In today’s world, we are constantly surrounded by toxins and harmful chemicals, often without even realizing it. From plastics in our kitchenware to chemicals in our cleaning products, these substances were affecting my allergies and skin conditions like eczema.
Transitioning to a toxin-free home was one of the best decisions I made for my health and well-being. By making small swaps—whether it was changing my cookware, filtering my water, or choosing cleaner cleaning products—I created a healthier environment for myself and my family.
The brands and products I’ve mentioned made a huge difference, helping to reduce my allergies, skin irritation, and overall exposure to harmful substances. If you’re looking for a place to start, try replacing one product at a time. Every small step adds up to a big impact on your health and the planet!
Cleaning Products Without Harsh Chemicals
Blueland - Many conventional cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can irritate the skin, respiratory system, and even contribute to long-term health issues. One of my favorite brands for a clean home is Blueland. Their non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products eliminate the need for plastic bottles and harsh chemicals, offering a safer alternative for my home.
Blueland’s product lineup includes refillable cleaning sprays, hand soaps, dishwashing tablets, and laundry detergent, all designed to minimize waste. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle each time, you simply drop their cleaning tablets into water, creating effective and sustainable solutions. They also offer a convenient subscription service, ensuring I never run out of essential cleaning products while staying committed to reducing plastic waste.
Biom Wipes - Another great addition to my cleaning routine is Biom Wipes. These biodegradable, non-toxic wipes are perfect for quick cleanups around the house. Made with safe, plant-based ingredients, Biom Wipes are gentle on the skin but tough on dirt and bacteria. They come in eco-friendly packaging and are free from harmful chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances, making them a safer choice for my family and the environment.
Filtered Water for a Healthier Me
Water quality is crucial for overall health, but many tap water sources contain contaminants such as chlorine, lead, and microplastics. To ensure that I was drinking and using the cleanest water possible, I invested in high-quality filtration systems for my home:
Sans Water Purifier – This advanced filtration system provides the gold standard in water purification. Its 4-layer Reverse Osmosis filter removes impurities as small as 0.0001 microns, ensuring the cleanest water possible. The UV-C purification feature acts as a final line of defense, eliminating pathogens like bacteria and viruses. With a built-in water quality monitor, I have complete peace of mind that my drinking water is always pure. One of my favorite features is the instant hot watercapability, which lets me make tea and coffee without the need for a kettle. Additionally, the auto-dispense function ensures my pitcher is always full of clean water, and the removable glass pitcher allows me to conveniently bring purified water to the table or store it in the fridge.
Water Doctor – These filtration systems target heavy metals, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be present in tap water. Since making this change, I've noticed a significant improvement in the quality of my water. I use them in my kitchen to help with washing dishes and my hands so no contaminants remain. I also installed them in my bathroom sinks for washing my face and brushing my teeth to protect myself from the poor water quality in LA. Additionally, I keep one in my travel bag and attach it to sinks in hotel rooms to ensure I always have clean water wherever I go.
Filter Baby – I never realized how much of an impact shower water quality had on my skin and hair until I started using Filter Baby. I would often get out of the shower with a rash, likely due to the chlorine and harsh chemicals in the water. Since installing this shower filter, I no longer experience skin irritation after bathing. Filter Baby effectively removes chlorine, heavy metals, and other harsh chemicals, keeping my skin hydrated and preventing flare-ups. My eczema flare-ups have significantly decreased, and my hair feels softer and less brittle.
Ditching Plastic in the Kitchen
Plastic containers, utensils, and cookware are often made with chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into food, especially when heated. Making these changes has not only improved my health by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, but it has also helped me reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. To eliminate plastic from my kitchen and create a healthier space for cooking and dining, I made the following swaps:
Caraway – I replaced my plastic food storage containers with Caraway’s food storage system, ensuring that I store my food in safe, non-toxic materials. These containers feature borosilicate glass bodies with a non-toxic ceramic coating and BPA-free accessories, preventing harmful chemicals from leaching into food. Built with Air Release Technology, they help keep food fresh while keeping odors out, making them a safer and more effective alternative to traditional plastic storage.
Our Place – I upgraded my kitchen essentials with Our Place’s plates and utensils, replacing my old plastic ones with high-quality, non-toxic alternatives. Their pans and bakeware are free from harmful coatings, ensuring a healthier cooking experience. To further eliminate toxins from my kitchen, I also switched to their non-toxic blender and Wonder Oven, which allow me to cook efficiently without relying on a microwave.
Beeswax Wraps – I stopped using plastic wrap and single-use plastic bags by switching to beeswax food wraps. These wraps are an excellent alternative to plastic wrap because they are reusable, biodegradable, and made from natural materials. These wraps are made by infusing cotton fabric with beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil, which create a flexible and sticky surface that securely seals around bowls or directly onto food. They keep food fresh without introducing harmful chemicals or generating plastic waste, and when they reach the end of their life, they can be composted or repurposed for other household uses. Switching to beeswax wraps has drastically reduced my reliance on single-use plastics while providing a more sustainable way to store leftovers or cover food.
Hold On Zipseal Sandwich Bags – I swapped out traditional plastic zip bags for Hold On’s compostable zip-seal bags. These bags are PFOA-free, BPA-free, and food-safe, offering a secure seal for food storage at home or while traveling. They’re also freezer-safe, making them a versatile and eco-friendly alternative to traditional single-use bags.
Hold On Trash Bags – To replace plastic trash bags, I started using Hold On’s 13-gallon compostable kitchen bags. Made with a unique combination of compostable materials and plant-based renewables like PBAT, PLA, and cornstarch, these bags are free from harmful toxins such as BPA and PFOA. They’re incredibly strong, eco-friendly, and break down cleanly when composted without producing microplastics or toxic residue.
Mill Kitchen Bin – Is an innovative and eco-friendly way to handle food waste in my home. This trash can transforms kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich material that can be sent back to farms for sustainable reuse. It’s a no-mess, odor-free solution that reduces landfill waste and helps close the food cycle loop. With its sleek design and easy-to-use system, the Mill Kitchen Bin has become an essential part of my eco-conscious kitchen.
Betterway Bamboo Paper Towels – Unlike traditional white paper towels, which are often bleached with chlorine or treated with dyes and synthetic chemicals, Betterway Bamboo Paper Towels are completely natural and dye-free. They are made from biodegradable, compostable bamboo fibers and come in their natural brown color, free of harmful chemicals like PFAs and parabens. This makes them not only safer for wiping food surfaces but also gentler on the skin and better for the environment. The lack of bleaching means fewer toxins in your home and less pollution in the production process. Plus, their durability and lint-free texture make them a perfect eco-friendly choice for everyday cleaning.
Better Air, Better Health
Sans Filters - Indoor air quality can have a huge impact on allergies and overall well-being. To improve my home’s air quality, I invested in Sans Filters, a state-of-the-art air purifier that utilizes advanced filtration technology. It features a 3-stage filtration system, including a pre-filter for larger particles like dust and pet dander, a HEPA filter to capture microscopic allergens and pollutants, and an activated carbon filter to neutralize odors and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
One of my favorite features of the Sans Filter is its air quality sensor, which monitors the air in real time and adjusts its performance automatically to ensure optimal purification. Its quiet operation means it runs in the background without disrupting daily life, and it covers large spaces, making it ideal for my living room and bedroom. Since adding the Sans Filter, I’ve noticed a dramatic reduction in dust and allergens, helping to ease my eczema flare-ups and improve my sleep quality. Breathing cleaner air has also made a significant difference in reducing respiratory irritation and boosting overall comfort in my home.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors - One often-overlooked aspect of indoor air quality is the potential presence of carbon monoxide. If you have gas appliances in your home, it’s vital to use Combination Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detectors. I learned this the hard way when my heaters were leaking gas for six months without my knowledge. Standard carbon monoxide alarms may not alert you to lower levels of exposure, which can still be harmful over time. That’s why I installed 4-in-1 Combination Gas & Carbon Monoxide Detectors throughout my home. These detectors monitor Carbon Monoxide (0 to 2000PPM), Gas (0 to 10%LEL), Temperature (1 to 176 ℉), and Humidity (0% to 99%RH) to provide comprehensive protection.
They are easy to install with a plug-and-play design and feature high-sensitivity sensors for accurate and reliable readings. If dangerous levels are detected—above 150ppm for carbon monoxide or 5%LEL for gas—the device triggers a voice and flashing light alarm to alert you immediately. I especially appreciate the compact design and clear LCD display, which makes it easy to read the data, even at night. Adding these detectors to my outlets has given me peace of mind.