7 Nontoxic Swaps Under $50 for a Healthier Home and Body

In today's world, where environmental consciousness and personal health are increasingly at the forefront of our minds, making nontoxic swaps in our everyday products is more important than ever. From the air we breathe to the products we use on our bodies, small changes can lead to significant benefits. Here are seven nontoxic swaps under $50 that can help create a healthier environment for you and your family.

1. Perfume

   - Swap: Dime Beauty (discount code LIVHOLISTIC)

   - Why: Traditional perfumes often contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. Dime Beauty offers a range of nontoxic fragrances that are free from these harmful ingredients, allowing you to smell great without compromising your health.

2. Cleaning Products

   - Swap: DIY Cleaners

   - Why: Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both your health and the environment. Making your own cleaners using ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils is a cost-effective and nontoxic alternative that is just as effective.

Here are the recipes for the DIY cleaners you're looking for:

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner/Glass Cleaner

- Ingredients:

  - 1 cup distilled water

  - 1 cup white vinegar

  - 20 drops lemon essential oil

- Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. 

  2. Shake well before use. 

  3. Use on surfaces such as countertops, glass, and tile.

DIY Disinfectant Wipes

- Ingredients:

  - 1 cup distilled water

  - 1/4 cup isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher)

  - 20 drops lemon essential oil

  - Paper towels or cloth wipes

- Instructions:

  1. Mix water, alcohol, and essential oil in a bowl.

  2. Cut paper towels or cloth into squares and place them in an airtight container.

  3. Pour the cleaning solution over the wipes, ensuring they are well saturated.

  4. To use, pull out a wipe and clean surfaces. 

DIY Soap Scum Remover

- Ingredients:

  - 1 cup baking soda

  - 1/4 cup liquid castile soap

  - 10 drops lemon  oil

- Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix baking soda and castile soap until well combined.

  2. Add vinegar and essential oil, stirring until a paste forms.

  3. Apply the paste to soap scum on surfaces like tubs or showers, and scrub.

  4. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Learn all of my simple, nontoxic DIYs HERE.

3. Candles

   - Swap: Beeswax Candles

   - Why: Traditional candles often contain paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals when burned. Beeswax candles, on the other hand, are nontoxic and produce a clean, natural scent that can help improve air quality in your home.

4. Period Care

   - Swap: Rael Organic Cotton Pads/Tampons (Amazon list)

   - Why: Conventional menstrual products are often made with synthetic materials and chemicals that can be irritating and harmful to your health. Rael offers a range of organic cotton pads and tampons that are free from these harmful ingredients, providing a safer and more comfortable period experience.

5. Plastic Food Containers

   - Swap: Glass Food Containers (Amazon list)

   - Why: Plastic food containers can leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially when heated. Glass food containers are a nontoxic alternative that is both safe and environmentally friendly.

6. Air Fresheners

   - Swap: DIY Air Freshener/Essential Oil Diffuser

   - Why: Many commercial air fresheners contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to your health. Making your own air fresheners using essential oils and a diffuser is a nontoxic alternative that can help improve indoor air quality.

• DIY Air Freshener

• Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup distilled water

• 2 tablespoons witch hazel or rubbing alcohol

• 10-20 drops essential oil (e.g., lemon, lavender)

• Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before use. Spray around your home as needed.

7. Personal Care Products

   - Swap: Nontoxic Deodorant/Detox Set

   - Why: Conventional deodorants often contain aluminum and other harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin. Nontoxic deodorants are free from these ingredients, providing a safer alternative for daily use. Additionally, using a detox set can help remove buildup from conventional products and restore your skin's natural balance.

Making these nontoxic swaps in your home and personal care routine can have a positive impact on your health and the environment. By choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals, you can create a safer and more sustainable lifestyle for yourself and future generations.