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HOW TO CREATE A NON-TOXIC HOME

Many products that were invented decades ago were, at the time, considered to be
miraculous and amazing. Herbicides like Roundup and DDT changed the lives of
farmers, eliminating pests like crazy. However, little thought was given to the great
harm that would be done to our soil, to the insects needed to keep our ecology in
harmony with all of life and worst of all, the cost to human life.

Everyone thought plastic was the best thing ever when it was first created. Our culture
here in the US, obsessed with convenience and ease, loved all the ways plastic began
being used in countless items…food storage, furniture, car parts, water bottles,
bags…way too many to name here. Now, 100 years later, we have a serious problem
with plastic, because it’s almost indestructible, and our landfills and oceans are
overflowing with plastic, killing our fish and getting into our food supply. Microplastics
are now being found in breast milk, so even newborns are ingesting microplastic.

Thankfully, many more people are now aware of these hazards to their planet and their
personal good health. Most homeowners want to create a home that is free of toxins,
where they know they and their children will be safe from chemicals and pollutants.

What steps can a homeowner take to create a nontoxic home?
Flooring: Avoid carpets, which are havens for dust, dirt and mold. Instead, try these
options:
• Bamboo floors: Bamboo is ecofriendly because it grows much faster than trees (5-7
years from first growth to harvest), and after harvesting, the root remains intact, so the
bamboo will regenerate itself. There is no need to replant, making it much more
sustainable. Bamboo flooring is beautiful, is known for its strength and durability and is
generally similar to hardwood in cost.
• Reclaimed wood: If you are repurposing old wood, obviously you are adhering to
sustainability. Older wood has probably come from an old-growth forest, where the
trees have had the chance to grow more slowly, able to develop a denser grain and will
thus be harder and more stable. With years of exposure to the elements, the wood will
have more history and character.
• Natural linoleum: Natural linoleum is made from renewable and natural resources,
mainly linseed oil, wood flour and jute. It is eco-friendly and 97% natural. It’s also anti-static

so won’t attract dust. Plus, it’s made in endless designs, colors and patterns,
making it a very fun alternative to wood flooring.

Insulation: Many homeowners are moving away from the standard spray insulation,
because it contains formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Fiberglass insulation
also poses health risks. There is an alternative called rockwool insulation, made from
natural rock materials that are melted and spun into fibers. These are then compressed
to create a dense material that is resistant to heat, fire and moisture and will absorb
sound. It is a bit more expensive but on the upside, it is considered superior in fire and
moisture resistance and sound proofing.

Paint: When selecting paint, adhesives and sealants, use paint designated low-VOC.
This stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are chemicals that escape from
materials into the air we breathe. These can cause headaches, irritation to the eyes,
nose and throat, and loads of exposure can even cause kidney and liver damage.

Mold: If you’ve had some water intrusion issues and suspect you have mold, you will
want to be all over this. Mold can seriously impact your health, and it is not good to live
in a moldy environment. Mold specialists can be hired to come into your home and test
for mold. But you can also buy and conduct your own mold detection test. Test kits are
available on Amazon for $20-$100. If you do have mold, you will have to hire a mold
remediation specialist.

Furniture: Select wood furniture with natural finishes. For upholstery, stay with natural
materials such as wool and cotton. Even better, explore buying second hand. There
are some wonderful platforms, like Etsy and Facebook Marketplace, where you can find
gently used and vintage pieces. It can be a fun adventure, exploring vintage stores for
an interesting end table or lamp that has some history behind it. When you shop this
way, you are helping preserve our planet’s fragile resources.

What to avoid:
• Vinyl, used in so many things…floors, window blinds…is one of the worst in terms of
toxicity. While affordable, vinyl contains loads of chemicals that make the plastic soft
and pliable. Some people don’t seem to have trouble with vinyl, but research is

showing that these chemicals mimic the body’s hormones and can interfere with normal
functions.
• Engineered wood, as in particle board, plywood and fiberboard, contains formaldehyde
which can irritate the eyes, throat, nose, asthma symptoms and is even linked to some
cancers.

Air quality: Ventilation and a good air flow will keep your home feeling fresh. Open
windows whenever possible and let that beautiful breeze in. Make sure kitchen and
bathrooms have exhaust fans and are being used. Fill your home with plants – they
help remove carbon dioxide and replace it with oxygen. Boston ferns and spider plants
are especially good at helping the air quality in your home.

Common household items:
• Cleaning products: Get rid of all your harsh, chemically based cleaners and replace
with natural alternatives. You can even make your own, with baking soda, vinegar and
essential oils. Recipes for everyday cleaning supplies are very easy to find on the
Internet.
• Cookware: Throw away your Teflon and nonstick pans. Replace with cast iron,
stainless steel or ceramic.
• Food storage: Get rid of all your plastic containers and replace with glass. You can
make your own beeswax wraps (you can also buy these), and there are also food
storage “bags” – Stashers is one of the popular brands – that are not made of plastic.
• Candles and air fresheners: Don’t use scented candles or air fresheners. Instead, try
an essential oil diffuser.
• Laundry: Use fragrance-free soap and wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets.

It can feel like an overwhelming task, turning your home into a clean toxic-free
environment. The good news is that every positive change you make helps. Take it
one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a healthy, beautiful home!