When I first started this journey, I was laser-focused on food — reading labels, questioning ingredients, doing the work. But it took me a while to realize I wasn’t giving that same attention to the everyday products in my home.
Once I learned what was hiding in fragrances, cookware, and plastic containers, I started swapping things out gradually, one product at a time.
Here are the swaps I made, organized room by room.
Kitchen
Nonstick (Teflon) Cookware
Why I swapped it: Traditional nonstick coatings can degrade over time and may release unwanted chemicals when scratched or overheated.
What I use instead: Cast iron, stainless steel, enameled cast iron
Plastic Food Storage Containers
Why I swapped it: Plastic containers wear down over time, especially with heat — and growing research on microplastics (tiny particles now found in food, water, and even the human body) was a big factor in my decision to switch.
What I use instead: Glass containers, mason jars, stainless steel containers
Plastic Cutting Boards
Why I swapped it: Plastic boards can develop grooves that are difficult to clean and may shed tiny plastic particles over time as you cut food.
What I use instead: Wood or bamboo cutting boards
Plastic Cooking Utensils
Why I swapped it: Like other plastics, they can shed microplastics and leach chemicals over time, especially with heat.
What I use instead: Wood utensils
Bathroom
Bleached Paper Products (Toilet Paper & Paper Towels)
Why I swapped it: Many conventional brands are made from virgin tree pulp and bleached to achieve that bright white look. Since this is something my family uses daily, I wanted something simpler and more environmentally conscious.
What I use instead: Unbleached bamboo toilet paper, plastic-free packaging whenever possible
Bedroom & Around the Home
Synthetic Fabrics
Why I swapped it: Fabrics like polyester and nylon are made from petroleum compounds and shed microplastics. Some, like athletic wear, have even been found to contain PFAS.
What I use instead: Cotton, linen, wool, bamboo
Scented Candles
Why I swapped it: Conventional candles can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air.
What I use instead: Beeswax candles — completely natural, help purify the air, and burn significantly longer
Laundry
Synthetic Fragrances
Why I swapped it: Many personal care products, candles, air fresheners, detergents, and cleaning products contain fragrance blends that can include dozens — even hundreds — of undisclosed chemicals.
What I use instead: Essential oils, unscented products, naturally scented products
Dryer Sheets
Why I swapped it: They often contain synthetic chemicals that aren’t great for your health or the environment.
What I use instead: Wool dryer balls
None of these changes happened overnight, and they don’t have to for you either. Start with one room, one swap, and build from there.
Organic Living By Sue 