Good morning, Sweet Sister! Today, we are going to dive into chemical versus natural for your home and life.
We are going to discuss why to remove toxins from your home.
The average person deep cleans their home five times a month and cleans their home normally seven times a month.
The average person will clean for 12,896 hours in their lifetime. This translates to 1.5 years, 77 weeks, or, in other words, a very long time.
Did you know? The global cleaning product market was worth $163,981,000 in 2019. It is expected to grow to $312,493,000 by 2027.
"Researchers tested both conventional products and “green” cleaning products and detected a total of 530 unique VOCs in the 30 products. Of these, 193 VOCs were hazardous – identified as having the potential to cause health harms such as respiratory system damage, increased cancer risk and developmental and reproductive impacts.
VOCs in cleaning products affect the quality of air both indoors and outdoors. But they contaminate indoor air two to five times more than outdoor air, with some estimates putting it as high as 10 times more. Some products emit VOCs for days, weeks or even months.
VOCs’ health harms are especially concerning because of how many Americans may be exposed to them in the workplace.
Research shows people working in the cleaning industry have a 50 percent higher risk of developing asthma and a 43 percent higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Women working in this field also face an increased risk of lung cancer.
Children’s health may also be at risk. Some studies show that higher use of certain indoor cleaners in utero and in infancy is associated with a greater risk of asthma and wheezing in childhood." Resource: EWG.ORG
With health, fitness, lifestyle and food blogs spanning all corners of the internet, there’s a wealth of well-being information at our fingertips. There’s no doubt that as we become more clued-up about what’s good for us and what isn’t, we’re keen to improve our lifestyle, surround ourselves with all that’s good and live well.
From health food fads to the new exercise trend sweeping gym-enthusiasts by storm, one thing we tend to think about less when it comes to our health are the chemicals we bring into our homes. Admittedly a less exciting topic when compared to peanut butter energy bites and the endless number of green-flavored juice drinks …but reducing the amount of chemicals you’re exposed to at home on a daily basis has real health benefits.
Always looking to increase awareness for natural and sustainable products in all areas of our lives, we’ve looked into five chemicals commonly found in the home and have provided a natural, chemical-free alternative for each. With health-tips for every other aspect of your life covered, now couldn’t be a better time to make simple changes for a healthier home.
1. AIR FRESHENERS
For many a home fragrance adds a welcoming touch and plugging in an uplifting scent or spritzing fresh linen fragrance comes without a second thought. Many artificial scents have been linked to many volatile organic compounds that damage your home’s indoor air quality and have negative side-effects on your health. The humble bumble bee holds the answer to a naturally sweet-smelling home. Beeswax candles are carbon neutral, biodegradable and work as an air purifier, filtering the air for dust and pollen, working wonders for people who suffer from allergies. They may be slightly pricier that your average paraffin candle, but they burn cleaner, brighter and longer…meaning you can rid your home of artificial fragrances and breathe in the clean stuff.
2. LAUNDRY PRODUCTS
Laundry…we shouldn’t really complain, it’s far easier today than in recent history. On our quest for clean clothes without the hard work, we’re relying more and more on chemicals whose origin and effect on the body are unknown and untested. Often containing volatile organic compounds that linger in your laundry room, chemical residue also stays on the clothes that come into contact with your skin. With ‘natural’ being ‘in-vogue’ it can be difficult to source the real natural alternative from pretenders popping-up left right and center. method laundry detergent speaks our language, in a sleek re-usable bottle made from 50% recycled plastic, this detergent uses a plant-based rather than chemical-based approach to cleaning, and with 19 of its 23 ingredients being biodegradable…we’re totally on board!
Keeping a clean home is a must for a healthy life, which is why it's counterproductive to use chemicals that pollute our airways. The fact that cleaning products contain toxic chemicals is nothing new, we’ve read all about it, but with a job to get done and being the creatures of habit that we are, changing your cleaning routine might seem like a big step… and what else is there that cleans as effectively? I have found safe products through the Wellness Store and purchase through my friend Brandi. Their cleaning products range offers a chemical-free, superior alternative that works. Needing nothing but water and lasting six months to a year, the Wellness Store is the leading natural cleaning alternative that’s sustainable, safe for your entire family, good for your home and the environment. Reach out if you would like Brandi's information to learn more. FYI - my girls and I love their skincare and haircare products too!
4. INSECTICIDES
If you’ve read Bringing The Outdoors In, you’ll know we love plants and the benefits they bring to our homes. Keeping your indoor jungle fed, and pest-free is important for growth and prosperity…spraying your home with harmful chemicals…not so much. It can totally depend on the type of pest you’re dealing with, but there are plenty of natural solutions and homemade sprays that use ingredients such as natural witch hazel, essential oils and dried herbs. Some herbs themselves are natural insect repellents, so do your research and have a fresh supply of thyme and mint while preventing pesky pests.
5. BPA PRODUCTS
The possible health risks of bisphenol A (BPA) hit the headlines back in 2008, found in products we bring into our homes such as food cans, some plastic containers, and as a resin coating on furniture. The risks still aren’t definitive but reducing the amount of contact you have with BPA products is easy to achieve. Switch out your plastic dishes, containers and appliances and opt for glass, stainless steel or porcelain. Swap your glad wrap for a recycled aluminum foil and use reusable glass or aluminum for water instead of plastic bottles.
A final quick note to Eliminate TOXINS!
They are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and almost everything we touch. So, in a modern society like today, doing this might seem impossible. However, there are simple steps you can begin taking today:
Use all natural cleaners in your home. Make your own with essential oils. Or buy from companies that use ingredients you can pronounce and understand why they are in there.
Stop using any and all plastic with hot foods and drinks. That means every single one of you who stops for coffee – NO MORE LIDS! Get your own BPA FREE ones that fit standard cups and take them with you and wash them out at home. The toxic overload from drinking hot drinks out of to go cups in your body is SCARY! Do not heat up any food in plastic containers. Which means STOP using a microwave to heat up your food, because it turns healthy food toxic in one zap.
Replace your hair and skincare products (that goes for make-up too). Me and girls use The Wellness Company. You can see a complete list of products we use HERE. If you want more suggestions, then contact me.
Replace what you pack your lunches in to BPA FREE containers.
Stop drinking water with chlorine in it. Get a filter to remove it and other toxins now found in most water supplies!
Stop using toxic hand sanitizers. Use your hands often with water and natural/organic soaps. Carry organic hand sanitizers made with essential oils.
Another good place to start after you change your own thought patterns, is forgiving others and yourself. Then allow that forgiveness to help you rebuild broken relationships. Treat each day as a gift. Tomorrow is not promised. So let go of the past and begin to focus on the here and now and create the life you truly desire. Develop a deeper and richer faith walk. That is essential for me! God is and will always be my number one healer, redeemer, and lover of my soul!
Look at your life with honest eyes and see what needs to change and DO IT!
Live a life of LOVE, PASSION, and FAITH!
Don’t play the victim. You didn’t get where you are today without making choices that amount to how you feel and look.
Educate yourself. You are the best doctor in the world for your body. Then go find a functional medicine doctor in your area that can help you truly reach your health goals!
Because you need support and sometimes friends and family can be a major buzz-kill when you are trying to change your life around completely. Let them see the changes you make and follow along. BUT if they are the supportive type, then by all means get them to come along on this amazing journey too!!!!! Having an accountable buddy will also help you succeed!
Need more healthy lifestyle tips, then check out my eBooks today.
The fact that you are here reading this challenge lets me know that you are ready to truly embrace inner healing and conquer all that is holding you back from living out God's best for you. Which leads me say, NOW is the time to join my group as we begin this 30-day Wellness Challenge - recipes, meal plans, resources and tools for women over 50!
I look forward to hearing how your journey to inner healing goes. So, please be sure you join our FB group today!
Please share this post and invite those you love to join us. We heal together! Be sure to check out the Mental Wellness & Self-Care Workbook below to supplement your journey throughout this challenge.
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May God bless you on your inner healing journey!
Jill | INNER HEALING COACH
ICF Certified Somatic Integrated Trauma Informed Coach ™
CPD Accredited & Certified Integrated Trauma Informed Coach™
Certified Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coach ™
Certified Narcissistic Abuse Specialist ™
Certified Brainspotting Practitioner
Certified Mental Wellness Coach
www.innerhealingcoaching.com Questions, please email myinnerhealingcoach@gmail.com
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NOTE: I AM NOT a licensed medical professional. Please seek a medical professional for treatments, medical advice, or before you start any new wellness protocol.
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