The More You Know: Make the Switch to Nontoxic Cleaning Products

When we think about ways to improve our overall health, most people prioritize diet, exercise, sleep and stress…

While there’s no doubt the “big four” are crucial to living a healthy lifestyle, there are smaller things we do every day that increase our body’s toxic burden over time – a contributing factor in the development of chronic disease.

You all know I’m a proponent of toxin-free make-up, skin-care and personal products which is why I love Beautycounter, but did you know one of the leading ways we allow more toxins into our homes and our bodies is by using conventional household cleaning products?

From multi-purpose cleaning sprays to fabric softeners to scrubbing bubbles that make our tubs sparkle, household cleaning products harbor some very harmful substances.

Let’s talk about the key reasons why you need to kick these products to the curb and how to replace them with safer alternatives.

Lack of Federal Regulation = Harmful Ingredients

Unlike food, beverage and personal care items, manufacturers of household cleaning products do not have to provide a list of ingredients on the label. In fact, due to a lack of federal regulation, companies can use nearly any substance they want without having to prove it’s safe. Exactly what ends up in common cleaning products used in households throughout America? Here are just a few of the biggest offenders:

Phthalates are among the most toxic substances because they are found in scented products like dish soaps, laundry detergents and cleaning sprays. Studies have confirmed phthalates are endocrine disruptors that have been linked to:

hormone changes
lower sperm counts
birth defects in the male reproductive system
obesity
diabetes
thyroid irregularities

QUATS (quaternary ammonium compounds) are commonly found in fabric softeners and cleaners labeled “antibacterial.” In addition to helping breed drug resistant bacteria, QUATS are skin irritants found to be a leading cause of contact dermatitis. Additionally, prolonged use has been linked to respiratory disorders like asthma.

2-Butoxyethanol is found in window, kitchen and multi-purpose cleaners and is considered a powerful solvent. In addition to causing a sore throat when inhaled, this solvent can contribute to pulmonary edema and liver and kidney damage.

Not Just Harmful to You, Your Kids, Your Pets…
It’s Harmful to the Planet

If the toxic ingredients found in conventional household cleaners can cause serious damage to the human body, imagine what constant use by millions of households can do to the planet!

After those bubbly cleaners and disinfectants swirl down your drain, they eventually make their way into rivers and waterways where they harm fish and other wildlife.

In one study, the U.S. Geological Survey found that 69% of waterways contained detergent metabolites that don’t biodegrade. Detergent metabolites have been shown to mimic the hormone estrogen, which means their presence can harm the reproduction and survival of fish and other animals that rely on those water sources.

Additionally, phosphates found in automatic dishwasher detergents enter waterways and act as fertilizers, spawning an overgrowth of algae. This overabundance of plant life eventually depletes the water’s oxygen supply, killing off fish and other organisms.

Make the Switch to Safer Products – it’s Simple!

There’s a saying: you can either be a part of the problem or a part of the solution. The statistics above shed light on why it’s more important than ever to protect your body and the planet from the potentially dangerous side effects of conventional household cleaning products.

If you’re overwhelmed, don’t worry! My main purpose is to make you aware and offer you simple solutions.

Here are my favorite resources and simple tools to help you get started:

EWG
The Environmental Working Group website has compiled safety ratings for more than 2,500 household products (and personal hygiene/makeup!) so you can see how your products stack up. Find the ratings HERE.

Thrive Market
Hands-down, my favorite place to buy safe household cleaning products is Thrive Market. Always at prices 25-50% below retail with a commitment to high-quality natural products and sustainability, it’s like Costco meets Whole Foods!

And you can get 25% your order when you sign up with Thrive today!

I know I’m getting the best prices on the safest products my money can buy. Thrive offers everything from dish soap to laundry pods to dryer sheets to cleaning sprays, so you won’t miss out on a thing, except the harmful ingredients!

I’ve been really pleased since switching my products over, even if you do it one at a time it will make a difference!

Check my recent cleaning supply haul from Thrive!

You can see all of Thrive Market’s household cleaning supplies HERE.
I have found all of these to be just as effective and long-lasting as conventional products.

I also get other home staples on Thrive as I’ve found they truly do have the best prices around.
To name a few: