4. Replace any anti-bacterial products that contain triclosan (sometimes abbreviated TCS) with a product that does not contain this chemical. Check your antibacterial hand/body wash, gels, sanitisers and toothpaste. The National Institute of Environmental & Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the UN have named Triclosan as one of the most common endocrine disruptors(4,5). Endocrine disruptors can interfere with hormones, brain, reproduction, and normal development, as well as disturb the immune and nervous systems, and increase cancer risk. (4,6)
5. Replace non-stick cookware with a safer cookware (e.g., stainless steel, glass, copper, ceramic, or cast iron). When purchasing new cookware, always check that it is free from PFAs / PFCs (which are Perfluorinated Compounds, Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances used for non-stick). If you cannot afford to replace all at once, that is okay. Start with replacing the one pot/pan that you use the most, and keep an eye out for a good sale on a new cookware set (e.g., I got a full set of stainless steel cookware for 50% off sale at a major retailer).
6. Immediately bin any baby or feminine products that contain Talc/Talcum, and replace with products which do not contain this ingredient. Check your powders, pads/nappies, and bathing products (e.g., washes, salts, bombs, fizzies). This ingredient has been linked to ovarian and cervical cancers (talc has been found inside ovarian and cervical cancer cells as far back as the 1970s)(7). Products with talc can also contain asbestos (a known carcinogenic), as the two “live” near each other in the ground, and thus asbestos has been found in some samples randomly taken of talcum/talc powder(7). Multiple studies have found that women using powders with Talc/Talcum have about a 30% increased risk of ovarian cancer(7). One study found that women who regularly applied talcum powder to the genital area and sanitary pads had 3.28 times (328%) the risk of ovarian cancer compared to women who do not use the powder. (7,8) There are other products available on the market without this ingredient, so it is just unnecessary to take the risk. To reduce chemicals introduced into your body, also buy organic cotton feminine products (tampons), as cotton is one of the most chemically sprayed crops, including chemicals the EPA has deemed as “known human carcinogens”.(9)
7. Avoid buying and storing food and drinks in plastic containers and bags as much as possible. If you do use plastic containers, ensure they are BPA-free, or better yet, get some glass storage containers. They are great for storing food and water, as is stainless steel, and they will hold-up much better and longer than plastic as well.
8. Replace harsh chemical household cleaning products (e.g., bleach, ammonia, chloramine, and many other) with more natural products. If you enjoy DIY and/or saving money, you can make your own. I know many people who clean their homes with inexpensive natural things such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and/or essential oils. If that’s not your thing, you can also certainly find safe options to purchase for convenience as well. Again, there are many good options available in the market.
9. Ditch chemical air fresheners and candles. It’s so easy to make air freshener simply using a water sprayer, with a few drops of essential oil(s). You can also diffuse essential oils in our home, in place of chemical air fresheners and/or chemical candles.
10. I cannot possibly cover all of the personal care products and chemicals, because that’s a huge category unto itself. What I would suggest is taking some time to check for harmful chemicals in the personal care products that you use. The EWG is a good resource for checking harmful products in your various cosmetics.
While these are ten great things you can do, this is really only scratching the surface. I would love to go into more detail, but unfortunately, we are unable to cover all of the specific products on the “safe” and “harmful” lists here.
For those who want to take this a step further, learn more, and take some guided actions, along with support (including specific product recommendations), please join our wait list for the REDUCE TOXINS CHALLENGE (AUSTRALIA). We are currently launching and running the USA version, with the Australian version coming later this year. It runs for 5 weeks, one group session per week where we cover a different area of your home/life (kitchen, food, cleaning, & personal care products) in more depth. Simply submit the “Contact Us” form to join the wait list. You can also download my FREE GUIDE to CLEAN EATING.
Originally published here.
Stephanie Sullivan is a dual certified Life and Health Coach and founder of Elevate Your Life Coaching PTY LTD. After 23 years in demanding, high-stress corporate roles as a business consultant, then a corporate executive, she knows first-hand about stress and trying to balance career and parenting demands, along with personal needs and wellbeing. Now Steph’s purpose is helping people to make life changes to reduce stress, increase energy, and achieve their personal goals, career / life ambitions, and wellbeing. You can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, or send her an email at steph@elevateyourlifecoaching.com.au.
