4 Thoughts to Encourage You on Your Toxin Free Journey
I would like to start off by giving you a little background information about myself and about this blog. This will hopefully show you why I started taking this toxin-free journey and encourage you to do the same.
When I started writing 9 months ago I didn’t really know what to write about. I just knew I wanted to write. I would read, “choose your niche”, and had no idea what I wanted that to be. I had several ideas in mind, but they were all about different topics. I decided to go ahead and write about them all and see what happened. I quickly discovered that my most popular posts were my Natural Living posts. So there we have it… that’s my niche.
Unfortunately, it didn’t seem that easy for me. Mostly because I didn’t want to seem like a fraud. To be honest, I do not have a perfectly toxin-free home. I do really enjoy using essential oils. I have honestly switched over most of my cleaning products to non-toxic ones and I think it’s fun to make my own toxin-free products. I know this is the right thing to do for my health and for my families health. However, I often still take the lazy way out and buy the products I’ve always used. And my diet… well, let’s not even go there.
So how about, we do this together? We take one step at a time, one product at a time. I’ll write about natural living, with the understanding that I may need some support and encouragement from you as well.
Here are 4 points about natural living to encourage you, no matter what stage of your toxin free journey you are on.
Chemical Free Really Makes a Difference
I started taking allergy medication at the age of 2 and was dependent on it for many, many years. Today, I no longer need it unless things get really bad. I am proof that you don’t NEED it. Trust me. I’ve been tested and am allergic to basically every tree and type of grass. Plus, household dust, mold etc. My allergies are more under control than ever before. You can read more about my natural allergy remedies here.
The Largest Organ
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Daily we are putting products on our skin and have no idea what these products contain. Most people think about what they put into their body through their mouth, so why not think about what is being absorbed through your skin?
If you are in the market for toxin-free skin care and makeup, I high recommend Juice Beauty. I recently started using them and truly do enjoy the products I have tested so far. I mean, my BB cream smells like fruit loops, it doesn’t get better than that.
Safety First
Toxin-free products are just all around safer. The more cleaning I did with my newborn around, the more I switched out my products. Babies and small children are often sticking things in their mouth. I was probably better off letting my little girl put the dirty item in her mouth than the one I had just “cleaned” with harsh chemicals.
Also, think about that area under the sink. Most parents put child safety locks on the doors or would be frantic if their child was caught playing under the sink. The cleaning products under my sink have labels like this, “If ingested, drink a lot of water.” Plus, many products I made myself. I know exactly what it is in them, and while I still wouldn’t suggest anyone drink them, I do know they are a lot safer.
The Switch is Easier Than You Think
Trading your products made with harsh chemicals, for more natural, non-toxic options, is easy. Most household cleaners can be made with ingredients you already have around the house. Take this DIY Glass Cleaner for example.
If you don’t want to make your own, then it is really easy to buy different ones. Check out my shopping guide for various options.
I know it can all seem overwhelming. We use a lot of different products in our homes. Keep in mind that you don’t have to go throwing everything away all at once. Just switch products out gradually. I have thrown very little away. In most cases, I waited until something was gone, and then replaced it with a non-toxic alternative. Plus, my house is far from perfect. I have yet to switch out many things, such as my deodorant, my shampoo, and countless others. There really is no right or wrong way to go about it. Do what works for you and your family.
I would love to know what your favorite all natural products are. I’m in the market for a new shampoo! Also, let me know if you have questions. I would love to help you take more steps in your toxin free journey.
This post contains affiliate links.
Read more about natural living.
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*** Since writing this post I have expanded my “niche.” I found I can share all different ways to take care of your home and the people in it. 🙂
Jen
January 17, 2022 at 10:05 amHello beauty! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, what a great article! Nontoxic living is important and overlooked. I noticed you had mentioned looking for some natural based beauty products such as haircare; are you still looking? I have the BEST recommendations (I know this was written a while ago). Hope you are doing well and continue helping others!
Dr. K. Lee Banks
January 31, 2018 at 12:29 pmThanks for sharing and motivating others through your blog and this post. Ironically, I’m working on a post now about de-toxing and de-stressing, so this is timely to read yours. I’ve just listened to Dr. Mark Hyman’s “Broken Brain” docuseries last week, and this topic was covered in detail. We tend to be kind of clueless or at least unintentionally ignorant sometimes about what we put in or on our bodies, and how many toxins are actually surrounding us. Rather alarming, but good to know we CAN make changes for better health!
KatiesKottage
January 31, 2018 at 7:58 pmYes, it is all rather alarming. I’ll have to read your post about de-toxing. I appreciate you reading my blog and leaving such a kind comment.
Cherie @Mymamamusings
January 30, 2018 at 4:22 pmThis post is just the kick up the bum that I need to start switching my products out again too. I am wanting to produce less waste and use less plastic too. I switched my tooth brush for a bamboo one and am currently using soap nuts for our washing. I still need to keep making changes. Thank you for admitting it doesn’t happen overnight and it’s one product swap at a time that counts.
Cherie
KatiesKottage
January 30, 2018 at 7:50 pmI hope this really does encourage you. I use very few products as well! It feels so good to clear out the clutter.
Jenn
January 30, 2018 at 7:18 amI love, love, LOVE this post. My son was diagnosed with asthma when he was 5 and I regret that I am just now taking the toxin free life seriously. I started Young Living essential oils in November and have started bring in their Thieves line in and tossing the toxic stuff out. I’m really hoping getting it all out of our house will really help his, and our lives!
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Jenn @www.shawave.com
Caroline
January 30, 2018 at 7:15 amLove your DIY cleaner. I’d never liked the smell of vinegar cleaners but with the lemon essential oil I bet it would help mask that vinegar scent.
KatiesKottage
January 30, 2018 at 7:52 pmYes it really does help. If you can’t get past the vinegar then a food grade alcohol is a good replacement. Thanks for reading!
Gabby
January 30, 2018 at 4:31 amI’ve been slowly trying to make changes around my house but it’s been hard because I have a cat, and essential oils can be really toxic to them! Most of the things that would be easy and beneficial are things that could potentially kill my cat 🙁 any advice on this front?
KatiesKottage
January 30, 2018 at 7:55 pmGreat questions! You don’t have to use essential oils in your cleaners! I have an all purpose cleaner that I make with vinegar, water, and Mrs. Meyers Lavender dish soap. Maybe something like this would work for you. Or you can use food grade alcohol. It doesn’t have as strong as a smell as the vinegar and you can skip the essential oils.
Rachel
January 29, 2018 at 8:02 pmI’m half and half in my house — half green products, half clorox bleach. I used to have zero harsh chemicals and then we couldn’t fight the stomach bug (had it for 1 month straight in december of 2016 and seriously couldn’t get rid of it). The only thing that worked was clorox 🙁 But I like to use green products otherwise!
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:33 pmYes, some times you have to take “desperate” measures and that is okay! It’s great that you are green most of the time. I’m in awe at those are perfectly green all the time.
Zahra Biabani
January 29, 2018 at 6:48 pmembarassingly enough, I just recently have contemplated on the thought that our skin is the largest organ… I’m diligent with nourishing my body with healthful foods, so I should do the same with my skin!
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:35 pmI had never even thought about this until I had my first child and had to put things on her skin. I really it’s just recently something that people are thinking about. Thanks for reading!
Yolanda
January 29, 2018 at 5:36 pmI switched to toxin free products years ago and it truly makes me feel so much better that I did. Oh and thanks for the tip on Juice Beauty. I’m always looking for some good make up/lotions/creams that are all natural 🙂
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:36 pmYes, I am so glad I have been making the switch. It’s truly a decision no one would ever regret. I hope you look into Juice beauty and find something you like. I really have been enjoying it. I here 100percentpure is another good company.
Sarah
April 8, 2019 at 11:27 pmThanks for the tips! Making that switch is a lifetime commitment that sometimes we are better at than other times. Check out the EWG or Healthy Living (I think they changed titles) app. Helpful!
For deodorant, Native is awesome! Doesn’t burn (I tried several) and smells wonderful!
For shampoo, body wash, skin care for babies-adults plus makeup and lots more check out Beauty Counter (full disclosure I do sell it)! Amazing, safe products and company! Even if you don’t purchase, their main push is to learn about your biggest organ and products to stay away from and CHANGING LAWS! You’d think if it were at Whole Foods it’d be safe- NOPE! Happy to answer any questions, although I am no expert, love the products and know a bit about them. Love learning about safe ways and giving us the kick in the pants to remotivate us. All of us do what we can in a day right?
KatiesKottage
April 9, 2019 at 2:54 pmYes we do. 🙂 Thanks so much Sara. I will look into those things. Thanks!
Heather
January 29, 2018 at 1:42 pmI have been taking baby steps towards this and really want to do better. I have lots of homemade cleaners pinned and just need to try making some of them!
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:37 pmThat is how I started out. It seems so time consuming but it the end, you have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your home already. It’s faster than driving to and from the store! Thanks for reading and good luck!
Shann Eva
January 29, 2018 at 1:33 pmI just went to a essential oil/ toxin free living seminar, and it was very encouraging. I definitely want to get rid of the chemicals in my house, but need to do it in pieces. It can be too overwhelming to change everything all at once. So, I can’t wait to read some of your posts as we both take this journey!
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:38 pmThat sounds like an amazing conference! I would love to attend something like that. And yes, it’s better in pieces, otherwise I just think about all of the money I am throwing in the trash.
Heather Gilbert
January 29, 2018 at 12:02 pmAfter my indulgences this weekend I for sure need to be toxin free for like EVER! I really enjoyed this
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:39 pmThanks for reading! I hope you are recovered from your weekend. 🙂
Heather Gilbert
January 29, 2018 at 12:02 pmAfter my indulgences this weekend I for sure need to be toxin free for like EVER!
Annette Dattilo
January 29, 2018 at 10:55 amEvery time I read about chemical free living they always speak to me, but I do tend to get overwhelmed on how to achieve it. Your concept of one at a time is so helpful in achieving something like this. Thank you for sharing.
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:41 pmI felt overwhelmed at first too. Now I’m glad I’ve made the changes I’ve had. They are changes that I believe no one would ever regret. Best of luck. Thanks for reading!
candy
January 29, 2018 at 10:51 amI do this but can always be better. Hate using toxins in anything. Always looking for cleaners without toxins. Goes along with food and laundry everything.
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:42 pmYes, really I could replace everything single thing in my house. It’s actually sad that so many of our ever day products and food have so much junk in them. I could always be better as well. Thanks for reading!
Emily
January 29, 2018 at 10:00 amI really need to start getting into some better cleaning supplies and this article was perfect! Thank you for all the information and I’m excited to exchange some of my toxic and nasty cleaning supplies for some newer, healthier ones!
KatiesKottage
January 29, 2018 at 8:43 pmYou are so welcome! Thank you for reading. I hope you truly found some inspiration here.