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Thanks to social media and the ever-growing number of studies that show the benefits of organic living, this lifestyle has become more widespread.
On the surface, embracing an organic way of life seems daunting and expensive. Just look at the price of organic produce compared to non-organic! While it’s true that living organically may be a bit more expensive, the extra dollars are well worth a healthier lifestyle.
The key to making a successful switch to an organic lifestyle is to take small but meaningful steps. As you notice a change in your mood, energy levels, and overall health, you’ll likely be more motivated than ever to keep pushing forward.
Here are 6 simple ways to kick-start your quest to an organic life.
1. Eat Organic Foods
Of course one of the easiest ways to embrace an organic lifestyle is to only purchase organic food. Organic food is free of harmful chemicals like pesticides that are widely used when growing non-organic produce.
In the grocery store, you’ll find all sorts of organic products including:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Fruits/vegetables
- Meat (ie. grass-fed)
- Snacks
Since organic items in grocery stores can be quite expensive, try to buy food locally when possible. Farmers markets are the ideal place to find organic and locally grown food. Not only does this save you money by buying produce that’s in season, you also give money back to your local farmers and the surrounding community.
2. Make Meals at Home
While fast food and eating out are super convenient, chances are that there aren’t too many organic restaurants in your area. Since you’ve already taken the time to shop for and spent the money on healthful and organic food, be sure to cook at home as much as possible!
When eating out, there’s no sure way to know where the food you’re eating has come from. While it’s plenty okay to eat out every so often, it’s best to cook at home. At-home meals are safer, tastier, and most importantly, healthier.
3. Use All Natural Skincare Products
Just as you care about the ingredients in your food, it’s just as important to look at the ingredients used in your skincare products. Items such as facial cleansers, lotions, soap, and shaving cream contain all sorts of harmful chemicals. Parabens, sulfates, and fragrances can all be harmful to not only your skin, but also your entire body.
In fact, some chemicals that are used in skincare, including makeup, have been linked to all sorts of health issues including skin irritation, hormonal disruptions, and even certain types of cancer.
Before purchasing your next batch of skincare products, switch to an organic brand like Primal Life Organics. Not only do they have all of their ingredients listed in plain sight, they’re also committed to answering questions about their products and the organic lifestyle. To ensure the best for your skin, Primal Life Organics only uses the necessary ingredients. This means no water and no fillers!
4. Don’t Forget About Dental Care
When you make the switch to organic skincare products, you’ll also want to switch your dental care products. Did you know that most common toothpaste brands use all sorts of harmful chemicals like glycerin? By switching to an all-natural product, you don’t have to worry about potential negative health effects.
To start, find an organic and all-natural toothpaste or even a toothpowder. While organic toothpaste and powders usually aren’t as colorful or foamy as store-bought options, they’re entirely safe. You don’t have to worry about fluoride, triclosan, propylene glycol, or artificial sweeteners that can be quite harmful towards your health. Follow the toothpaste switch with a better toothbrush, like a charcoal toothbrush. The bristles are coated in charcoal which fends off bacteria and whitens your teeth.
5. Buy Natural Cleaning Products
On store shelves, you’re likely to find a variety of organic and all natural cleaning products. These brands don’t use toxic chemicals like bleach and ammonia. Instead, you can safely clean your home without the worry of fumes that could impact a young child or even the family pet.
Since natural cleaning products are quite pricey, consider saving money by making your own. White vinegar, lemon, and baking soda are all quality ingredients to use for cleaning. You can even add an essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus for a fresh and clean smell.
6. Reduce Energy Usage
Living organically is also about taking care of the environment. A quick and easy way to live more organically is to reduce your energy usage. You can do this by adjusting your thermostat when you’re away from home or opening the windows to keep your home cool during the warmer months. If you live in the city, consider taking public transportation, biking, or walking to certain destinations. The less you use the car, the better.
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This is a featured post by site supporter Gary Wilkinson
Photo: Getty Images