Earth Day was last Tuesday, and it’s a great reminder of why it’s important to move toward not only a low-tox lifestyle but a sustainable one. Taking care of our planet, the place we call home (albeit temporarily), should be as important to us as taking care of ourselves. It’s our duty to nurture and care for it. We should be good enough stewards to leave it in better condition for future generations.
Let’s be real: modern society is obsessed with consumerism. It’s so easy to accumulate stuff, choose convenience, and fill our homes and bodies with products that promise results but come with a cost – both to our health and to the planet. That’s not to say there’s not a time and place for some of those things, but a little awareness can go a long way. Let’s begin to live in a way that honors creation, nourishes our temples, and brings glory to God. Let’s dig into how we can do this.
Start With What You Have
Before you start buying new things or tossing half-used products, take inventory of what you already own. Sustainability starts with using what you have. That fruity lotion you bought on a whim? Finish it. The half-used shampoo in your guest bath? Use it up. Wastefulness, even with clean products, is still wasteful.
I’ve lost count of how many different shampoos I’ve bought in my journey to find one that works for me. I’ve found many that don’t. I try to either include those in a rotation so I’m not using them every day, or I give them to my daughter who is less picky than I am. If you genuinely dislike a product or are uncomfortable using it, you don’t have to suffer. The point here is to be aware of the impact our decisions make and try and do better.
Make the Switch to Sustainable and Non-Toxic Essentials
When you’re ready to start making the switch, it’s important to choose products that support your body and the earth. Choose non-toxic products and try to avoid ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other hormone disruptors and carcinogens. Bonus points for eco-conscious packaging. Here are a few swaps you can make that are good for both you and the planet:
Deodorant:
- Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant – Made with organic ingredients and you can recycle with Pact’s recycling program.
- PrimalLife Stick Up Deodorant – Packaged in eco-friendly cardboard tubes.
- Primal Pit Paste – Made with safe ingredients and comes in a glass jar.
Toothpaste:
- Bubble & Bee Alkalizing Toothpaste – Comes in a recyclable glass container with a metal lid.
- Bee-Och Natural Tooth Powder – Despite the funny name, I like that this is not only fluoride-free, but you can order refillable compostable packages.
Skincare:
- Earth Harbor Naturals – Plant-based, ocean-friendly, and ships with zero waste packaging.
- Freedom Creators Co – Clean, feel-good products made in the USA in glass and metal containers. The best part? She gives back by supporting communities in Uganda. Check out this mission-based company here.
Cleaning Products:
- Branch Basics – Comes in plastic or glass bottles that you can refill with the cleaning concentrate.
- Dirty Labs – Good ingredients and comes in eco-friendly cardboard packaging.
Rethink Your Routine
Switching to non-toxic and eco-friendly products is a step in the right direction, but the true transformation comes when we align our entire lifestyle with sustainability. I’m not saying it should become your number one goal in life or your whole personality. I’m just saying that a monumental shift is the most powerful way to embrace a truly sustainable lifestyle. Here are a few simple ways you can do just that:
Simplify Your Wardrobe
Fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters out there. Rise above it by building a capsule wardrobe using timeless, versatile pieces made from natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, or hemp. Yes, it’s easier said than done since sustainable fashion is still a growing trend. However, some brands like Pact and Mate the Label prioritize sustainability and keep a low carbon footprint. This is one area I struggle the most in, but even little steps can make a big difference, such as thrifting, repurposing, and donating old clothes.
Choose Reusables
Choosing reusable products is such a simple way to cut down on waste. And often those reusable products are better for our bodies, too. This means using glass or stainless steel water bottles instead of disposable ones (hello, microplastics). It takes some getting used to, but swapping to washable rags from paper towels is totally doable, and you can even repurpose old t-shirts for this. Some other swaps you can make:
- Beeswax wraps instead of plastic wrap
- Reusable bamboo rounds for cotton pads
- Glass storage containers in places of disposable plastic ones
Pick one thing to swap every month or so. Go slow and take it one step at a time to keep from getting overwhelmed.
Tips for Staying Consistent
Change doesn’t happen overnight – well, at least sustainable change doesn’t usually happen overnight. Perfection isn’t the goal. Reduction is the goal here. Reduction of waste and toxic burden, and those two things can go hand in hand. Here are a few things to help you stay motivated:
- Go slow: I already said it, but I mean it. Rome wasn’t conquered in a day. Swap products as you run out of them.
- Read labels: If you can’t pronounce it, it probably doesn’t belong on your skin or in your body.
- Support brands with integrity: Look for transparency, small batch production, and eco-friendly certifications.
- Talk about it: Share what you’re learning with friends and family. Join online communities who share the same interests and cheer each other on. We’re all in this together!
Faith Meets Sustainability
As Christians, we are called to be stewards of creation. Choosing sustainable and non-toxic living isn’t just trendy, it’s an act of obedience and love. God called Adam to work the land and we’re still called to take care of it today.
Living a non-tox life is also an act of self-respect, and it sets a good example for our future generations. Our bodies are a temple, and nourishing it with clean, life-giving ingredients is just good stewardship.
Conclusion
Sustainable, non-toxic living isn’t about deprivation. It’s about returning to what’s real. Let’s get back to our roots and live the way we were created to live – and thrive. It’s time to honor our bodies, the earth, and the One who created both. We’re not chasing trends here; we’re building a lifestyle that’s founded on truth and love.
Start small. Stay curious. And give yourself grace.
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