Guest Post ~ Claire Hastings
In the pursuit of lifelong peace, health, and happiness, there is a need for each and every one of us to break free from the shackles of consumerism and the wasteful modern way of life, and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Among the most rewarding changes you can make in your routine that will allow you to build a healthier home while safeguarding the future of Mother Earth are recycling and re-purposing, growing your own foods, and minimizing waste production in your home.
After all, if there are people who can fit one year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar, then you too can significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment. That said, there are still some interesting and reward solutions you can consider, so let’s take a look at the five eco-conscious changes you need to bring into your household.
Start by eliminating everything that’s unhealthy
The first step towards a healthier home and a healthier environment is to make a conscious decision to eliminate all unhealthy products from your home. This goes for food, makeup and oral care products, cleaning products, and everything in between. Yes, it can seem like a cumbersome task at first, but there’s no need to rush. Rather, take the time to organize this project according to each room in your household.
You can start with the kitchen, and eliminate all unhealthy foods. Next, you can move on to the bathroom, and throw out all of those toxic cleaning supplies that not only harm your long-term health but the health of the environment as well. And finally, you can start replacing non-organic materials with sustainable and eco-friendly décor.
Opt for handmade, eco-friendly décor
Over time, you can choose to slowly replace the décor elements in your home that are difficult to clean, or have been obtained through non-sustainable means with organics and hand-made materials that support the local artisans at no cost to the long-term well-being of the natural world. Take your time, and look for the décor pieces that not only work with the theme of each room, but boast certain health benefits as well.
For example, a beautiful jute rug in the living room or beneath the kitchen island can serve as the perfect standing spot that won’t irritate the soles of your feet, because it was made from all-natural materials. Likewise, organic linens and pillowcases are perfect if you’re looking to protect your skin from synthetics.
Choose organic and sustainable clothing
While we’re on the topic of organic materials, it’s important to pay special attention to the clothes you wear on a daily basis, and the materials they’re made of. The most sensitive areas of the body that are always in contact with some form of synthetic material are the feet, the nether regions, and the breasts, and these are the areas that are most prone to irritation.
This is why switching to bamboo women’s socks, for example, can make a big difference in the long run and help you avoid irritation while providing that lovely comfy feeling. Likewise, consider switching to organic bamboo panties and bras to prevent irritation and ensure comfort, while at the same time doing your part to safeguard Mother Earth by knowing that you’re buying sustainable items.
Clean your home the natural way
One of the most important elements of a healthy and eco-conscious household is the way you clean your home. If you’re used to proprietary, big brand cleaners, then it’s time to make a change and switch to all-natural cleaning products such as Essential Oxygen’s Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide that you can use for a variety of cleaning needs, all the while preserving the environment and ensuring that your home is toxin-free.
Bring health and sustainability into the kitchen
On a final note, let’s address the need to bring health and sustainability into the busiest room in every household – the kitchen. Not only should you stop buying unhealthy foods, but you should also make sure that you’re cooking with healthy cookware, that you’re storing your food in glass instead of plastic containers, and that you’re consuming locally-sourced, low-pesticide foods on a daily basis. This will allow you to lower your environmental impact, support the local economy and small businesses, and build a healthier home for you and your family.
In closing
There are many wonderful ways you can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendlier in the long run, but the best thing you can do is to combine some healthy personal habits with eco-conscious solutions to safeguard your home, your family, and the natural world. Be sure to use these tips to build a healthier future for all.
