
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT?
First of all, what are toxic substances? For example, the chemicals that are all around us in our homes, in the doctor’s office, in various institutions and, in many cases, at our workplace. Unfortunately, we cannot get rid of all the chemicals that are constantly poisoning our whole body, but we can replace them with natural alternatives in our own living space that do not harm our health and can even have a positive effect on us. What are the products in our home that we should check and replace them with natural alternatives?
Cleaning detergents
Cleaning products can contain toxic chemicals that can cause poisoning, skin irritation or allergic reactions if inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Some chemicals in cleaning products can also have harmful effects on the environment if they are released into drains or the environment. Effective and natural alternatives for cleaning can be:
- (white) vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- lemon (acid) and baking soda
- essential oils (minimum therapeutic grade)


Candles, incenses and other fragrances
- Soy or beeswax candles
- essential oils (minimum therapeutic grade)
- natural leaves and flowers
- spices and herbs
Cosmetics

perfume
essential oils, natural body sprays and perfumes free of artificial fragrances and ethyl alcohol
facial care
natural creams free of artificial fragrances and preservatives, phthalates, parabens and benzophenone
hair care
products free of sulphates, perfumes, chemicals, formaldehyde releasing preservatives, phthalates and diethanolamine
skin care (shower gel, hand wash, soap, lotion, hand cream, exfoliator etc.)
products free of sulphates, parabens, triclosan, phenoxyethanol or formaldehyde releasing preservatives
deodorant
deodorants free of parabens and aluminium compounds (aluminium chloride, aluminium sulphate)

Oral hygiene
- fluoride and triclosan-free toothpaste
- ethyl alcohol-free mouthwash
Pills and medications
- essential oils (minimum therapeutic grade)
- herbal teas, herbs and natural supplements
- homeopathy, acupuncture, phytotherapy
- massage and body treatments

PROTECTION AGAINST THE SUN
Everyone knows that it’s important to protect our skin from the sun’s strong rays. We can wear clothing that covers our skin to protect it from the sun, but we can also use sunscreen to protect it properly. There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical.
Chemical
- made of chemicals (oxybenzone, homosalate)
- absorbed into the skin
- absorb UV rays
- protects the skin after 15-30 minutes
- may harm marine life and corals
- easily absorbed, not visible on the skin
Physical
- made of natural substances (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
- remains on the surface of the skin
- reflect UV rays
- immediately protects the skin
- safe for marine life
- forms a slightly whitish layer on the surface of the skin