Entertaining at your home is not just about celebrating with loved ones—it’s also a chance to make intentional choices that benefit both the health of you and your loved ones, and the planet. As a toxins expert, I’m excited to share how you can use this time to create a safer, more sustainable environment in your home, especially when you're the one hosting. You have the power to inspire change and make a lasting impact on the well-being of your guests. Unsure where to start? This Guide to Nontoxic Entertaining will help you celebrate in a way that benefits everyone in your home!
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Sparkling Clean Home
In preparing your home for guests, cleaning your house and linens is likely at the top of your list of chores to do, but it’s a very important category of products to choose safely and sustainably. Cleaning and laundry products contain numerous toxic chemicals and it's important to note that when we inhale chemical-laden air, like from cleaning products or laundry detergent fumes, that is one of the fastest ways for chemicals to enter the bloodstream. In fact, the body absorbs harmful substances quickly through the respiratory system, which can cause damage even with short-term exposure.
Keep Viruses Away: When you're entertaining or hosting guests, the last thing we want is to get sick, yet most disinfectants contain toxic chemicals that can harm your immune system, but not this one! This disinfectant is EPA-approved for use in homes, hospitals, daycares and schools. Plus, it’s a fun “science experiment” to activate it. It is the only safe disinfectant that I recommend, and happens to be a high-performance multipurpose cleaner, too.
Discount: Use this link + code SPARKLE60 to get 60% off select bundles through December 18, 2024!
Tackling Your Laundry Piles: You might be doing laundry for days between your regular loads, washing linens to prepare for guests and with more people staying at your home. However, this is a strong reason to ensure that the laundry detergent is not only safe for your guests, but the environment as those chemicals get pushed into our water supply. I’ve got you covered though – this woman-owned small business makes the best safe laundry detergent and brightening agents.
Embedded Discount: Use this link to get 10% off all orders.
Giveaway: I’ve partnered with them for an Instagram giveaway December 15-19. You have the chance to win this incredible gift basket that will make you the hostess with the mostest! Follow me on Instagram to enter!
Truly Clean Air
Did you know that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and in some cases, it can be 100 times worse? The reasoning comes down to a couple of key things: 1) off-gassing of products and furniture in the home and 2) poor air exchange – most people don’t open their windows anymore and in the winter months, this is especially true!
Open Windows for Ventilation: If you are cooking with a gas stove, please open your windows as much as the weather allows, especially while cooking. If you have a hood vent to the outside, also turn that on and up! Numerous studies show the harm of gas stoves – especially on children, those with asthma and other health conditions. You can read a few studies here, here and here.
Avoid Air Fresheners: While scents evoke strong emotions, artificial air fresheners contain harmful chemicals that are known to be endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic and carcinogenic, among other health impacts. Use natural alternatives like simmering cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange peels on the stove. You can find my favorite recipes in my Facebook community. If you have a gas stove, opt for purchasing an induction burner as gas stoves will also emit toxic fumes.
Get A Quality Air Filter: Air filters are nuanced in what they filter so not just filter will do. If you simply want to remove dust, allergens and viruses in the air, a HEPA air filter is sufficient. However, if you want to remove harmful toxins, like volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) caused by off-gassing of products, you will need a carbon filter. For those, I recommend booking an Ask the Insider call so that we can discuss your budget and home size. Not all carbon filters are created equal – even more so if you’re unsure of what the specifications mean. If you want a good, basic filter that’s generally budget friendly, I recommend this one for spaces up to 500 sq. ft.
Discount: This air filter is on sale for $99 (regularly $299) for a limited time.
Sugar & Spice, Everything Nice
No matter the dishes you’re preparing, it’s likely you’ll be diving into your pantry and digging out every piece of cookware! This is a great opportunity to clean up your baking staples and switch out your pots and pans so that you don’t have toxic “secret ingredients” contaminating your signature recipes! For cookies, cakes and all other baked treats, be sure to avoid artificial colors and flavors with safer ingredients!
Don’t Heat Silicone: Silicone baking mats are a trendy alternative to parchment paper, but please say no! While silicone and silicone bags are great for dry food storage, it shouldn’t be heated in the oven, microwave or dishwasher. You can learn more in this blog post by Leticia Socal, Materials Science Expert. Opt for using a high-quality, phthalate-free avocado oil or coconut oil to coat your cookware and bakeware instead.
Avoid Nonstick Cookware & Bakeware: When cooking up your specialties to serve, stick to stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel or glass. You can check out this page for some of my favorite brands. This is especially important if you’re investing in more wholesome or organic ingredients – you don’t want to negate that expense by preparing foods with toxic cookware or bakeware!
Sprinkle on Top: No baking masterpiece would be complete without sprinkles and brightly colored frosting. Choose these fun sprinkles and vibrant food colors made with plant-based ingredients.
Discount: Use this link plus code TAKE10 for 10% off your first order.
Spice it Up: The perfect spice can transform a dish, and this brand of spices are my favorite! They are sourced using fair-trade practices, and mindfully manufactured. Plus, they have dozens of unique blends. You can also look at this page for recipe inspiration to add flare to your menu!
Discount: Use this link to get 10% off + free shipping on your first order.
Less-Toxic Cheers!
Entertaining is a chance to celebrate health, birthdays, milestones, family and friends. However, the typical beverages we consume as we toast have toxic ingredients impacting our health, including excessive sugar, artificial flavors and colors, pesticides, sulfites, and heavy metal contaminants. Spread more cheer and less toxins this year!
Mocktail Mixers: Create fun, festive non-alcoholic drinks using these mixes plus filtered or sparkling water. They can also be used for cocktails if you prefer that instead!
Discount: Use this link + code HOLIDAY50 to take 50% off.
Choose Organic Wines: These are my picks for a cleaner wine and bubbly. They are made with organic grapes, no added sulfites, and are screened for common toxic contaminants.
Embedded Discount: Use this link to get 15% off + free shipping on orders $150+
Presenting Your Best
“It’s all in the presentation” might ring true for your dining room table. However, this can generate a lot of plastic waste and seemingly innocent décor causes harm to human and environmental health. Consider these alternative approaches to limit your impact once the festivities are over.
Skip One-Time Use: While it’s trending to move away from plastic disposables, please note that “compostable” serve ware is often only compostable under specific conditions, so it doesn’t break down as often marketed. If you are short on dishes or silverware, opt for ones like these or these, or borrow from friends and family who aren’t hosting. Another option is to purchase at a thrift store, but be mindful to avoid anything vintage as those have been found to have high levels of lead.
Stellar Centerpieces: Instead of purchasing flowers from a major retailer, which are commercially grown using toxic pesticides and often dyed to have vibrant colors, opt for picking up loose greenery, pinecones, acorns, rocks or sea glass and sprinkle them down the center of the table or put them in glass vases. Or offer trivia game cards like these to encourage conversation!
Skip Candles: Candles have numerous points of toxicity and there truly is no such thing as a “clean candle.” They emit toxins even when unlit, so save your money and your health and have a candle-free set up this year! A fun alternative is to frame a photo of each guest taken throughout the year as an opportunity to look back and share stories.
Eco-Friendly & Nontoxic Gifting
If you are hosting during the holiday season, note that this time of year we are exposed to more toxins and generate more waste than any other time of year. Much of this in our control with the gifts we give and how we wrap them. Be intentional with your purchases as it all adds up!
Better Wrap: Despite common beliefs, traditional wrapping paper isn’t recyclable! Further, there are many toxins found in wrapping paper. For example, heavy metals are often found in the dyes that make the paper vibrant and bright, and Bisphenol A (BPA), Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP) and BPA are often found in coatings that make paper shiny, water-resistant, and easier to print and write on. Better options for people and planet include using cheeky dish towels as a 2-in-1 gift, furoshiki gift wrap, newspapers and flyers, paper bags, reusable bags, or glass mason jars for small gifts.
Nontoxic Gifts: Need inspiration? Check out my Nontoxic Holiday Gift Guide! I have something for everyone on your list!
Hosting a nontoxic event is about making mindful choices that promote health, sustainability, and enjoyment for all. By leveraging this guide and incorporating these simple, practical tips and swaps, you can create a safer, cleaner, and more eco-friendly environment for you, your family, and your guests to enjoy. What other tips do you have to add? I’d love to hear them!
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