5 Simple, Cost-Effective Non-Toxic Swaps We’ve Made at Home

A couple of years ago, we started slowly shifting our home to be more “clean” and less toxic. I won’t pretend we’re perfect - we’re definitely not 100% there - but we’ve been making small, intentional changes over time to better the health of our family. I’d call us “moderately granola.”

That’s the key for me: progress, not perfection.

Here are five easy, cost-effective swaps we’ve made that feel realistic, affordable, and impactful.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Toilet Paper (Yes, Really)

This one surprised me too.

A lot of name-brand toilet paper contains PFAS, which are often referred to as “forever chemicals.” Once they enter your body, they don’t really leave - and they’ve been linked to certain cancers, including colon cancer.

Once I learned that, I couldn’t unlearn it.

What We Use Now: Caboo Bamboo Toilet Paper

This is our new go-to, and we use the subscribe & save option on Amazon.

Why I like it:

• PFAS-free

• Septic safe

• Cost-effective

• Soft (important)

• Environmentally friendly

It’s made from bamboo, which regrows in 1–2 years, breaks down faster than traditional toilet paper, and is easier on plumbing and septic systems.

👉 Caboo Toilet Paper

https://amzn.to/4qLC96U

2. Wheat Straw + Stainless Steel Cutting Board

When you think about it, cutting boards matter more than we realize.

• Plastic cutting boards can shed microplastics into food

• Wooden boards can absorb bacteria, especially from raw meat

We switched to non-toxic cutting boards, and this one has been our favorite.

Guanci Wheat Straw Cutting Board

One side is wheat straw (non-toxic, no microplastics), and the other side is stainless steel, which I use specifically for meat.

Why I love it:

• Non-toxic materials

• Eliminates microplastic concerns

• Stainless steel side is hygienic for meat

• Made with ~50% recycled materials

• Manufactured with worker safety and environmental responsibility in mind

👉 Guanci Cutting Board

https://amzn.to/3NcklU8

3. Wheat Straw Plates & Bowls

In the same vein as switching cutting boards, we also swapped out a lot of our plastic plates and bowls — especially for the kids.

These wheat straw dishes have been such a win.

Why they work for our family:

• Non-toxic

• Microwave safe

• Dishwasher safe

• Durable

• Safe for kids and adults

What We Use

👉 Homienly Plates

https://amzn.to/3LumHwX

👉 Homienly Bowls

https://amzn.to/4qOrN6p

They’ve held up really well, even with daily use.

4. Dish Detergent

About a year ago, we switched our dish detergent and haven’t looked back.

Once we started replacing food prep items with cleaner options, I realized it didn’t make much sense to then wash them with harsh, toxic detergents.

What We Use: Blueland Dish Detergent

It cleans well and gives me peace of mind using it on our everyday dishes.

According to Blueland, their formula is:

• Microplastic-free

• Septic safe

• Plant- and mineral-based

• EPA Safer Choice certified

• Leaping Bunny cruelty-free

• Vegan

• B Corp certified

• Climate Neutral

• USDA BioPreferred

👉 Blueland Dish Detergent

https://amzn.to/49xaYpG

5. Laundry Detergent

This was one of the first swaps I really wanted to make once I learned how many harsh chemicals are in traditional laundry detergent - chemicals that then sit on your clothes and absorb into your skin.

My Favorite Option (Local + Homemade)

My neighbor and amazing friend Katie makes the best laundry detergent and stain sticks I’ve ever used.

Her detergent includes ingredients like:

• Coconut oil soap (stain sticks)

• Washing soda (cuts grease, cleans washer)

• Baking soda (odor control)

• Borax (softens water, removes stains)

• Oxiclean Free & Clear (for stain removal)

It works incredibly well — say goodbye to stained clothes.

👉 https://www.stainsticklady.com/

Amazon Alternative

If you’re looking for something easy to order online, I’d default back to Blueland Laundry Detergent.

👉 Check prices here

https://amzn.to/3LtoDGb

Final Thoughts

Switching to a less-toxic home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. We’ve found that small, manageable swaps over time add up - especially when you’re raising kids.

If you’re just starting out, pick one change and go from there.

Have you made any non-toxic swaps in your home that you love? Or are there products you’re curious about switching?

Drop a comment - I’d love to hear what’s worked for your family 🤍