Swaps for low-tox living
Once you begin to recognize the chemicals around you, it can be overwhelming thinking about switching to low-tox items. There are more brands and options than ever, with everyone claiming they offer the best products for your health (while only a small fraction actually do so). I've been researching and personally trying out new products for several years, and have accumulated a small trove of advice for those looking for safer swaps.
Whether you're the "rip the bandaid off" type or the "one piece at a time" type, I've got you covered. And remember, the absolute best ways to reduce toxin exposures are free: sunlight, fresh air, grounding, choosing real foods, and reducing EMF exposure. Everything after those are just bonuses.
​
By the way, I may earn a small commission from products purchased through the links on my site. This helps me to keep helping you! Thanks for your support!
swapping priority
Non-toxic product swaps can refer to replacing everyday items with healthier or more environmentally friendly alternatives. The prioritization of these swaps can vary depending on individual preferences and priorities, however, there are some swaps are generally more important than others.
​
The majority of toxin exposure (chemicals, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, herbicides, etc.) is concentrated in the top three boxes. Swapping out these products for cleaner alternatives will massively improve your environment and offer some relief to your body's natural detox system.
​
What's most important is to go at your own pace and budget, and don't compare your toxin-reduction journey to anyone else's.
most important
not as important
Buying Organic
PRODUCE
Following the Environmental Working Group’s Clean Fifteen & Dirty Dozen list can reduce pesticide exposure by up to 85%. When purchasing produce, it would be beneficial to buy organic based on this list (from most sprayed to least).​
​
Early infant exposure to pesticides has been linked to increased risks of autism spectrum disorder, gut microbiome imbalances, pediatric cancers, decreased cognitive function, and behavioral problems (Study).
MEAT
-
Pasture-raised eggs are the most ideal option when compared to other labels (Read more about egg labels and what they mean).
-
All beef is grass-fed until the last few months of its life, when it then either becomes “grass-finished” or is given a diet to fatten and marbelize. This means there is only a slight difference between beef options when it comes to nutritional value. However, organic beef is not given any hormones or antibiotics.
-
When prioritizing which meat to purchase organic/grass-fed/pasture-raised, pork and chicken are the most important when compared to beef due to the above fact (pork and chicken are much easier to raise indoors + on a poor diet than beef).
-
Wild-caught fish is thought to have a higher nutritional value than farm-raised seafood due to the diverse range of foods they consume in the wild, not to mention they aren’t exposed to antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals/chemicals, which is routine for fish farms.