5 Practical Ways To Go Toxic-Free in 2019

By Guest Contributor: Dr. Kristian Henderson, Founder of BLK+GRN

From beauty, to magical tonics and feminine care, BLK+GRN – the first Black-owned online shop connecting women of color to high-quality, toxic-free products, is on a mission is to provide the building blocks for a clean and healthy lifestyle. There is a burgeoning cultural renaissance inspiring today’s Black women to recommit themselves to wellness and rethink self-care. And now more than ever, Black women need to be intentional about the way we care for ourselves. So, the creators of BLK+GRN are helping to promote holistic living and self-love with helpful tips on how to get rid of toxicity and improve your quality of life.

Here are some simple ways to go toxic-free and live healthier in 2019:

1. Create a Healthier Home: Okay, sis! So, you’ve switched to eating organic and even swapped your drugstore lotion for raw Shea Butter. But are you aware that your everyday household items can be causing you harm?  Believe it or not, your home has a huge impact on your overall health and wellbeing – and it’s very easy for toxins to find their way into your living space. Common household essentials like laundry detergents, soaps, surface cleaners, and even scented candles are usually loaded with hazardous contaminants and can invite free-radicals into your body. Since many of us are metropolitan and live in busy urban areas, we’re constantly assaulted by car exhaust, pollutants and other damaging chemicals. So, it’s important to avoid using products that add on to your daily exposure to toxins.  

[ Non-Toxic Home Tip: Opt for gentle and eco-friendly products that are better for you and the environment like Multi-Surface Cleaner by PUR HOME which supports a safe, clean, and conscious home. ]

2. Toss Your Toxic Skincare: Taking care of your skin is important in promoting a toxic-free lifestyle because your skin is the body’s first line of defense from the outside world. Keeping it clean and moisturized is essential to its overall health.  But according to Dr. Kristian Henderson, creator of BLK+GRN, “Of the products marketed to Black women, 75% are considered toxic.” Harmful chemicals and toxins hidden in our everyday skin and personal care products can be absorbed through the skin, build up in our bodies and actually cause dermatitis, affect our hormones, and even increase the risk of breast cancer. So, choose emollient and non-toxic products that are free of parabens, mineral oils, and sulfates to create a protective layer – especially for those with sensitive, reactive and darker complexions.

[Non-Toxic Skincare Tip: Use products that are natural, conducive to women of color, and have simple ingredient lists on their labels like Black Girl Sunscreen– a weightless, melanin-protecting SPF 30 sunscreen that moisturizes and shields against harmful UVA and UVB rays, without the sticky residue.]

3. Unplug & Reconnect: Our inability to disconnect from over devices is becoming an increasingly serious issue, particularly for Black women.  With viral culture and the overwhelming ire growing on social media due to our current political climate; constantly parsing through relevant, but triggering content on our screens can have a negative impact on our mental health.

[Digital-Detox Tip: Meditation is a great way to counter toxicity and promote emotional health. So, create a serene space and generate positive energy by using Zafu and Zabuton Meditation Set. This set is the perfect way to contain your position in comfort, so that you can restore motivation and clarity.]

4. Think Non-Toxic Thoughts: Effectively handling the toxicity that we sometimes allow into our lives requires us to pay close attention to what we think and the way we communicate with others. This can help us ascertain how our toxic habits are influencing our relationships and cultivate a richer understanding of how to mend them. The true meaning of wellness is being proactive about the choices we make in life and being in tune with what we need – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. So, it’s important to make sure that you are drawing out negative thoughts and ideas that hold you back, while being honest and compassionate with yourself.

[Positive Thinking Tip: Accentuate your positive thinking by jotting things down! Write positive affirmations on a Post-It Note and repeat them to yourself everyday. Hear the call of your own potential and act on it.]

5. Practice Gratitude: Finally, a toxic-free life well-lived, is one of gratitude and thankfulness. Practicing gratitude and showing kindness can improve your health and even shift your response to life’s challenges. So, being mindful of all that surrounds you with a sense of appreciation can satisfy your personal happiness. Let gratitude do the work of bringing clarity, acceptance and fullness into your life.

[Gratitude Tip: Express yourself and show that you’re appreciative of positive experiences. Try to spend more time with the ones you love and look to improve your happiness in other areas of your life in your own way.]

For more ways to live toxic free subscribe to the BLK+GRN Podcast