How To Live A Non-Toxic Lifestyle On A Budget
I’m sharing simple and actionable tips so you can live a more natural, non-toxic lifestyle on a budget and reduce the toxic chemicals in your home without breaking the bank.
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We’ve all felt the effects of inflation on our bank accounts lately. If the cost of non-toxic living and buying organic has held you back from making healthier lifestyle swaps, I’m here to tell you that there are ways to cut costs and still enjoy organic and non-toxic products.
If you’re aiming to have a healthier home, stop bringing products into your home that contain harmful chemicals like endocrine disruptors and carcinogens and start bringing in healthier products.
How To Spot Healthy Products
Examine product ingredients and research any chemicals that you are unfamiliar with or that are known to be harmful. The Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) database is a great resource to get you started.
Look for products that carry third-party certifications like USDA Organic, Oeko-Tex or GOTS Certified Organic for textiles.
When it comes to saving money on natural living products, there are many areas of the home where you can use money-saving strategies to buy natural living products. There are four main household categories that I’m focusing on with money saving tips- personal care products, cleaning products, home goods and organic food products.
Below I’m sharing some simple and actionable strategies to save money on organic and non-toxic living products.
How To Save Money In The Kitchen
When you’re trying to detox your kitchen from harmful chemicals like Teflon, stocking your kitchen with non-toxic goods can get add up pretty quickly.
The price tag on a new stainless steel cooking set from All Clad or 360 cookware can seem outrageous. You really don’t need to go all out to get set up with non-toxic kitchen essentials. Look for 3-ply stainless steel pots and pans, which are going to be way more budget-friendly than 5-ply. Cast iron frying pans are another affordable option for cooking, as well as tempered glass baking dishes that can go straight in the oven.
Use my affordable non-toxic kitchen products guide to create a healthier cooking space- all 40 of these kitchen essentials are under $25! Here are some other affordable non-toxic kitchen swap ideas for a healthier kitchen on a budget:
- Single-use plastic items like water bottles aren’t just costly over time- they’re terrible for the environment and for your health. Replace your single use plastic water bottle with a reusable stainless steel water bottle. If you’re on-the-go, a reusable stainless steel coffee mug is far better for your health and a more sustainable choice than a disposable coffee cup.
- If you’re a tea drinker, I recommend looking for plastic-free teabags or using bulk organic loose leaf tea paired with a Yossi Stainless Steel Tea Strainer.
- Coffee lovers- I am not a Keurig fan, but if that’s your jam, swap out the single-use plastic pods for a reusable Casabrews Stainless Steel Reusable K Cup Coffee Pod. In general, there are a lot of plastic parts on coffee makers, but this Utopia Kitchen Stainless Steel French Press is 100% stainless steel and very affordable. Find more plastic-free coffee makers here.
- Instead of buying a whole set of glass food storage, you can wash out glass food jars, like your peanut butter jar, and use that for food storage. A step above this is to purchase a full set, and this glass storage set with locking lids is very affordable.
- Replace plastic wrap with reusable beeswrap, which is not only healthy and eco-friendly, but it will also save you money overt time.
- Swap out traditional kitchen cleaner that’s loaded with harmful chemicals with non-toxic kitchen cleaning products. I use Branch Basics concentrate for my countertops and dining table, but I also love Attitude All Purpose Cleaning Spray, and you can refill this bottle with Attitude 135.3 oz bulk refill all purpose cleaner.
- Wash and reuse cotton kitchen towels instead of using and throwing away paper towels- this will save you money and it also benefits the planet.
- Switch out your conventional dish soap that’s full of toxic chemicals and replace it with Attitude Dish Soap. I have used this non-toxic dish soap for years and love it! I also love that Attitude offers bulk dish soap refills, which are really cost effective. Alternatively, a non-toxic bar dish soap is an effective way to get your dishes clean without the use of plastic bottles. Pair it with the Vove Bamboo Dish Brush, which features sisal bristles sourced from Mexico’s Palmyra & Sisal plants, and it comes with 3 replacement heads. Lastly, my favorite Blueland Dishwasher Detergent Tablets are affordable, do not have a plastic coating and come in a biodegradable package.
How To Save Money In The Bathroom
If you’re new to non-toxic living and want to save money on non-toxic bathroom products, here are some ideas to get you started on your toxin-free lifestyle.
Menstrual Products– If you’re female, take a closer look at your menstrual products. There are many hidden toxins in conventional period pads and tampons. You can save money by purchasing non-toxic period products that are reusable, like menstrual discs, menstrual cups and PFAS-free period underwear.
Oral Hygiene Products– Using PFAS-free floss is non-negotiable, and you can find a spool of PFAS-free silk floss for 10 cents a foot. Find more PFAS-free floss here. Happy Tooth Toothpaste is an affordable brand of fluoride-free non-nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste that has toothpaste for kids and adults.
Skincare, Hair Care & Beauty Products– There are a wide range of prices when it comes to skincare products, and non-toxic, clean and organic products can have a steep price tag depending on the brand. When looking for clean skincare and personal care products, avoid products that contain endocrine disruptors that are lurking in undisclosed fragrance. The EWG Skin Deep is a great place to look at the ingredients in specific products.
If you’re on the hunt for non-toxic hair products, Clean Journey Shampoo and conditioner are both affordable and effective hair care products using EWG verified safer synthetics. Avalon Organics hair care is an affordable non-toxic hair care brand that uses essential oils for scent. Attitude has a wide range of non-toxic hair care and skincare products that are either unscented, scented with essential oils or scented with EWG verified safer synthetics. Attitude Personal Care Refills make it even easier to save money (see more on that below).
Organic Textiles– If you want to go beyond skincare on your non-toxic journey, swap out your polyester blend towels for these affordable organic cotton towels and this 100% cotton shower curtain.
Are you looking for recommendations for specific brands of clean makeup and skincare that are budget-friendly? Here are my comprehensive non-toxic budget-friendly guides:
- affordable non-toxic makeup for teens, tweens and young adults (or anyone looking to save money on non-toxic makeup),
- budget-friendly clean & non-toxic face wash
- budget-friendly clean & non-toxic face lotion
- affordable non-toxic skincare and haircare guide, featuring 40 products under $15!
Here are some tips to help you purchase organic skincare products without breaking the bank:
- Set a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on organic skincare products. This will help you prioritize your purchases and make informed decisions.
- Do your research: Check ingredient lists, read reviews and compare prices to find the best options within your budget.
- Focus on essential products: Instead of buying a full range of skincare products, prioritize the essentials. Start with a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. These three products form the foundation of a good skincare routine.
- Look for multipurpose products: Choose skincare products that serve multiple purposes. For example, a moisturizer with SPF can save you money by combining two products into one, like Acure Radically Rejuvenating Day Cream With SPF 30.
- Buy in bulk or larger sizes: Purchasing personal care products in larger sizes or in bulk can often be more cost-effective in the long run. Attitude Personal Care Refills are both affordable and effective non-toxic products for hair and skin. They carry bulk body wash, bulk hand soap, bulk essential oil shampoo, bulk shampoo and body wash for kids and bulk shampoo with safer synthetics.
- DIY skincare: Consider making your own skincare products using natural ingredients like a honey face mask. Simple recipes for face masks, scrubs, and moisturizers can be found online. This can be a cost-effective way to incorporate organic ingredients into your routine.
- Sign up for newsletters and loyalty programs: Subscribe to newsletters or join loyalty programs of clean, natural and organic personal care brands. They often provide exclusive discounts, promotions, and early access to sales.
- Shop during sales and promotions: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and promotions on organic skincare products. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal sales are great opportunities to stock up on your favorite products at a discounted price. Safe & Chic has coupon codes right on their website, and Beauty Heroes has sales a few times a year.
- Check for samples and travel sizes: Some brands offer samples or travel sizes of their products. This allows you to try out new products without committing to the full-sized version, saving you money in the process. The Detox Market has an option to purchase 3 skincare or makeup samples for $8.
How To Save Money On Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies
The amount of money you spend on non-toxic cleaning supplies can add up quickly, especially if you think you need a different cleaning product for every type of mess possible.
What’s the difference between natural and conventional cleaning products? Non-toxic cleaning supplies don’t contain harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach, antibacterials and quaternary ammonium compounds, among other harmful chemicals. Here are some tips for saving money on non-toxic cleaning supplies:
Make your own DIY organic cleaning products at home using simple, natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. This can save you money without exposing your family to harsh cleaning chemicals and is also better for the environment.
Avoid buying single-use cleaning products like cleaning wipes and use a spray bottle and washable rag. Opt for wool dryer balls that you can reuse over and over again instead of dryer sheets.
Buy Bulk Cleaning Products: Attitude Bulk Cleaning Supply Refills contain either 64.7 or 135.3 ounces of their cleaning and laundry products, so you can refill a smaller bottle when it’s empty. Truly Free is a brand that carries laundry detergent, spray cleaners, floor cleaner, dish soap and more, and none of the products contain harmful chemicals. Simply buy the container once and purchase concentrated refills as needed. Truly Free is both economical and eco-friendly.
Simplify your routine: you don’t need 5 different kinds of stain remover when just one will suffice. Use one type of all purpose cleaning spray throughout the house instead of specific cleaners for each room. I personally use Branch Basics non-toxic cleaning concentrate. Although the full bottle of concentrate seems a little pricey, if you break down how many spray bottles of cleaner it makes, it’s actually very cost effective. If you break down the cost, you’ll pay around $1.63 per 28-oz spray bottle, which is very affordable compared to most natural cleaners.
Stock a cleaning caddy with natural cleaning supplies and carry it with you from room to room. If you use a natural cleaning caddy, you won’t have to buy multiple cleaning products for each room.
How To Save Money On Non-Toxic Home Goods
From couches to pillows, home goods refer to any items that we bring into the home to furnish it. Furniture that contains particle board will off-gas formaldehyde, which can cause cancer and other health issues.
Furniture cushions and textiles can be coated with fire retardant chemicals that are dangerous to human health. Carpets and rugs may contain endocrine disruptors like phthalates and dangerous VOCs. Purchasing non-toxic home goods requires some research and careful consideration.
Here are some tips to help you find affordable, non-toxic options:
Seek out for furniture and textiles made from natural and organic materials, such as solid wood, bamboo, or cork for furniture, and organic cotton or wool for rugs. Beyond rugs and furniture, there are affordable options for plastic-free home storage and organization products.
Look for specific certifications: Check for certifications like Greenguard, Oeko-Tex, or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which indicate that the products meet specific environmental and health standards.
Buy used solid wood furniture and wool rugs at yard & estate sales or on FB Marketplace & Craigslist. How to tell solid wood from particle board? Solid wood is heavier, there will be no veneer glued to the front of drawers, the drawers should be attached by tongue and groove, check the wood grain- if you can feel the wood grain and see a varying pattern, it’s most likely solid wood.
DIY and upcycling: Consider repurposing or upcycling furniture and rugs to reduce costs. Look for solid wood pieces that can be sanded (wear a respirator and work outdoors), refinished, or painted using non-toxic paints and finishes.
Avoid flame retardant chemicals: Flame retardant chemicals are often found in furniture and rugs. Look for products labeled as flame-retardant-free or ask the retailer or manufacturer about their use of flame retardants.
Compare prices and brands: Shop around and compare prices from different retailers and brands. For GOTS Certified organic sheets and crib sheets, brands like Keababies, Lane Linen and SOL Organics have high quality GOTS certified organic sheets and crib sheets at lower prices than their competitors.
Clearance sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for clearance sales, discounts, or seasonal promotions. Sign up for newsletters or follow social media accounts of eco-friendly furniture and rug companies to stay informed about any deals or discounts. My Green Mattress and Happsy are both budget-friendly brands of organic mattresses and they’re typically more affordable than other organic mattress competitors. Take even more money off if you leverage sales at certain times of year like Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Black Friday and President’s Day.
Consider minimalism and multi-purpose items: Embrace a minimalistic approach and prioritize essential pieces. Look for furniture that serves multiple functions, such as storage ottomans or futons that can double as a bed.
Remember to carefully inspect any used items for signs of damage or infestations before purchasing. While buying non-toxic furniture and rugs on a budget may require some extra effort, it’s an investment in your health and well-being.
How To Save On Organic Food & Pantry Essentials
Choosing organic food may reduce your exposure to pesticide residues, although conventionally grown foods also undergo safety regulations to ensure pesticide levels are within acceptable limits.
Organic food production also prohibits the use of artificial additives, preservatives, flavors, and colors, as well as prohibiting GMOs. By supporting organic agriculture, individuals can contribute to sustainable farming methods and potentially minimize the environmental impact of conventional farming practices.
Plan ahead: Make a list of the organic products you need and stick to it when shopping. Avoid impulse buying and buying things you don’t need.
Buy in bulk: Consider purchasing organic products in bulk, especially items like coffee beans, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Bulk buying can often provide significant cost savings. Look for stores or co-ops that offer bulk bins where you can scoop out the desired quantity yourself.
Cook from scratch: Pre-packaged organic foods tend to be more expensive than cooking from scratch. Buying whole ingredients and preparing meals at home not only saves money but also gives you control over the quality and ingredients used.
Explore frozen options: Frozen organic fruits and vegetables can be more affordable than fresh ones, and they retain their nutritional value well. Frozen products are often harvested at their peak ripeness and quickly frozen, making them a convenient and budget-friendly choice.
Grow your own: If you have the time, space, and inclination, consider starting a small organic garden. Growing your own herbs, vegetables, or fruits can be a rewarding way to obtain organic produce at minimal cost.
Join loyalty programs or co-ops: Some stores or co-ops offer loyalty programs or memberships that provide discounts on organic products. Thrive Market is a membership website and app that delivers high-quality grocery items as well as personal care and beauty products, cleaning products and health and wellness supplements. You can also buy meat and organic wine. Find out what I buy at Thrive Market.
Check the EWG Dirty Dozen: These foods on the “Dirty Dozen” list have the highest measured levels of pesticides, so purchase the organic version whenever possible.
Shop at farmer’s markets: Shopping at local farmer’s markets can often save you money on organic produce and other products.
More Non-Toxic Living Inspiration
