by Catalogs.com Info Guru Angela Bushong

More and more, people everywhere are learning about the toxic elements in our environment, from air pollution to pharmaceuticals in the drinking water.

You try to eat right, but with this sort of toxic barrage, it’s enough to make you want to grab for a respirator! While you can’t single-handedly clean up the air or water around you, you can have an impact. Grab control where you can, my friend! A more natural life awaits.

10. Totin’ it around

Most of us these days experience life on the move, from daily work commutes to weekly errands to travel vacations just to get away from it all. We are almost nomadic, with our footloose ways, and need some way to carry our life-things with us while we’re out and about. Make sure you choose tote bags of all natural fibers, preferably unbleached, and durable. And, if you can find some made from recycled or reclaimed materials, all the better!

9. Entertaining

Your next big shindig doesn’t have to be a waste-fest. The most natural and eco-friendly way to go is by using reusable glass or ceramic ware. But if lugging glassware to the park isn’t an option, or you’re afraid you won’t get much help with the dishes post-party, opt for biodegradable tree-free paper plates as a viable alternative.

8. Start out right

Children are most susceptible to the dangers of a toxic environment, and their formative years shouldn’t be marred with exposure to chemicals and pollutants any more than necessary. Avoid these pitfalls by swaddling them in organic baby clothes from the very start. Use natural, non-toxic soaps, and always feed organic food to give them the very best start you can.

7. Gift giving

If you’re going to live a more natural life, there’s no sense in giving plastic throw away gifts. Give items that are more in tuned with the natural world, or at least help to preserve it, like something handmade, something antique, or a gift card to their favorite all natural shop.

6. In the home

Sheets, towels, furniture, appliances . . . every element of your home can have a lighter impact on the planet, and your health. After all the effort you put into feeding your body all natural foods, do you really want to walk on a chemical-laden rug and sleep in polyester sheets? Instead, look for all natural textiles like towels made from ultra-sustainable soft bamboo or aegean cotton. That way, everyone can breathe a little easier tonight.

5. Clean your world

There are lots of cleaning products on the market, and most of them are toxic to the planet and to you. Luckily, there are lots of great natural alternatives to get your household sparkly clean. Try simple solutions of baking soda or vinegar for most every day jobs. Get dryer balls to avoid loading up on toxic fabric softeners, and a natural laundry soap to keep all those phosphates and other chemicals out of our lakes and rivers.

4. Jewelry

Nature-inspired jewelry is a great way to add a natural touch to your everyday look, and a great place to show off all the great uses for “upcycled” materials! Some really beautiful pieces are made from natural and eco-friendly materials like responsibly mined stones and reclaimed trinkets, which are given a second life as your earrings or bracelet.

3. Skin and hair

Nowhere will you meet with a more aggressive chemical onslaught than in the shower, and when you’re putting on your makeup. Eradicating these poisons from your daily routine should be one of the first things you do in your efforts to “get real.” Fortunately, there are lots of natural skin care products out there. Just learn to read the labels and do your research. Make sure you know what you’re slathering on your body, because you’re worth it!

2. Clothing

Next to soaps and lotions, your natural clothing has more contact with your body than any other element in your life. It makes sense, then, to make sure all your skin-adorning textiles be made from all natural materials and organic fabrics.

1. In the kitchen

Your kitchen is where you prepare your food, so you want to be certain that nothing in there is going to mess up this beautiful natural balance you have achieved. Make sure your cookware is made from non-toxic metals (aluminum and Teflon are out; stainless steel and cast iron are definitely in), ceramic, or tempered glass. Go one step further and buy second hand ceramic dishes or beautiful yet functional pieces made of recycled glass. Fill your fridge and pantry with healthy organic foods, and you have the makings of an all natural life.