The Importance of Non-Toxic Living for Families

In today’s world, we are surrounded by chemicals—many of which we don’t even realize are harmful. From the foods we eat to the products we use on our bodies and in our homes, toxins are everywhere. While regulatory agencies may deem these chemicals “safe” in small amounts, the cumulative effect of daily exposure can have significant health consequences, especially for babies and children.

For me, the shift toward non-toxic living wasn’t overnight. It was a slow, intentional process that started with small changes—reading labels, questioning ingredients, and making swaps where I could. It all began when I was pregnant with my second child. I became more aware of the ingredients in the food I was buying and cooking with, and the changes I made had a profound impact. The difference was most noticeable when I compared my breastfeeding experience with my two children. With my first, I always needed a burp cloth because he constantly spit up. But with my second, after improving the quality of the food I consumed, she spit up only a handful of times in the 26 months I breastfed her. That was eye-opening for me. It made me realize that what I put into my body directly impacted my baby’s well-being.

From there, I started looking beyond food—what was in my personal care products? What about the cleaning supplies I used in my home? The deeper I dug, the more I saw how many unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals were in everyday items. That’s when I knew I had to make more changes, not just for myself but for my family’s long-term health.

The Hidden Dangers in Everyday Products

Many conventional products contain harmful chemicals that have been linked to health concerns such as hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and even developmental problems in children. Here are a few common culprits:

1. Food Additives and Preservatives

Processed foods often contain artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers that can negatively impact health. Some, like high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils, contribute to inflammation and metabolic issues. Others, such as artificial dyes and MSG, have been linked to behavioral issues in children. Reading ingredient labels and opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods can make a significant difference in overall well-being.

2. Personal Care Products

Many shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and skincare products contain parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals have been linked to endocrine disruption, meaning they can interfere with hormone function, which is especially concerning for developing children. Switching to non-toxic alternatives made with natural ingredients can reduce this exposure.

3. Household Cleaners

Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde. These can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, especially in young children. Choosing plant-based, non-toxic cleaners (or even making your own with simple ingredients like vinegar and baking soda) can be just as effective without the harmful side effects.

4. Laundry Detergents and Fabric Softeners

Many mainstream laundry products contain synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and preservatives that can leave residue on clothing and bedding. Since our skin is our largest organ, we absorb what we come into contact with daily. Opting for fragrance-free, non-toxic detergents can help reduce unnecessary exposure to these chemicals.

Small Changes, Big Impact

One of the most overwhelming parts of transitioning to a non-toxic lifestyle is realizing how much needs to change. But the good news? You don’t have to do it all at once. Small, consistent changes add up over time. Here are a few steps to help you start:

1.Read Labels – Begin by checking ingredient lists on food, personal care products, and household cleaners. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient or don’t recognize it, research it.

2.Swap One Product at a Time – Start with the items you use most. Maybe it’s your deodorant, your kids’ body wash, or your laundry detergent. Replace each product with a cleaner alternative as you run out.

3.Prioritize Food Quality – Focus on whole, minimally processed foods. If possible, choose organic produce for the items on the “Dirty Dozen” list and look for pasture-raised, organic animal products.

4.Ditch Synthetic Fragrances – Artificial fragrances in perfumes, air fresheners, and candles often contain phthalates, which can disrupt hormones. Swap them for essential oils, beeswax candles, or fragrance-free alternatives.

5.Simplify Cleaning Supplies – Instead of a cabinet full of chemical-laden cleaners, consider switching to a few non-toxic basics like castile soap, vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.

6.Choose Safer Cookware – Non-stick pans can release harmful chemicals when heated. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic cookware instead.

To help our Whole Bunch Fam, we are sharing all of our product research with you on this spreadsheet.
Every product we investigate gets its own WBC Rating (read about how we rate here.) This is a living document that we are constantly updating.

Why It Matters for Families

Children are especially vulnerable to environmental toxins because their bodies are still developing. Their skin is more absorbent, their respiratory systems are more sensitive, and their detoxification pathways are not as efficient as an adult’s. By making mindful choices about what we bring into our homes, we can reduce their exposure and support their long-term health.

This isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about progress. The goal isn’t to live in fear of every chemical but to make informed decisions that align with our values and our family’s well-being. Over time, these small shifts become second nature, and the benefits—better energy, fewer skin irritations, improved digestion, and overall well-being—become undeniable.

My journey into non-toxic living started with food, but it expanded into every aspect of my home. And while I’m still learning and making changes, I can confidently say that each step has been worth it. If you’re just beginning this journey, know that every small change you make is an investment in your family’s future. You don’t have to do it all today—just start somewhere.

Your family’s health is worth it.