Our friends over at The Conscious Merchant are full of tips, tricks, and great resources for how to get started…
Most of us aren’t professionals when it comes to living cleaner and healthier lives; however, there are still many, like me, that are navigating to find the best products at reasonable prices and feel good that I’m making a better decision for myself and my family. I started my journey to a cleaner lifestyle last fall due to medical issues. Since then I am continuing to learn and would by no means say I’m an expert, but I have learned of the many resources available to help in this journey.
In the beginning, I quickly became VERY overwhelmed when looking through safer products. I would close my computer after a few minutes of searching and reading frustrated that there was too much information and not enough direction. I had a friend who gave me this advice…don’t go and throw out all your current products right now (e.g. shampoo’s/conditioners, makeup, body lotions, cleaning supplies, etc.) because it will cost you hundreds to potentially thousands to replace. She recommended starting to slowly switch to cleaner products as I ran out of my current supply. That way I could focus on one (maybe two) products at a time and be less overwhelmed. You know what, it is working like a charm!
You’re probably thinking, that’s great, but where do I start. Fortunately, there are many resources available as you begin to navigate or if you are a seasoned pro and want to keep up with new products and companies transitioning to cleaner products.
Where Do I Begin?
The first step is to inventory your products. Choose cleaning or personal care, don’t feel that you need to do both at once. Small changes will still bring long term results. Make a list of the products you use.
Then, use one (or more) of the resources that have been created for you. Work smarter not harder! Below are 3 suggestions for easy resources to review your products.
Go through your list and see what may need to be changed. Then prioritize!
Healthy Living App
The Environmental Working Group has a Healthy Living App. Here they have rated over 12,000 personal care (and food) products with ratings at your fingertips. They provide their stamp of approval on thousands of products as well as provide ratings for other products in the marketplace. You can go online and find their Guide to Healthy Cleaning too.
Made Safe
“MADE SAFE® is a program of Nontoxic Certified, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.” They provide the US’s first comprehensive human health and ecosystem-focused certification for nontoxic products across store aisles, from baby to personal care to household and beyond.” You are able to search their site for thousands of clean products.
Think Dirty
The Think Dirty App rates products on the potential risks associated with ingredients found in personal care products. Rating is based on different chemicals and their contents found in the products. This app isn’t as intuitive or provides the research that EWG does, but if you’re looking for a rather conservative quick resource- this would be it.
Not sure what to prioritize? Still overwhelmed? Ask for help! Remember, you’re not alone! The TCM Team is always here to help you navigate cleaner swaps for you and your families health.
Guest Blog By: The Conscious Merchant
