How To Sustain A Non-Toxic Lifestyle Without Breaking The Bank
Green Living expert, Aida Garcia Toledo debunks the myth that living a more eco-friendly life is expensive
Somehow, somewhere, an idea was born, and it spread rapidly: that organic living is important, but it comes at a very high cost. Being able to live a sustainable, non-toxic lifestyle is a luxury that many simply could not afford.
Is this true or is it a myth?
The answer isn’t black or white because, truth be told, there are aspects of non-toxic living that will cost you more at the cash register. However, you might be surprised to find that, most of the time, living a non-toxic lifestyle can actually be more cost effective than the alternative.
Non-toxic personal care
One of the main areas of non-toxic living where you can save a substantial amount of money is in personal care and beauty products. The key to spending less on personal care products is to go shopping for daily use items in your kitchen instead of your local beauty or department store! Embrace DIY and use less products. These three switches will help you spend less, produce less waste, and reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
How to spend less on personal care?
- Natural moisturizer: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil and shea butter are nature’s most effective moisturizers.
- Multipurpose tonic: Organic apple cider vinegar can work as an all-natural hair conditioner and detangler (water it down with up to 50% water to reduce the strong smell), as a skin toner that helps reduce skin inflammation, and even as a mouthwash.
- Body scrub: Store-bought body scrubs are often pricey and filled with artificial fragrances or micro-plastics. Making your own body scrub is another incredibly easy and cost effective alternative: just mix 1 cup of organic granulated brown sugar, with ½ cup of olive oil. You can store in a sealed small mason jar.
- Bar soap: Bar soaps not only last longer than liquid soaps, they use less packaging, which means less waste. Plain castille bar soap is one of the most cost-effective, non-toxic personal care basics.
The organic kitchen
There is no doubt about it — an organic apple will cost more than a non-organic apple. So, yes, while organic food is more expensive than conventional food, there is a case to be made for the potential long-term cost of eating non-organic food. Conventional food is treated with pesticides, antibiotics and synthetic additives. The cumulative exposure of being exposed to this throughout your life has been linked to increased risk of many health ailments including diabetes, ADHD and even cancer — all of which will cost you more in health management costs down the line.
How to spend less on organic food
- Farmers’ markets: Visit your local farmers’ market an hour before closing. Prices are usually lowered significantly in the last hour of a farmer’s market, as farmers prefer to sell what they have for less than return home with unsold produce.
- Support a local CSA: CSA Stands for community supported agriculture. CSA allows city residents to have direct access to fresh, high-quality produce that’s locally grown. When you become a member of a CSA, you’re purchasing a “share” of vegetables from a regional farmer at a much lower price.
- Grow your own: Consider growing your own organic fruits and vegetables at home in your garden, on a balcony or even in a vertical garden indoors.
- Shop Smart: Certain large chains like Trader Joe’s, Costco and 365 offer better priced organic foods.
Water
A good water filtration system is at the core of non-toxic living. According to the Environmental Working Group, millions of Americans are drinking water with unsafe amount of pollutants, which is why it is so important to filter the water your family drinks and uses for cooking. Quality water filtration systems can be costly however, ranging from $400 to upwards of $1500. While the price tag is high, it’s actually more costly in the long-run to keep purchasing bottled water — both financially and environmentally.
Non-toxic cleaning products
Hands down the area where non-toxic living is substantially less expensive is with cleaning supplies. Somehow, through the years, companies have convinced us that clean needs to “smell clean” and that we need to spend money on 20 different specialized cleaning products for different parts of our home. The reality is that most of our homes can effectively be cleaned with four basic ingredients: vinegar, water, soap and baking soda.
How to spend less on non-toxic cleaning products
- All-purpose cleaner: Mix 50% distilled white vinegar with 50% water (you can add organic natural essential oils if the smell of vinegar bothers you).
- Drain cleaner: No need to buy incredibly toxic drain cleaners. Instead, pour a pot of boiling hot water down your drain followed by 1/2 cup baking soda. Then, pour a cup of white vinegar into the drain and allow the mixture to sit for a couple of minutes. When the fizzing has stopped, flush down with 2 -3 cups of boiling water.
- Bathtub/shower cleaner: Spray the entire area with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Then scrub with a soft bristle scrub brush. For tougher stains, make a hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste, place over stain, and scrub with a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth, finishing with a thorough water rinse.
Non-toxic toys & baby products
Here, the key is to think long-term. Investing in high quality, organic, non-toxic items will, undoubtedly, cost more upfront. However, most organic, non-toxic toys and baby products are made with better quality materials, meaning that these items last longer, ultimately saving you money in the long-run.
How to spend less on toys & baby gear:
- Choose wood: Sustainable wooden toys might cost more than plastic ones, however they will remain in great shape for years and can be reused by countless siblings/cousins/ friends.
- Say “No” to plastic: Stainless-steel plates, cups, straws, water bottles and snack containers last for years longer than their plastic counterparts and don’t leach toxic chemicals.
- Cloth vs. disposable: Cloth diapering systems might seem like an investment in time and money, however the cost (to your pocket book and to the planet) of disposable diapering quickly adds up.
- Organic cotton: Our skin absorbs the majority of chemicals it comes into contact with, which is why you should always choose organic cotton. With a surge in demand, organic cotton is now more affordable than ever.
Our top non-toxic product picks
Still think green living has to be expensive? Here are just a sampling of The Tot’s non-toxic finds – all under $30.
Non-toxic Bubble Bath
Gryph & Ivyrose’s Poppin Bubble Bubble Bath is a gentle & fragrance-free wash that will make bath time tons of fun, and keep your tot’s skin safe from harmful toxins.
Gryph & Ivyrose Poppin Bubbles Bubble Bath
$24
Non-toxic Baby Shampoo and Body Wash + Baby Massage Oil
This fragrance free duo consists of two of Evereden’s best sellers. A relaxing and tear-free shampoo and body wash that moisturizes from head to toe, and a calming and hydrating massage oil that nourishes all skin types!
Evereden Discovery Duo
$29
Erbaviva Organic Baby Lip and Cheek Balm
A signature favorite, the nourishing Erbaviva organic Lip & Cheek Balm is a go-to healing balm for dry and chapped lips, cheeks, and hands.
Erbaviva Organic Baby Lip and Cheek Balm
$13
Organic Baby Sunscreen
Naturally crafted with zinc oxide (a naturally occurring mineral), aloe, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils and infused with organic essential oils of chamomile and lavender, Erbaviva Sunscreen (SPF 30) effectively provides UVA and UVB and full spectrum sunscreen protection for the entire family.
Erbaviva Organic Baby Sunscreen
$23
Organic Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit
The Hart + Land Organic Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit in Stripe is a basic every baby needs.
HART + LAND Baby/Toddler Organic Short Sleeve Lap Shoulder Bodysuit – Stripe
$20
EXCLUSIVE
Available in more colors
Bamboo Swaddle Blanket
Made of 95% sustainable bamboo rayon and 5% spandex, this buttery soft swaddle is extra gentle on baby’s skin.
HART + LAND Bamboo Swaddle Blanket- Organic Dots
$28
EXCLUSIVE
Toddler Stainless Steel Silverware
Cutelery’s Stainless Steel Silverware Toddler Set is perfect for tots aged 12 months to 3-years-old. Made from high quality stainless steel, the set includes a spoon and fork ergonomically designed for small hands and mouths.
Cutelery Stainless Steel Silverware – Toddler Set
$15.99
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Free of Bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, lead, PVC, PET, and biologically harmful chemicals, the game-changing PlanetBox Capsule Water Bottle Steel is perfect for your toddler or big kid.
PlanetBox Capsule Water Bottle
$22.95
Available in more colors
Glass Infant Bottle
Hevea Glass Bottles – 2 Pack
$26
Eco Crayons
Designed to be easy for little hands to grasp and manipulate, these brightly colored crayons are made with natural bean wax and are free from synthetic fragrances.
Goober Crayons Peanut Crayons
$26
Food-grade Silicone Pacifier – 2 Pack
Made from 100% silicone, every time this pacifier falls, the nipple pops back into its built-in protective silicone bubble. No need for a case!
Doddle & Co The Pop Pacifier – 2 Pack
$18.99
Available in more colors
Continue exploring
- Detoxing your home of harsh chemicals and toxins may seem overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. See our guide to 5 simple ways to achieve a healthier life and home for your family.
- Green Living expert, Aida Garcia Toldedo shares her insights on the dangers of toxic cooking tools and utensils.
