5 Things I Would Do If I *REALISTICALLY* Wanted To Live Less Toxic In 2025
So you want to start living a little less toxic? Don't over complicate it and dont get so caught up in swapping every single thing out immediately. Take it one day and product at a time - as it runs out. Living low Tox doesn't have to be full of fear and overly complicated. It honestly just looks a lot like getting back to the basics.
I would stop using "fragrance". I am talking about the undisclosed "fragrance" or "parfum" on your ingredients label. You would be shocked at how many things fragrance is used in. If you're just starting out - I would skip all fragrance until you're better acquainted in reading labels. Simply just switching to FRAGRANCE FREE anything (cleaning products, laundry detergent, personal care products) is a HUGE first step in lowering your toxic load! Do not let people on the internet make you think it's not - it's a great first step. And I promise - stopping those Bath & Body Works Candles is an amazing thing for your health... even if they smell good.
I would limit (or ditch where you can) your consumption of ultra processed foods. I am talking about fast food, sodas, packaged snacks, candy, instant noodles, boxed tv dinners, margarine, seed oils (like vegetable oil/canola oil), etc. Stick to whole foods, butter, eggs, etc. No, I would not get so caught up in free range, organic, pasture raised, etc. right now if you're just starting this out and on a tight budget - just get back to the basics of real whole simple foods and cooking more at home with butter, avocado oil, olive oil, ghee, etc.
I would prioritize sleep! Our society has an awful habit of "keeping up". We have been ingrained in this culture of never taking time to slow down and move at a slower pace. Get more sleep where you can. Stop scrolling on social media at night! Read a book, relax, self-care, take a bath, call a friend to catch up... limit those screens at night!! In fact, I would turn off my wifi before bed and turn it back on in the morning. When you get up in the morning, do not run to scroll on your phone! And if your schedule allows - get morning sun first thing! It helps to get your circadian rhythm in check!
Water - drink more of it. I promise your body will thank you! Does your budget allow you to get a water filter? If so, that would be the first investment I would make. A water pitcher filter for drinking water is usually the most budget friendly upfront. Pitchers, under the sink, even some fridge filters can be good options. No, they aren't all created equally (ie Brita really is just for "taste" - Clearly Filtered, Zero Water, Aqua Tru are just a few good options to start. If you're not in the place to buy a filter or your budget is tight - that is okay! If you're able to buy spring water or refill spring water at the store, it's a better step! If not, I would drink tap water. While no, it's not the "best" in the world - we sure as hell live in a time where we are blessed to have access to clean water compared to most people in the world. Drink the tap water.
Disconnect and move your body. Now is a wonderful time to disconnect from the internet, social media, and other technology and realign yourself. Take time to disconnect with friends and go out in nature. Move your body! Go for a walk, a hike, do a home work out if it's raining - there are so many free workouts on YouTube! If not, think basics, squats, pushups, mountain climbers, jumping jacks - get your heart rate up! We as a society would do a lot better if we got outside and moved our body more and your health and life would greatly thank you! And honestly - the extra (safe) sun exposure is SO GOOD for your health! Don't over complicate this journey to living low tox!
