An organic lifestyle is a worthy goal. But choosing to shop more consciously should be a transition, not an all-or-nothing endeavor sending you way over budget. Our approach? Start small, and don’t feel pressured to replace everything all at once. A cost-effective strategy can include simply upgrading a few products you use daily, and then switching to organic alternatives when the others run out. To jump-start the transition, use these tips—they’ll direct you to the first place to go organic in some of the busiest spots in your home.
Kitchen
Start out with: “the Dirty Dozen”
There’s a chance you already incorporate some organic foods come dinnertime. But if you worry about the associated costs, it’s smart to focus on buying organic versions of the Dirty Dozen, a list of produce with the highest pesticide residues from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It’s also good to know the “Clean Fifteen” —conventionally grown fruits and vegetables with the least contamination. While it’s beneficial to eat organic when you can, reaching for these 15 cleaner picks when you need to cut corners is a healthier bet.
Bedroom
Start out with: Sheets
You spend an entire third of your life sleeping in bed—and when you dedicate that much time to one space, you want to ensure you’re exposed to as few chemicals as possible. While we’ve got you fully covered in the bedding department, we think the best place to start is with the item that’s closest to your skin: your sheets and pillowcases. No matter where you shop, be sure to look for sustainable products made with organic cotton, preferably certified with both the GOTS and the OEKO-TEX seals.
Utility Closet
Start out with: All-Purpose cleaning spray
Chemicals found in common household cleaners can pollute both your body and home. That’s why you should upgrade the one you use the most often in the most areas. For many people, this is a conventional Multipurpose spray—a product that can emit toxins containing compounds linked to asthma, developmental issues, and more. Stay on the lookout for plant-based products with Ecologo or Green Seal certifications, and explore EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning.
Bathroom
Start out with: Facial Moisturizer
While we’re advocates of being conscious about what you wrap your skin in (tried our towels yet?), we also know it’s imperative to be aware of the products specifically created for your skin to absorb. If you’re ready to take a step toward chemical-free personal care items, begin with an organic facial moisturizer. It’s a product you don’t wash off, plus it’s made for your face and neck, where skin is the thinnest. When you’re ready to upgrade to organic across the board, check out the EWG’s Skin Deep Database to discover your safest picks.
Laundry Room
Start out with: Skipping fabric softener and dryer sheets
What’s more money saving than leaving products off your shopping list altogether? Not only are conventional fabric softeners and dryer sheets chock full of toxins and synthetic fragrances, but they also coat the fibers of your clothes, bedding, and towels, which breaks them down and makes them less breathable. The benefits truly outweigh the risks on laundry day, so our advice is go for greener alternatives (like organic wool dryer balls, which are reusable and reduce drying time—and your energy bill).
Want to experience the difference organic makes?