First, let’s acknowledge something important:

There are a lot of factors that go into how we take care of our homes and bodies—
time, money, energy, health, physical limitations… real life.

So before anything else:

Your best is good enough.

Every choice comes with trade-offs.
Whatever you’ve decided to prioritize right now, is the right decision.

I don’t know what’s best for your life any more than someone else knows what’s best for mine.

But I do think it’s important to know what matters to you—and live in alignment with that.

🌎 Living in Alignment (Not Perfection)

I try to put my money where my values are.

For me, that means:

  • Supporting companies that treat all people with dignity and respect
  • Being mindful of environmental impact
  • Taking care of my own health and the wellbeing of others

Do I do this perfectly? Absolutely not.

Things change.
Companies change.
I learn new information.
And sometimes, convenience, cost, or capacity wins.

That’s part of it.

This isn’t about doing everything “right.”
It’s about being intentional where you can.

🧼 What I Use (and Why)

These are simply the choices I’ve landed on for now—based on effectiveness, values, and practicality.

Kitchen + Cleaning

Tip: Use an enzyme cleaner monthly to keep your dishwasher running well, and a rinse aid like Shine & Dry for better results.

Laundry

  • Detergent: Blueland tablets
  • Pre-spot treatment: Melaleuca (still the most effective I’ve found)

Full transparency:
Melaleuca doesn’t fully align with my values—but it works. This is one of those real-life trade-offs.

  • Ozone Machine: Helps sanitize without harsh chemicals (I use it for everything from laundry to outdoor cleaning)
  • Dryer: No dryer sheets → wool dryer balls instead

Bathroom (and a little joy where you can find it)

I love a good, practical gift—and yes, I’ve gifted toilet bowl cleaner.

Blueland makes a peppermint toilet bowl cleaner that I genuinely enjoy using.

It’s a small thing—but these little upgrades make everyday life feel better.

It’s not just cleaners but the very toilet paper we use that can have hidden health costs. I choose sustainable, formaldehyde free, bleach free, PFAS free paper. I have tried Rustic Strength and Who Gives a Crap, both of which I really like but Save Trees is cost effective and is working great for this house.

🧴 Body Care: A Big (Often Overlooked) Source of Toxins

Your skin absorbs a lot of what you put on it.

Many conventional products contain:

  • Harsh sulfates (SLS, SLES)
  • Parabens
  • Phthalates (often hidden under “fragrance”)
  • Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Artificial dyes

You don’t have to memorize all of this—but it helps to be aware.

What I Use:

Skincare (simple + effective)

I make my own body oil:

  • Almond oil
  • Castor oil
  • Turmeric oil
  • Aloe
  • Sea buckthorn
  • Black cumin seed oil

It reduces my need for lotions and keeps things simple.

đź•Ż Air Quality Matters More Than We Think

Anything you burn or spray… you breathe.

That includes:

  • Candles
  • Incense
  • Air fresheners
  • Plug-ins

Even “cleaner” candles should be used with ventilation. Partylite has wonderful non-toxic candles.

What I prioritize instead:

  • Opening windows
  • Fresh air
  • Regularly changing air filters

🍽 Hidden Sources: Plastics + Food Contact

This one can feel overwhelming.

Things I try to be mindful of:

  • Plastic wrap and bags
  • Aluminum foil
  • Parchment paper (yes, even this can contain microplastics)
  • Food storage (glass when possible)

And personally:

  • I don’t use a microwave

But again—this is where practicality matters.
Glass is heavier, more expensive, and not always convenient.

Do what works for you.

đź‘• Clothing (The Hardest Shift)

This is one of the most overlooked areas.

We’re in contact with fabric 24 hours a day.

Synthetic materials can:

  • Shed micro-particles
  • Contain chemical residues
  • Be absorbed through skin over time

Workout clothes are often the most synthetic.

And beyond personal health—
conventional cotton farming can be incredibly harmful to farmers and the environment.

What to look for:

  • Organic natural fibers
  • Minimal or no synthetic blends
  • Low-toxicity dyes (when possible)

This is the area I find hardest to fully transition.

🌿 The Real Takeaway

This is a lot.

And it’s not meant to be something you overhaul overnight.

The way I approached it was simple:

One thing at a time.

When something ran out, I replaced it with a better option.

That’s it.

No pressure. No overhaul. Just steady shifts.

đź’› Final Thought

Clean living isn’t about perfection.

It’s about:

  • Awareness
  • Alignment
  • And small, consistent choices

You’re allowed to:

  • Do what works
  • Make compromises
  • Change your mind
  • Take your time

If this gave you a few ideas or helped you feel a little clearer, then it did its job.

And if you have questions or want help thinking through a specific swap or area of your life, feel free to reach out—I’m always happy to talk through it with you.