The Slightly Greener Life

It’s September, which means it’s Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and my 41-year survivor anniversary from childhood leukemia. So in honor of that, I’m excited to be talking about ways to keep the kids (and adults) in your family safe from cancer-causing chemicals.   I’ve been talking a lot about home cleaning and personal care products that have hidden toxins, but there are many kid-specific items commonly found in the home that have toxins lurking in them as well. Things from art supplies, toys, kids’ personal care products, and other things that kids commonly come in contact with can all have hidden cancer-causing toxins.   This week, I’m sharing why kids are more susceptible to hidden toxins, what to look out for in kids’ stuff as well as home goods, and how to swap out some of these items gradually with better alternatives.     As always, you can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://slightlygreener.com/episode21 Key Topics: Why kids are more susceptible to toxins How toxins commonly enter the body Common items for kids that can have cancer-causing toxins How to reduce your and your kids’ exposure to toxins Replacing toxic items with safer options For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Join my free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

We’ve been mostly focusing on cleaning products lately, so this week, I want to take a deeper look at common personal care products that probably have hidden toxins lurking in them. Even if you’re reading labels carefully, there are still hidden ingredients to be on the lookout for that won’t be listed on the labels.   In this episode, I’ll share 2 of the most common hidden toxins, and which ingredients to look out for on ingredient labels. As always, I’ve done the research for you so you don’t need to remember all of the complicated ingredient names that can be causing hidden toxins to leach into your products.    Don’t be fooled by seemingly safe health and beauty products. Join me this week to learn how to be even safer about the products you’re choosing and avoid hidden toxins once and for all.    You can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://slightlygreener.com/episode20 Key Topics: What are hidden toxins? 2-3 sneaky toxins to be on the lookout for How to know if formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane could be in your products  Quickly scanning labels for harmful hidden toxin releasers How and where you store your products matters For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Join my free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener

Non-toxic cleaning methods are one of my favorite topics to cover because not only is it easy to DIY, but it can be cheaper than buying standard cleaning products, too. It’s a win-win!   Standard cleaning products have a lot of hidden information on their labels, often due to trade secret laws and what the EPA does not require companies to disclose. The result can be products that have a lot of hidden toxins, even if the labels say “green,” “natural,” or “eco-friendly.”    It’s hard to know if what youre buying is truly safe, and sometimes it’s easier to just use ingredients you probably already have in your house. So stick around until the end of the episode to learn my favorite DIY cleaning product ingredients you can make with just a few things from your pantry.   You can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://slightlygreener.com/episode19 Key Topics: How trade secrets can hide toxic chemicals in cleaning products Greenwashing and its manipulative marketing tactics   Safe ingredients to look for on cleaning product labels Why you should DIY or BIY My 3 favorite DIY cleaning product recipes For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Join my free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

One of the most common questions I get these days is about whether we’re actually disinfecting, or just cleaning our homes. Believe it or not, there’s a big difference between the two that requires different products for each task.   Today, I’m teaching you the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and what products are actually safe and effective for each use. No matter if you just want to clean dirt and grime from surfaces or if you’re doing a deep disinfect in your home, there’s always safer ways to go about doing it.   Don’t miss this episode to learn my recommendations for safer disinfecting with products that you likely already have in your home, which makes it easy and budget-friendly to get started today.     You can find the episode summary, cheat sheet for more information, and a discount for Electrolyzed Water here: https://slightlygreener.com/episode18 Key Topics: The difference between cleaning and disinfecting Why we should choose less toxic disinfectants whenever possible Tips for disinfecting vs. cleaning 3 non-toxic ways to disinfect your home My recommendations for safe disinfectants For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Join my free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener

Welcome to season 2 of the podcast! After a much-needed break to spend time with my family before the summer is over, I’m back to give you more tips and tricks for making your home slightly greener.   This week, we’re tackling the topic of smartphone use and how that can expose us to harmful radiation. As always, I’m not taking an all-or-nothing approach to this advice, but will be sharing some simple ways to reduce our exposure and why it’s important to do so.    Studies show that by age 14, about 91% of children already have a smartphone, which exposes them to possible adverse health effects from phones at a much younger age than we ever were. This is a big part of why I’m so passionate about addressing this topic, and I hope this episode gives you some ideas for how to make your family and your home a little safer!   As always, you can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://slightlygreener.com/episode17/ Key Topics: Why children are at an increased risk for exposure to smartphone radiation The link between smartphone radiation and adverse health effects Pregnancy and smartphone use How smartphones interfere with healthy sleep 7 tips to reduce your exposure to smartphone radiation and blue light For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Join my free Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener

Back by popular demand, I have another episode for you this week about how to keep your kids safer in the sun this summer! After the two-part series about sunscreen safety, I had a lot of questions from you about kids and sunscreens, so I decided to bring the series back for another episode.   In the previous episodes, we talked about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens and the effects they have on us when absorbed into the skin. And if you think that was bad, kids and babies have even more sensitive skin than adults! So it’s even more important to be aware of what ingredients we’re exposing our kids to.    In this episode, I’ll go over the FDA’s recommendations for sun safety for babies and kids, how to keep your kids safer in the sun beyond just using sunscreen, and some sun safety “dont’s” that you might be surprised to hear!     As always, you can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/episode16 Key Topics: The differences between adults’ skin and children’s skin FDA sun safety tips for babies and kids Sun safety alternatives to sunscreens Why you should lead by example Sun safety “dont’s”  For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

With kids home for the summer, it’s more likely that they’ll be eating at home more often and reaching for more snacks throughout the day. And many grab-and-go snacks are filled with ingredients that are linked to hyperactivity and behavior issues in kids, including artificial dyes that we talked about last in last week’s episode.   This week we’ll continue to talk about 3 common food ingredients that are linked to hyperactivity and behavior issues, like MSG and certain food preservatives. I’ll go over why they’re so problematic and how to slowly remove them from your family’s diet and replace them with more complex carbs and healthy proteins.    Be sure to stick around until the end of the episode because I’ll also be sharing some quick and easy snack prep tips to make healthy snacks more accessible to your kids and some of my go-to recipes!     As always, you can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/episod15   Key Topics: 3 ingredients to avoid for hyperactivity and behavior issues  The importance of a protein-rich diet Healthy and simple snack ideas Making it easy for your kids to grab healthy snacks Healthier swaps for common processed foods with harmful ingredients For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

This week’s topic is close to my heart because it is related to my kids, and it’s actually what launched my own Slightly Greener journey 17 years ago. Today, we’re talking about artificial dyes and the health effects that they’re linked to.   Most people know the link between artificial red dye and hyperactivity in children, but it goes beyond that. Other dyes like Blue 1 and Yellow 5 have been shown to have other adverse health effects like immune responses, digestive issues, and exacerbating asthma symptoms.   In this episode, I’m going over the most common artificial food dyes found in foods and personal care products, safer and natural alternatives to these dyes, the studies that have shown links to dyes and their adverse health effects, and more.    As always, you can find the episode summary and cheat sheet for more information here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/episode14 Key Topics: What are artificial dyes and why are they used? Where artificial dyes usually lurk Common names and alternative names used for artificial dyes The link between hyperactivity, artificial dyes and sodium benzoate Other adverse health effects  Simple ways to avoid artificial dyes and what to look for instead For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Buy The Slightly Greener Method book here Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener

This past week was Pet-Appreciation Week, so what better time to talk about how to keep your home pet-safe when cleaning?   Dogs, cats, and other pets are all affected differently by different cleaning products and chemicals, so it’s important to be aware of what you’re using on common surfaces that they come into contact with regularly. This episode will cover the most common chemicals that have adverse effects for pets (and usually humans, too), what you can replace them with, and even how to DIY your own safer cleaning products. But only if you want to!   Stick around until the end of the episode to learn about my all-time favorite pet-safe cleaning “product” and how you can make it right in your own home, too!  Key Topics: The problem with most cleaning products for pets The most problematic ingredients for pets Where to find pet poison information and help My favorite DIY cleaning ingredients and recipes My pet-friendly cleaning product recommendations that aren’t DIY My all-time favorite pet-safe cleaning product How to keep pets safe while you clean Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at https://slightlygreener.com/episode13   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://www.slightlygreener.com/membership Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

We have more control over the health of our homes than we think we do!   In today's episode, we're going to dig into four simple steps you can take that will make a big impact when it comes to reducing harmful chemicals in your home without the overwhelm. It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to reducing toxic chemicals, but just know that whatever step you take is an important step for your health and for your family's health.   We don't have to be perfect about it. And honestly, we can't be. We can't avoid every single harmful chemical, but we can take steps to reduce our exposure whenever possible.  Key Topics: Replacing plastic bottles and containers with safer options Eating organic whenever possible Avoiding artificial fragrances with harmful chemicals Dust is a huge carrier of toxins, and how to reduce its presence in the home  Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at https://slightlygreener.com/episode12   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://tonyaharris.lpages.co/slightly-greener-living/ Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/slightlygreener  

Hair loss and hair thinning are more common than we might think. It can be triggered by stress, illness, hormonal fluctuations, and nutrient deficiencies, just to name a few. But the good news is that it doesn’t have to be permanent.   This week, I’m getting vulnerable about my own hair-loss struggles and what has been helping me grow it back naturally. And as always, you can count on me to do the research so you don’t have to. So I’ll also be digging into the science behind some of the causes and solutions to hair thinning and hair loss.    Hair loss can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Tune in to learn some easy things you can do at home to grow back your hair naturally without the nasty side effects of hair regrowth products and how you can cover it up in the meantime. Key Topics: Factors that contribute to hair loss and thinning How to support healthy hair regrowth Things to avoid that can slow down your progress How to easily hide hair loss  Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at https://slightlygreener.com/episode11   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://tonyaharris.lpages.co/slightly-greener-living/ Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

Before I started on my journey to becoming slightly greener, I used to buy sunscreen without thinking too much about it because I thought they all worked the same. But unfortunately, it’s not that simple.    This week, I’m continuing the sunscreen series to teach you about the difference between active and inactive ingredients in sunscreens and why inactive ingredients can often be just as, if not more harmful than the active ones. While there’s no truly perfect sunscreen on the market, I want to empower you to make the best choice for you and your family.     Don’t get burned by harmful ingredients in your sunscreens. Instead, tune in to this episode of The Slighter Green Life to learn more about safer sunscreen use. And don’t worry about memorizing all of the complicated chemical names. As always, you can find a cheat sheet on my website here: slightlygreener.com/episode10. Key Topics: The difference between active and inactive ingredients Inactive ingredients to be aware of in sunscreen What are hidden toxins? Why you should ignore the label claims and get to know your ingredients Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at slightlygreener.com/episode10   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: slightlygreener.com/membership   The Slightly Greener Method Book Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

With better weather comes more sun exposure, which makes this the perfect time to start talking about my top sunscreen safety tips. Believe it or not, sunscreen is not the safest way to protect yourself from harmful sun rays, but is useful as part of your sun safety routine.    In this episode, I’ll be covering why chemical sunscreen isn’t as safe or effective as other sun protection methods, particularly when it comes to adverse health effects. But as always, I’ve got you covered (pun intended) with some alternatives to chemical sunscreens, and will share my favorite brands of sunscreen for when you just can’t avoid being in the sun.   And just as important as picking the correct sunscreen is applying it properly. So I’ll also be sharing the correct ways to apply sunscreen in all types of situations — whether you’re at the pool, playing sports, or just going on a quick walk down the street.     This is just part 1 of 2, so stay tuned for even more tips for sun safety, and enjoy this one!  Key Topics: The two types of sunscreen, which is best, and why The best ways to protect yourself from the sun How to apply sunscreen correctly My favorite safer sunscreen recommendations Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at slightlygreener.com/episode9   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://tonyaharris.lpages.co/slightly-greener-living/ Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener  

With summer just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start thinking about how to eliminate odors inside your home, especially from dampness or humidity. Luckily, there’s only one thing you need that makes it easy and affordable to get started!   This week, I’ll be going over the most common places odors can lurk in our homes, and why air fresheners or other scented odor eliminators aren’t nearly as safe or effective as removing these stubborn odors naturally. With many household cleaning products, there are hidden dangers involved, like toxic chemicals and fumes that can do more harm than good.    So don’t wait, tune in to learn the simplest and most natural way to get rid of odors in your home, instead of just covering them up! Key Topics: The dangers of scented cleaning and odor-eliminating products The science behind why baking soda works better than other air fresheners Common places for odors to lurk in your home How to get started using baking soda in your home Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at slightlygreener.com/episode8   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://tonyaharris.lpages.co/slightly-greener-living/ Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

BPA is found in many everyday items, such as canned goods and soda cans, plastic cookware, and plastic food storage containers, to name a few. Even if you’re buying replacement items that say BPA-free, we’re not in the clear.    In the past few episodes, I’ve been talking a lot about BPA and other endocrine disruptors. Unfortunately, BPA isn’t the only toxic chemical found in food and kitchen items, and its “safer” alternatives are also not as safe as we’re led to believe.   So what can we do to avoid these toxic substances in our kitchen? This week, I’ll be diving deeper into BPA and its other toxic alternatives, specifically in common kitchen items. I’ll be providing some replacement items that are better and safer, to get your kitchen one step closer to being truly BPA and toxin-free.  Key Topics: The most common BPA and “BPA-Free” kitchen items Health effects of BPA, BPF, and BPS Why BPA-Free isn’t necessarily safer Safer solutions to BPA and BPA-Free Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at slightlygreener.com/episode7   For even more information and to jump-start your home detox in as little as 7 days, join our membership here: https://tonyaharris.lpages.co/slightly-greener-living/ Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

In this episode, I’ll break down toxic cookware and safer alternatives that you can use in your home. There is no truly “perfect” alternative to traditional toxic cookware, but there are always steps we can take to make safer, healthier choices for us and our families.   Today, I’ll cover the most common toxic cookware we find in our homes, why they are unsafe, and the health risks that occur after extended use. You’ll learn how to use toxic cookware like non-stick pans more safely, and how to gradually replace items in your home that could be leaching dangerous chemicals into your food.   This episode is full of tips, advice, and even some scientific terminology for those that want to learn the specifics behind harmful chemicals. So join me with a cup of coffee, a glass of wine, or take me on a walk with you to learn about making your kitchen safer.  Key Topics: What cookware to avoid and why Safer alternatives to toxic pots and pans How to replace toxic cookware affordably The Choose Your Top Two rule Find a summary, cheat sheet, and more tips from this episode at slightlygreener.com/episode6 Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

In this episode, we take a closer look at endocrine disruptors, also known as hormone disruptors. These are chemicals that can interfere with the function of the endocrine system, causing health problems ranging from weight gain and insulin resistance to fertility issues and lower IQ.   Tonya gives a high-level overview of what these chemicals are and what they do in our bodies. Endocrine disruptors can be found in a wide range of products, including food, personal care products, and household items, so it’s important to take note of where they show up in everyday items.    This episode will provide you with tips on how to avoid these chemicals, whether it be by choosing organic foods, changing up some of our personal care products, or cooking and storing our foods differently. It might be shocking to hear this information at first, but the goal is to empower you to make better decisions for you and your family. Key Topics: What are endocrine disruptors? The endocrine system and what it does The health effects of exposure to endocrine disruptors. Where they’re found and what they’re called Tips to avoid hormone disruptors in the future Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

When starting the journey to becoming slightly greener, not everyone is going to understand what you’re doing or why. At first, you might be met with resistance from your family, which is perfectly normal.    In this episode, Tonya shares 3 tips for getting your family on board slowly but surely. It’s not about being perfect or taking away everything that you and your family enjoy. The goal is to make incrementally better decisions that are sustainable long-term and doesn’t create resistance between your spouse or your kids.   This episode provides you with practical tips and actionable advice on how to get your family on board with your vision and how to navigate the resistance you might receive at first. With a little patience, you can convince them that your approach is in their best interest and beneficial in the long run.    Key Topics: Starting small and working your way up Establish dealbreaker ingredients without banning anything entirely Talk with your family, not at them     Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

In this episode, Tonya shares her journey to becoming slightly greener. It might come as a surprise, but she wasn’t always as invested in natural and non-toxic products as she is now. Despite a battle with childhood cancer and always being told what healthy foods to eat, she still had a sweet tooth and a love for snacks that comes naturally with being a kid.     This episode gives more insight behind Tonya’s “why” and how she started the Slightly Greener journey with her family. From starting to remove products with “dealbreaker ingredients” from the home linked to her son’s ADHD, to doing a full household overhaul, Tonya has tried it all, and is still learning as she goes to help empower us to make better decisions for our families.   Tonya talks about taking the perfection out of becoming slightly greener, and instead, finding the exact right shade of green that works for you and your family. Even the smallest step and lifestyle change can bring positive results that will change your thinking from, “I can’t have that,” to, “I don’t want that.”  Key Topics: Tonya’s battle with childhood cancer The start of Tonya’s slightly greener journey Dealbreaker ingredients Taking the perfection out of green living  Finding the perfect shade of green for your family   Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener

In this episode, Tonya shares several tips on how to make shopping for organic and non-toxic products more affordable. When we think of organic we often also think, “expensive” but that doesn't have to be the case. Tonya shares what foods to go organic on, how to save money when you purchase organic products, and strategies for using clean, and reasonably priced products at home.   Tonya also shares her methods for making your own snacks and baked goods, which can be both healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options…and no this doesn't mean spending hours in the kitchen!   This episode provides you with practical tips and actionable advice on how to start living a low-toxin life without breaking the bank. By implementing these tips, you can enjoy the benefits of using organic and non-toxic products without feeling burdened by the cost. Your bank account will thank you for this one.   Key Topics: The Dirty Dozen and the Clean 15 food list. The benefits and strategy behind buying store brand products. Strategies to buy in bulk to save money on clean products.   Connect with Tonya: Website: https://slightlygreener.com/ Instagram: @slightlygreener Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlightlyGreener