By Elizabeth Wheless
Although Britney Spears has the monopoly when it comes to singing about toxic relationships, we all invite plenty of toxins into our lives simply through lifestyle choices. In an effort to improve mental clarity, quality of life, and take care of our bodies, let’s discuss simple switches for college students to lose that toxic energy.
Most toxins are hidden in plain sight and sneak in through habits we don’t think twice about. This could be as simple as everyday cleaning products or toothpaste. Living a non-toxic lifestyle doesn’t have to be difficult. Having a mindful perspective and educating yourself as you begin a non-toxic journey is the key to transitioning into a clean household and lifestyle.
One of the main ways toxins sneak in is through oral care since it goes directly into our mouths. Oil pulling is an ancient practice used to pull toxins from the mouth and naturally help whiten teeth and kill bacteria. The brand I use is called Keeko and the individual packets make it easy to travel with. Add a tongue scraper to your regimen to get rid of excess bacteria, and get ready for a bright smile!
Don’t worry, the switch is easy now that there are many great-tasting toothpaste alternatives free of toxins while still promoting teeth whitening and mouth health. Dallas mother and international artist, Jenn Thatcher, was fed up with toxic ingredients after her son was diagnosed with a non genetic brain tumor and started the ZEBRA toothpaste company. Here is a snippet of what she had to say about the importance of non-toxic products for every individual.
“I realized the organic and non-toxic products in America are grossly mis-marketed. Zebra was started out of a desire to provide truly clean and transparent products, with ingredients that are ‘black and white.’ Finding safe yet effective products should not be so confusing. Customers deserve products they can trust with quality ingredients that actually work to promote their health, not destroy it.”
Another easy switch to make is the products you use to clean your apartment or dorm room. Typical cleaning products, such as dish soap and counter spray, are full of the same chemicals used to clean up oil spills and other harmful waste. Create a kinder and cleaner environment for your home and try out products from Branch Basics or Seventh Generation that get the job done without the harm. Even your skin will thank you for using hand soap that is actually nourishing instead of harmful!
When shopping at the grocery store, be mindful of choosing organic and non-GMO produce, meat, dairy, and even packaged snacks. We are fortunate to have a plethora of healthy food stores at our disposal in Dallas! The “Dirty Dozen” is a specific list of produce to take extra care in picking the organic version. By choosing organic or shopping at a farmers’ market, you are helping local farmers and not ingesting pesticides with every bite.
Another thing we tend to overlook is drinks! Switch to a glass water bottle to prevent BPA chemicals from plastic leaking into your water. Pick the healthier version of your favorite soda or if you’re 21+ try organic wine! It’s small lifestyle changes like these that can have a huge impact on overall health.
For the girls in the room menstrual care products are a HUGE culprit of toxins. Try using organic period products or a menstrual cup instead of the classic brands. Garnuu, an organic period subscription, not only is non-toxic, but donates proceeds to fight human trafficking. Do good for yourself and for others and make the switch!
Beauty products, specifically makeup and skincare, are another switch to make. While it might be hard to find a replacement for every product, try browsing in the Sephora Clean section or reading the labels before purchasing. You might be pleasantly surprised at the health of your skin after trying to limit daily toxins. Some nail salons, such as Paloma right by campus, are toxin-free and prioritize strengthening your nails! I love the brand Switch2Pure for skincare and makeup because the founder prioritizes transparency and high-quality products.
The key to a non-toxic journey is starting one step at a time. While it would be ideal to revamp every aspect of your routine, that can be overwhelming and lead to discouragement. Instead, try implementing one or two new practices every few weeks for lasting integration.
There are tons of podcasts and articles on the growing non-toxic movement. Some of my favorites are “Culture Apothecary” with Alex Clark and “The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show” (they just released a collab episode). Make sure to do your own research or talk to a fellow toxin-hater for recommendations and encouragement in your journey.