Decreasing your Exposure to Toxins
No one I know really enjoys detoxing. In fact, some people are freaked out by the concept and completely avoid it. So if you’re a certified detox avoider, then read on for some simple tips to help decrease your toxin exposure level? One of the simplest things you can do is make your own cleaning products to use around your home. And read on to find out how you can further help yourself by doing a little shopping (no really, I swear…)
Recipes for Making Household Cleaners
Essential oils (EO) are the ultimate multi-use product because they can be incorporated into many products for the body, mind and home. Three EO’s I recommend for making your own household products include lavender, lemon and grapefruit because they are inexpensive, readily available and contain cleansing / disinfecting properties. Making your own products is not enough to detox your body, but it certainly contributes to a healthier environment and will not harm children or pets.
All-Purpose Cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup borax with 5 to 10 drops of EO and add to one gallon of boiling water. If you are trying to get rid of mold, use grapefruit as your EO. For a general disinfectant / cleaner, any of the oils listed above (lavender, lemon and/or grapefruit) will work fine. Apply the cleaner, allow it to penetrate for 5 minutes and then rinse. For very dirty areas, use a damp sponge to scrub it in before rinsing.
Window Cleaner:
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar with one tablespoon of lemon juice, 3-4 drops of EO of your choice and 2 cups of water. Spritz onto glass surface and wipe dry with a clean, dry cloth. For greasy areas, add one drop of Dawn liquid detergent to help break up the goop.
Natural Scrub for Cleaning Sinks, Tubs, etc.:
1/2 cup baking soda
1/4 cup citric acid
1/4 cup kaolin clay
1/8 cup pumice
10-14 drops of EO
Mix well and put in a cheese shaker. Although the 3 oils listed above work nicely, I also like to recommend using 5 drops of grapefruit with 2 drops of tea tree and 3 drops of lemongrass because this combination provides an extra shot of anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.
TIP: If you live on the water or in a humid climate, your air conditioning filters may have a tendency to grow mold and mildew. Applying a few drops of grapefruit EO directly to the filters once a month can help eliminate that icky problem.
Eco-Friendly Fashion and Beauty
The fashion, health and beauty categories now contain some kinder, genter – and gorgeous – products. We can trade in our formaldehyde-laden clothes for some chic, eco-savvy, organic duds. Many women don’t realize they apply lead to their lips each day when they swipe on lipstick. It is true that most of the toxins we come across in these products each day are only trace amounts. What is troubling is that these trace amounts accumulate daily across our shampoo, conditioner, body exfoliator, soap, lotion, makeup, clothing, linens, furniture, etc. When I think about all the products I use across a full year, “trace amounts” start morphing into “cumulative chunks”. So check out some fabulous choices to help us decrease our cumulative annual toxin levels!
Eco Conscious Clothing:
1) BambooDreams is really dreamy! This line of textiles offers bamboo clothing for adults, kids (and beds). The material is naturally anti-microbial and feels super soft, light and airy. The fabric is easily maintained and feels airy in sultry summer climates. You can view their line of offerings below.
2) Under the Canopy makes fabulous fashion for women and home. They use combinations of organic cotton, organic soy and / or bamboo. Their clothing is beautifully cut, lightweight and super comfy! The art on the tees is awesome – one of my personal favorites is the “Green is the New Black” tee. And the bedding is pure bliss.
http://www.underthecanopy.com/\
Naturally Green Lips:
Don’t worry – you’re not doomed to a life of grass-colored lipstick on those kissers! Lip Pearls give you a pretty, shimmery sexy pout in a kind and gentle way. These natural lipglosses contain mineral pigments, anti-oxidants, moisturizing oils, plus soothing aloe and sea kelp. The ultimate in feel good cosmetics, each gloss even comes with a little fortune inside to lift your spirits! After all, what’s the point of having beautiful lips if you don’t feel great too?!
http://www.parenzanocosmetics.com
Face and Body Care:
Are you still rubbing petroleum, parabens and formaldehyde into your face and body each morning and night? Guilty of swiping on the season’s must-have mauve gloss – chocked full of lead – all over your smacker? Stop with yourself already and check out some great alternatives by Alaffia.
Alaffia’s line of face and skincare products rock! Using unrefined ingredients from sustainable sources, their products are made with soothing nut oils and butters direct from rainforests. Their shea butter products are some of the best I’ve ever tried. Alaffia makes fabulous products at GREAT prices and sets a fine example of social consciousness. Check ‘em out here:
Posted in Healthy Living