Low-Toxin Living Made Simple: 5 Ways to Create a Healthier Home

Over the years, I’ve slowly been making swaps in my kitchen and home to support my health (and my husband’s) — emphasis on slowly (it can be a lot!).

When I first learned about chemicals that can leach from older cookware, I didn’t toss everything and start over (my wallet would have immediately filed a formal complaint).

Instead, I replaced the one pan I used every single day — my sauté pan. That one change felt manageable — and honestly, pretty empowering. Over time, I replaced other pieces as I was able.

The same approach worked for plastic food containers. I didn’t ditch them all (some, yes — and thankfully our local recycling center took them).

I simply started storing food in glass… and repurposed the plastic ones for non-food uses — drawer organization, batteries, odds and ends, and my personal favorite role: catch-and-release bug container 🐞 (highly effective, highly recommended).

Small steps are how real, sustainable change happens. Not all at once. Not perfectly. Just one doable step at a time.

The best part is that tiny shifts like these really do improve the health of your home. Think of your home as an everyday ecosystem — much like your gut microbiome affects your health, or your yard supports the health of the planet.

Why Your Home Environment Matters More Than You Think

We often think about health in terms of food, exercise, or stress. But the environment we live in every day — the air we breathe, the water we drink, the materials we cook with — plays a major role in long-term health too.

These small, everyday choices matter more than we’re often told.

Here’s what research in environmental and public health is showing us:

• Indoor air can be 2–5x more polluted than outdoor air.

  Smoke, dust, cleaning products, furniture, window treatments, and building materials all contribute.

• Tap water can contain PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and heavy metals.

  Even low levels can add up over time.

• Plastics can break down into micro- and nano-particles, especially when heated.

  These particles have been found in human blood, organs, and even the placenta.

• Some nonstick cookware coatings contain persistent chemicals.

  Older or scratched pans are more likely to release them.

I’m not sharing this to scare anyone — but to inform. Because once you know better, you can make simple, informed choices that support your body.

And the place where you have the most control? Your home.

5 Simple Ways to Create a Healthier Home Ecosystem

1. Start With Cleaner Water

Contaminants like PFAS (“forever chemicals”), microplastics, and heavy metals are increasingly detected in tap water.

Most basic pitcher filters don’t remove many of these.

Look for a filtration system that reduces:

• PFAS

• Heavy metals

• VOCs

• Microplastics

• Pharmaceutical residues

Think of it as upgrading your hydration — your cells notice.

Real-life tip: A countertop or under-sink system is a great place to start if a whole-house filter isn’t realistic. We use AquaTru and really like it.

2. Improve Indoor Air Quality

Because we spend most of our lives indoors, indoor air quality matters more than we often realize.

A high-quality HEPA air purifier can help reduce:

• Fine particulate matter

• Smoke

• Dust + allergens

• VOCs from cleaning supplies and furniture

Cleaner air supports your lungs, heart, immune system — and yes, even your mood.

Easy first step: Open windows for 5–10 minutes a day when outdoor air quality is good. Fresh air still works wonders.

If you’re like me and deal with allergies, an air purifier such as Air Doctor can be especially helpful. We have one in our living room and bedroom, and it’s made a noticeable difference in our allergy symptoms.

3. Reduce Plastic Exposure (Especially in the Kitchen)

Plastics break down over time, especially with heat. Instead of tossing everything at once, try a gradual approach in the kitchen:

• Use glass containers for leftovers

• Choose stainless steel or silicone for lunches

• Never microwave food in plastic

• Repurpose old plastic containers for non-food storage

• Check with your local recycling center to see if they accept the recycling number listed on the container

You don’t have to be perfect — just intentional.

4. Choose Safer Cookware

If your pans are scratched or flaking, it’s time for a swap. Some synthetic nonstick coatings can release chemicals when degraded or overheated.

Safer, long-lasting options include:

✨ Stainless steel

✨ Cast iron

✨ Carbon steel

✨ High-quality ceramic

Start with the pan you use most. That’s exactly what I did — realistic, budget-friendly, and effective. Caraway Home offers non-toxic ceramic, stainless steel, and cast iron options.

5. Add Plants (Inside and Outside)

Plants are nature’s original air purifiers.

• Indoor plants help filter air and boost mood

• Outdoor trees and native plants support cleaner air, healthier soil, and pollinators

Good for your home. Good for your nervous system. Good for the planet.

The Bottom Line

Creating a healthier home doesn’t require perfection, panic, or a total overhaul.

It happens like this: One pan. One water filter. One plant. One small swap at a time.

Your home is your everyday ecosystem — and every step you take to support it supports you, your family, and the world you’re part of.

Start where it feels easiest. Build from there. That’s how sustainable change sticks!