I didn’t set out to become “low-toxic.” I just became a mom and suddenly I cared a lot more about what was in our home, and not just how it looked. Before kids, I focused on creating warm, functional spaces that felt good to live in. After becoming a mother, I started wondering what was in the products I was using on my babies which led me down the rabbit hole. I started reading labels and googling ingredients that made up diapers, wipes, and every other baby product, clothing, and toy under the sun. I was astonished at how much poison I found and realized that so many everyday products we use without thinking were things I didn’t actually feel good about using around my babies. This isn’t a story about perfection or throwing everything away overnight. It’s about the small, realistic swaps that helped me start living more intentionally.

What “Low-Toxic” Living Means To Me

Low-toxic living doesn’t mean chemical-free, crunchy, or extreme. It means being more intentional with foods I eat, products I use, and clothing I wear. It means reducing unnecessary exposure and reducing waste and over consumerism, and it means choosing safer alternatives when and where it makes sense for my family.

I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to help you start where you are.

The 5 Swaps That Helped Me Get Started

These were the first changes I made because they were easy, approachable swaps that actually made a difference.

1. Cleaning Products

This was my entry point into low-toxic living. I started paying attention to how many conventional cleaning products contain synthetic fragrance and unnecessary chemicals—especially concerning when babies and toddlers are crawling on the floor and touching everything. Once I realized how easy it was to make DIY non-toxic cleaners using simple ingredients, I went down the rabbit hole. Now I make most of the cleaning products and laundry detergent we use in our home.

Here’s a post where I share how to make your own all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and laundry detergent.

That said, DIY isn’t the only option. In busy seasons of motherhood, I also rely on non-toxic store-bought cleaners I trust. Whether I make it myself or buy a clean alternative, the goal is the same: reducing toxic exposure and creating a healthier home.

2. Replacing Plastic Food Storage

Honestly, if you’re still using plastic tupperware what are you even doing? Plastic can break down and sneak tiny microplastics into your food (and eventually your bloodstream). Switch to glass containers (like, yesterday) to keep your food and your body happy, healthy, and microplastic free. This goes for plastic mixing bowls too! Swap over to glass or stainless steel. Wood and ceramic are good options as well, just avoid the plastic! 

Reducing microplastic exposure made my kitchen feel calmer and more intentional.

3. Cookware

Once I started paying attention to food storage, cookware was the next obvious step. I replaced all of my non-stick pans and questionable bakeware with stainless steel cookware and glass or ceramic bakeware.

4. Toddler & Baby Products

When it comes to feeding my kids, I choose clean ingredients and non-toxic materials. I kept thinking my kids aren’t tainted yet and wanted to preserve that as long as possible-so we avoided sugar, food dyes, and plastic dishes and cups from the very beginning. So what do I use? Stainless steel plates, cups, and bento box for lunch on the go. I’m all for using our “adult” ceramic plates too-it will only take one break and throw for them to learn right?

5. Fragrance

This one hurt. I love candles—I even used to sell them with my old design firm back in the day. I knew back then fragrance could disrupt hormones so I used soy and/or beeswax. That’s still what I look for now! Tip-avoid anything that smells overpowering before it’s even lit. This also goes for scented trash bags, soaps, and detergents. Fragrance free is the way to be. Don’t even get me started on those scented plug-ins…

What I Didn’t (and still don’t) Do

I didn’t throw everything I own away, and I didn’t try to replace everything in one go.
I started small and you should too. For one, you’ll be broke, and two-it’s kind of exhausting. I don’t even know if being FULLY toxic free is possible, but small steps win the race. I created The Healthy Hippie to show realistic ways of living and give you tips along the way. I wanted to create a community where moms can learn how to make safer choices for their homes and families without the fear-mongering and overwhelm. If you’re just starting out then you’re in the right place. Come along on this journey with me!

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