We are fortunate to live in a time when prioritizing health and well-being is encouraged. Many people implement detox programs to eliminate toxin buildup and support normal organ function. While these programs are beneficial, have you ever considered the toxins you encounter in your daily life? From the air you breathe to the products you use, your environment plays a crucial role in your overall health.
We’re not suggesting you move to a remote mountain to escape modern conveniences. Instead, our goal is to detoxify your environment and inspire mindfulness about everyday habits that may contribute to your toxin load and place unnecessary stress on your body.
Common Sources of Environmental Toxins
- Air pollution – Industrial emissions, car exhaust, and household chemicals.
- Cleaning products – Many contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the lungs and skin.
- Plastics – Found in food packaging, bottles, and household items, plastics can leach harmful chemicals.
- Home renovations & occupations – Paints, glues, and construction materials often contain toxic substances.
- Perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products – These may include endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and aluminum.
The Impact of Toxins on Health
Did you know the average woman applies 500 chemicals to her body every day? Many of these chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream and detected in urine. Research suggests that persistent exposure to toxic chemicals can disrupt the endocrine, reproductive, immune, and nervous systems.
For example, a 2016 study found that repeated exposure to phthalates—found in plastics, food packaging, and flooring—can cause oxidative damage to DNA and lipids, leading to acute and chronic diseases (Lin et al., 2017).
Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the number of harmful chemicals in daily life, focus on making small, manageable changes. Here are some practical ways to reduce your toxin burden.
10 Tips to detoxify your environment
- Choose Quality Fresh Food – Shop at local farmers’ markets when possible. Always wash fresh produce. Tip: Soak fruits and vegetables in filtered water with ¼ cup of white vinegar for 20 minutes.
- Opt for Wild-Caught Fish – Avoid farmed fish, particularly large carnivorous species like salmon.
- Use Safe Food Storage – Store and heat food in glass, ceramic, or stainless steel instead of plastic. Avoid non-stick and Teflon cookware, which contain harmful perfluorinated compounds.
- Ditch Plastic Bottles & Cups – Use a reusable KeepCup for coffee and a glass or stainless-steel water bottle instead of plastic.
- Switch to Natural Cleaning Products – Avoid artificial fragrances. Look for essential oil-based alternatives, such as Abode cleaning products, or make your own.
- Use Natural Personal Care Products – Choose cosmetics, perfumes, and deodorants free from synthetic fragrances and aluminum. A great deodorant option is Deodorant Paste #2 by Twig Botanicals.
- Invest in a Water Filter – Look for one that removes bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, chlorine, and fluoride. Zazen water filters are an excellent choice, providing mineral-rich, alkaline water.
- Minimize Alcohol, Caffeine & Medications – These substances tax detoxification organs, reducing their ability to process environmental toxins.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality – Open windows daily to reduce indoor air pollution. Consider an air purifier, such as the WINIX ZERO+ PRO 5-stage air purifier, to help with sinus and asthma symptoms.
- Eliminate Mould & Mildew – Regularly air out rooms and clean visible mould with a microfiber cloth and a few drops of clove oil. If your home has persistent musty smells, consider a building biologist inspection.
Small Changes, Big Impact
We live in an ever-changing, technologically advanced world, and while avoiding all environmental toxins is impossible, making small adjustments can significantly reduce your exposure. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, educate yourself and make conscious choices to protect your health over the long term.
Natural Cleaning Alternatives
Try these inexpensive and effective alternatives to chemical-based cleaners:
- Baking soda – Great for scrubbing surfaces and deodorizing.
- White vinegar – A natural disinfectant. Try this recipe for a DIY cleaner using vinegar – Link.
- Lemon juice – Helps remove stains and grease.
- Clove oil & eucalyptus oil – Effective for mould removal and air purification.
- Castile soap – A gentle, all-purpose cleaner for body and home.
By reducing your toxin burden, you not only support your health but also minimize environmental impact and save money—it’s a win-win!
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) shopper’s guide to pesticides in produce – The Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen!
Every year the EWG (a non-profit organisation based in America dedicated to protecting human health and the environment) release their much anticipated Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen list to the public. This list is updated every year to reflect the most current research on pesticide levels in fresh produce. Whilst the list is created for mainland America, the information can still be applied to Australian fresh produce because many farming practices are replicated across the industrialised world. It is not always possible to eat organic, so when organic isn’t an option, arm yourself with this handy list!
Clean 15 – these items are not as heavily sprayed as others, however, ALWAYS remember to wash your fresh produce!
- Avocadoes
- Corn
- Pineapples
- Sweet peas (frozen)
- Onions
- Papaya
- Eggplant
- Asparagus
- Kiwi
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Rockmelon (aka Cantalope)
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Honeydew
Dirty Dozen – always buy organic!
- Strawberries
- Spinach
- Kale
- Nectarines
- Apples
- Grapes
- Peaches
- Cherries
- Pears
- Tomatoes
- Celery
- Potatoes
