Greening my house is quite an obsession, and for good reason: it’s transformed and supported my energy in incredible ways!

I’m propagating plants and succulents, growing vines and herbs… detoxing the medicine cabinets more thoroughly… zeroing in on my own routines and creating more healthful, clear space more dramatically.

The idea that got me detoxing my beauty routine early on, especially body lotions and shampoos:

“Our skin is not only your largest organ – it’s also the thinnest. Only 1/10th of an inch separates you from all sorts of toxins. Your skin is highly permeable, allowing what you apply to your skin access to your bloodstream (and thereby to the rest of your body)”– Dr. Mercola

It’s been dramatic to see how much better I look and feel without certain chemicals in my space. It’s become quite a passion in a positive way rather than a detox based on fear. That said, when I raised my awareness as to why the alternatives were needed, it helped me to take the first steps toward a greener home!

Today, let’s start detoxing your home of some of the top chemicals we come in contact with daily. The high vibes and magnetism that replaces chemical overloads is so exciting! 

Here are 10 ways to dramatically boost the energy of your home & wellness routine by detoxing in simple ways! 

1.Upgrade Your Candles

The average – and even many upscale- candles that are scented can be a toxic storm for your home, and for the environment.

Andrew Sledd, a pediatrician with a specialty in Environmental Toxicology, believes that burning a scented candle for an hour can be equally as harmful to your body as smoking one cigarette. Among other harmful chemicals, parrafin is the main component in candles and is a by-product of fossil fuel. Therefore, burning a candle can also be damaging to our environment.

The Environmental Protection Agency reports several other harmful chemicals that are release when burning the average parrafin wax candles.

Acetaldehyde: This substance is added to candles for color and scent. It has been know to cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, nose and throat and is a possible carcinogen.

Formaldehyde: It is a carcinogen and known to cause irritation to the eyes, lungs, nose and throat. Exposure to this chemical may increase your chances of developing allergies and asthma.

Dioxins and Furans: These substances are known to cause weakness, depression, of immune system, and changes in liver function.

The solution:  buy only the most non-toxic, soy or beeswax candles with essential oils as fragrance, or very simply make your own candles.

Pure beeswax candles are space-clearing and awesome!

2. Replace Scented Laundry Sheets

The average scented laundry sheet may create a warm, great-smelling pile of laundry, but the downside is tremendous.  I have an instant reaction to fabrics that are dried with laundry sceets or washed in scented detergents, and I’m not alone!

Here are some of the reasons to switch from standard dryer sheets to a natural alternative.

Phlates are hormone interruptors that are found in artificially scented detergents and beauty products.   

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds: This chemical is found in liquid fabric softener, dryer sheets, and household products labeled antibacterial. This contains a antimicrobial which promotes the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria. It is also known as a skin irritant and can cause dermatitis. Studies show it can also be the cause of respiratory disorders.

The solution: HERE you can learn how to make your own dryer sheets.  You can also buy more natural and environmentally conscious ones at many stores, or… you can use wool dryer balls with essential oils to fluff and scent your laundry with high energy!

3. Be Selective with Bug Spray

 The active ingredient in bur repellant is diethyltoluamide, or DEET. A study conducted in 2009 found that DEET can impede the normal functioning of enzymes that are necessary for central nervous system function.

When I was headed to Nicaragua earlier this year and called around to find natural bug sprays as the fear of Zika was increasing, I learned that DEET can literally eat through clothing and plastic!!!  (This is not a joke, it’s terrifying.)

Here’s one study on DEET from Live Science:

“In the study, the researchers found that DEET blocked the enzyme cholinesterase, which is essential for transmitting messages from the brain to the muscles in insects. The researchers noted that DEET may also affect the nervous systems of mammals, and that more research in this area is needed.”

The solution: Dr. Axe has a DIY Bug Spray you can make. You can research natural bug sprays that are scientifically backed. There are many, and I found several that worked very well.You can also burn some strong cirtronella candles on your patios and wear some rose geranium essential oil on your wrists.

4. Be More Conscious About Toothpaste

I’ve been steadfast in the camp that toothpaste “isn’t that bad” when made with chemicals, and as I research and see the effects of toothpaste formulations on both teeth and bodies over time, my view has changed.

Here are a few reasons to consider going more natural:

Triclosan: This is the main agent in toothpaste known to prevent gingivitis. But, this chemical has also been linked to endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance. Disruption of the endocrine system is a serious concern and can be linked to, “…breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular cancer, preterm and low birth weight babies, precocious puberty in girls, and undescended testicles in boys.”  (More HERE)

Fluoride:  Studies show that we ingest 33% of toothpaste we put on our brush.  There is a proven risk with ingesting too much fluoride which is called dental fluorosis, where teeth can turn yellow or brown. This usually occurs in children when they are growing their adult teeth in.

The solution:

Make your own toothpaste:

• Equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda
• Add essential oil to taste

There are amazing essential oil blends for teeth and gums, from great companies like Living Libations.

Also, there are many conscious companies making natural toothpastes.  THIS one has the highest ratings between safety and performance, and it’s next up to replace my own toothpaste! 

5. Rethink Hairspray

HERE is why hairspray is not such a great idea, well beyind the environmental hazards: “Common chemicals found in hairspray are aerosol propellants, alcohol, carcinogenic polyvinylpyrrolidone plastic, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrance, which can cause low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, coma, as well as irritation of the skin, eyes and lungs. These chemicals also increase the risk of developing the lung disease thesaurosis over a period of time.”

The solution: rethink using it in lieu of natural hair gel. Or, make your own like this one based on sugar!

6. Do Natural Deodorant… without Anti-Perspirant or Aluminum 

Aluminum is a chemical added to deodorants to prevent your underarms from perspiring.   This key component of many deodorants has been linked to breast cancer, bone disease and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Environmental Working Group, even if you find a deodorant that claims to be aluminum free, it still may contain Triclosan, which is an endocrine disrupter.

The problem:  natural deodorants do not seem to work!!!

They will work beautifully though, if you do armpit detoxes.  This is a big deal and I do it along with a mud face mask at least once a month:

The solution now:start with natural deodorant!

I am obsessed with Schmidts and presently with Lavender Sage. All of these smell amazing and work beautifully. You may need to reapply during the day, but once you do the detox you’ll feel the need less and less to do that!

Also, you can make your own deodorants. Some people just use baking soda dusted on. For me: I stick to the experts with this one.

7. It’s Vital to Keep Your Sunscreen Pure 

In a report written in 1978 and explained here, Professor Howard Maibach of the University of California reported that “35 percent of sunscreen can pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream.”

This is alarming since the Environmental Working Group (EWG) recently reviewed the toxicity and efficacy of 831 sunscreen products and found that many contained, “…potentially harmful chemicals like benzophenone, homo- salate and octyl methoxycinnamate, which are known to mimic estrogen. Some also contained padimate-0 and avobenzone, which are suspected of causing DNA damage when exposed to sunlight. Several are strongly linked to allergic reactions and still others may build up in the body or the environment.” (you can read more HERE)

The Solution: use a natural sunscreen! It’s worth the investment, especially for daily use!

HERE is a favorite brand of mine, introduced to me and reviewed by Chantal Moore. 

If you want to DIY, you can try THIS sunscreen recipe.   Again, I stick with the experts as I live in Southern California and I get a lot of sun here!

8. Clean up your Cleaning Products

Ammonia is found in glass cleaners and polishing products for jewelry, bathroom faucets and sinks.   People with asthma and other breathing problems should not inhale this substance, as it can exacerbate symptoms. When mixed with bleach it can also become a poisonous gas.

Plus… there are coctails full of other toxic chemicals, dyes and gasses in typical home cleaning products. 

I love THIS lemon-lime homemade cleaner. 

I also use many different natural brands (that work!) from the grocery store.

9. Get a Water Filter

Unfiltered Water contains toxic heavy chemicals such as lead, mercury, aluminum and copper, water treatment additives such as chlorine and fluoride, as well as bacteria such as coliform and E-coli.

THIS is one of the best water filtration systems I could find.  You can do your own research. It’s a big deal to have a water filter.

HERE is how and why to use Vitamin C crystals in your bath to create a healthier bath experience.

10. No More Antibacterial Soap 

Antibacterial soaps- In an article entitled, Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective of Just Risky is was shown that these soaps show no benefit over regular soaps. Antibacterial soap also contains Triclosan, which when researchers exposed fish to this substance, they seemed to have trouble swimming. This leads researchers to believe this chemical can impair muscle function. Fox News reported that Dr. Isaac Pessah, professor and chair of the Department of Molecular Biosciences in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and his research team exposed Triclosan to mice and found that, “After exposing the cells to levels of triclosan similar to amounts people use daily, Pessah and his colleagues found that the chemical greatly interfered with the muscles’ ability to contract when stimulated, a response known as ‘excitation-contraction coupling.’

The solution: Warm to hot water and natural soap is antibacterial.

These little switches are massive in impact. You may uncover, in the process, sensitivities you weren’t aware of that vanish as the chemicals vanish. I became so much more clear-headed, calm and my skin started glowing in the absence of toxins. The energy of your home will be more radiant and you’ll enjoy cleaning far more. It’s all-round so awesome, I hope you try a simple switch or two and feel the energy soar!

xoxo Dana

P.S.: If you want to really immerse yourself in the light of joy so much more, my favorite Feng Shui and cutting-edge energy-shifting tools that I use almost every day are HERE for you in the Joy Immersion: 30 Day Negativity Detox! 

I’m so excited to share this with you!!!

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Welcome to Creating Genius!
I spent the last year creating this e-guide to balancing and unblocking life by pulling together the best of a decade of space-changing and life-shifting feng shui! It’s 50 days and 50 ways to use feng shui to shift your space and your routines to move from “stuck” to creatively inspired and alive.

Start Creating Genius right HERE!

Gather up your magic & make gorgeous dreams come true!

xoxo Dana