How I Started Product Swaps On My
Non- Toxic Journey
The First Swaps I Made
When I first started removing harmful ingredients from the products I used, it quickly became an overwhelming task. I realized that almost everything in my home needed to be replaced. Like many of you, I’m not a millionaire, and I’m definitely not an influencer getting 100 PR packages a month (though I wouldn't mind that!). So, I had to take it slow, replacing products as I ran out, rather than doing a complete overhaul all at once.
I decided to go with a swap system, replacing the items I used every day first. I started with things like toothpaste, skincare, cooking oils, and pillowcases—items that weren’t too expensive and could fit into my monthly budget while lasting a good amount of time.
Next, I turned my attention to something I was noticing affecting me daily—my cognitive function. I focused my budget on supplements, foods, and habits that could support my brain health, like daily walks in the sun, MCT oil, fish oil, turmeric, magnesium, Vitamin D3, and more.
The Next Items I Swapped
After my every day items started to be replaced, I moved into kitchenware and cookware. I realized that I could buy all of the organic, locally grown, grass-fed food I wanted, but it was being cooked in toxic materials and absorbing those chemicals when stored, so it was time to swap the next area of my life.
At the time, I was living near a Walmart and, wanting to stay budget-conscious, I decided to go there and buy a set of all-glass plates, bowls, and cups. I also swapped out my cooking utensils for stainless steel and bamboo, and even picked up a few glass coffee mugs. Since my birthday was around the same time, I asked for non-toxic cookware—specifically the Our Place products—which my parents were kind enough to get me. With that, I was all set to start cooking & eating my meals on non-toxic materials!
Another rule I set for myself was to pick up one or two glass storage containers whenever I went to the grocery store (Whole Foods, Publix, etc.). At home, I’d toss out a plastic container each time, until eventually, I had switched over completely to glass. It took a few months, but I quickly replaced all the plastic, giving me peace of mind knowing my clean, healthy foods were stored without any harmful plastics or toxins leaching into them.
The Rest of My Swaps
As I began swapping out my beauty and skincare products, I noticed that many of the cleaner, non-toxic options were surprisingly versatile. I ended up saving a lot of money by discovering ways to make some products at home or finding effective alternatives at a fraction of the cost. This allowed me to redirect my budget toward higher-quality foods and supplements to better support my health and wellness goals.
From there I switched out most of the endocrine disruptors in my home which included all candles, air fresheners, perfume, laundry detergents, cleaning products, etc.
After a few months, I began to better understand what was good for my health and could easily spot the difference between clean and toxic ingredients on labels.
My advice to anyone just starting out is to take it one step at a time. And if you have any questions along the way, I’m always here to help you create a healthier, cleaner wellness plan.