I loved this post! I was able to use this post to figure out and prioritize what swaps were best for me in this moment. I also just so happened to need laundry detergent right now, so I'm excited to try that over the 9 elements I was using. Also needed a refill of the branch basics! So your post just like reminded me of things I did need and was able to get with the deals, plus introduced some new options to try - finally going for Jolie shower head!
As you already know, I LOVE THIS COMMENT, Maryl. The phrase "I was able to use this post to figure out and prioritize what swaps were best for me in this moment." is exactly what I was hoping for! No one needs to do it *all* and it WILL ebb and flow with the seasons of life!
I loved a lot of the tips and recommendations in here...just wanted to highlight something I spent a lot of time learning about last year, which is that "organic" food can still use pesticides and other synthetic chemicals (something I honestly didn't know) and in some cases, because they're less effective, growers have to use more of them to do the same thing which can cause even larger environmental and other impacts. I know it makes all of this more complicated, but I think it's important nuance to recognize. I highly recommend The Unbiased Science Podcast, where they have done several episodes exploring this issue (along with the very real problems with the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" list). For me, as someone that cares deeply about both the environmental and health impacts, learning about this has shifted my focus to buying as much local food as possible, where I can ask directly about the processes and chemicals growers use. I know this isn't accessible or affordable for many, but it's always great to support our local food system when we can.
Oh, yes, there is sooo much nuance to our food system. For me, I still feel good that by buying organic I am doing realistically the best I can-- but I do know about some of the downsides too! I agree with you that shopping local is always best (our CSA is superrrr trasparent about what they use for growing practices), but agree that's not always accessible for people :( I dream of a world where REGENERATIVE agiculture can flourish, but until then-- just doing the best I can! Thanks for sharing this comment so we can all learn more and make informed decisions!
Thank you so much for putting effort into this post Kate! I’ve been curious about your approach to this. While I do try to be conscious of these things, you’ve got me thinking about a few new categories to address! I’m curious if you have any tips on how to evaluate candles specifically. So many now advertise as “soy candles without toxins” but is there a list somewhere of nasties I should be truly looking for? 🥺 I love that you do your research and want to build that skill too!
Great question! In my opinion, the best base for a candle is beeswax!!! And then for scents, made with essential oils ◡̈ Primally Pure is my go-to for more "fancy" candles, and I will often buy plain beeswax candles on amazon (like this: https://a.co/d/jb5OjK0 or this: https://a.co/d/gde7beW ) too as they are more affordable! They don't have a scent, but still set the ~vibe~
Would love to hear any tips on finding nontoxic candles as well!! I love having them in my house but don't always know what to look for when buying (other than buying solely from primally pure haha)
Ah thank you for this great post Kate!! I changed to wooden and bamboo cutting boards after reading your other post, and also for Branch Basics at the start of the year! It truly lasts sooooo long. I live in Canada 🇨🇦 so the shipping from PP and BB is bonkers!!! But my sis in law lives in the states now so I will ship stuff to her house haha ;)
Question on the deodorant… every single non toxic one I have used has left me feeling a burning sensation. Do you know why that could be and if that could be a thing with primal too?
Loved all the suggestions! Thank you so much for this amazing list!!!!
Great question! Some people have sensitive skin on their pits and can react to the baking soda that is often found in nontoxic deodorants. Primally Pure does have some baking soda in theirs so I would think you may react to theirs as well??? I believe they use less than other brands, but it is still there ◡̈ With natural deodorants it's sooo indvidual and you may need to experiment to try what works for you!
I need all the hair recs!! Deep conditioner? Dry shampoo (the hardest to find a clean one that works and doesn’t leave a residue?!) Would love recommendations on a brand or variety of products!
I personally don't really use deep condiitoners-- I prefer to treat my hair at the ROOT (literally) and will do oil treatments, like this (https://a.co/d/akeWme9). For dry shampoo, I use and loooove Primally Pure's! But, heads up, you do have to really "mix it" into your hair to reduce any residue!
Thanks for this list! I've been gradually switching over my products these last few years and it's given me more peace of mind. In fact, just today I took advantage of the deal going on for that exact laundry detergent - an ADDITIONAL 300 loads for the same $99 deal. (So like 600 loads I think?!) 🙌🏻
This was EXACTLY what I needed to read today, Kate! I've been on a mission to be more mindful to use nontoxic products in all aspects of my life. My favorite swap so far is to wood cutting boards but I find it a little overwhelming thinking about purging all cleaning products. Also for some reason, never thought about lotion being an offender?? So going to order some primally pure body butter to replace it asap.
Maybe sounds silly, but I love the way you organize your writing and recommendations. Visually satisfying ✨ A couple years ago I started making swaps to non-toxic products. Initially it felt disruptive due to the nature of shaking up the status quo, but now it's fun recognize the swaps that were made.
Absolutely love this post, Kate! I've focused on makeup/skincare over the last few years, just tried your laundry detergent rec, and have been wanting (but intimidated) to swap out cleaning! It's hard to shake the "is this really going to clean it" mindset....
I was browsing Branch Basics website - do you use the dishwasher pods? I can't believe I have never thought about the fact that we use plastic cased/toxic pods on dishes we eat and drink on/from!!
This was SOOOOOO good— tangible, digestible, and ACTIONABLE.
I love that you approach it in a way that’s not overwhelming because oh man, has non-tox been a HOT TOPIC this year.
Always the best posts, Kate!
THANK YOU, KATIE. Appreciate your readership & sweet comment so dang much!
I loved this post! I was able to use this post to figure out and prioritize what swaps were best for me in this moment. I also just so happened to need laundry detergent right now, so I'm excited to try that over the 9 elements I was using. Also needed a refill of the branch basics! So your post just like reminded me of things I did need and was able to get with the deals, plus introduced some new options to try - finally going for Jolie shower head!
As you already know, I LOVE THIS COMMENT, Maryl. The phrase "I was able to use this post to figure out and prioritize what swaps were best for me in this moment." is exactly what I was hoping for! No one needs to do it *all* and it WILL ebb and flow with the seasons of life!
I loved a lot of the tips and recommendations in here...just wanted to highlight something I spent a lot of time learning about last year, which is that "organic" food can still use pesticides and other synthetic chemicals (something I honestly didn't know) and in some cases, because they're less effective, growers have to use more of them to do the same thing which can cause even larger environmental and other impacts. I know it makes all of this more complicated, but I think it's important nuance to recognize. I highly recommend The Unbiased Science Podcast, where they have done several episodes exploring this issue (along with the very real problems with the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" list). For me, as someone that cares deeply about both the environmental and health impacts, learning about this has shifted my focus to buying as much local food as possible, where I can ask directly about the processes and chemicals growers use. I know this isn't accessible or affordable for many, but it's always great to support our local food system when we can.
Oh, yes, there is sooo much nuance to our food system. For me, I still feel good that by buying organic I am doing realistically the best I can-- but I do know about some of the downsides too! I agree with you that shopping local is always best (our CSA is superrrr trasparent about what they use for growing practices), but agree that's not always accessible for people :( I dream of a world where REGENERATIVE agiculture can flourish, but until then-- just doing the best I can! Thanks for sharing this comment so we can all learn more and make informed decisions!
Thank you so much for putting effort into this post Kate! I’ve been curious about your approach to this. While I do try to be conscious of these things, you’ve got me thinking about a few new categories to address! I’m curious if you have any tips on how to evaluate candles specifically. So many now advertise as “soy candles without toxins” but is there a list somewhere of nasties I should be truly looking for? 🥺 I love that you do your research and want to build that skill too!
Great question! In my opinion, the best base for a candle is beeswax!!! And then for scents, made with essential oils ◡̈ Primally Pure is my go-to for more "fancy" candles, and I will often buy plain beeswax candles on amazon (like this: https://a.co/d/jb5OjK0 or this: https://a.co/d/gde7beW ) too as they are more affordable! They don't have a scent, but still set the ~vibe~
Thank you m! This is very helpful!
Would love to hear any tips on finding nontoxic candles as well!! I love having them in my house but don't always know what to look for when buying (other than buying solely from primally pure haha)
Ah thank you for this great post Kate!! I changed to wooden and bamboo cutting boards after reading your other post, and also for Branch Basics at the start of the year! It truly lasts sooooo long. I live in Canada 🇨🇦 so the shipping from PP and BB is bonkers!!! But my sis in law lives in the states now so I will ship stuff to her house haha ;)
Thanks for these specific recs.
Couldn't agree more-- if you use branch basics only for home cleaning (not laundry), it literally lasts AGES. So nice!
Question on the deodorant… every single non toxic one I have used has left me feeling a burning sensation. Do you know why that could be and if that could be a thing with primal too?
Loved all the suggestions! Thank you so much for this amazing list!!!!
Great question! Some people have sensitive skin on their pits and can react to the baking soda that is often found in nontoxic deodorants. Primally Pure does have some baking soda in theirs so I would think you may react to theirs as well??? I believe they use less than other brands, but it is still there ◡̈ With natural deodorants it's sooo indvidual and you may need to experiment to try what works for you!
I need all the hair recs!! Deep conditioner? Dry shampoo (the hardest to find a clean one that works and doesn’t leave a residue?!) Would love recommendations on a brand or variety of products!
I personally don't really use deep condiitoners-- I prefer to treat my hair at the ROOT (literally) and will do oil treatments, like this (https://a.co/d/akeWme9). For dry shampoo, I use and loooove Primally Pure's! But, heads up, you do have to really "mix it" into your hair to reduce any residue!
Thanks for this list! I've been gradually switching over my products these last few years and it's given me more peace of mind. In fact, just today I took advantage of the deal going on for that exact laundry detergent - an ADDITIONAL 300 loads for the same $99 deal. (So like 600 loads I think?!) 🙌🏻
Love it!!! It's seriously such an insane deal. Like, okay, a nontoxic, clean ingredient detergent... but cheaper than drugstore detergent? Say less.
This was EXACTLY what I needed to read today, Kate! I've been on a mission to be more mindful to use nontoxic products in all aspects of my life. My favorite swap so far is to wood cutting boards but I find it a little overwhelming thinking about purging all cleaning products. Also for some reason, never thought about lotion being an offender?? So going to order some primally pure body butter to replace it asap.
Oh, I'm so glad, Catherine! Yes-- agreed that the wood cutting board is so dang effortless-- but makes such a difference! ENJOY THE BODY BUTTER!
Maybe sounds silly, but I love the way you organize your writing and recommendations. Visually satisfying ✨ A couple years ago I started making swaps to non-toxic products. Initially it felt disruptive due to the nature of shaking up the status quo, but now it's fun recognize the swaps that were made.
Excited to try the new laundry detergent. I’ve been using Branch basics (and it’s great!), but hopeful for a little clean “scent” option here :)
Love this approach & such a breath of fresh air with toxic info/non toxic swaps!
I can whole heartedly say I have taken and ran with so many of your recommendations. I often think- I bet Kate has a good suggestion for this.
I love these posts and I go back to them time and time again. 👏👏👏
Bought way too much this weekend but finally made the plunge of a few of these too. With baby on the way, slowly trying to make some of these swaps!
Absolutely love this post, Kate! I've focused on makeup/skincare over the last few years, just tried your laundry detergent rec, and have been wanting (but intimidated) to swap out cleaning! It's hard to shake the "is this really going to clean it" mindset....
I was browsing Branch Basics website - do you use the dishwasher pods? I can't believe I have never thought about the fact that we use plastic cased/toxic pods on dishes we eat and drink on/from!!
I actually... don't have a dishwasher. 🙃 And, believe me, I WISH I DID!!! But, unfortunately, no strong recommendation for ya!