Did you know that many of the items you use in your home contain ingredients that are unhealthy or even toxic? Cosmetics, items for personal care, cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners, nail polish and remover, and even dietary supplements can have a negative impact and cause potential health problems.
You want to know what is in the products you interact with to make the best choices for your family. This can be done by reading packaging labels, using fragrance-free or hypoallergenic options, and buying from brands that prioritize safety, transparency, and sustainability. Let’s review these together so you can feel empowered to make healthier choices moving forward.
Familiarize Yourself with Ingredient Labels
The only way to know if something is free from toxins is to know what it contains. However, do you know what to look for? Every bottle should have a label with a list of materials that it contains. If it doesn’t, err on the side of caution and don’t use it.
You want to look through the ingredients and avoid chemicals like phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde, and chlorine bleach. Be careful, though, because these also appear under other sneakier names that you may be unfamiliar with.
You don’t need to know what every single item is to determine if it is okay to use, but a good rule of thumb is that if you don’t recognize an ingredient or if you can’t pronounce it, there is a good chance it could be harmful.
You want to avoid these types of chemicals because they disrupt your hormones and can cause skin irritation and breathing problems. Some are even poisonous! Even if a label says it is FDA-approved, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is free from harsh materials.
There are many products that you use everyday that can negatively impact the health of your family. However, there is only so much you can do to keep them safe. Sometimes emergencies or illnesses happen anyway, and it is important to have insurance to protect you during these potential situations. Does your insurance have the coverage you need? If you want to make a switch, Freeway Insurance Reviews have a great reputation and offer a variety of plans around the country.
Avoid “Fragrance”
If you see the word “fragrance” in anything you use, please do yourself a favor and don’t use it! This word is all-encompassing for various chemicals and compounds that are used to create a scent that contains hidden allergens, irritants, or toxic substances that you definitely don’t want near or in your body.
Opt for brands that clearly state that they do not contain any scent. Look for words like “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic”. These are gentler on sensitive skin and are often recommended for babies and children. If you are trying to decide if you should use a product, ask yourself the question, “Would I allow my child to interact with this?”. If the answer is a“No”, it is a good sign you shouldn’t either!
Use Brands that Value Transparency
To make things less complicated for yourself, use brands that are transparent and prioritize the safety of their practices. Many of them openly share information about their sourcing, testing, environmental practices, and ethical commitments.
It is still important to do a little research about these companies, though. Visit their websites and look for details that relate to their commitment to these values. Look up reviews online to gauge their credibility and reputation, too.
Many times, labels will mark if they have third-party certifications. These are good indicators that they are a healthier option. Look for logos that say they are USDA Organic, EPA Safer Choice, or Cruelty-Free. Better yet, if it has all of these, it’s definitely a winner!
Tips to Make Mindful Choices for Common Household Items
There is a lot to think about when it comes to keeping your family healthy and staying away from harsh or harmful chemicals, but there are ways you can prevent coming in contact with them moving forward. Before making any purchases, look at all label details, choose those that do not have a fragrance, and buy from brands that are committed to transparency. This way, you are setting everyone up to make better choices and create a better environment for their future!
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