A new year is coming, and I’m continuing our low-tox journey. I’m not sure if it’s age, knowledge, or both, but if I can cut out toxins, I’m going to.
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A new year always brings the urge to start fresh. Many of us make resolutions to eat better, exercise, or get organized but this year, I encourage you to think about your home environment too. When it comes to a low tox lifestyle, I really believe it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
I’ve been working on making low tox swaps for the last four or five years (hence, the marathon). Some seasons make it easier than others, and that’s okay. Once you start paying attention to what’s actually in your everyday products, from cleaners to candles to cookware, it can be shocking. So many of the things we use daily are filled with synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and chemicals that can affect our air quality, hormones, and even our kids’ developing systems.
I’m definitely not an expert or perfectly low tox (honestly, I don’t think anyone can be in this day and age). But I do my best to make decisions and product choices that reduce the amount of toxins in our home.
Going low tox doesn’t mean throwing everything out overnight or replacing your entire house in one weekend. It’s about becoming more aware and making better choices when you can, heavy on the when you can. Swapping out a few high impact items like cleaners, fragrances, and plastics can noticeably improve your home’s air quality, reduce skin irritation, and create a calmer, cleaner-feeling space.
For me as a mom, this has always been about peace of mind, knowing I can make simple swaps that create a safer space for my family without making life harder or more expensive.
When I’m deciding which changes to make, I start with the easy swaps: the ones that don’t require extra effort or remembering new routines. Here are five of my favorite easy low tox swaps you can make this new year.
1. Ditch the Synthetic Fragrances
Start the year by cleaning up the air and the scents in your home. A simple swap is trading candles and plug-ins for an essential oil diffuser.
I use the Canopy Diffuser, it’s best for smaller areas. It is a waterless diffuser, which means no moldy buildup or constant refilling, and the device is so easy to clean (just pop out the parts and give them a quick rinse or throw the dishwasher safe pieces in the dishwasher). , But I love that all of Canopy’s products have the built-in aroma diffuser element. I keep the large room humidifier downstairs and the bedside humidifiers in each bedroom. These are mist-less as well so the mess is very minimal!
I also use Canopy’s aroma blends, but you can use whatever pure essential oils you like as well. Their aromas are made with pure essential oils and no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, mineral oils, or synthetic dyes. My favorite blends right now are the Coastals Collection, Salt Cave, and recently I’ve been loving Restore. I love to get the filter with aroma subscription because you get a random set of aromas sent to you every 6 weeks and I love smelling all the new ones to find the ones I love!
You can save 15% off any order over $50 with this link.
2. Swap Plastic Tupperware for Glass or Stainless Steel
This is such an easy, affordable swap that you can make all at once. Plastic containers can leach chemicals, especially when heated. Switching to glass storage containers or stainless steel lunch boxes is safer and more durable. Plus, they look so much nicer in your fridge.
We love this set from Pyrex, it’s dishwasher safe and has held up for years.
3. Replace Dryer Sheets with Wool Dryer Balls
Traditional dryer sheets often contain synthetic fragrances and coating agents. Wool dryer balls are a reusable, low-tox alternative that helps reduce static naturally.
If you miss the fresh scent, just add a drop or two of essential oil to each ball before tossing them in.
Hack: If you’re always losing dryer balls in clean laundry, keep an extra one sitting on the dryer. When you unload clothes, replace the old set with the new one so you’re never searching for them again!
4. Swap for a Non-Toxic Multipurpose Cleaner
If changing all your cleaning products feels overwhelming, start with one, your multipurpose cleaner. It’s the one product you use on every surface, and if you have little ones constantly touching everything, this is a big impact swap.
There are several great options for non-toxic cleaners: Branch Basics, Truly Free, and Force of Nature are my top recommendations. Try one and see what fits your lifestyle best, each has a different scent, feel, and level of convenience.
5. Filter Your Bath and Shower Water
This swap makes a big difference for your skin, scalp, and overall wellness and once it’s set up, you can forget about it until the next filter change (usually every 90 days).
Tap water can contain chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants that dry out and irritate the skin. A simple water filter helps remove these and can be especially beneficial for kids with sensitive skin.
I love the Canopy Bath Filter and Filtered Showerhead because they’re easy to install (no tools needed!) and even rental-friendly. After using both for about six months, I’ve noticed huge improvements. My two-year-old’s dry skin and eczema cleared up, and my husband’s scalp feels so much healthier.
Hack: If you’re worried about forgetting to change the filter, I use the quarters of the year to remember to switch my filters. You could also use the seasons as a great reminder!
Bonus: Purify Your Air
Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air and most of us spend the majority of our time inside! The Canopy Air Purifier uses a no-touch filter system (so you never have to handle a dirty filter) and doubles as an aroma diffuser to purify and refresh your space at the same time.
If you already own the Canopy Humidifier, it can stack right on top of the Air Purifier for a space-saving Wellness Tower. I’ve only had mine a few months, and I can’t believe how much dirt, dust, and pet dander it’s already trapped.
You can shop the Air Purifier and use my link for an exclusive 15% off any order over $50.
Making small swaps toward a lower-tox lifestyle is something to be proud of. Even if you feel like there are still so many changes to make, remember it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress. Every little step adds up over time.
If you want to see the full list of swaps I’ve made so far, check out my Simple Low-Tox Swaps post for even more easy ideas.
Thanks for reading, and happy new year. You’ve got this!
xx, Ciara
