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No matter where we live—whether in the heart of a city or a remote village—escaping toxic chemicals can feel like mission impossible. They’re in the air we breathe, the products we use to clean our homes and even the food we eat. In this high-tox world, it can be overwhelming to constantly monitor labels, check certifications and keep up with the latest research on what’s safe and what isn’t. Trying to do it all can leave us in a state of hyper-vigilance, which, ironically, isn’t healthy for us either.
But living low-tox doesn’t have to be about perfection or stress. It’s about making simple, mindful choices that support your wellbeing and the health of the planet. Each swap you make—from skincare to household products—brings you closer to a more balanced, cleaner way of living. These changes will protect your body, help reduce waste and pollution, and create a healthier, fairer future for everyone.
1. Clean Beauty: Nurturing Your Skin, Naturally
One of the easiest ways to reduce toxin exposure is by switching to clean beauty products. Mainstream skincare is often loaded with harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt your hormones and irritate your skin. Instead, look for products made with natural, clean ingredients that nourish and protect your skin without the toxic load.
Clean beauty is a necessary shift towards taking better care of your body. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and committed to non-toxic formulations. Organic oils like jojoba, argan or rosehip provide natural moisture and healing, while products with aloe vera or green tea extract help soothe and calm the skin. These ingredients are safe for all skin types and avoid the harsh chemicals that can aggravate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Quick Tip: When shopping for skincare, look for products that are free of synthetic fragrances, parabens and phthalates. Check for certifications like ACO (Australian Certified Organic) or ROC (Regenerative Organic Certified).
2. Organic Produce: Fresh, Clean and Chemical-Free
Eating clean starts with choosing organic, pesticide-free produce. Conventional farming relies heavily on pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilisers, which can leave harmful residues on fruits and vegetables. By choosing organic produce, you reduce your exposure to these toxins and support more sustainable farming practices.
Shopping at your local farmers market is an excellent way to get fresh, organic produce while supporting local growers. Not only will you find fruits and vegetables free from harmful chemicals, but you’ll also enjoy the superior taste and nutrition that comes with freshly harvested, seasonal food. If a Farmer’s Market is unavailable to you, look into having a box of organic produce delivered to you, or shop in the organic section of you local grocery store or supermarket.
Why Farmers Markets? Farmers markets often provide fresher produce because the food is harvested at its peak ripeness and sold directly by the farmers. You also have the chance to ask questions about farming practices, ensuring that your food is truly organic and sustainably grown.
3. Australian Essential Oils: Natural Scents for a Toxin-Free Home
Many of us love filling our homes with wonderful scents, but store-bought candles and air fresheners often contain synthetic fragrances and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and toluene. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution and negatively impact your health over time.
Essential oils provide a natural alternative to fragrance your home, offering the same aromatherapy benefits without the toxins. ZONE essential oils offer a range of high-quality, Australian essential oils that can replace chemical-laden candles and sprays. Whether you’re diffusing lavender for relaxation, eucalyptus for clarity, or lemon for freshness, essential oils can transform your living space into a haven of clean air and natural scents.
To use essential oils: add a few drops to a diffuser or dilute them in a carrier oil to create your own non-toxic room spray. Not only will your home smell amazing, but you’ll also avoid the harmful effects of synthetic fragrances.
4. Non-Toxic Cleaning Products: A Safer, Healthier Home
Mainstream cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin, trigger allergies, and pollute your indoor air. By swapping out these products for low-tox alternatives, you can keep your home clean and safe without exposing your family to harmful substances.
Look for cleaning products that use plant-based ingredients and essential oils instead of synthetic chemicals. Many eco-friendly cleaning brands offer all-purpose cleaners, dish soaps, and laundry detergents that are effective, biodegradable, and safe for your home and the environment.
Alternatively, you can make your own non-toxic cleaning solutions at home. A simple mix of water, baking soda, and essential oils can tackle most cleaning tasks without the need for harmful chemicals.
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner Recipe:
- 1 cup of water
- 10 drops of ZONE Cleanse Essential Oil
- 1 tbs baking soda
Mix these ingredients in a spray bottle for an effective, natural cleaner that works on countertops, floors and more. Alternatively, you can buy ZONE Cleanse Essential Oil Spray, all made up and ready to go in a stylish recyclable glass bottle.
5. Low-Tox Bedding: Sleep Healthier, Sleep Better
We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, so it’s essential that our bedding is as non-toxic as possible. Traditional bedding materials like synthetic sheets or mattresses can off-gas harmful chemicals, including flame retardants and formaldehyde. These toxins can disrupt your sleep and overall health.
Organic cotton, linen, and wool are great alternatives that are naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and free from harmful chemicals. Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) when purchasing bedding to ensure that the materials are sustainably sourced and processed without toxic chemicals. Our Pure French Linen Shavasana Blanket is a beautiful, natural addition to your bedding.
Pro Tip: Try an organic wool mattress topper for a naturally flame-resistant and chemical-free solution that will improve your sleep quality.
6. Cork Yoga Mats: Make Your Practice Sunstainable and Non-Toxic
Your yoga mat is something you use frequently, but not all mats are created equal. Many conventional yoga mats are made with PVC, which contains harmful chemicals and isn’t biodegradable. Switching to an eco-friendly yoga mat made with cork or natural rubber is a great way to make your practice more sustainable.
Rubber and cork are two materials that offer excellent grip and support as well as being renewable and biodegradable. ZONE cork yoga mats are made from sustainably-sourced materials. ZONE sustainable yoga mats are 100% free from harmful chemicals and provide a natural surface that’s durable, grippy and comfortable. Plus, they’re biodegradable, so you can feel good about your environmental impact.
Why ZONE by Lydia? These mats are designed with sustainability in mind. The cork provides antimicrobial properties, keeping your mat clean and fresh, while the rubber offers the perfect balance of cushioning and firmness.
7. Air and Water Purifiers
The quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink plays a crucial role in our health, yet both are often filled with hidden toxins. Investing in air and water purifiers is a simple, effective way to ensure your home is a healthier, safer environment.
Air Purifiers
Indoor air can be compromised by pollutants such as dust, pet dander, mold, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from household items like furniture, paint, and cleaning products. HEPA air purifiers can trap small particles like allergens and dust, improving air quality and reducing allergy symptoms. For even more protection, look for purifiers with activated carbon filters that help remove VOCs and odors, ensuring that the air you and your family breathe is as clean as possible.
Water Purifiers
While tap water may appear clean, it often contains contaminants like heavy metals, chlorine, and even carcinogens such as trihalomethanes. These harmful substances can accumulate in your body over time, posing serious health risks. A high-quality water purifier, such as one that uses reverse osmosis, is essential for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury, along with other dangerous chemicals. With a proper water filtration system, you can rest easy knowing that your drinking water is free from toxins and safe for you and your family.
Quick Tip: Choose water purifiers certified to remove harmful substances like lead, mercury, and chlorine, as well as carcinogens like trihalomethanes, to ensure your water is as pure as possible.
8. Choose Clothing Made With Natural Fibres
The fabrics you wear every day can have a big impact on your health and the environment. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon are often treated with chemicals and can release microplastics into the environment when washed. By switching to natural fibers like organic cotton and hemp, you can reduce your exposure to toxins while supporting more sustainable production practices.
The natural fibres in organic cotton and hemp clothes are breathable, hypoallergenic and biodegradable. Not only are they better for your skin, but they also reduce the demand for synthetic fabrics that pollute our water and soil. The ZONE hemp clothing range is made using a soft, luxurious blend of organic cotton and hemp.
Pro Tip: Look for certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) to ensure your clothing is made from sustainable, toxin-free fibres.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Making low-tox swaps doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start small—replace one item at a time, and over time, you’ll find that you’ve created a healthier, more sustainable home and lifestyle. By making these changes, you reduce your toxin exposure and support companies that prioritise sustainability and ethical practices.
Start with Simple, Low-Tox Swaps:
Switch your home fragrance and cleaning products to natural, essential oils. ZONE offers a range of Australian essential oils including ready-made multi-purpose sprays.
Ensure your yoga practice is low-tox by switching your yoga mat for a natural cork yoga mat. Browse the ZONE collection of cork yoga mats, yoga blocks and yoga accessories.
Your skin is your body's largest organ, so ensure the clothing you place against it is natural and low-tox. Take a look at ZONE hemp clothes and sustainable yoga wear.
