Low Tox Living: 10 habits/products I prioritized in my new home
For most of us, creating a low tox Home will not happen, and should not happen, overnight. My prior home was carefully curated , over the span of 15 years+ years, into our low tox oasis. Small steps and changes made low tox living super manageable and not stressful.
But, As many of you know, we lost our carefully curated home overnight in January’s Los Angeles fires…
So, why I’m not the norm, we were literally in a situation where we had to replace all of our low tox items virtually overnight. This time, however, I was Armed with 15+ years of low tox research and knowledge which made the process of choosing the better product much easier.
While I still can’t control everything ( we are living in a rental unit which has wall to wall carpeting for example, which would always be a major no-no for me) I can work around just about everything ( including the carpeting! Adding air filters and vacuuming!)
Here are 10 priority items ( in no particular order)
Part 1 (Priority items 1-5)
WATER FILTRATION
With few exceptions: filtering your drinking and cooking water will be one of the most important steps you can take towards lower tax living. The reason?
Filtering your drinking water is one of the simplest most powerful ways to cut daily exposure to hidden toxins. Unbeknownst to many, city tap water can contain a cocktail of hidden toxins like : chlorine by products, fluoride, pesticide runoff, trade pharmaceuticals, PFAS, heavy metals and so much more. Filtering your water cuts through that daily toxin burden.
The two types of water filters I recommend are: Reverse osmosis and multi stage carbon. These are the most effective at filtering out many different toxins including hard to remove PFAS.
Reverse osmosis:
AQUATru Classic Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier: we have this upstairs in our bedroom
AQUATru Carafe Countertop Reverse Osmosis Water Purifier: we used this during our time in Spain. I love that it filters into a glass carafe.
Pure effects: For 10 years I had their 3 stage under sink filter and tested in independently multiple times. Big fan.
2. AIR FILTERS
Reasons you might want to consider buying an airfilter: you live in an area that is affected by wildfire smoke (basically 80% of the US!) , you live near a busy street, your home has been recently renovated, your home is a new construction, you have newer furniture, you have a family member that is very allergenic, you want to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals inside your home (all homes have them! ). For an overview on buying an air filter and a comparison of some popular models you can read my guide: Air filter buying guide
After years (about 8) of owning a few Austin Air Filters I became an authorized dealer because I always recommended them! As an authorized dealer I can offer you a 10% discount now through the end of the month. For more information, please email me at.: 3littleplums@gmail.com
3. TAKE SHOES OFF WHEN ENTERING HOME
It might seem so simple, yet taking your shower home upon entering your home actually can make a big impact in reducing your indoor exposure to toxic chemicals. Shoes track in: heavy metals, pesticides, fecal matter, bacteria, industrial toxins.
4. NON-TOXIC COOKWARE
We cooked with All Clad stainless steel for 18 years until the fire. Now, I have stainless steel pots and pans from two newer companies that I love ( I still love All Clad stainless steel too and do have 2 of their pots and pans and their kitchen utensils)
Caraway ( i inly recommend their stainless steel)
For years, I only use stainless steel until I finally tried cast-iron about 6 years ago. I really think I love cast-iron even more! It really gives you that easy nonstick finish. These are the cast-iron pans I currently have.
For more ( bakeware etc) you can read my post “ Low Tox Kitchen Essentials”
5. LOW- TOX CLEANING SUPPLIES
Unlike some higher cost items, cleaning supplies can be switched out immediately at little to no cost. Conventional cleaning products often hide harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine bleach, 1,4 dioxane (a carcinogen) formaldehyde, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances that can irritate skin and lungs short turn and have long term ramifications by messing with out hormones, leading to asthma, cancer damages to the central nervous system and more. You can start by making your own cleaners by mixing vinegar and water for an all purpose cleaner….. I started there and today I buy and use these cleaning products at home:
Branch Basics (discount code: AIDASPICKS ) Also available on Amazon
Force of Nature (mostly for the bathroom ( shower and toilet area)
Laundry:
Part 2 (items 6-10) coming soon- stay tuned!