clean living// transitioning items you don’t normally think about
clean living//
TRANSITIONING ITEMS YOU DON’T NORMALLY THINK ABOUT
when transitioning to a clean living lifestyle in the home, there seem to be the more obvious things to swap, such as replacing plastic with glass and tossing toxic cookware, but there are several things that are often overlooked or are often not even known to have clean options.
here is a list of clean options you may not have thought about switching.
TOILET PAPER
this is something we use all day, every day without question, but we are so used to our favorite soft toilet rolls that it’s something that is often put to the backburner, but ultimately it is one of the most important things to change for the health of our body and planet. according to the world counts, 42 million tons of toilet paper is used globally which in turn requires 712 million trees to be cut down, uses 1,165 tons of water, and requires 78 million tons of oil. it is mind-blowing that one product depends upon so much, and we can make a simple change for the better!
clean options:
presto toilet paper// is made with pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources and is so incredibly strong and soft.
betterway toilet paper// this soft and absorbent tree-free toilet paper made out of bamboo is better for you and the planet.
PAPER TOWELS
for those of you who are paper towel fans, I hear you loud and clear. Did you know that two main chemicals found in most paper towels are chlorine and formaldehyde, which are incredibly hazardous for the body. They also contribute to deforestation and an ever-increasing waste problem.
clean options:
presto paper towels// are made with pulp sourced from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources; they are incredibly strong and soft.
caboo bamboo paper towels// these tree-free paper towels are strongly biodegradable, and are made from sustainably grown bamboo and sugarcane; both are fast-growing grasses giving you a sustainable, natural alternative to traditional tree-based paper towels.
five two compostable sponge cloths// these compostable sponge cloths made from plant fibers and printed with water-based ink are a great alternative to paper towels. They will also decompose within six weeks in a home compost.
TRASH BAGS
did you know that most trash bags are made from polyethylene, which is made from non-renewable fossil fuels? trash bags break down into microplastics, which are polluting our oceans, hurting marine life, contaminating the air and are even entering into our food supply. on a second note, scented trash bags are filled with a host of chemicals that pollute your indoor air quality and can cause detrimental effects on your lungs and health. if you have an extra smelly bag of trash, a simple and healthy substitute is pouring baking soda on top; it is the master of absorbing unwanted scents.
clean options:
hippo sak// these are my all-time favorite trash bags for the kitchen. they are incredibly functional, leakproof and strong. they are made from plant-based sugarcane instead of fossil fuels and renewable resources that reduce your carbon footprint. not to mention, the bags themselves are 100% recyclable.
second nature bags// these are great for the smaller trash cans throughout your home. they are 100% compostable, and are made from the highest renewable bio-based materials such as sugar cane, plant starches, and vegetable oils.
INTERIOR PAINT
traditional paints, primers, stains, paint thinner, and varnishes are full of harmful chemicals, additives, and toxins.the chemicals in paint fumes can cause both short- and long-term health effects including vision problems, lung irritation, and throat irritation. if you are exposed to vocs every day (which is present in paint) can also cause cancer as well as damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidneys.
my two favorite paint companies that we used in our own home:
SPONGES
traditional sponges are generally made from oil-based plastic. and those with antibacterial claims are full of toxic chemicals that are linked to skin irritation, cancer, and even developmental toxicity.
clean option:
consumia// this dish brush is made of bamboo, natural sisal, and natural raw materials. it works like a charm!
LAUNDRY DETERGENT
what you use to wash your clothes is so key for your health because the ingredients in the detergent will eventually sit on your skin when you wear that piece of clothing. most are made with highly toxic chemicals that can cause numerous health concerns.
clean options:
branch basics laundry detergent (use code LSK for 15% off all starter kits)
branch basics oxygen boost (use code LSK for 15% off all starter kits)
CANDLES
regular scented candles are a major source of indoor air pollution. the chemicals they emit are considered as dangerous as second hand smoke. it is a double whammy if they are made from paraffin, which is created from chemically bleached and deodorized petroleum waste. when paraffin is burned, it releases carcinogenic VOCs into the air.
clean options:
heaven scent wellness// beeswax candles
follian// candle no. 1 and candle no. 2
STORAGE CONTAINERS
bisphenols are found in plastic food storage containers; this chemical disrupts the endocrine system and has been linked to problems with fertility, the thyroid, weight gain, heart disease and cancer risk.
clean options:
food storage from amazon// these airtight food storage containers are a staple in our kitchen.
glass jars from amazon// these are great for snacks in the pantry.
mold jars from amazon// these are perfect for storing leftovers.
burke decor// the prettiest jars made of recycled bamboo fiber.
