Making the switch to an organic lifestyle can seem like a daunting task, but there are many small changes that you can make today that will have a significant impact down the road. Here are ten organic lifestyle changes that you can make today to take a manageable first step into a healthier way of living.
1. Make the switch to an organic mattress
A good night’s sleep is vital for your health and well-being, and an organic mattress can help you get the best sleep possible. Many chemicals used in conventional mattresses are known as endocrine disruptors. By switching to an organic mattress made without these chemicals, you will be lowering your exposure and protecting yourself from unnecessary toxins. Organic cotton bedding is another excellent choice for anyone who wants a healthy bedroom environment, as cotton products are free of toxic dyes while remaining comfortable and durable.
Bamboo sheets are another great choice that many people enjoy because bamboo feels cool to the touch, even when sleeping. Retailers like Essentia can help you find clean-living organic mattresses and bedding for your home.
2. Switch to organic farming practices
Your body is a temple, and what you put into it goes a long way toward determining how healthy you feel. By eating organic produce and animal products, you limit your exposure to harmful pesticides that may be carcinogenic or otherwise harmful to the body.
In addition, organic farming practices promote the health of the soil by avoiding chemical fertilizers, so choosing organic food will help reduce your carbon footprint while also decreasing the amount of toxic runoff from farms entering waterways.
3. Choose organically-grown cotton clothing
Clothing made from 100% organic cotton helps protect the environment and farmworkers’ health by eliminating pesticide use near water sources or harvesting cotton fiber crops. Organic cotton farmers must also meet strict requirements for protecting wildlife and biodiversity while preventing erosion and reducing impacts from livestock.
Not only are these textiles better for your health, but they’re better for the planet’s health. You can remove harmful toxins from your wardrobe by switching to organic cotton and other environmentally-friendly fabrics.
4. Drink organic coffee
If you’re like many of us, your day starts with a cup (or two) of coffee. By choosing organic coffee over conventional coffee, not only will you be protecting yourself from the harmful effects of pesticides and environmental toxins, but you’ll also be supporting farmers who follow environmentally-friendly farming practices. So choose organic coffee today to protect your health and help the planet.
5. Reduce your energy usage
Making a few small changes to your house to use energy more efficiently can significantly impact your electric bill and the environment. For example, by simply changing to LED light bulbs, you can save money every month while reducing the number of toxic chemicals entering the landfills from discarded fluorescent lights. In addition, sealing air leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping will help keep cool air inside during the summer months while keeping warm air inside during winter months.
6. Replace chemical cleaners with natural alternatives
Chemical-based household cleaners often contain several harmful toxins that put yourself and the planet at risk for damage from contaminants that carry into water sources or soil. If you want to protect yourself from these toxins without sacrificing cleanliness, using green cleaning supplies may be the perfect solution for you. These products are often made with essential oils instead of potentially harmful chemicals, making them natural alternatives that will not harm you or the environment.
For example, vinegar is a common ingredient in green cleaners that can wipe counters and polish wood surfaces without leaving dangerous chemical residues behind.
7. Cultivate an organic garden
By cultivating your organic garden, you’ll be able to choose which types of plants you want to grow based on their needs for water and nutrients rather than by what is cheapest at the market. This way, you’ll know precisely how your fruits and vegetables were grown – no pesticides allowed. You will also avoid the unnecessary packaging that comes with buying foods from the store and all of the waste involved with transporting them from the farm to the market. In addition, you’ll be able to use compost from your organic garden to nourish the soil and reduce waste going into landfills.
8. Go organic for outdoor fun
Switching over to organic sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and the planet. Most conventional sunscreens contain harmful chemical ingredients, such as oxybenzone, which has been found to contribute to coral bleaching when it washes off into bodies of water around reef systems. Natural alternatives typically use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin from harmful UV rays without poisoning the oceans. Organic sunscreen is also sometimes fortified with plant-based antioxidants that protect against free radicals in sunlight.
For example, green tea extract provides natural SPF protection while nourishing your skin with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a win-win all around.
9. Minimize your meat consumption
Going organic doesn’t just mean switching over to organic produce. When it comes to health, the meat you eat is arguably more critical than the vegetables in your diet. Choosing organic meat ensures that you will be reducing your exposure to antibiotics and hormones in conventionally-raised animals while also limiting risks associated with bacterial contamination found in non-organic meats.
The same goes for dairy products. Whether you’re choosing organic milk or organic cheese, you’ll be able to enjoy better flavors without all of the harmful contaminants present in conventional foods.
10. Invest in reusable items
While some excellent disposable products are on the market, many brands use harsh chemicals to keep their products fresh. Unfortunately, these chemicals can eventually leach into landfills when those products are discarded.
By investing in reusable items instead, you will be able to reduce your impact on the environment while also reducing your spending habits at the same time. For example, reusable shopping bags and reusable water bottles offer great ways to remember to bring those items with you when you head out for errands or a workout session.
Conclusion
Many people are becoming more interested in organic lifestyles because of the many benefits. By implementing these ten lifestyle changes, you can make sure to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while doing your part for the environment.
Also read: A Guide to Health and Safety When Working with Hazardous Substances
