A Guide to Low Tox Living: Creating a Healthier Home for You and Your Family

10 Dec

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In today's world, we’re exposed to a cocktail of chemicals daily — in our homes, personal care products, and even the air we breathe. The concept of Low Tox Living is about reducing our exposure to these potentially harmful toxins to support long-term health and well-being. While we can't eliminate every toxin, we can make mindful choices in key areas of our lives. By being mindful of what we bring into our homes and bodies, we can reduce our toxic burden and support better health. From food choices to cleaning products and home materials, making low-tox decisions can have a lasting impact on our well-being. This blog will walk you through essential low-tox swaps and practical tips for your household, skincare routine, and overall home environment.

1. Choosing Low-Tox Household Cleaners

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances (phthalates), which can irritate the lungs and skin. Switching to low-tox alternatives can protect your health while keeping your home fresh and clean.

Key Ingredients to Avoid in Cleaning Products:

Phthalates (found in synthetic fragrances)
Chlorine bleach (found in disinfectants)
Ammonia (found in glass cleaners)
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Quats) (found in disinfectants)

Low-Tox Swaps:

Multi-Purpose Cleaners: Look for products certified by Environmental Working Group (EWG), Safer Choice, or DIY your own cleaner with vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.
Natural Dish Soaps: Choose plant-based, fragrance-free options or make your own with castile soap.
Laundry Detergents: Seek fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergents with no optical brighteners.

Pro Tip: One of the first steps in Low Tox Living is checking labels on the products we use daily:

Food: Look for minimally processed, organic options whenever possible. Avoid products with artificial additives, preservatives, and synthetic chemicals. Refer the EWG top food Chemicals to avoid here
Home Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Opt for non-toxic, plant-based alternatives free from synthetic fragrances, chlorine, and ammonia.
Personal Care Products: Check for harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances in items like shampoos, lotions, and deodorants. Use the EWG Skin Deep database or apps to find low-tox, safe products.
Some commonsense ways to avoid the most toxic cleaners:
- Choose pump bottles or “trigger sprays,” rather than aerosols, which release fine droplets that can be inhaled deeply into the lungs.
- Avoid products with the terms “fragrance” and “parfum” as ingredients, as this is typically a mystery blend of toxic chemicals.
- Watch for words on labels saying “Warning” or “Danger,” which probably indicate the presence of harmful ingredients.
- Explore DIY cleaning using vinegar and baking soda before turning to commercial products. They reduce your exposure to multiple chemicals and you’ll always know what you’re using.
- And be sure to ventilate your kitchen while cleaning, if you can.

All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe

This versatile cleaner can be used on countertops, sinks, and general surfaces.

Ingredients:

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
10 drops doTERRA OnGuard essential oil
10 drops lemon essential oil (optional for extra grease-cutting power)

Instructions:

Combine the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Add the essential oils.
Shake well before each use and spray onto surfaces.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Note: Avoid using this on natural stone surfaces like marble or granite, as vinegar can etch the stone.

2. Healthier Pots, Pans, and Everyday Household Items

Non-stick cookware may seem convenient, but many contain perfluorinated compounds (PFC/ PFA’s), which can release toxic fumes at high temperatures. Long-term exposure to PFCs has been linked to health issues.

Use of BPA containing Plastic Containers to Store food and re-heat food is an endocrine disrupting chemical and can lead to a range of health issues.( See our previous blog on EDC’s).

Low-Tox Swaps for the Kitchen:

Cookware: Switch to stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans (ensure the coating is free of PFAS and PFOA).
Food Storage: Replace plastic containers with glass or stainless steel options.
Utensils: Choose bamboo, stainless steel, or silicone over plastic utensils.
Non-Toxic Bakeware: Look for uncoated glass, stainless steel, or ceramic bakeware.

Choose natural biophylic materials for household furniture and fittings over synthetic and plastic materials that are coated with sealers that are likely to off gas.

3. Low-Tox Skincare and Beauty Products

Our skin absorbs a significant portion of what we apply to it, so it's essential to choose products free from harmful chemicals. Many conventional skincare and beauty products contain toxic ingredients like parabens and synthetic fragrances, which are linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation.

Toxic Ingredients to Avoid in Skincare and Beauty:

Parabens (preservatives linked to hormone disruption)
Phthalates (often found in nail polish and hairspray, deodorant and perfume and are meant to keep products soft and flexible)
Formaldehyde (found in nail polish and hair treatments)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (can irritate the skin)
Synthetic Fragrances (often contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals)
Paraformaldehyde, a type of formaldehyde.
Methylene glycol, a type of formaldehyde.
Quaternium 15, which releases formaldehyde.
Mercury, which can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
Dibutyl and diethylhexyl phthalates, which disrupt hormones
Isobutyl and isopropyl parabens,
PFAS.
M- and o-phenylenediamine
Lead
xenoestogens/ metalloestogens
BHA & BHT, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” In some studies, it has been reported to produce liver damage and interfere with thyroid hormone levels. It’s found in exfoliators and some fragrances
Coal Tar Dyes (Aminophenol, Diaminobenzene, Phenylenediamine) often found in hair dyes
Synthetic Fragrances are among the top five contenders that cause allergies, including causing rashes, irritation, and links to cancer and nervous system issues.
Sulfates
Triclosan, popular in the use of antibacterial products found in bars and liquids
Oxybenzone is one of the highest-risk chemicals found in sunscreen
Propylene glycol is typically used as a skin-conditioning agent
DEA (diethanolamine)

Low-Tox Swaps for Personal Care:

Skincare: Choose EWG-verified skincare brands and products. Look for labels like "paraben-free," "phthalate-free," and "fragrance-free."
Makeup: Choose mineral-based makeup that avoids toxic pigments and preservatives.
Sunscreen: Opt for zinc oxide-based sunscreens, which create a physical barrier instead of relying on chemical UV absorbers like oxybenzone.

Useful Tools:

EWG Skin Deep Database: Check the safety of beauty and skincare products before you buy. The EWG Skin Deep Database is an excellent tool for checking the safety ratings of personal care products. It allows users to search for specific products and view a breakdown of ingredient safety. You can explore it here.
Think Dirty App: Scan barcodes to learn about ingredients in beauty and personal care products.

4. Water Filters: The Key to Cleaner Water

Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, and trace pharmaceuticals. While municipal water systems aim to make water safe to drink, the process doesn’t remove every contaminant. Most Councils recommend filtering your household water.

How to Choose a Water Filter:

Activated Carbon Filters: Remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some pesticides.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Remove most contaminants, including heavy metals, fluoride, and nitrates.
Water Pitcher Filters: Budget-friendly but less effective at removing all contaminants.

If you’re looking for a guide on the best water filtration systems for New Zealand homes, there are several key options to consider. Water quality can vary significantly across regions, so choosing the right system depends on the specific contaminants you’re trying to address.

Types of Water Filtration Systems in New Zealand

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
- Best for: Removing heavy metals, dissolved salts, bacteria, and viruses.
- How it works: Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane, leaving contaminants behind.
- Pros: Removes 99.9% of chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms, providing extremely pure water.
- Cons: High water wastage (3-4 liters wasted for every 1 liter purified) and removes beneficial minerals
Activated Carbon Filters
- Best for: Improving taste and odor; removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some disinfection byproducts.
- How it works: Water passes through a carbon medium that absorbs certain contaminants.
- Pros: Affordable and effective for taste/odor improvement. Available as faucet filters, under-sink units, and whole-house systems.
- Cons: Limited ability to remove heavy metals, nitrates, and microorganisms
Ultraviolet (UV) Purification
- Best for: Killing bacteria, viruses, and pathogens.
- How it works: Water is exposed to UV light, which inactivates microorganisms.
- Pros: No chemicals added, effective for bacterial disinfection.
- Cons: Does not remove sediments, heavy metals, or chemicals, and requires electricity
KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) Filters
- Best for: Reducing chlorine, heavy metals (like lead and mercury), and controlling bacterial growth.
- How it works: Uses a redox reaction between copper and zinc to remove contaminants.
- Pros: High efficiency in removing heavy metals and microbial control. Often combined with other filtration methods.
- Cons: Works best as part of a multi-stage filtration system
Whole-House Filtration Systems
- Best for: Providing filtered water throughout your entire home.
- How it works: Water is treated as it enters the home, typically using a combination of sediment, carbon, and KDF filters.
- Pros: Consistent water quality at all taps, protecting appliances and plumbing.
- Cons: Higher upfront cost and complex installation process
Ceramic Filters
- Best for: Removing bacteria, protozoa, and sediments.
- How it works: Water passes through a porous ceramic material that traps impurities.
- Pros: Simple, effective, and long-lasting. Suitable for rainwater users.
- Cons: Slower filtration rate, limited effectiveness against viruses and chemicals

Pro Tip: Check your local water quality report to identify which contaminants are present and choose a filter that targets them.

5. Healthier Home Options for a Low-Tox Environment

Our indoor environment plays a significant role in our health, especially since we spend 90% of our time indoors. Air quality, mould exposure, and off-gassing from furniture and paints can all contribute to a high toxic load.

1. Choose Low-VOC Paints and Products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are found in paints, varnishes, and adhesives. VOCs release toxic fumes into the air and can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin.

Low-Tox Swaps:

Use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints
Choose non-toxic adhesives and wood finishes.

2. Invest in Air Filters and Improve Ventilation
Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. Invest in air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove pollutants like pollen, dust, and mould spores. Good ventilation, such as opening windows or using exhaust fans, can also improve indoor air quality.

3. Avoid Mould Growth
Mould can cause respiratory issues, especially for those with allergies or asthma. To prevent mould growth:

Control Humidity: Keep humidity levels between 30-50% with dehumidifiers.
Fix Leaks: Address water leaks or damp areas quickly to prevent mould spores from taking hold.
Clean with Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural mould-killer that’s safer than bleach.

4. Use Plants as Natural Air Filters
Plants like Peace lilies, Snake plants, Boston Fern and spider plants act as natural air purifiers. NASA's Clean Air Study found that certain plants can reduce toxins like benzene and formaldehyde.

Pro Tip:

There are various healthy home certification systems and guidelines that help ensure buildings meet low-tox standards:

Homestar Ratings: These ratings assess a home’s environmental, energy efficiency, and health performance. Homes with high ratings use low-toxic materials, good ventilation, and sustainable building practices.
Use of Natural Furnishings and Materials: Choose natural furnishings like wool rugs, cotton, linen, and organic mattresses. Avoid synthetic materials that often contain flame retardants and other chemicals.
Biophilic Design: Incorporating nature into your home, such as plants, natural light, and natural textures, supports well-being and reduces stress. Plants not only purify the air but also help create a calm, refreshing environment.

6. Tips for a Smoother Low-Tox Transition

Transitioning to a low-tox lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it all at once. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Start Small: Begin with products you use daily, like cleaners, cookware, and skincare.
One Room at a Time: Focus on one area of your home at a time, like the kitchen or bathroom.
Use What You Have: Don’t feel the need to throw away everything at once. As items run out, replace them with low-tox alternatives.
Do Your Research: Use the EWG Skin Deep Database and Think Dirty App to check product safety.

Final Thoughts

Low Tox Living is not about perfection; it’s about progress. Each change you make, whether it’s swapping your cleaning products, upgrading your cookware, or improving your home’s air quality, contributes to a healthier home and body. By making these changes, you reduce your toxic load, protect your family’s health, and align with a lifestyle that promotes well-being.

With tools like the EWG Skin Deep Database, Think Dirty App, and third-party certifications for products, you can make more informed choices every day. Small, intentional shifts add up to significant changes in your health and wellness.

If you’re ready to take the next step in Low Tox Living, start with one of the areas above, and remember — progress, not perfection. Your future self will thank you.

Did you enjoy this blog? Share it with someone you care about and inspire them to make their home a low-tox haven too. 🌿

References:

No.1 Toxicologist: Stop Using Scented Candles! These Products Were Making Me Infertile! Using This Product Is Harming Your Future Kids!