How to avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in your home
With Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) lurking pretty much everywhere, we’re sharing five simple tips to help make your home safer for you and your family as well as our trusted non-toxic products picks.
For years, both the Endocrine Society and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics have been issuing warnings about the dangers of chemicals found in everyday products such as plastics, shampoos, cosmetics, household cleaners, pesticides, cash register receipts and more.
In particular, they are warning consumers to steer clear of chemicals known as endocrine disruptors because they are known to cause obesity, diabetes, infertility, and a range of cancers including breast, prostate, testicular, uterine and ovarian cancer.
According to the Endocrine Society and the National Cancer Institute, unborn babies and young children are particularly at risk. Exposure to chemicals in the womb and in early childhood can lead to the development of illnesses decades later.
So how can you protect your family?
In this guide, we’ll share:
- Tips for avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals in your home
- Our go-to non-toxic food storage and mealtime picks
- Our go-to non-toxic personal care products for mamas and babies
Scroll down to learn more!
5 Tips for avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals in your home
#1 Check your general purpose cleaner and detergents products’ safety rating with the EWG.
What is the EWG?
Founded by Ken Cook, the Environmental Working Group is on a mission to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Their team of scientists bring the utmost research and rigor to teach families how to make choices that protect their families.
Ingredients lists can be VERY tricky to read, so check the brand (and specific products) you’re considering via the Environmental Working Group (EWG.) database.
They have a very handy letter grading scale (From ‘Verified’ then ‘A’ down to ‘F’) that helps you judge ingredients and products much more easily. They also detail the health and environment risks involved.
#2 Avoid BPA, BPS and Phthalates that can often be lurking in plastic containers.
While all of these ingredients aren’t great to have in any type of products, the issue with food and beverage containers is that when exposed to heat, they’re more likely to leach into your food or liquid and end up ingested.
Alternatives are: glass, silicone, stainless steel, ceramic and bamboo. But of course: you’ll need to ensure they’re all high grade and tested by third-party labs to ensure they don’t contain any heavy metals.
#3 Filter tap water to reduce your exposure to chemicals – it’s preferable to bottled water.
Again, avoiding single use plastic water bottles isn’t just better for the environment, it’s better for our health due to the risk of microplastics leaching into our liquid.
#4 Eat organic food whenever possible.
When a company says they’re food or product is ‘organic’ they mean it was cultivated and produced without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, which can all contain EDCs.
#5 Be very picky about your personal care products.
This is particularly important if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding as chemicals can enter your blood stream. When it comes to personal care products, we like to steer clear of EDCs such as dioxins, formaldehyde, PEGs, Parabens, Fragrance, Mineral Oil, SLS & SLES & Chlorine.
For more information on the ratings of common household products, head to ewg.org
Our go-to non-toxic food storage and mealtime picks
The best place to start detoxing your home is in the kitchen! Brands like Aegi, Zip Top and EKOBO are making it easy to swap from plastic with their ranges of ceramic, silicone, bamboo and stainless steel sets! Scroll down to see just a few of our faves.
Aegi Ceramic Storage Containers
$38
Available in more colors
Aegi Silicone Suction Gift Set
$55
Available in more colors
Zip Top Silicone Breastmilk Storage Set
$49.99
Zip Top Silicone Food Storage Bags – Full Set
$89.99
EKOBO Bambino Kid Dinner Set – Royal Blue
$25
Available in more colors
EKOBO Bambino Kid Set
$25
Available in more colors
Non-Toxic Personal Care Products For Mamas & Babies
Stretch Mark Oils & Balms
We know you’ll want to try anything and everything to soothe dry, itchy and over-stretched skin when you’re pregnant, but please be sure to read ingredient lists! Scroll down to see the non-toxic products we love from Matana Organics, Erbaviva, and BEB Organic.
Matana Organics Stretch Mark Oil
$25
EXCLUSIVE
Erbaviva Organic Stretch Mark Trilogy
$72
BEB Organic Soothing & Nurturing Gua Sha Set
$128
EXCLUSIVE
Baby Balms, Creams & Oils
It’s extra important to be mindful about what goes on your baby’s skin because they are actually more likely to absorb it due to how thin their skin is (to accommodate all the growing.)
Babies also tend to have more sensitive skin in general so it’s wise to find clean, simple and organic lotions and balms. Some of the brands we love for little bums, tummies, toes and cheeks are Kiss Kiss Goodnight, The Organic Pharmacy, Pleni Naturals, Evereden and Erbaviva.
Kiss Kiss Goodnight Discovery Kit
$34
EXCLUSIVE
The Organic Pharmacy Nappy Balm
$45
Pleni Naturals Cucumber + Grape Oil
$15.99
Erbaviva Baby Butter
$20
Evereden Classic Baby Bundle
$53
Baby & Kid Shampoo & Body Washes
Just like with balms and lotions, you’ll want to make sure your tot’s shampoo and bodywash doesn’t have anything nasty lurking in there! Scroll down to see our favorite non-toxic bath time options from Gryph + Ivyrose, BEB Organic and Pleni Naturals.
Gryph + Ivyrose Bath Set
$111
BEB Organic Vital Touch Set
$222
EXCLUSIVE
Pleni Naturals Apple + Broccoli Wash
Ranging from $16.99 to $30.99
Oral Care
Finding a natural toothpaste that actually works is not an easy feat! That’s why we are RAVING about the kids and adult sets from RiseWell!
RiseWell Kids Set
$28
EXCLUSIVE
RiseWell Adult Set
$36
EXCLUSIVE
Interviews, stories, and guides on thetot.com contain information that is general in nature and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a medical condition or concern or plan on trying a new diet, supplement or workout, it’s best to first consult with your physician or a qualified health professional.
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- Want even more non-toxic and organic personal care products for your whole family? Visit The Tot Clean Bath & Beauty Shop!
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