*check out my corresponding video on IG @agua_mama_ to see all of the items!*
Incorporating health-conscious alternatives into your household starts small and grows over time. For me, this looked like buying a bamboo cutting board to replace our plastic one!
Cookware Swaps
Swapping out our plastic cutting board with bamboo was one of the first ways that my family began to transition into living a more health-conscious life. Plastic cutting boards shed microplastics as you cut and scrub its surfaces, which are much more harmful than what might make its way into your food while using bamboo/hardwood. Plus, plastic utensils are often exposed to higher temperatures, which creates additional issues as toxins leach even faster into your foods. You may need to oil and clean them, but it's worth it.
Nontoxic cookware is also an important investment to consider, with stainless steel, ceramics, and cast iron being popular options. Each material requires its own form of care, and lasts longer if you generally keep up with that care. I have one normal cast iron piece, some that are enameled (so that I can cook more foods that are acidic, etc.). This job previously went to my small stoneware set, but I am slowly phasing that set out as I transition into cast iron.
Dishware Swaps
My family doesn't typically use plastic plates or bowls - we use different materials depending on the object. Ceramics are an awesome option, and one day I hope to help my husband make our own personal set of dishware! But other materials like wood (etc. wooden bowls), glass, metal, etc. will also do the job. I previously bought bamboo bioplastic bowls and cups for my son, but I learned that they may not be much better than BPA-related plastics. However, this last year I discovered a newer plastic material on the market, while learning about my affiliate company's portable hydrogen bottle. This new material - Tritan - isn't made with bisphenols, period. So now we use that in our rotation as well!
Disposables
Reusable silicone sandwich bags are an awesome purchase when it comes to commonly used disposables. I use these for general storage in the kitchen, while also using them for snacks and on-the-go meals. While I do appreciate the elimination of plastic storage, I think the waste-decreasing aspect of this product appeals to me the most.
Unbleached, non-chlorinated parchment paper is one of my non-negotiables, especially considering parchment is often exposed to high temperatures in the oven. I use parchment paper where I know most of my family uses aluminum, so I'm not quite sure how relevant this swap is for others! But for me, swapping out foil for parchment, and then the parchment for a healthier version of parchment, has been part of my health-conscious transition.
Luffa sponges are getting really creative these days, with the sponges I currently have being my favorite so far (check out my video on IG @agua_mama_ to see them better!). The tops are made of luffa, while the bottoms actually look like a traditional sponge - but they are made of cellulose/plant material! They are eco and health-conscious, and I use them multiple times a day, daily. They don't end up smelling like normal sponges do, and last longer than you'd think. I love these, and the fact that I no longer scrub my dishes with microplastics!
Lower Tox Cleaning
The OG's, baking soda and vinegar, are my go-to when I need to dissolve/break drown gunk, or use abrasion. I use them in the kitchen and in the bathroom, and I appreciate their low toxicity levels.
Castile soap is a versatile option when it comes to any sort of household soap, with some using it as shampoo as well (I don't, myself). This brand (Yoken) is EWG certified, and I feel safe using it to wash dishes and other household items.
Hypocholorous acid (HOCl) is released by white blood cells in the body, to help us heal. We can make the same solution through electrolysis, using water and salt. There's a whole market for it within the realms of skin care and disinfection, and I love being able to make it whenever I need using this bottle! For me, it replaces surface disinfectant (I use it on my cutting boards), hand sanitizer, diaper cream, and we sometimes use it on eczema. It's nontoxic, and I appreciate paying more up front for my cool bottle, so that I can save money in cleaning supplies over the next several years.
Lower Tox Fragrance
Low tox detergent or DIY detergent is a huge step towards reducing the quantity of unnecessary fragrance and other additives. I used to make my own basic mix, but having a baby has gotten me on a long-term, Clean Cult switch as I eventually re-prioritize the detergent amongst my other homemade items! Clean Cult has worked well for us, and they offer fragrance free products as well. However, I will definitely switch over to an even lower tox brand or begin making my own soon.
Essential oils and vaporizers are my favorite solution to incorporating lower tox fragrance into my home. I use a vaporizer, versus a water-based diffuser, because I don't like the water vapor creating a more humid and mold-inviting environment in my home! It's super easy to use and maintain, and I love the small guy that I have (shoot me a message in my contact form for the link to my vaporizer or any other product I've mentioned ☺️).
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