Live Clean and Green: A non-toxic, sustainable mindset

Let’s talk about something super important: creating a non-toxic, sustainable mindset! Now, I know we’ve all seen the news—natural disasters, rising cancer rates—it’s all pretty overwhelming, right? And honestly, I think it’s all connected to how we’re living these days. Society is all about consumption, and it’s exhausting! While I’m no hardcore environmentalist, I do feel like it’s up to us to make small changes that keep our planet livable for future generations.

So after years of figuring it out, I’ve developed my own non-toxic, sustainable mindset, and guess what? It’s totally doable—even if you, like me, live in the modern world with all its perks and distractions. And because I want to help you out, I’ve put together 12 awesome tips to get you started on your own journey. Ready? Let’s dive in!

1. Progress > Perfection

I’m a perfectionist, so when I set my goal to live more sustainably this year, I wanted to do it all perfectly. But let me tell you, that can lead to total paralysis. I mean, I almost gave up a few times because I couldn’t find the perfect product. Sound familiar?

Here’s the deal: perfection isn’t possible! What matters is making progress. Even swapping out one toxic product for something better is a win! Instead of waiting for the best eco-friendly option, just start with better. Trust me, it’s so freeing! Accepting progres is better than perfection is your first step in obtaining a non-toxic, sustainable mindset.

2. Less Is More (But Really!)

This is a tough one—even for me! Consumerism tricks us into thinking we need 20 different kitchen gadgets or the latest fancy tech. But do we really? I ask myself this all the time: “Is this something I truly need, or is it a problem the company created to sell me a solution?”

In most cases, less is so much more. I mean, who needs fancy Christmas china when your everyday stuff works just fine? Try to focus on buying multifunctional items and take a beat before you purchase anything new. Sometimes just waiting a few days makes you realize you didn’t need that new thing anyway! Skipping a purchase is a perfect second step to take in your non-toxic, sustainable mindset journey.

3. Fewer Ingredients = Better

Gone are the days when you could actually understand the ingredients on a product label. Seriously, try finding a skincare cream with fewer than 10 ingredients—it’s like a scavenger hunt!

So here’s my 3rd non-toxic, sustainable mindset tip: the fewer the ingredients, the better. Simple, clean, and effective products are your new best friends. Plus, you’ll avoid all those sneaky extras like tree fibers (yep, they add that to food now 🤯) that don’t do anything for your body.

4. Bought It? Use It!

It’s tempting to toss everything toxic as soon as you start this non-toxic, sustainable mindset journey. I get it—I’ve been there. But before you go all Marie Kondo on your stuff, remember that throwing things away doesn’t magically erase their environmental impact. They’re already here, so let’s use them wisely! For example, I repurpose plastic zipper bags instead of just tossing them. No need to be wasteful, right?

5. Start Small, Grow Big

Look, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a non-toxic, sustainable lifestyle! Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once. Start small. Maybe replace your laundry detergent first, or swap out your cleaning products. I went from giant plastic jugs of detergent to laundry sheets that come in paper packaging. Little changes add up!

6. Go Natural!

Here’s the thing—people lived for thousands of years using natural materials before we started relying on synthetic ones. Cotton, linen, wool—these fibers are timeless for a reason! So, I’m making it a point to choose natural over synthetic whenever possible. After all, who wants microplastics in their skin from wearing synthetic clothes? Not me! Going natural is therefore an important step in jour non-toxic, sustainable mindset journey.

7. Say No to Single-Use!

Single-use items are everywhere, and honestly, they’re a tough habit to break. But imagine how much waste we create from just a year’s worth of disposable water bottles or wipes. Yikes! To break free, try simple swaps like reusable water bottles (hello, eco-friendly and stylish!) and loose tea instead of bags. Baby steps in your non-toxic, sustainable mindset journey, but so worth it!

8. DIY for the Win!

Companies are making big bucks off eco-friendly, non-toxic products these days. But guess what? You don’t always have to spend a fortune to live sustainably. Tons of non-toxic, sustainable products can be made at home! Think DIY cleaning products, face masks, and more. You’ll save money and reduce waste—win-win!

9. Pick Your Battles

Look, I’m all for reducing waste, but I also have a life to live! I’m not going to hand-grind my own peanut butter every week. That’s why I focus on areas that work best for me. Like, I prefer a reusable deodorant stick over a tin because it’s easier for me to use. It’s all about finding balance that works for you.

10. Watch Out for Greenwashing

Let’s be real: companies are in it for the money. And with everyone hopping on the clean-living trend, you better believe some brands are out here “greenwashing” their products to make a quick buck. Always do your homework and look for legit eco-friendly brands. Not everything with a green label is actually good for the planet!

Accepting the fact that companies may greenwash their products is an important step in your non-toxic, sustainable mindset. Put on your glasses, get out your detective loop and start researching the ingredients shown instead of ‘green’ claims on the packaging.

11. Sustainability Goes Beyond Products

It’s easy to focus on buying all the right things, but sustainability isn’t just about what you purchase—it’s also about how you use and maintain your stuff. For your next non-toxic, sustainable mindset, think about where your electricity comes from. Washing clothes on a lower temperature, or air-drying laundry instead of using the dryer: little tweaks can have a huge impact!

12. Every Purchase is a Vote!

Finally, every time you buy something, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. Are you supporting companies that align with your values? I love supporting small, local businesses that are truly making a difference, and I try to avoid fast fashion at all costs. Instead, I shop second-hand—less waste, more savings, and no support for unethical brands! No more votes for companies with an anti non-toxic, sustainable mindset for me.

So, Where Will You Start on your non-toxic, sustainable mindset?

Your non-toxic, sustainable mindset journey won’t happen overnight, and that’s totally okay! Every step, no matter how small, is progress. Whether you start by cutting down on single-use plastics or choosing natural fibers, I’m cheering you on! Let me know what your first step is—together, we’ve got this!