My Natural Livin’ Journey Cont’d.

Hey ya’ll, Happy Sunday! It is so fun to sit down and write again. I hope you have been enjoying and following along the weekly updates to the Beer Bites portion of the homepage! I love staying connected with ya’ll, and giving you a glimpse into this very cooky world I find myself smack-dab in the middle of.

Okay, let’s dive right into the topic of today’s blog: going non-toxic.

Yes. I am referring to all that “crunchy” stuff you see on a growing number of Instagram feeds.

This is a huge topic, and one that, quite frankly, is easy to get lost in. As you scroll those non-toxic blogger social media feeds, you’ll see their perfectly crunchy homes, filled with vinegar cleaners, overflowing pantries full of organic, homemade snacks, and their kids just loving that all-natural play dough. If you’re like me, you are wondering: Where do I start (and do I have to use vinegar, because that stuff stinks and Jared gave me the hard “no” there)? What is the most important thing to switch out? OH MY G, AM I KILLING MY FAMILY BECAUSE I AM USING TIDE LAUNDRY SOAP??

Okay, maybe that last point is a bit dramatic, but as you start on this journey, the initial wave of information about the traditional products you’ve been using can be terrifying. Before being talked off the ledge, I was convinced the chemical products in my home were going to sprout legs and strangle me in the middle of the night.

Fortunately, they didn’t, as I’m here to tell the story, but in the meantime most of them have been evicted from my home. Adios. Buh-bye. Come back never. Thank you please.

So how did I get here? What did I prioritize? For my science and research-based friends: what is the validity of these chemical vs. non-toxic claims?

Let’s get to it. Here is my journey:

My “why”

There are so many things to say here. I could get really long-winded here, but I’ll try to be brief and break it up into three parts: past, present, and future.

Past: I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world, and felt pulled to simpler ways. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of being entirely self-sufficient. An ode to the Old West, where I am able to live off of what I raise, grow, and what nature offers me. Never mind the hard work, there was always something so romantic, authentic, and pure about the idea of complete independence.

Much of this dream is rooted in my childhood with Dad. We got to live our own little western dream, where so many weekends were spent atop our ponies in the middle of thousands of acres of range. There was no fluff. No convenience store. Nothing but sunshine and fresh air. I like to think we were minimalists before it was cool. We made do with what we had (which oftentimes included a dinner of old, dog hair-covered dried salami that was rolling around under the seat because he never remembered to pack food), you got creative, and you simply cared less about modern conveniences because you were surrounded by God’s most beautiful work.

These are some of my best memories as a kid, and one of the reasons I want to get as close to the pure simplicity they represent.

Present: Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with statistics documenting the disease, health, and reproductive issues that are an unfortunate reality in today’s world. The numbers are growing, and I find it both terrifying and eye-opening.

Remember, I am no scientist or researcher, but if you take a look at the increased cases of these health issues, you will also find there is a parallel increase in the number of toxins, chemicals, and junk we allow in and on our bodies. As I learn more about diseases and toxins, the more I believe in my gut that we control our destiny. Sure, we have a larger population, more refined medical detection practices, and more knowledge, which all contribute to greater findings/documented cases of disease. But as we look at the way toxins have evaded all aspects of our lives, including the food we eat, the problem is bigger than a growing population or improved detection. Our economic and convenience desires have fueled our reliance on chemicals and toxins. I don’t believe we can entirely eliminate toxins from our lives as a whole, and maybe that isn’t the answer either, but we can reduce our exposure.

And that’s what I am all about. Education is a powerful thing, and our dollar is a vote. So as I learn more, I do better. I actively educate myself, I go with my gut, and I choose to make cleaner choices.

Future: The choices I make today, have the potential to effect my children, or my ability to have children. If you’ll remember back, in November I talked about endocrine disruptors and chemicals in my first edition of transiting to non-toxic, Tried running, now I’m swapping. I certainly want children, and I want their first home (my body) to be a safe, wholesome place for them to thrive in. (Did you know studies have found that today’s babies are born with a number of chemicals already in their system? Mother’s are exposed to all kinds of chemicals through everyday life, which are then transferred to babies, even in the womb.) Plus, I want to ensure I am the healthiest version of myself so I can be here to enjoy life all the way through those gray-haired days.

Furthermore, as I think about bringing children into this world, I want to give them the best start and chance as I possibly can. I think we all want the same thing – our children to be safe, happy, and healthy. Which I find to be synonymous with quality, educated choices, and ultimately what keeps me on this non-toxic journey. I want the choices I make to protect and positively impact my hypothetical children (and myself, and Jared).

Note: I highly suggest watching the Netflix movie “Stink”. There are some others on my list, but that is the one I have watched to-date. It follows one man’s journey as he digs in to learn what chemicals are put in his daughters’ clothes after his wife dies of cancer. Spoiler alert: tear-jerker.

What

Now that you know my many “whys”, let’s talk about the “what”.

My non-toxic journey started with essential oils. They were a relatively small and easy addition to daily life, and one I initially added them for emotional support. My friend Rebecca did a guest blog Essential Everything in September, introducing all of us to the wonderful world of essential oils. She has really helped kick-start and guide my non-toxic journey, and taken the fear out of it for me (thank you!).

Essential oils are basically a gateway drug (pun totally intended), and anyone who knows me knows that I love learning. And… once I get something in my head, it is all-or-nothing. Cue, today’s non-toxic evolution.

What was it Drake said? Started with my oils, now I’m here?

Asking for a friend..

Okay, I hope you laughed. Even just a little. Even if it was in your head. Please.

Alright, I won’t quit my day job, and I will get down to the things I have swapped out.

TIP: As you run out of things, replace with non-toxic alternatives. I am terrible about following this direction because I am an all-or-nothing kind of gal, but realistically this is the most cost-effective, low-stress way to do it. So remind me, why would I follow that advice? (Palm to forehead.)

• Water filter: This was something I had been wanting to do for a long time, and thanks to COVID, finally got one purchased and installed. Water filters are relatively inexpensive (I think ours was about $40-50, this is similar to the one we got, Pur Filter), and has an instant noticeable impact. If you are like me and like instant gratification, this is a good place to start. Since we have city water, you can taste a lot of chlorine and off flavors, which this water filter instantly eliminated. Not only was the water more enjoyable to drink, it made me feel better about consuming our tap water. Water filters help to catch, stop, and trap a number of contaminants normally present in water (first of all, ew, the fact that it has become “normal” for junk to be in our water…).
• Cleaning supplies: Here is where I went a little nuts. As I learned more about chemicals, the most obvious use of them was in my cleaning supplies. I mean, the huge warning labels and the light headedness when I’d been around the fumes too long, should have all been signs. But when I heard that you can absorb (some) chemicals through your feet, and in some instances, in less that 30 seconds, I was convinced to make the switch. Think about the concentration and effects if you have little ones walking on your floor freshly doused with traditional, chemical cleaners? Ew! Switch, please! I opted to buy the Young Living Thieves Home Cleaning Kit. I usually buy the kits and sets to start with, I think it is easier and usually the most cost effective route. As soon as my kit arrived, I made a ton of new “recipes” (bathroom cleaner, all purpose, grout, scrubs, etc.). Note – A few things outside of the Cleaning Kit that I ordered/use are: baking soda, vinegar (just a little, don’t tell Jared), and amber glass spray bottles.
• Dish Soap: This was easy again because I ordered it from Young Living. It took me a little while to pull the trigger on some of these items from Young Living because they felt pricey, but they are highly concentrated so you can dilute most of them (I cut the dish soap in half, same with the laundry detergent, and most cleaner recipes only call for a capful of the Thieves Cleaner).
• Dishwasher Soap: You guessed it, I ordered this from Young Living, too! I had not previously used our dishwasher (control thing, I like to hand wash our dishes), but was willing to give this a try. I am not sure how good our dishwasher is because it is old, so I use two scoops and add a little vinegar!
• Shampoo/conditioner: These were easy switch overs, and I love the Sukin brand! I feel as though it works even better than traditional shampoo and conditioner, and it is free from sulphates, silicones, and chemicals. (I will add in – I tried to make my own shampoo, realllll earthy. Um, let’s just say I lasted two weeks and that sh!t was gritty. I think I’ll stick with Sukin!).
• Body soap/lotion: I ordered some of the Young Living bar soap. Personally, I fly through any body washes or gels, so it makes more sense for me to use bar soap! And who doesn’t want a little essential oil boost in the morning? Makes sense to me. As far as lotion, I found some of the Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Lotion. I really like it, love that it is not too thick. I focus a lot on what goes onto my skin – it is our biggest organ! What you put on it, gets absorbed into your body. (I will also note that I use Mary Kay skincare and makeup products, and am a Mary Kay consultant. Brand trust is a big thing for me, and I both trust and love Mary Kay. We also have a new Mary Kay Naturally line!)
• Laundry detergent: You guessed it – Young Living! And Seventh Generation laundry detergent. Both are clean, I can have Young Living delivered to my door, or Seventh Generation is available at most stores. Again, you your clothes, sheets, towels, all have direct contact with your skin, which absorbs so much – good and bad. I also have switched over to wool dryer balls in lieu of dryer sheets. Fewer chemicals, reusable, and you can adjust the “scent” with essential oils to what you’re feeling that day!
• Air filters: Air filters, aka, house plants. Did you know that the EPA has found the air inside our house can be more polluted than the air outside?! Terrifying and disgusting. So, blow out those artificially-scented candles, and get yourself a few plants! I have them all over my house, of various kinds, because I love them and because they filter the air in our house. I purposely put a huge Snake Plant in our bedroom because they are great air purifiers. Clean air = happy lungs and happy you.
• Stainless steal pots and pans: I had really been wanting new pots and pans, for one, mine were beat up from college and limited, and secondly, I wanted stainless steel versus the nonstick I had previously. They have found that chemicals from our pots and pans can leach into our food, and stainless steel have been found to be some of the safest. I am one lucky gal, and for Christmas my family got me an amazing new set! While transitioning to stainless steel has been an adjustment, I love feeling safer about our food.
• More oils: I don’t think it is any surprise that I have expanded my oil collection. I’ll admit, I am not perfect at remembering to use my oils. But I love having them on hand for emotional support, to diffuse in the house, and to create new “recipes” with. Each month in my subscription, I try to chose one or two cheaper oils, and one more expensive oil. I look at what oils a lot of the blends and rollers I want to make are, and go from there.
• Food: Food is so important to me! I love to eat, and I love good food. I still opt for brands I know, trust, and love, regardless of whether they are organic or not. However, for all “other” products, I have transitioned to more organic foods in recent months (I have conflicted feelings on “organic”). Jared often questions why I opt for organic foods, and I stand by my statement that our dollar is our vote. I have to trust organic producers and certifiers, and that they are doing the right thing. Again, I want to limit my exposure to chemicals, especially pesticides.
• Garden: If I really want to reduce my chemical exposure – I garden and raise my own damn food! I love having a garden (hello, convenience, walk out to the patio and pick the kale for your smoothie), and the connection to my food. So many of us have lost the connection to our food, and a true understanding of our food system. I have a lot of opinions here (shocker), if you want to buff up on those, check out: I’m a localvore.
• There are a few other changes I have made that I touched on in my initial non-toxic swap out post, you can find those here: Tried running, now I’m swapping.

TIP: If you are shopping and wanting to make a new, educated non-toxic choices, but aren’t sure if a particular brand is really clean, use the Think Dirty app! I love it and use it often. There are a lot of products who appear to be “clean” but are really just marketed well (also called greenwashing). To take the stress and guess work out, all you have to do is scan the product’s barcode, and it pulls up the product’s clean rating! And lists the different ingredients, and their ranking as well.

Now what?

So, now where do I go from here?

My journey is definitely not over. I will continue to educate myself (I hope you do, too!), and adjusting accordingly. There is always room for improvement! I have heard time and time again: “know better, do better”. I will continue to update you all on where my journey takes me!

Before I conclude this blog, I think it is also important to include navigating the situation if you and your partner do not share identical viewpoints on the topic of non-toxic. Jared and I certainly don’t. (This is the man that told me he’s really drawn to orange foods. Not like in an oranges kind of way, like a Cheetos and Kool-Aid kind of way. No shit.) But, he does generally supports things that are important to me. Plus, if I want to change something out, I simply buy the brand and that’s what we use. With the exception of a few things (laundry detergent being one), that he chooses to use traditional versions of. Which, we are all entitled to our own choices (amazing!). Just because I believe non-toxic is better, and what I want to use, I shouldn’t force that on him, or anyone else. Remember – just as important as making educated, clean choices is for ourselves, human to human, we also need to be understanding and non-judgmental when people are not ready to make the same choices as us.

So, that concludes today’s non-toxic journey update! I hope you all learned something, and enjoyed the read. Please let me know what questions, comments, and suggestions you have! I love hearing from all perspectives, because that is the only way to truly educate ourselves.

Cheers!