Most people think that sustainable living is solely meant to help our planet’s health when in reality, many of the non-sustainable items we use and buy every day are harming our personal health as well. Here’s a guide on what items you should avoid in your home to stay healthy and save the Earth:

 

Candles

Yes, most scented candles are paraffin wax-based which creates nasty toxins like benzene and toluene when burned. Look for soy or beeswax-based candles with cotton or paper wicks to avoid these toxins.

 

Air fresheners

Less than 10% of the ingredients in air fresheners are disclosed to the public and with that, several have been found to create air pollutants by themselves or from secondary interactions with other compounds in our homes. To avoid potential health hazards, opt for homemade essential oil sprays for a clean smelling home. 

 

Fabric softeners and dryer sheets

The list of potentially hazardous and unpronounceable petrochemicals in fabric softeners extends beyond belief. Limonene, camphor, and chloroform are just a few ingredients to name that are known to pose health risks. Wool dryer balls free of these toxic chemicals will do just the trick for your laundry routine. 

 

Your shoes!

We drag so many unknown pollutants into our homes from our shoes, so don’t forget to keep them at the doormat. This is a super simple way to ensure that chemicals from ground treatments like pesticides or strange bacteria don’t come in contact with the rest of your home and body.

It’s important to keep our home pollutant-free so that harmful toxins don’t invade our bodies or our environment. Sustainable lifestyle choices ultimately protect every part of our world so stay mindful of the items you keep in your home!