Easy Non-Toxic Swaps for Your Home
There’s a lot of noise in the “non-toxic living” space. It can start to feel like you need to replace everything you own, toss half your kitchen, and spend thousands of dollars just to be considered conscious. That isn’t realistic for most families, and it isn’t necessary.
These changes need to feel manageable and sustainable! You don’t have to throw out every plastic container you own or swear off modern life. Just try to reduce what you can, when you can, in ways that fit your budget and your season of life.
If you’re wondering where to begin, here are a few simple places that make the biggest difference without overwhelming your home or your wallet.
Kitchen Swaps
The kitchen tends to be one of the easiest starting points because it’s where we prepare and store food daily.
Cookware.
If you’re still using heavily scratched nonstick pans, consider slowly transitioning to cast iron or stainless steel. A simple cast iron skillet can last decades with proper care, and quality stainless steel sets like those from Cuisinart are durable and widely accessible. You don’t need to replace everything at once—just swap pieces as they wear out.
Food storage.
Instead of tossing all your plastic containers, begin replacing them with glass as they crack, warp, or get stained beyond recognition from your marinara sauce . Classic glass options like Pyrex are affordable and easy to find. Even if you still use plastic occasionally, avoiding reheating food in plastic containers is a simple shift that reduces exposure significantly.
Microwave habits.
Some families choose to reduce microwave use altogether, especially for reheating in plastic. If eliminating it completely isn’t realistic, simply transferring food to glass or ceramic before heating is a manageable middle ground.
Dishwasher pods.
Look for pods that aren’t individually wrapped in plastic film. It’s a small change, but one that cuts down on both plastic and questionable residue in your machine. We've been using Blueland (available on Amazon or at Costco!) and really like them so far.
Cleaning Products
You don’t need a 12-step cleaning system to have a healthy home.
Switching to a cleaner laundry detergent is one of the simplest places to start. My personal favorite is Truly Free. They focus on reducing synthetic fragrance and unnecessary additives while still working effectively. It doesn't leave a weird residue on your clothes and honestly smells better than Tide or anything else! Since laundry stays in contact with your skin all day, this one feels especially worth prioritizing.
Another staple in our home has been Branch Basics. Their concentrate can be diluted to replace multiple products you may already have - working well as an all-purpose cleaner for glass, kitchen surfaces, bathrooms, and more. It’s a simple way to cut down on clutter without overthinking it. I recommend buying their bundle on sale! The bottle of concentrate lasts A LONG time, so just throw away old products as you finish them and you'll already have Branch Basics on hand.
If you’re looking to swap out everyday essentials like dish soap, surface sprays, or hand soap, we’ve also loved carrying Koala Eco in some of our stores. Their plant-based formulas are made with essential oils and feel like an easy, approachable step toward a simpler cleaning routine.
Fragrance & Air Quality
Artificial fragrance is one of the most common hidden irritants in the home.
Instead of relying on heavily scented candles or plug-ins, it can be helpful to shift toward more intentional options. Beeswax candles or essential oil diffusers used in moderation are a simple place to start. We also love candles from Flora + Moon, which offer a softer, more natural scent without feeling overpowering. They are eco friendly and all their fragrance used is free of phthalates, endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, mutagens, & carcinogens.
The goal isn’t a completely scent-free home, but a more thoughtful one. If something consistently gives you headaches or feels too strong, that’s usually a good indicator it may be worth swapping out.
Air quality plays a role here too. Investing in a high-quality air filter, like an AirDoctor, can be a worthwhile long-term upgrade (keep an eye out for their Black Friday sale!). These types of purifiers are designed to help remove airborne particles like dust, pet dander, pollen, and other common indoor pollutants, creating a cleaner environment for your home overall.
Bedding & Sleep Environment
Did you know you spend almost 1/3 of your life sleeping? (Unless you're a mama of littles, perhaps 🤣). Your bed & bedding are often bigger investments and changes to take on when transitioning to non-toxic products - so don't feel like you need to do it all at once.
When it comes to mattresses, you might look for options that prioritize lower chemical treatments. Brands like Purple are often mentioned in low-tox spaces, though comfort and budget will always play a role.
Even small updates can make a difference. Opting for 100% organic cotton sheets when possible is a simple, gradual upgrade that can help create a more comfortable and breathable sleep environment without requiring a full overhaul.
Miscellaneous Swaps to Consider Over Time
Depending on your season of life and what you're most interested in updating, these other miscellaneous areas might be worth it to you to start exploring non-toxic swaps!
Skincare: Well, this one feels simple 😉 You want fewer ingredients, fewer fillers, ingredients you can actually pronounce, sourced responsibly! If Flying Cow products aren't already part of your routine, you can count on us for your daily moisturizer, night cream, under eye cream, and even sun cream for outdoor use!
Supplements: If you already use daily supplements - quality and sourcing can be something to pay attention to. Some families prefer whole-food-based options like beef organ supplements from brands like Perfect Supplements or Heart & Soil, along with products like bovine gelatin or hydrolyzed collagen. Others opt for simpler protein powders made from organic bone broth, like those from Natural Force, as an alternative to more processed options.
Diapers etc: If you’re in a season with young kids, diapers and outdoor care may come into the conversation as well. Some families choose to incorporate cloth diapering, even part-time, as a way to reduce waste over time. For time outside, cleaner ingredient options like bug sprays from Badger are an easy swap to keep on hand.
Technology: Tech is another area where small adjustments can add up. Some people feel better using protective accessories from brands like DefenderShield for phones and laptops, or bringing along EMF-blocking blankets when traveling. Blue light–blocking glasses are another simple addition, especially for those who spend long hours on screens.
Red Light Therapy: And for those interested in more supportive wellness tools, red light therapy has become a popular option. Devices like LumeBox are often used at home as part of a broader approach to rest and recovery, though they tend to fall more into the “investment” category.
Like everything else in this space, these swaps are best approached gradually - adding what feels helpful and leaving the rest.
If you start anywhere, start small. Swap what runs out. Upgrade what breaks. Pay attention to what your family responds well to. A completely “perfect” non-toxic home probably doesn’t exist, and that’s okay. Every thoughtful swap is still a step in the right direction! You got this :)
Author: Gaby Wilson
Gaby has been part of the Flying Cow family for four years! She has a Bachelor's degree in Communication with a minor in Business Management from Curry College (in a tiny town in Massachusetts). She moved to Texas from California in 2021, planning to stay for about 6 months, but the Lord had other plans...she met her now husband! They’ve been married for 3 years & have a sweet baby girl. Gaby is loving being a stay at home mama & juggling remote work for us from time to time!