I’m far more sensitive to my environment than I once was.
Perfumes give me headaches.
Some body washes trigger my asthma.
Chemists can make me wheeze.
Certain shampoos leave my scalp itchy and irritated.
Even things many people love — like candles — can be a problem for me. While they make a home smell beautiful, especially in wet weather, they can also bring on asthma or migraines.
Because of this, I’ve gradually reduced the chemicals in our home. I say gradually because this hasn’t been an overnight change — and I’m still not “perfect” (if that even exists).
I’ll be honest — I still use OMO for my husband’s work clothes because sometimes practicality wins. But for my own washing, I’ve switched to more natural options. There are also things still on my list to change, like non-stick cookware and appliances.
Side note — did you know you can get glass air fryers? I didn’t either, but I’m very keen to try one.
Essential oils have become a meaningful part of my low-tox journey. They support not only the environment in our home, but how I feel physically and mentally as well. I know there’s a lot of noise out there about “snake oils,” but essential oils are simply a natural tool — and when used properly, they’ve earned a place in my everyday life.
What’s interesting is how this has flowed into my work as a real estate agent.
I’m in a lot of homes every week, and I can often smell the impact of chemical-heavy environments straight away. Vendors are doing their best — lighting candles, using plug-ins, spraying air fresheners — all with the intention of presenting their homes well. I have complete respect for my clients and the choices they make.
But imagine creating a home that feels welcoming, fresh and calm — without relying on heavy chemicals.
That’s what low-tox living has shown me is possible.
Here are some of the swaps I’ve made so far:
• Body wash: Sukin
• Shampoo: Young Living
• Make-up: Nude
• Skincare: Weleda, Shaklee
• Perfume: Essential oils
• Laundry detergent: Young Living
• Cleaning products: Young Living Thieves concentrated range
• Floor cleaning: Steam mop with essential oils (usually lemon, tea tree or Thieves)
• Air freshener: Essential oils in a diffuser
• Deodorant: Young Living
These are some fairly significant changes — and there are still more to come. Changing habits takes time, and low-tox living isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.
So the question I often ask is this:
What’s one small thing you could start swapping out in your home?
Because a home shouldn’t just look good — it should feel good to live in.
Leave a Reply