12 Months of an Organic, Chemical-Free Household for 2020

Is your goal to have a non-toxic household by the end of 2020?

Do you want to improve upon the steps you’ve already taken to clear toxins from your home? Or to start living an organic and chemical-free lifestyle?

You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll give you 12 areas to clean up during the 12 months of 2020.

Here Are 12 Months of an Organic, Chemical-free Household for 2020:

1. January – Food

Food is an easy place to start or improve upon. Look for the USDA Organic certification label on packaged items. Eat organic produce from bulk, glass, or cardboard (vs. plastic), packaging.

Want to keep costs down?

Be sure to buy only what you’ll use; a common sense but often overlooked tip. Buy in bulk quantities.

If you have a small family, or it’s just you, split with a friend. Or, make extra food and give it to a family in need in your community, a tradition that was common in the 1880s.

2. February – Soaps and Lotions

First, start by replacing items that you run out of, with healthier versions instead. Is your soap bottle close to being empty? Look for one that has the USDA Organic certification symbol.

Then, start changing out items that you use most. For example, lotions, which sit on your skin all day long, are a great strategic product to change. Buy an EWG-Verified product, or use organic coconut oil as your moisturizer.

3. March – Clothing

With changing of seasons comes wardrobe changes. Switching out the winter gear for spring outfits. Buy a pair or closet full of organic, chemical-free outfits to wear.

Look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) Certified Organic logo to be sure your clothing is made of 95-100% organic material, dyes, finishes, and notions.

4. April – Cleaners

Spring cleaning is upon us! Did you smile or groan?

Instead of using conventional cleaners, choose simple, time-tested cleaners of yesteryear: baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, non-toxic dish soap, and water.

Not feeling the “yesteryear” vibe? Check out the “A” and “B” rated cleaners on the EWG cleaning guide on their website.

Switch to non-toxic tools, as well.

Use metal pails from the hardware store and cotton rags made from old organic dish towels or clothes for cleaning instead of microfiber cloths made of plastic and man-made chemicals.

5. May – Laundry Detergent and Fabric Softener

Feel the need to use scented laundry detergent and softener? Do your clothes smell gross, even after you’ve washed them?

Use a non-toxic laundry detergent with a vinegar rinse as your fabric softener. This effective combo gives dirt and bacteria the one-two punch. It washes clothes clean instead of leaving residue and bacteria in your clothes.

6. June – Suntan Lotion and Bug Spray

Summer means it’s time for heat, beaches, insects, and hiking. This year, use healthier suntan lotions and bug sprays.

Prefer to minimize the sunscreen and sprays? Wear a lightweight, certified-organic cotton shirt, pants, and hat. Especially during days that are warm but not scorching hot.

Take it one step further and dry off with organic cotton towels. Woo! Now you’re getting “fancy!”

7. July – Picnic Supplies

Going on a picnic and want to keep it healthy?

In addition to packing organic food, bring along an inexpensive set of metal cutlery. That way, if a spoon is accidentally tossed into the garbage, you won’t short your everyday utensils.

Plus, you’d be eating with non-plastic utensils, less plastic is made, thrown away, and stuck on our planet indefinitely.

8. August – Mattress

 Sleep is critical to good overall health. When mattresses are filled with sleep- and hormone-disrupting chemicals, it becomes difficult to get a full night of rest.

To choose mattresses with the least amount of chemicals, look for these two certifications:

• GOTS Organic Certified Mattress

The GOTS is a non-profit entity creating and enforcing the strictest textile standards in the world.

• GOLS Certified Organic Mattress

GOLS is a certification created by a for-profit company that tests products and looks for audit and company policy compliance; 3^rd party testing to ensure audit and company standards are met. While for-profit companies may have a conflict of interest, GOLS is currently the only entity certifying latex and rubber mattresses.

9. September – Furniture

Furniture sales are common at the beginning of September, especially over Labor Day weekend. Pick out your non-toxic furniture beforehand so that you know exactly what to buy as soon as the sale starts.

When choosing wood furniture, be sure to find solid hardwood furniture that is made with non-toxic glues and finishes.

Ask if all parts of the furniture are made of solid hardwood, vs. just the face-frame.

10. October – Halloween Make-Up

Adults and kids alike dive into the Halloween season decked out in costumes and make-up. Make trick-or-treating healthier with non-toxic make-up and costume material!

Alternatively, you could make your own simple costume out of organic cotton fabric or old clothing. Plus, use your everyday non-toxic make-up in a non-conventional way! Over-apply blush, smear mascara, draw with eyeliner. Get creative while being healthy!

11. November – Non-toxic Cookware

It’s the start of the holiday cooking season! Keep your organic food organic by cooking it with non-toxic cookware.

One hundred percent ceramic cookware is best. However, sometimes the nuances of cooking with ceramic makes it less appealing for holiday meals; though I’m on-board with cooking in ceramic all the time.

Alternatively, use glass bakeware, stainless steel pots and pans, and uncoated cookie sheets. All of these are super easy to use, and keep your organic food as you intended; organic.

12. December – Holiday Decorations

Dazzle your friends and family with holiday decorations that fit your style while being healthy. From wreaths, ornaments, and wall art, look for decorations made of natural stone, glass, ceramic, metal, or wood with non-toxic finishes.

Here are a few ideas, pottery decorated with winter scenes, ceramic or glass ornaments for the tree, a slate wall hanging that’s painted in a Christmas theme, an aluminum Christmas tree.

For the do-it-yourselfers out there, make your own healthy decorations using non-toxic paints, glues, and adhesives.

Your Next Steps

In 2020, resolve to create your best organic, chemical-free household. Focus on one area each month and take easy strategic actions. At the end of 2020, you’ll have made huge progress!

Want more simple, strategic tips for creating your best organic, chemical-free household and have fun doing it? Sign up for our newsletter now!

– Angela

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