If you’ve been thinking about going non-toxic but aren’t sure where to start, I’ve got you covered. I’ve learned a ton through my own journey, and I’ve put together a simple guide to help you get started. These five easy steps will get you started with how to start living toxin-free.
I totally get it—trying to go toxin-free can feel like a big, overwhelming task. I remember the moment when I first realized just how many toxic products were surrounding me in my own home. It seemed like everything from my shampoo to my cleaning supplies had some ingredient that didn’t sit well with me. But the good news? It’s actually not as hard as it seems to make the switch to a non-toxic lifestyle.
Step 1: Create a List of Your Daily Products
The first thing I want you to do is grab a piece of paper or open up a note on your phone and make a list of every product you use on a daily basis. I’m talking about everything: from your dish soap to your body lotion, your toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning supplies, and everything in between. It might seem like a lot, but don’t stress—this is just the starting point to learning how to start living toxin-free.
The goal here is to capture the items you use regularly. Once you have that list, you’re on your way to identifying where the toxins might be sneaking in. Don’t forget the little things, like air fresheners or candles, that can also contain hidden chemicals. Trust me, this list will be your roadmap.
I’ve popped a screenshot from my notes app here so you can see just how easy this list of non-toxic ideas really is! I’m still working on my list too because, let’s be real, it can get expensive really quick.
Step 2: Do Some Research on Toxin-Free Products
Now comes the fun part—researching safer alternatives! Take your list and start looking into non-toxic products that can replace the ones on your list. Start with the items you use most often. Are there any that stand out as potential problem areas? For example, if you’ve been using a toothpaste with questionable ingredients (sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, etc.), that’s a good place to start.
I know it might seem like a daunting task, but there are plenty of resources out there that make it super easy. One of my favorite go-to sites is EWG’s Skin Deep Database. They provide ratings for thousands of beauty and household products, so you can check how safe your current products are and find better alternatives. If a product is EWG Verified, that means it meets their strict safety standards, which is a huge bonus!
You can also find inspiration from trusted non-toxic brands like Attitude, Blueland, and Dr. Bronner’s. These companies have a wide range of safe, effective household products—everything from cleaning supplies to body care. I highly recommend checking them out. Not only do they offer great alternatives, but their products also work really well.
Step 3: Organize Your Toxin-Free Alternatives Into a List
Okay, you’ve done the research, and now you probably have a long list of products you want to try. The next step is to get organized. I made a simple document where I listed out all the non-toxic alternatives I found, along with links to the products. This way, when I needed to buy something new, I had everything in one place, ready to go.
This might seem like a small detail, but having your findings in one document or note helps you stay on track and prevents the stress of having to research everything again when it’s time to make a switch. Plus, it saves you time! As you transition, you’ll also be able to mark off products as you replace them, which feels so satisfying.
Step 4: Prioritize the Most Frequently Used Products
Here’s the deal: it’s tempting to want to toss everything in your home that isn’t 100% non-toxic and start fresh, but that’s not realistic (or necessary!). The best strategy is to focus on the products you use every day. These are the items that have the greatest impact on your health because you’re exposed to them consistently. If you are looking for specific products you should prioritize, check out my comprehensive guide about 5 Toxic Products You Probably Own.
For example, swap out your toothpaste, moisturizer, dish soap, and shampoo first. These are items that you use multiple times a day, so getting rid of harmful chemicals in these products will have an immediate positive effect.
Step 5: Don’t Rush—Make the Switch Gradually
Going toxin-free doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. In fact, I recommend making the switch gradually. Transitioning slowly not only gives you time to research quality alternatives but also helps reduce waste. Plus, it’s way less stressful!
I’ll be honest—when I first started, I wanted to throw everything out at once, but I quickly realized that wasn’t necessary (or practical). Instead, I made a plan to replace items as they ran out. By doing this, I was able to slowly adjust to my new lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed. It also helped me stick to my budget since I wasn’t replacing everything at once. The goal is to create lasting, sustainable changes—one product at a time.
Start Living Toxin-Free
Transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle is totally doable, even if it feels a little overwhelming at first. By following these five simple steps on how to start living toxin-free, you can take charge of your health and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals without stressing yourself out.
Remember, you don’t have to be perfect—just make small, consistent changes, and over time, you’ll start to notice a huge difference. The more you learn about the harmful ingredients hiding in everyday products, the easier it will be to make informed choices that benefit both your health and the environment. Plus, switching to non-toxic alternatives can actually be fun when you discover all the amazing, safe products out there.
So, take a deep breath, grab that list, and start making some small changes today. You’ve got this!!
“Less Toxins, More Life!” -The Non-Toxic Nook