fooled by BPA free. The manufacturers replaced the BPA with either BPS or BPF (just other bisphenols).
Studys show that these replacements have the same effect on hormones that BPA had in the first place.
What can we do about it?
- Stay away from canned foods. All canned food and drink have an epoxy lining inside that uses BPA.
- Although not all plastic contains BPA, all plastics can affect hormones. Store food in glass containers instead of plastic.
- Switch to glass blenders.
- Skip the store receipt. Most stores use a thermal paper that contain a layer of BPA. If a receipt is needed, have it emailed to you.
Phthalates in plastic food containers and wraps
Phthalates are a type of chemical used in many household products, from food containers and wraps to shampoo and cosmetics. But what exactly are phthalates, and why are they cause for concern?
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable. However, they can also leach into food and water, potentially causing a variety of health problems. Phthalates have been linked to hormone disruption, birth defects, and cancer.
As a result, many countries have banned or restricted the use of certain phthalates in products intended for young children. While the risks posed by phthalates are still being studied, it’s clear that they can be a potential source of harm.
What can we do about it?
- When possible, choose glass or stainless steel containers over plastic ones.
- Avoid heated foods wrapped in plastic.
- Don’t use plastic wrap to cover leftovers
“Forever Chemicals” (PFAS) in non-stick cookware
If you’re like most people, you probably have a non-stick pan in your kitchen. And if you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what PFAS chemicals are. They are a family of chemicals that are used in many different items in your home. But, one use is to make that non-stick coating in cookware. And it’s been linked to a variety of health concerns.
It can also be found in the lining of pizza boxes and microwave popcorn bags.
In addition, PFAS chemicals can build up in the environment, where they can persist for decades. So if you’re using non-stick cookware, you might want to think twice. There are plenty of other options out there that don’t come with the same risks..
What can we do about it?
- If your non-stick cookware is scratched, definitely get rid of it!
- Replace it with cast iron, stainless steel or enameled cast iron.
- What is great about cast iron is that, if cared for properly, will become non-stick over time.
- Skip the Microwave popcorn and opt for air-popped popcorn
Conclusion
So, where will you start? You don’t have to tackle the entire kitchen at once. Just take it one step at a time. If you’re not sure where to begin or what products to use, I can help. Check out the online store for non-toxic and eco-friendly options that will make your detox journey easier (and healthier). And be sure to follow me on social media for more tips and tricks on how to create a toxin-free home.
Until next time…
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