30 Days to a Toxin-Free Life! - Nesting With Grace

Swap out harsh, chemical-laden products with these solutions made with naturally derived ingredients. Many of the personal care products you use daily could also have hidden chemicals or harsh dyes and fragrances. Read the labels on everything to see where you can make improvements. I personally use Think Dirty App to check all of my products or I check them on EWG.

Tip- I use google to search for items I want to check on EWG (their website can be tricky) just type in google “top dish soap on EWG”! Most of Young Livings Products aren’t on EWG, so I just read the specific ingredients and they are plant base products.

The EPA reported this year, “a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities indoor air in your home to be polluted? It can range from radon to mold to improper ventilation to lead in paint, to just the fumes and fragrance from things like kitchen cleaners, bathroom cleaners, laundry soap, dishwashing detergent, air fresheners, plug ins, etc.

Products we buy to clean our homes with, is a great place to reduce the indoor air pollutants. And the things we are using to make our home “Smell good” are polluting our indoor air!

Disclaimer- I created this 30 day toxic-free challenge for my essential oil members (meaning they bought a starter kit from me or one of my members). So for those who don’t love essential oils or haven’t tried them before, this might feel like a big old Young Living Post. It is a guide for those who want to replace everyday toxic items with their essential oils. Hopefully it is a great resource for you! Or for those that are curious about essential oils this post might be enlightening for you!

I hope this challenge will help you stop putting off what you have been wanting to do in your home!

30 Days to a Toxin Free Life! (You can print the above printable HERE 30 Days Toxin Free Home)

1- Candles-

Why are candles toxic?

Anything that releases smoke decreases the air quality around it.

Fragrance candles are the worst because of the nasty extra ingredients added. Particulate matter released from candles is so tiny that the particles can get deep into your lungs and cause respiratory problems.

“ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, HALF OF DEATHS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD RELATED TO LOWER RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS CAN BE DIRECTLY LINKED TO ‘PARTICULATE MATTER’ PRESENT IN INDOOR AIR POLLUTION.” (source)

If you MUST use a candle, look for a beeswax candle without lead in the wick. However, one important point to remember: while beeswax and soy candles release fewer volatile organic compounds than paraffin candles, burning them still releases particulate matter. Because of this, you should still keep in mind that they aren’t completely free from impacting your indoor air.

Much more candle info can be found here.

Instead of lighting a candle- Diffuse essential oils! Diffusing has totally replaced candles for me. And I like diffusing SO MUCH MORE!!!! Worried you are going to miss out on the yummy fall smells? Nope. You will not. We have amazing blends that smell better than a candle and will not give you a headache, they will actually support your immune system.

2- Dish Soap

This one came as a shock to me. There are 8 toxic chemicals that are commonly foundin your conventional dish soap. They include: Phosphates, Triclosan, SLS (sodium Lauryl sulfate/SLES (sodium laureth sulfate). Fragrance, DEA, MEA, TEA, Chlorine, Formaldehyde, Ammonia. IN YOUR DISH SOAP!! You eat off of that! Attitude Dish Soap was a top rated option on EWG.

I personally use Thieves– Did you know that the label on Thieves Dish Soap says “if consumed, drink water?” No toxins here! Just plant-based and effective dish washing! This is FOOD GRADE cleaner… doesn’t that make so much sense? Here are some tricks to get more out of your bottle:

First: put a pump on it! You will be able to better regulate the amount dispersed. You can use the pump from the hand purifier if you need one!

Second: All of Young Living products are ultra concentrated. Try using your ONE $14 bottle of Dish Soap and divide it into thirds. Pour 2/3 of the bottle into a air tight mason jar or storage container. Then add 1 tsp baking soda (wonderful for cleaning), and then fill to the top with water.

3- Plastic Food Containers, water bottles and wrap

Many plastic containers are made from chemicals such as phthalates, which can interfere with the body’s endocrine system to produce adverse developmental, reproductive and neurological effects in humans and since the plastic breaks down over time it can cause the release of these dangerous chemicals into your food.

Need some ideas on what to use instead of your plastic? I have what has worked for us listed here- 10 Things You Could Do Without

4- Dishwashing Soap or Powder

Along the same lines as the dish soap, the dishwashing powder or liquid that we are adding to our machines can have the same toxic effects on the dishes and silverware we are eating off of! Have you ever washed your dishes and tasted the soap residue in your cups?? Yes, unfortunately soap residue does happen. Did you know some of those same chemicals left on your dishes are inhalant toxins?

Some ingredients to avoid in dishwasher detergent:

+ Diethanolamine, according to the CDC, this is known to cause cancer, have moderate allergic reactions, and contribute to kidney damage.
+ Formaldehyde – the IARC states this as a know human carcinogen.
+ Phthalates- these are found in the fragrance and are not listed on the label. According to the IFRA, there are 3,059 materials that are used in fragrance. Phthalates are considered endocrine disruptors by the EWG.
+ Benzene – according to the EPA and EWG, it is linked to cancer, developmental problems, and endocrine disruption.

Young Living Option– Here is a hack to get double the amount of Dishwashing Detergent from your Thieves Dishwasher Powder!

Use 1/2 scoop Thieves powder and 1/2 scoop baking soda mixed well and add to the dishwasher.

5- Frying Pans

Did you know that the most popular cookware are non-stick pans and the are also the most controversial? According to the Environmental Working Group, nonstick coatings can “reach 700 degrees Fahrenheit in as little as 3-5 minutes, releasing 15 toxic gases and chemicals, including two carcinogens.” There are non-stick pans that ARE non-toxic you just have to do your research. I found that a Cast Iron pan to be the most “green or non-toxic” we have THIS Cast Iron Pan, just read into how to properly take care of them! I am looking at getting THIS set of green pans, still doing my research

6- Toothpaste

WHAT? There are TOXIC ingredients in our toothpaste? That just doesn’t seem right. But it’s true.

Avoid- Titanium Dioxide, Triclosan, Flouride, SLS, Parabens, Abrasive ingredients, Artifical coloring, DEA, etc are all commonly found in commercial toothpastes.

You may be thinking.. Well I need that flouride.. or is it really that bad if we aren’t swallowing it? Your mouth is lined with mucous membranes designed to help your body absorb nutrients from your food! There is a powerful mouth-body connection and it is really one of the best places to start when ditching toxins! Talk to your dentist about ditching the flouride in your toothpaste. It is a neurotoxin and can be extremely harmful for your health!

Young Living Option- Thieves Toothpaste is free from all of the above listed additives and is, again, plant-based and entirely nontoxic!

I have loved the new Whitening option. Thieves Whitening Toothpaste gently removes stains without damaging tooth enamel with a combination of effective and gentle ingredients one of which is calcium hydroxyapatite. This ingredient closely mimics thetooth’s enamel, making it ideal for maximum cleaning and stain removal with minimal abrasion.

*You can add a drop of orange essential oil to naturally whiten teeth!

7- Antiperspirants

One of the ingredients found in a lot of deodorants is aluminum. Food and Drug Administration does require a warning label on all antiperspirants. Questions have been raised about aluminum in deodorants if they contribute to breast cancer (studies are in-conclusive). But that is enough of a reason for me to look for all natural deodorant.

Sweat is not the enemy – it’s a healthy, necessary function to detoxify and keep our body balanced. Instead of blocking pores to prevent sweating (like an antiperspirant) with harmful chemicals (like aluminum), natural deodorant allows skin to breathe, rids the body of toxic buildup + regulates its internal temperature.

Although you will sweat when you first switch to natural deodorant (and you may even be extra sweaty as your body begins to purge itself of toxins from chemical-filled conventional deodorants), your body will normalize soon after and you’ll find you sweat even less! So the more you use it, the better it works.

Pit tip: If your body odor continues to linger, you may want to take a deeper look at your diet + lifestyle choices. Eliminating processed and refined foods, eating lots of leafy green vegetables and getting regular exercise can help support the detoxification process and promote balanced pits – and better B.O.!

Pit tip: When you allow your body to detox through sweat, you’ll be less likely to detox through your skin (aka breakouts + blemishes). Get active, move your body and make the switch to a natural deodorant that doesn’t prevent perspiration!

Young Living Option– A favorite natural deodorant are Young Living’s options. They have CinnaFresh, CitraGuard, Medow Mist and Mountain Mist Deodorant options and we have tried and liked them ALL. My 11 year old and husband use them too.

*I have used others and like them, but I prefer to just buy Young Living, because is infused with essential oils and I also get 20% back in reward points since I buy it on Essential Rewards! Before you buy another brand, try Young Living! And also check EWG to see the rating of a deodorant before you buy it. Native, Acure, Toms all show a 1 rating. (Schmidts gave me a bad rash)

8- Face Cleanser

You’ve likely heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” And the same theory holds true for your skin: What you apply to your skin is absorbed directly into your body. Considering that the skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s crucial to know what you’re putting into your system.

But if you’ve ever turned over the packaging of your favorite facial cleanser, you noticed a long list of ingredients you didn’t recognize?

Top 5 ingredients I suggest you avoid:
1. Sodium lauryl sulfate

2. Fragrance

3. Propylene Glycol- sometimes just called “oils” but not what you want. Instead it would say- pure essential oils

4. Parabens

5. Alcohols

Young Living Option- This one is simple. I have fallen in love with Young Living Charcoal bar to wash my face. I keep it by my sink in a soap dish and just use a washcloth to get some suds going and wash my face. It is simple and effective. This routine paired with my glow moisturizer has truly transformed my skin.

Watch my stories on how I wash my face in a highlight called skin/face on Instagram. Read more about the charcoal bar soap here.

9- Face Moisturizer

One of the most common cosmetic ingredients mainly used as preservatives in makeup products that stop bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing. This ingredient has another side to it; it can mimic estrogen (female sex hormone) very well. Due to this, it is believed to be the cause of breast cancer in many women. Parabens easily get absorbed in the body and are detected in many breast cancer tissues. (article source). Did that just make your stomach sick? It did for me. STOP USING toxic products!!!

Parabens are found in makeup products, body washes, deodorants, shampoos, facial cleansers and more!

Instead ditch those toxic ingredients and make your own so you know exactly what is in it!!!! Plus- my skin as never looked better.

Glow Moisturizer- this is the ONLY moisturizer I use. You can mix up the combos based on what your skin specifically needs. I love frankincense to help with fine lines and wrinkles, geranium for brightenintg, copaiba to soothe any inflammation and healing. Here is the basic recipe:

4 tbs Jojoba Oil (I use jojoba because it closely matches the oil naturally produced by the skin and won’t clog pores)
10 drops Frankincense
5 drops Geranium
5 Drops Copaiba

(I also love adding patchouli, purification, rose or blue tansy as well).

Mix in a 2 ounce dropper bottle and apply by putting it in the palm of your hand and rubbing on like lotion. Don’t forget your neck and chest!

PS- if you are breaking out, there could be something deeper. Hormones? Not enough sleep? And more. (Read more about hormones and oils HERE)

10- Shower Curtain

Phthalates are sometimes used to soften the plastic that goes in shower curtains. Phthalates has been associated with causing harmful effects in children. Opt for a shower curtain that is phthalate-free. I use THIS cloth fabric liner that is non-toxic and I wash it every two weeks.

11- Body Wash

The debate continues between body wash and bar soap! No matter which way you lean, it is important that you choose a clean option for getting clean! Additives like fragrance, parabens, and other chemicals should be avoided.

Cosmetic companies have been using fragrances in their products for a very long time. According to research conducted by Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database, fragrances are moderately high in terms of overall hazards and have a high chance of causing allergies and immunotoxicity. They are associated with respiratory distress and potential unwanted effects on the reproductive system.

Young Living Option- We love the Bath and Shower Gel base (item# 3751) from Young Living to mix in our own oils. We also really love using the Morning Start bar soap (item #3676) and the Lemon Sandalwood (Item# 3675).

12- Air Freshener

Like cleaning products, air fresheners help keep our homes nice, but a study by the University of California at Berkeley found that when used excessively or in unventilated area they release toxic levels of pollutants. Go through your home and ditch those toxic air fresheners. Or Febreeze.

We actually make our own! You can get the recipe HERE- DIY Room Spray. This room spray can also be used for your fabrics to replace things like fabreeze. Freshen up the air, linens, and upholstery with one DIY!

And you can make lavender water to spray on your fabrics to freshen them! Recipe HERE.

13- Sunscreen

I would avoid these ingredients after searching online- oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxateI. Similar toxins in fragrances. I have used THIS Aveeno Sunscreen (rated a 1-2 on EWG) for my kids for awhile.

I also love Young Living mineral sunscreen (item number 24137)

14- Insect Repellent

Bug killers should be avoided inside (and ideally outside) of your house, as researchers have linked the insecticides to neurological damage in children. Scary!! For outdoors I try to just use citronella in a diffuser, non-toxic and free of D.E.E.T or petroleum. I also make my own bug-off spray!

BUG OFF SPRAY
2 ml spray bottle
1 oz of witch hazel
3-5 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, peppermint and lavender (find the oils I use HERE)
Fill the rest up with distilled water

15- Lotion

What is the climate like where you live? Connecticut is fairly humid and we don’t find ourselves needing lotion everyday. When we visit our family in Utah, however, we apply lotion on the daily!!! When deciding on which lotion or body butter to use, watch for fragrance, parabens and any petroleum-based products. These can upset your endocrine system and mess with your hormones.

DIY Whipped Butter Recipe

“This body butter melts on the skin, a little goes a long way!”

1/2 cup Shea butter
1/4 cup coconut oil (hard at room temp)
1/4 Carrier oil of choice (fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba)
45 drops of essential oil (I like a combination of 3 oils at 15 drops each)
Micha powder for pigment (optional)

In a double boiler melt together Shea butter, coconut oil and sweet almond oil, stirring constantly. Put immediately in the fridge to set up. Once opaque and cooled, use a hand mixer to whip it up. This part takes about ten mins. Halfway through whipping, add the oils and optional Micah powder for pigment.

Young Living Lavender hand and body lotion (item # 5201), and their Coconut-Lime Body Butter (Item #20225).

16- Supplements

This one may seem counter-intuitive, but some of the supplements available are full of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and chemicals. I love to drink a post-workout drink, and I have fallen in love with AminoWise (item #20083) from young Living. It is a smooth taste and plant-based! It helps to rebuild the cellular breakdown that occurs during workouts and can shorten recovery time.

Another supplement that I would recommend adding to your routine is MultiGreens (item #3248). Packed with spirulina, alfalfa sprouts, bee pollen and more, this supplement helps glandular, nervous system and Circulatory function.

17- Medicine Cabinet

Today is the day to take a look into those bins and cabinets where you keep your medicine. Not only do medications lose their efficacy as they pass their expiration date, unused prescriptions create other risks for kids and teenagers. Being responsible about your medicine cabinet is a simple way to reduce toxins in your home.

Check for any expired medications
Get rid of any prescription that is not currently being used

18- Makeup

Put your best face forward when putting on your makeup! This was something that I was slower to swap out. I was worried about the wear ability of natural makeup . Some things that you should watch out for in make up that could be toxic to your system are parabens, fragrance, talc, bismuth, phthalates, petrochemicals, or synthetic colorants.

TIP- try changing out your mascara wand with a wand you loved before switching to toxic-free

Savvy Minerals (by Young Living) not only avoids all of those nasties, but have the following benefits:

Made with plant-based, naturally derived ingredients.
Gives skin a healthy glow.
Buildable Color
Brightens Complexions
Blends Well
Prevents Dryness
Moisturizes and Softens
Absorbs Excess Oils
Vegan-friendly foundation Formula (and never tested on animals)

Young Living– You can buy a makeup starter kit HERE or check out Savvy Minerals HERE

19- Household Cleaner

This one seems obvious. I only use vinegar and water at our home or make sure that is is non-toxic before I buy it. I also use Thieves concentrate. I LOVE that new addition to my home. Anti- bacterial too! You can see more of the cleaning products I use HERE.

I even use a cap of Thieves in my spot cleaner! Or I will mix one cap of Thieves Concentrate with 16 oz of water and spray it directly on a stain. It has worked every time to get a stain out!

20- Laundry Soap

If you have been following me for awhile, you have likely heard me talk about Laundry Soap and why it’s important to find a nontoxic option for your household. Laundry is actually a REALLY good place to start when examining the toxins in your life. Clothing, sheets, and towels that you wash at home come in direct and constant contact with your skin which is the largest organ in your body. The chemicals from the detergent you use pass right through your skin and into your bloodstream without any filter. Laundry Detergents contain hormone-disrupting fragrance and fragrance binders (to make that scent last and last) that wreck havoc on your cellular makeup and confuse your endocrine system. Some important things to avoid: If your laundry comes out smelling like ANYTHING, there is a fragrance binder in the detergent. All scent can be added in the dryer.

In addition to Thieves Laundry soap, we also like the products from Dropps. See more about their products and get a discount code here (I always do fragrance free)

21- Fabric Softener

Softeners work by coating your clothes with a thin layer of potentially toxic chemicals, such as quantenary ammonium salts. These can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and headaches. Did you know that most dryer sheets sold today contain Chloroform? It is on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list as a Neurotoxic and carcinogenic. As an alternative and honestly more cost effective, I use wool dryer balls from Amazon and drop one or two drops of Purification oil on the ball. My laundry smells fresh, has no static and no toxins.

A reader told me that you can use white vinegar in the Laundry room as a natural fabric softener. … A half-cup of white vinegar when added to the final rinse, on the other hand, will soften fabrics and leave no residue at all. I have been adding vinegar to my towels when I wash them and it works great! (PS- I use Molly’s Suds on my whites).

22- Baby Products

Wipes, Diaper Rash creams, Baby wash and baby lotion are all commercially marketed and packaged to be “gentle,” “nourishing,” “natural,” and “organic.” Sadly, so many of the products contain artificial fragrance, parabens, and other toxic chemicals. Thankfully, a lot of companies have removed their parabens, sulfates, and artificial dyes from their lotions and soaps. Most announce this right on the front of their bottle. The biggest problem now in baby products is the synthetic fragrance. Synthetic fragrance – this can be over 3000 different chemicals and companies are not required by law to label what their fragrance is made up of. It’s their “trade secret.” Nor does the FDA require any testing of these chemicals or monitoring of their health effects. The only label on the product will say fragrance, perfume, or parfum. Synthetic fragrance is linked to allergies, skin irritation, eczema and can be toxic to various organs in the body.

Remember you can always scan the product on the Think Dirty App and it will tell you if it’s a synthetic fragrance.

Young Living’s plant-based Seedlings line is formulated specially for our little ones. There are diaper rash ointments, lotions, wipes, shampoo, and baby oil that are gentle on both the baby’s skin and their developing systems. All products in the seedlings line are 100% naturally derived ingredients and 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils.

23- Hair Products

The truth is that a plethora of commercial brands use ingredients that make your hair glow, but which also damage it in the long-term, stripping it of vital proteins and moisture. Let’s take a look at some of the worst harmful chemicals you need to avoid. (article source)

Coal Tar. Yes, seriously. Coal. Tar. Coal tar is found in numerous anti-dandruff shampoos, as well as dry skin treatments. Naturally, companies don’t list it on their packaging as “COAL TAR”, but instead they list it as a color + number.
Lead is another known carcinogen that can cause cancer, and yet some hair care companies continue to use it in their products. You can find it in hair dye, as well as lipstick.
Sodium lauryl sulfate comes under various names, including laureth sulfate and ammonium laurel sulfate. For this simple reason, it isn’t always easy to detect. It’s as though the hair care companies are deliberately trying to disguise it! You will find SLS in cleansing agents and industrial detergents, such as garage floor cleaners, but for one reason or another you may also find it in some of the world’s leading shampoos!!!
Isopropyl alcohol is found in numerous hair gels and hairsprays because it is able to hold together a hairstyle’s look. But it also risks snapping your tresses right off. So each time you apply a hair gel, you’re giving this nasty chemical the opportunity to snap away like a pair of barber’s scissors

Who wants an all natural DIY Dry Shampoo Recipe?? Did you know that excess use of dry shampoos that contain alcohol can lead to long-term hair and scalp damage. When dry shampoo is used too often, it can cause dandruff, dryness and blocked pores. No good. We have this great alternative for you!

Do you find your hair feels dry and lacks lustre after blow-drying? Are your curls not lasting as long as they used to? One of the main reasons why this would happen is simple: your hair is most likely damaged. To prevent this from happening, it’s so important to use heat protectant spray on your hair before applying heat. And the essential oils will support your hair!!

We use a detangler almost everyday for my girls. I was excited to find a recipe for a non-toxic detangler that doubles as a leave-in conditioner and also has health benefits. I use Young Living Lavender Mint Conditioner, combined with distilled water and Essential Oils. I have pretty dry hair, but my girls hair is pretty normal. So I did a combo of oils, after doing some research

Find all the DIY hair recipes HERE

24- Perfume

There are a lot of secret ingredients that come in conventional perfumes and colognes that are not disclosed on the labels. Some of them are so harmful that they have the same equivalent of spraying your body with cigarette smoke or car exhaust. Essential oils are often in perfumes, but not essential oils are the same, fragrance can be found in most conventional perfumes are completely synthetic and are made in a lab. Side note: Always be wary of the word “fragrance.” Do your research on where your essential oils come from (why I only use Young Living).

Blend Ideas-

balance: lavender, ylang ylang, cedarwood, bergamot
good fortune: lavender, lemon
spring fever: lime, grapefruit, geranium
cottage garden: geranium, lavender
flawless: geranium, patchouli, frankincense
peachy: orange, valor, cedarwood
angelic: white angelica, frankincense

25- Flame Retardants

I met a woman at a play place and we started talking. She told me what she did and what she was interested in. She had recently written an article about toxic things in our home. I asked her what the the number one thing was and she said flame retardants in your mattress or mattress pad (remember when they made flame-retardant pajamas, my grandma insisted Ella wear them!) Flame retardants use polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEsfor short. Two forms of PBDEs were phased out of use in manufacturing in the United States in 2004 because of related health threats, but the products containing them linger on. Studies have linked PBDEs to learning and memory problems and other health issues. Good idea to check your mattress label! And check before you purchase a mattress cover. I found a non-toxic mattress protector when Finn switched to his big-boy bed

26- Artificially Sweetened Drinks

We seem to have an over-abundance of sugary and artificially sweetened drink options available. We all know that water is really the best option for our bodies.. but let’s face it, sometimes you want something more. Especially something caffeinated to help get through the afternoons or wake you up in the morning. I probably don’t need to go into the countless reasons why artificially sweetened drinks (and their overly sugary counterparts) aren’t good for you. We all know it! I think many continue to drink them because they don’t have a good substitute.

Water is ALWAYS best!!! I do like to drink a probiotic drink when I want to reach for a sweet drink or something “fun”! Or a Ningxia below…

Young Living Option to Support Immune System and have something sweet- Ningxia Red and Ningxia ZYNG. Yes, Ningxia samples come in your Young Living starter kit! Yes.. that is usually NOT the reason why most people buy the starter kit. But maybe it should be! Did you know how Ningxia was created? Gary Young found a small city in China where the people were living full and healthy lives WELL INTO THEIR hundreds! He knew that there must be some secret, so he traveled there and discovered that a big staple of their diets was the Wolfberry, which grew there, plentifully. He took some wolfberries back and studied them and discovered that they are crazy high in anti-oxidants and brain-nourishing nutrients, (among other things). Ningxia Red has become a staple in our home. I love to mix 2 ounces with ice and a sparkling water in the afternoon for a pick me up! My kids love it too.

Intermittent Fasting-Why and How I Do It!

27- Hand Soap

Think about how often you and your loved ones wash your hands in a day. I have counted for our family, and I figure that it is at least 25 uses! Hand soap is something to SERIOUSLY consider when focusing on a nontoxic lifestyle.

DIY Hand Soap

15-20 drops total Favorite Combo of Oils (Rosemary and Lemon, Lavender, Theives and Orange.. endless options)

2-3 tbs Castile Soap

1-2 tsp Vitamin E Oil

Distilled Water to the top.

Young Living- Thieves Foaming Hand Soap (Item Number 3674). We love to buy this as the big Refill and use our cute foaming jar dispensers.

28- Makeup Remover or wipe

It is SO important to remover your makeup DAILY. Makeup Wipes are convenient and cut down on laundry (who doesn’t love that), but I have found that the majority are toxic and full of fragrance (not to mention wasteful). I opt to buy dark colored washcloths and jojoba oil to remove your makeup. Jojoba oil doesn’t clog pores and is really effective in removing mascara! If you like to buy makeup wipes, below are some non-toxic options-

DIY Makeup Remover Wipes
Ingredients

1/2 tsp. Witch Hazel
1 tsp. Jojoba Oil
1/4 tsp. Vitamin E oil
Cotton rounds
Distilled water
Mason Jar with lid
5 drops Frankincense Essential Oils
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
5 drops Geranium Essential Oil
1 Tbs. Castile Soap Unscented

Add Witch hazel, jojoba oil, vitamin E, Castile soap, and essential oils into the mason jar. Then add distilled water until the jar is 3/4 of the way full. Screw on mason jar lid and shake till combined…not too aggressive or too much, you don’t want the mixture too sudsy. Add cotton rounds by a small handful at a time. You want to do this gradually to avoid overflow and allow the cotton to absorb the liquid. Really pack those cotton rounds in there.

And just like that you made your own facial cleansing wipes! I use this cleanser at night as a makeup remover before bed. It’s up to you if you want to rinse it off, I don’t. I simply pat dry with a clean soft towel

Some other options if the convenience of a wipe is just too appealing are the following: Young Living Savvy Minerals Makeup Removing Wipe s (item number 24503).

29- Toxic Relationships

This is one that we don’t always think of when we think of the toxicity in our life. But our emotional health is so closely tied to our physical one. There is a difference between not getting along in the moment with someone (relationships have ebbs and flows) and having someone that is TOXIC. Studies show that you become most like the five people that you spend the most time with. Think about who you want to be and then consider the attributes and qualities of those top five people. Should there be some re-arranging? When considering if someone is toxic for you, here are some questions to ask yourself:

You’re left feeling emotionally exhausted after an encounter with them.
They try to intimidate you to get their way.
They try to control you– and it works.
They are easily jealous and punish you for your feelings.
They give backhanded compliments.
They are self-absorbed. When was the last time they asked you about your life?

30- Personal Care Products

Menstrual Cup: When I announced that I had swapped tampons for a menstrual cup in this post, I think the internet broke. LOL. But, honestly, it is the best solution to your monthly visitor that I have found! It is non-toxic and budget-friendly (imagine NEVER buying tampons again?). It also decreases your flow and can help with bloating and cramps. Read more about it here. But the biggest thing I want to highlight is the TOXIC CHEMICALS in tampons and pads! Tampons contain bleached rayon–YES, BLEACH! Also, tiny bits of cotton can cause small cuts in your vaginal walls–a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

My favorite menstrual cup is here.

Nail Polish: I won’t start another rant about the toxic chemicals that enter our bloodstreams through the skin and nails, since I wrote about it extensively here. Needless to say, today is the day to try a nontoxic nail polish! You will be surprised at the wearability and colors available!

*Tip- Use the Think Dirty App or EWG to scan your current products for their toxic level

I am often asked what the rating scale means and what I consider to be “safe.”

If you made it to the end of this list- Congratulations! You are better than before already, with a little extra knowledge on what to avoid!

(If you are interested in getting into oils you can follow me here- @nestingwell or check-out THIS blog post on ordering oils and all of Young Livings Products)

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Comments

Linda says

September 3, 2019 at 9:24 pm

I thought I had really removed all the toxic stuff -but this calendar taught me a few thing!!! Thank you
- [email protected] says
  
  September 5, 2019 at 7:16 am
  
  Oh thank you!
Mariella says

September 4, 2019 at 10:15 pm

I want to do this not only for 30 days but forever! is it possible that you recommend other brands and not only Thieves? I can not sign up yet (I’m planning to do in the future) but right now I would love to go slowly and change products as I’m running out of them or monthly (one by one). That would be highly appreciated.
- [email protected] says
  
  September 5, 2019 at 7:16 am
  
  Hi! You can just buy Thieves at retail….it will last you a really long time. you can buy it at youngliving.com and if you go to my highlights on @nestingwell under ‘thieves” you can see how amassing it is!!!
Mariella says

September 4, 2019 at 10:16 pm

… or can I just buy a few oils for now from you for example? I don’t want to get the starter kit (can’t afford it yet) but my plan is to do so someone in the future (maybe next gift for Mother’s day!) but in the meantime, I would do dry shampoo for example and I would only need those oils! Kindly let me know.