Browsing Tag:

natural

  • Beauty, Clean Living

    10 Natural Makeup Brands You Will Love!

    nontoxic makeup

    Personally, I. LOVE. Make-up. The flawless skin coverage, carefully contoured lines, and “effortless” look of beauty are oh-so-rewarding. But, I never considered all of the chemicals my face was soaking in on a daily basis, which is anything but glamorous!

    Did you know your face soaks up 5-10x’s more chemicals than your body? Since I’ve learned of the dangers of chemicals in cosmetics, I’ve switched to healthier, natural, organic alternatives.

    The good news is, there are many natural beauty products on the market and the list continues to grow as companies learn what the consumer truly wants: healthy, safe products.

    After endless hours, days, months, years… and decades (just kidding!) researching and testing products, I’ve come up with some of my personal favorite brands. Each brand is free of harmful chemicals including sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, phthalates, and much more!

    1. Juice Beauty

    My Favorite Brand For Make-up & All Around Skin Care! Juice Beauty products are made with certified organic ingredients, sustainable packaging, zero animal bi-products (vegan!) and are never tested on animals (cruelty free!). Juice Beauty products are formulated with organic botanical juice, rather than petroleum fillers or water, which means your skin is getting more antioxidants and nutrients than ever before! Made in the U.S.A.

    My Picks: Foundation, Concealer, and Liquid Lip.

    2. 100% Pure

    The brand’s natural, pure formulations are completely free of artificial colors and use fruit, vegetable, tea, and plant pigments rather than synthetic dyes. 100% Pure is free of artificial fragrances, synthetic chemical preservatives, and all other toxins. Cruelty-free. Made in the U.S.A.

    My Pick: Mascara and if you like a bit of a shimmer, you will love this Eye-shadow.

    3. Ilia

    Ilia products are carefully crafted with natural ingredients that protect your skin from everyday environmental stress. The product line is also vegan, silicone-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, nanoparticle-free, paraben-free beauty products and comes in sustainable, recyclable packaging! Made in the U.S.A.

    My Picks: Bronzing Powder and the Multistick

    4. Au Naturale

    As one of the cleanest overall brands on this list, Au Naturale uses USDA Certified Organic ingredients whenever possible with the exception of the minerals they use to pigment the cosmetics (since the pigments were never living, they cannot be considered organic). Paraben-free, gluten-free, bismuth oxychloride-free, non-nano, carmine-free, vegan, and cruelty-free (both PETA-approved and Leaping Bunny Certified). Made in the U.S.A.

    My Pick: Au Naturale Vegan Organic Lip Gloss in Magnolia

    5. Tata Harper

    Tata Harper’s highly concentrated beauty products are jam packed with vitamins and nutrients in addition to being 100% free from all fillers, synthetics, artificial colors, fragrances, and GMOs. Tata Harper also uses 100% post consumer materials in their packaging and hold the following certifications: PETA Cruelty-Free, American Vegetarian Association, FSC certified, and ECO-Cert Certifications. Made in the USA.

    My Pick: Tata Harper Anti-aging Neuropeptide Highlight

    6. W3ll People

    Made using natural ingredients and no chemical fillers, W3ll People is also cruelty-free and vegan! If you are going for a “natural” look, this affordable product line is for you. Made in the U.S.A.

    My Pick: Bio Brightening Powder and Bio Baked Bronzer Powder

    7. RMS Beauty

    Formulated using organic, natural ingredients, RMS products are non-gmo, non-nano, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic, soy-free, and cruelty-free. RMS Beauty is (mostly) gluten-free with the exception of their volumizing mascara which contains wheat starch. Made in Thailand.

    My Pick: Wild With Desire Lipstick and Lipliner

    8. Mineral Fusion

    Mineral Fusion is formulated using natural ingredients. All ingredients are gluten-, paraben-, talc-, SLS-, phthalate-free and also free of artificial colors, synthetic fragrances. Mineral Fusion is perfect for the mid-price range, non-toxic beauty products. Cruelty-free. Made in the U.S.A.

    My Pick: Blush

    9. Lawless

    With the tag line “Clean AF”, Lawless creates naturally high pigmented colors, free of common toxic ingredients like fragrance, formaldehyde, coal tar, mineral oil, and much more. A clean option, but not the absolute cleanest due to their use some artificial coloring and a few other questionables. Cruelty-free. Made in the USA and Europe.

    My Pick: Lipstick

    10. Pacifica

    Formulated using natural pigments, without harmful chemicals like carmine, phthalates, petroleum and silicone. Pacifica is moderately priced, 100% Vegan and Cruelty-free. Again, another clean brand in general, but beware of artificial fragrance in some of their products. Made in the U.S.A.

    My Pick: Eye-shadow Palette

    Other Considerations


    Beauty Counter and Crunchi Cosmetics     are two other brands you may want to consider. In general, their products are clean and many people love them! But I am a little skeptic of MLM’s and personally don’t purchase their products – mainly because I’ve found other truly transparent brands that I love! Both have had some controversy regarding their products and ingredient disclosure information – even so, I would for sure choose either over conventional products.

    What about beauty brands that claim to be ‘natural’, ‘organic’, ‘non-toxic’ and ‘clean’? Numerous brands use ‘clean’ words as a part of their marketing strategy, but in fact, are not clean at all. They may contain some organic ingredients, but also often contain ingredients that are harmful and shouldn’t be in products at all. Some of these ‘bad’ ingredients to look out for include, but are not limited to, sulfates, polyethylene glycol, sodium laureth sulfate, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, talc, heavy metals, and fragrance. Fragrance can include up to 3000 unregulated chemicals including phthalates and other chemicals. Steer clear!

    Pro Tip: Always check the labels as ingredients may change.

    I’m ready to enhance my natural beauty. Where can I buy clean beauty products?

    Visit The Detox Market, Safe & Chic, or AILLEA online or shop my personal favorites on Amazon for a plethora of pure beauty products all at your finger tips! Additionally, some clean products are sold at Target, Whole Foods, and Sephora,

    Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow along on social media!

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Therefore, if you click on a link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Beauty, Clean Living

    Natural Supplements & Herbs to Boost Your Immunity

    Certain vitamins, supplements and herbs are known to boost your immune system and protect your body from viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens. Along with proper nutrition and exercise, you can support your immune’s defenses by adding these supplements and herbs to your diet.

    Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and the information on this website is for informational purposes only. As always, check with your healthcare provider before starting any medical treatment. This blog has not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products or methods mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment.  Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.

    Vitamin C

    This essential vitamin and powerful antioxidant plays an important role in cellular function. Vitamin C is needed to support immune function, enhance iron absorption, protect against environmental oxidative stress, and aids in memory support, skin health, and bone structure.
    Our go-to is this Vitamin C supplement by Seeking Health. It’s perfect for mixing in smoothies too!

    Vitamin D3/K2

    Vitamin D is essential to bone and cardiovascular health. It helps fights infections and bacteria, assists with calcium absorption, and may prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, and a host of chronic illnesses. It is important to take Vitamin D3 and K2 together for maximum absorption.
    My recommendation.

    n-acetylcysteine (NAC)

    NAC or n-acetylcysteine is a supplement composed of an essential amino-acid and powerful antioxidant that supports your immune system, respiratory health, kidney and liver function, reproductive system, brain health and is used in the treatment of various diseases. My recommendation.

    Honey

    This naturally sweet substance, boasts both antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Honey contains important antioxidants and is used for medicinal purposes as well as wound healing. Different types of honey contribute to their effectiveness. This Manuka honey, is high-quality, full of antioxidants and great for antibacterial needs.

    Zinc

    A nutrient that aids in digestion, hormone production, nerve function, metabolism and many other processes. While zinc is essential to a healthy, strong immune system, the nutrient is also needed to heal wounds, fight infection, and support normal cell growth. Additionally, numerous studies show, the nutrient may protect against respiratory infections. Did you know…approximately 30% of older adults are considered deficient in the nutrient?

    Magnesium

    Magnesium is an crucial mineral that strengthens bones, protects your heart, fights inflammation, helps heal wounds and assists your body in the fight against viruses. It can also prevent migraines, lower your chance of getting diabetes, and plays a role in managing oxidative stress, nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and immune health. We take this supplement by Natural Vitality Calm.

    Elderberry

    High in antioxidants and nutrients, elderberry not only increase immune system function, but has respiratory benefits as well. Studies show, it may reduce cold and flu symptoms and inhibit the growth of bacteria, in addition to numerous health benefits. This natural supplement, especially when added to your vitamin regimen, is a great addition to your prevention routine.

    Apple Cider Vinegar

    Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar which consists of strands of proteins, enzymes, and friendly bacteria that give the product a murky appearance which in turn can help kill harmful bacteria, lower blood sugar, boost heart health, promote weight loss, and provide skin care benefits.

    Add fresh spices & herbs to your diet!

    1. Cinnamon | loaded with antioxidants, fights inflammation, regulates blood sugar, heals damaged tissue, and may protect against cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
    2. Ginger | a powerful antioxidant that rids the body of toxins with anti-oxidative properties, improves circulation, cleanses the colon, prevents nausea, fights bacteria, infection, and inflammation.
    3. Garlic | anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties (although studies show this may not be as effective when heated), fights infection, increases antioxidant enzymes, may prevent heavy metal toxicity.
    4. Turmeric | contains Curcumin which is a potent anti-inflammatory, improves skin and digestive issues, heals your gut, boosts brain function, inhibits fungal growth, suppresses tumor cell growth.

    Other supplements and vitamins you may want to add to your immune boosting supplement list are…

    Selenium and Vitamin A

    Stay healthy and happy!

    Sources:

    1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system
    2. https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-nature
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29099763
    4. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/elderberry-a-natural-way-to-boost-immunity-during-cold-and-flu-season/
    5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/
    6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/
    7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3609166/
    8. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple- cider-vinegar#section1
    9. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-diet-magnesium  
    10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19710611/ 
    11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5748737/
  • Clean Living, Healthy Home

    Top 10 Tips to Detox Your Home

    Simple changes can help you to “breathe a little easier” leading to healthier home life for your and your family!

    Environmental pollutants are a part of our every day lives. Cleaning products, pesticides, synthetic building materials, furniture, paint, and an abundance of other chemicals can wreak havoc on your home and your health.

    According to the EPA, “Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors,1 where the concentrations of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.2 “

    Take steps towards a healthier, happier home with…

    MY TOP 10 HOME DETOX TIPS

    1. Open windows and air out house daily.

    This is a great way to release harmful chemicals from the interior of your home. Plus, who doesn’t love the benefits of fresh air!? Airing out new furniture is another great way to lessen the effects of chemicals which may enter your home – a few days outside or in the garage will do the trick. And lastly, if you’re looking to really take your indoor air quality to a whole new level while eliminating allergens, viruses, and pollution you can purchase a high quality air purifier like the Austin Air or Air IQ.

    2. Do not wear shoes inside.

    Wearing shoes inside brings in all sorts of “yuck” including pesticides, bacteria, feces, dirt, allergens, neurotoxins like lead, and so much more. This is one rule I am so glad I have in place.

    3. De-clutter your home.

    If you haven’t used it in 2 years or more, donate it! It’s basically just a dust collector at this point. Household items, flooring, cleaning products, and furniture all shed chemicals that end up in dust throughout our home. We breathe these chemicals in or may even ingest them accidentally by touching a contaminated surface, and then prepping food.

    4. Avoid plastic cookware and non-stick pans (AKA Teflon).

    Cook with stainless steel, cast iron, and glass instead of plastic or non-stick. Both plastic and non-stick pans are not only bad for our environment, but can leach harmful chemicals known to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, impair immunity among other health problems. Additionally, non-stick pots and pans, contain harmful PFOS chemicals which are known to leach during the cooking process. Learn more about safe dinnerware here.

    “The Devil We Know” is an award-winning documentary on Netflix which exposes the chemical industry’s cover-up of the detrimental effects of the chemical. And if you’re into documentaries, check it out! It is very informative and interesting!

    5. Eliminate disposable products from your home and switch to reusable alternatives – including water bottles!

    Globally, more than a million plastic water bottles are sold every minute! In the U.S., only 30% ever end up getting recycled which means the rest are tossed into landfills or pollute our ocean and waterways. Plastic bottles are known to leach chemicals too – use glass or stainless reusable water bottles instead. Plastic sandwich baggies, utensils, straws and takeout containers are great things to eliminate as well! All of these items can be replaced with eco-friendly, non-toxic versions – such as Stasher Bags, Glass, Silicone, or Stainless straws, and reusable glass containers, like Pyrex.

    6. Invest in a water filtration system.

    Drinking Water / Sink Filtration | A good water filter, filters out heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and an abundance of other chemicals. Most important of all is to be sure your home has a quality drinking water filtration system. We have the Pure Effects Ultra Under-the-Counter System, which filters out an extensive amount of contaminants and with every component made in the USA. The owner, Igor, is also very knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you may have.

    Whole Home Filtration | Chemicals in your city’s water can irritate your skin causing eczema and other skin problems. Both Aquasana and Friends of the Water have excellent systems that I’d recommend for Whole Home Filtration Systems.

    Water Pitchers | Just looking for a good water pitcher rather than a whole system? Check out on Zero Water 10 Oz. Pitcher or this Zero Water 40 Oz. Pitcher!

    PRO TIP: If choosing between a whole house or sink filter, go with the sink (since it is most important to filter out what we are ingesting). Another good option is to use a bath filter or shower filter like these in addition to the sink filter if you cannot add a whole home system.

    7. Vacuum often to keep dust and dirt at bay.

    A true HEPA vacuum encapsulates the smallest amount of dust in a bag, forces all of the air through the HEPA filter, and allows none of the air to exit the vacuum. Dustless and VacMaster are two great options! We personally own this VacMaster which has a certified HEPA filter that is 99.97 percent efficient up to 0.3 microns and complies with the EPA’s new Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Act (RRP). While the vacuum is larger (and heavier) than a commercial vacuum, I do lug this thing up and down the stairs at least once per week – once you try it, you’ll know why! It really picks up every single speck of dust. P.S. Don’t forget to vacuum furniture and mattresses too! Dust often “traps” chemicals so be sure to dust with a wet rag rather than a traditional duster or dry cloth which will cause the dust to disperse back into the air.

    8. Use a VOC-free paint.

    Here’s the thing: just because a paint says “low VOC” or “no VOC” doesn’t mean it truly is and also doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain other chemicals which may be harmful to our health.

    Ecos Paint is my #1 pick and the cleanest I’ve found. Ecos also has safe varnishes, stains, and more. Plus, it is virtually odorless!

    Benjamin Moore Natura line is another good option that I use from time to time in my home. Just like Ecos paint, the Natura line is virtually odorless.

    Milk paint is harder to work with in my opinion, but usually very clean in terms of chemicals as it is made with casein.

    9. Replace your air filters in your furnace and maintain your humidifier.

    Air filter replacement should be at least every 2-3 months to keep energy bills low, prevent damage to your furnace, and discourage buildup in duct work, and effectively filter particles and contaminates. If you have allergies, pets, live in a larger home or polluted city, consider changing every 6-8 weeks. Additionally, it is important to ensure proper working order of your home humidifier since moisture causes mold growth and bacteria which is not only dangerous to your health, but can worsen allergies and cause an even bigger problem down the road.

    10. Test home for radon, mold, and other toxins.

    Fix accordingly. Radon is a odorless, colorless gas that is known to cause cancer and is the second leading cause of lung cancer is in the United States. Mold can cause allergies, asthma, and other ailments. The best way to control mold is to control moisture. Purchase home radon, mold, and lead test kits to ensure the safety of your family. Then, re-mediate, if necessary. Always consult a professional to be sure.


    BONUS TIP!
    Practice natural lawn care & safe pest control.

    Use alternatives instead of highly concentrated chemicals like the cancer-causing glyphosate that contaminates our soil and our food. Pesticides are harmful to not only the person spraying the chemical, but also to children, pets and people who play on the surface. Chemicals in pesticides often contain ingredients that are banned or restricted in other countries and are a threat to our environment in addition to being suspected endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, and probable carcinogens. For ways to practice ‘greener’ lawn care consider a rain barrel, composting, over-seeding and purchasing an electric lawnmower instead of gas. Be sure to check out my posts Natural Weed & Pest Control for a Sustainable Lawn and The Ultimate Natural Gardening Guide for Busy Moms.

    “If just 20% of US homeowners switched to electric mowers, 84,000 fewer tons of carbon monoxide would be emitted into the air each year, saving the average user 73% in total energy costs.” – GreenSeal.Org

    Looking for eco-friendly, non-toxic replacements to commonly used items, but don’t know where to start? Check out my recommendations on my Amazon Storefront here.

    Additional Reading:

    Resources:

    1. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/08/plastic-bottles/
    2. https://www.epa.gov/report-environment/indoor-air-quality
    3. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

    Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” Therefore, if you click on a link and purchase the item, we may receive a small commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers.

    Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Clean Living, Healthy Home

    6 Steps to Detox your Bedroom

    Although I always dreamt of a serene, spacious retreat, non-toxic bedding wasn’t something I considered as essential to making it just that. It was until I learned more about the manufacturing process and all of the chemical counterparts, that it finally “clicked”. Since then, I’ve made the switch and encourage others to do the same. You’ll be glad you did.

    1. Switch to organic bedding.

    This is especially important for babies and children who are growing quickly, sleeping often (hopefully!) and chewing on everything. But, as an adult, you too spend so much time in bed so you might as well not breathe in pesticides, chemicals, microplastics and who knows what else! We love these Burt’s Bees sheets for our toddler and Magnolia Organics have been our recent go-to for queen sheets. Other organic GOTS certified brands we are big fans of include Bioweaves, Whisper Organics, and Naturepedic.

    My Suggestions: Burt’s Bees sheets, Magnolia Organics, Bioweaves, Whisper Organics, Sol Organics, Naturepedic.

    2. Replace pillows.

    After biting the bullet and replacing my poly-filled pillows, I have to say, I cannot be happier! Knowing that every night we breathe what is on and in our pillow, I was thrilled to make the change. In our home, we have both 100% GOTS Certified Organic cotton pillows and shredded latex.

    So far, this is my favorite shredded latex pillow – it is literally so comfortable and best of all you can add or remove latex to adjust the pillow to your liking. Plus, I can honestly say, even my husband agrees – it was “lifechanging”! Don’t forget the organic cotton pillow case too!

    My Suggestions: cotton pillows and shredded latex

    3. Choose an organic mattress.

    Choose an organic mattress (no metal coils, if possible) made from natural latex, cotton, or wool. Avoid mattresses made of foam which often contain flame retardants and other chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. This is on my list of items to purchase next!

    My Suggestion: A few reputable brands to consider: Naturepedic, My Green Mattress, and Avocado Mattress. Naturepedic is a well-known brand that crafts certified organic mattresses and other bedroom essentials made without toxic chemicals and pesticides. My Green Mattress is a more affordable brand made from GOLS, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX certified materials! Avocado Green is another excellent option. Check back for updates!

    4. Choose furniture made from solid wood or natural materials.

    MDF and particle board often contains glue made with formaldehyde and other chemicals that are known carcinogens. Even many “solid wood” products including doors, are often just MDF or various types of particle board glued together. Cautiously, choose finishes, glazes, and stains as some can contain potentially hazardous chemicals. Expensive doesn’t ALWAYS mean better!

    Pro Tip: When choosing items that are not solid wood, it is best if it does not contain any added formaldehyde. Ask the manufacturer if the item is certified as NAUF (no added urea-formaldehyde) or NAF (no added formaldehyde).

    My Suggestions: Many items from Pottery Barn are GreenGold Certified while Ikea offers more affordable yet safer-than-traditional options and many solid wood options too!

    5. Add an air purifying plant! or Air Purifier!

    Among the many air purifying plants we have in our home, the Peace Lily is one of my favorites! I love the ambiance live plants bring to a room plus the replacement of synthetic plastic plants really makes for a healthier environment. According to the latest NASA study, these 18 plants are best at cleansing the air of toxins.

    Through my research, I’ve found the Austin Air to be one of the best air purifiers on the market. The AA system removes “bacteria, germs, pollen, animal dander, dust, VOC’s, chemicals, odors, and other airborne allergens” and has been an extremely popular option for hospitals during COVID. The Air IQ is another excellent option.

    My Suggestion: Austin Air or Air IQ

    6. Choose rugs, curtains, and blinds without added chemicals.

    Avoid PVC completely… and upholstered products with wrinkle resistant, stain resistant or flame retardant finishes which contain formaldehyde and other carcinogenics. When choosing wood blinds, consider the type of finish as it may off-gas chemicals.

    Rugs can release an abundance of nasty chemicals overtime and most rug pads are no better. Many ‘non-slip’ rug pads are made from PVC, which often contains phthalates, lead, cadmium, and organotins, many of which are known to cause cancer, liver damage, developmental, respiratory and reproductive issues among many things. Look for untreated rugs made from natural fibers (like cotton or jute) that do not have a non-slip backing. Even some backings marketed as latex are actually made from PVC. Check with the manufacturer if you are uncertain.

    My Suggestion: I love Lorena Canals Rugs, but be sure to avoid the anti-slip rug pad they sell which is made from PVC. Made from 100% cotton or wool, they are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and can be washed in your washer! We have several in our home including this one in my daughter’s playroom. Other great options include: Earth Weave, Loloi, or Organic Weave.

    Sources:
    https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/opmrdd/health/pvc.html

    Disclaimer: Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. Regardless, we only recommend products or services that we use personally and have extensively researched. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity to our readers. Full Disclosure and Disclaimer here.

  • Clean Living, Healthy Home

    The Toxic Item You Use Everyday

    TEFLON: America’s Dream or America’s Nightmare?
    The True Story.

    Years ago, I’ll never forget when my now-husband was flabbergastered that I was stirring my pasta with a stainless steel fork… in the Teflon pot. I thought he was crazy and had no idea the health impact I was truly causing.

    What did he know about cooking anyway? After giving him the sarcastic “side eye”, I continued to swirl. Little did I know, the pot itself was leaching toxic chemicals and with every knick, scratch, and stir even more chemicals were being released into my delicious Italian cuisine and then… again later when I cooked our next meal for days, weeks, months, and years to come.

    Imagine my surprise, years later I came across the award-winning documentary, “The Devil We Know”, which confirmed everything I had known, but didn’t want to acknowledge. Teflon. Is. Toxic.

    THE FACTS
    As mentioned in ‘The Devil We Know’, according to numerous studies…

    • “It only takes 2-5 minutes on a stove top for Teflon cookware to overheat and create toxic particles and gases, according to numerous studies.” Source: EWG
    • “American babies are born pre-polluted with more than 200 chemicals in their blood, 180 of which are known to cause cancer in humans or animals.” Source: EWG
    • “Drinking water is the primary route of exposure [to PFOA chemicals] in some populations, but exposure sources are not well understood. PFOA has been used to manufacture such products as Gore-Tex and Teflon. PFOA does not break down in the environment.” Source: National Center for Biotechnical Information.
    • “The chemical used in Telfon has been linked to 6 diseases including testicular and kidney cancers.” Source: New York Times

    From “The Devil We Know”: The Chemistry of a Cover Up…
    “When a handful of West Virginia residents discover DuPont has been pumping its poisonous Teflon chemical into the air and public water supply of more than 70,000 people, they file one of the largest class action lawsuits in the history of environmental law.” The chemical caused cancer, death, and birth defects in unborn children of pregnant workers among other devastating consequences. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), “99% of American’s have the toxic chemical, PFOA, in their blood, including babies. This is the chemical used to make Teflon.” It didn’t stop there though, the spread of PFAS chemicals has gone global to China and beyond. FACT: PFOA is one of more than 80,000+ untested chemicals that have been approved for use, their dangers unknown.”

    NOW WHAT?
    What can I use instead of toxic Teflon Cookware?

    Stainless steel, clear glass, and cast iron are safe options. Avoid ceramic due to possible lead contamination in the glaze. Avoid aluminum due to harmful health hazards it poses as it has been linked to breast cancer and Alzheimer’s among other things. I also avoid GMO oils.

    • STAINLESS STEEL: As long as it is 100% stainless steel, it should be safe to use. Calphalon, Cuisinart, and All-Clad are brands I use and recommend.
    • CAST IRON: For the best of the best, I love and recommend Finex. This skillet in particular is perfect for our everyday cooking needs. While I do recommend and use this Lodge Cast Iron skillet as well, I strip and reseason Lodge Cast Iron with organic flax seed oil before use due to the original seasoning containing GMOs. Both of these brands are made in the USA.
    • GLASS: We use this Pyrex baking tray in the oven all the time and it works great! Typically, clear glass without any writing is best, as oftentimes the writing on glass can contain lead or cadmium.
      What about Coringware Visions Cookware? Visions Cookware is perfect for the stove top, but unfortunately after rigorous XRF testing by Lead Safe Mama, Tamara Rubin, some of them have tested positive for low amounts of lead and therefore, I cannot recommend them here.

    What other products besides pots and pans use PFAS chemicals?

    PFAS chemicals are found in water-proof, stain-proof, and wrinkle-proof clothing, furniture, home goods, carpeting, food packaging, and even dental floss! Worst of all they have contaminated our drinking water and our air! Fortunately more and more brands are starting to phase out these chemicals as their toxic effects become more prevalent.

    Which brands and products are PFAS-Free?

    Below are several brands and/or products that are free of PFAS chemicals, according to PFASCentral.org. For the full list of brands and products thus far, click here.

    For the full list, click here.

    Learn more about PFAS…

    Looking for safe, non-toxic products? View our favorite products here!

    This post contains affiliate links. Full Disclaimer and Disclosure here.

  • Babies & Kids, DIY & Recipes

    Quick Healthy Snack Ideas For The Whole Family

    In today’s world, so much of our food is processed, so when my little one started to eat solids, I was looking for healthy alternatives without the preservatives and additives. The recipes below are not only super simple to make, but as my 2 year old would say, are “delicious and nutritious”! Enjoy.

    Frozen Bananas Slices

    1. Slice bananas.
    2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and cocoa powder.
    3. Place on a glass plate. Freeze (30 minutes or more) and enjoy!

    Easy Banana Oat Bites (Egg-free!)

    1. Add 1 Banana, 1/4 Cup Quick Oats, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract.
    2. Sprinkle in cinnamon, cocoa powder, & raisins – depending on preference. Mix.
    3. Pour mixture into 6 muffin liners and press flat. Bake at 350 Degrees F for 6-10 minutes depending on your texture preference (softer vs. firmer).
    4. Let cool and enjoy! We usually double this recipe to make the bites a bit thicker.

    Nutrient-Packed Popsicles & Smoothies

    1. Blend water or coconut water, bananas, mango, berries, carrots, celery, spinach, kale or any fruit/veggie combo together.
    2. Optional Nutrition: Add Vitamin C Powder, Beet Powder, Magnesium, Chia or Flax Seed for an extra boost!
    3. Then, to make the smoothie Popsicles… Pour into a popsicle mold, like the one we have, and enjoy!

    Our favorite blend: Banana, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, carrots and chia seeds! If you’ve never had carrots in a smoothie before, start by adding just a few. Blend well.

    Kale Chips

    1. 1 Bunch of Fresh Kale – thoroughly wash and dry the kale. Then, cut off stems and tear into bite sized pieces.
    2. Toss with olive oil and salt.
    3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place kale on sheet.
    4. Bake at 350 F, turning half way, for approximately 15 minutes or until edges begin to brown – not burn!

    Yogurt Bark

    1. Cut fresh strawberries into tiny pieces.
    2. Mix in a bowl with yogurt.
    3. Pour mixture onto a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper) an freeze for at least 2 hours.
    4. Break apart into smaller pieces and enjoy!

    MORE HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS WE LOVE…

    • Ants on a Log (celery, peanut butter or almond butter, and unsweetened raisins)
    • Carrots Sticks & Almond Butter
    • Apple Slices with Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
    • Bell Peppers & Hummus
    • Cucumbers & Hummus
    • Pumpkin Seeds
    • Toast with Avocado and Tomato
    • Unsweetened Applesauce & Cinnamon
    • Nuts & Unsweetened Raisins
    • Hard-Boiled Eggs
    • Caprese Skewers
    • Kefir or yogurt
    • Almond Butter and Jelly Tortilla Roll-Ups
    • Hummus, cucumber, cracker sandwiches
    • Almond Butter & Banana Sandwiches (just those two ingredients!)
    • Oatmeal
    • Avocado Slices
    • Healthy Blueberry Muffins
    • Oat Energy Balls

    Looking for non-toxic kitchen items? Cups, plates, utensils, mixers, and more? Check out my personal recommendations of products I use in my home! Free of BPA, lead, cadmium, heavy metals and many other toxic chemicals.

    Full disclosure and disclaimer here.