Today marks the beginning of Lent. Regardless of your religion, this can be a time for anyone and everyone to reflect on their lives and make a change for the better… a time to hit the refresh button on those already dusty New Years Resolutions. The stereotype of Lent, of course, is that you must give something up which you really love and can’t do without. It’s why “Fat Tuesday” is called “Fat Tuesday” – people gorge on the goodies they vow to give up for the period of Lent.
What better of a thing to give up for Lent than toxins? No, they are not something we really love, but they are something we seemingly can’t do without. They are in the cheapest, most widespread and easily accessible products. And it’s so darn tempting to buy the “triple-action germ killer solution” during cold season rather than pick up the 7Gen alternative. And heck, we simply can’t seem to get away from the stuff even when we try! Ingredient labels are impossible to decode and so-called “natural” products sometimes aren’t all that natural.
But I am going to make this very easy for you by giving you 10 things to do today (or by the end of the week) to help you on your way to giving up toxins for good, not just a 40-day period.
- Throw out the those harsh cleaning products and make your own all-purpose cleaner.
- Swap out a conventional candle for a soy or beeswax candle in a place where you burn candles frequently like the kitchen or bathroom.
- Get rid of the old vinyl shower curtain and buy a PEVA one.
- Dust, dust, dust and vacuum! Especially places where your kids play a lot (and/or sleep).
- Open the windows to get some fresh air and reduce indoor air pollution.
- Make this version of Play Dough for your kids (“Moon Sand“).
- No more air freshener! Make your own (this table-top version or a spray version).
- Ditch that lead-laden lipstick and buy an all-natural gloss instead.
- Use a produce wash like this homemade one to reduce pesticides on your fruits and veggies.
- Splurge and buy these 12 fruits and veggies organic since they have the highest levels of pesticides.
Sound simple enough? Maybe adopt two or three at first – get your feet wet before jumping in all the way – but you’ll sure be glad you did.
