Non-Toxic Home

Industrialized society moves material on a one-way trip — we buy it new, replace it soon, and throw it “away” when we don’t want it anymore. On a finite planet groaning under the weight of all our waste, this way of living isn’t sustainable. One model seeking to replace it is called Zero Waste. And we don’t have to wait for the whole world to embrace it — we can do our part to take care of the earth by implementing Zero Waste strategies in our homes and kitchens.

The words and images on packaged foods are there for one of two reasons — to sell or to inform. Food manufacturers want to present their products in as positive a light as possible and may sometimes make questionable claims about them. Regulators want the labels to include clear and honest data about quality, nutrients, and ingredients. The result is often a confusing mash-up that leaves consumers scratching their heads or giving up. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover how to read food labels like a pro, so you can make the best choices for yourself and your loved ones.

There are many factors to consider when making a sunscreen purchase. Spray or squeeze? Low SPF or high SPF? Regular sunscreen or mineral sunscreen? Discover the differences in sunscreens and why you may want to consider natural sunscreens for your health as well as the health of the environment.

Hair and nails are among the first things people notice about one another, but they’re not just for looks. They’re meant to protect your body. And when they stop looking strong and healthy, that can indicate an underlying issue. Here’s what to know about hair and nails and how to keep them looking healthy.

Food additives run rampant in the modern food system, even in foods labeled natural or organic. So what purpose do food additives serve; which ones are allowed in organic foods, and which ones are the safest to consume?

Is your water safe to drink? Unfortunately, you can’t trust it just because it comes from your kitchen tap. It’s shocking how many kinds of contaminants are in your water supply. So what can you do about it? Which treatment options are best? And are hydrogen water and alkaline water beneficial? Discover what’s likely lurking in your water and how to ensure that you and your family have the safest, most nourishing H20 possible.

Recycling is a good thing. It keeps garbage out of landfills, keeps raw materials in the earth, and reduces energy consumption. But recycling can be inconvenient and confusing. And not everything put in the recycling bin actually gets recycled at all. In fact, some environmentalists even see recycling as a form of “greenwashing,” distracting us from the serious problems caused by our wasteful lifestyles. So what’s the deal? Should we recycle? If so, what are the rules? And what are the best ways to process our stuff to contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet?

Plastic is a great example of a technological solution that created an even bigger problem. Plastic is cheap, versatile, useful, and convenient. And over the past hundred years, it’s changed our lives in ways almost too fundamental to register. But what are the costs to our health and to the environment? If you want to reduce the amount of plastic in your life (and in your body), where do you start, and how do you go about it?

Anti-aging products are a $50 billion industry. And while there’s still no Fountain of Youth in sight, what you eat and what you put on your body have a direct effect on the appearance and health of your skin. When choosing personal care products, it’s important to read the labels. In this article, you’ll find out about some of the ingredients that are the biggest offenders to your skin, and 10 clean skincare ingredients that can have an anti-aging impact.

Learn how to make your own safe cleaning products using inexpensive, safe, and easy to find ingredients.

Matt Frazier wanted to add a bit of healthy protein to complement his athletic kids’ wholesome plant-based diet. So he started researching the available options - and he was horrified by what he found. Most of the protein powders on the market were contaminated with dangerous heavy metals and PCBs, not to mention fillers, sweeteners, preservatives, and gums. In this article, Matt exposes what the protein powder industry doesn’t want you to know.

Many processed foods and even cosmetics and personal care products are rife with synthetic food dyes. Made from petroleum products, these dyes wreak havoc on our health and well-being. But thanks to the natural rainbow of foods available in our world, safe, homemade alternative food dyes are possible. Find out how to make some of your own!