Fertility Friendly Household Swaps
Have you been told to limit the toxic products in your house to improve your fertility? This one is a struggle; isn’t it enough that we are dealing with infertility and now we have to change our every day habits as well? The topic of non-toxic swaps can feel really overwhelming so let’s break it down slowly.
The basics: what are the main changes to make?
Avoiding scented fragrances. Something labeled as “fragrance” on a product can actually contain a mix of up to 100 toxic chemicals. Most fragrances contain phthalates, which, while never listed on ingredient lists, can affect respiratory health, fertility, fetal health, and more. For more on fragrances, check out this article. It probably goes without saying but it is time to take a break from all perfumes and scented products.
Avoiding plastics. Primarily this means avoiding soft and clear plastics (specifically anything not listed as BPA free) and avoiding heating plastics. Bisphenol-A (BPA), perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and phthalates are the main chemicals to avoid in plastics. Unfortunately even BPA free plastics can have similar (bad) chemicals. (More on this here.)
Avoiding endocrine disrupting chemicals. The list of EDCs and where you’ll find them is quite overwhelming. Take a look, if you dare.
To get started on the right path, here are some specific things to look at within your household items and habits.
Remember, nobody is perfect! Striving for 80% compliant and 20% non compliant with all our habits makes a huge difference! And truly, this 80/20 principal could and should be applied for all of these swaps listed, so be kind to yourself.
Laundry Detergent.
A study in 2011 from The University of Washington reported that leading brands of laundry soap and dryer sheets emit hormone disrupting phthalates as well as carcinogenic chemicals.
Switching to non scented laundry powder might be the easiest swap on this list. Look for “non-bio” soaps in cardboard containers. Bonus, you’ll save on single use plastics by discontinuing use of liquid laundry soap.
Bar soap for showering and shaving.
Contrary to what we all thought as teenagers shopping at Bath and Body Works, body soaps and shaving creams don't have to be strongly smelling gels and foams! You can find non fragranced bar soap for bathing and shaving. Look for bars that come in paper packaging or no packaging.
Reusable microfiber cloths for makeup removal.
If you switch to organic reusable cotton pads, you’ll avoid chemical exposure (from non organic cotton) but also save some money since you’ll stop buying disposable cotton pads! Most reusable makeup pads come with a mesh bag for easy cleaning in a washing machine.
Chemical free deodorant.
I know a lot of people worry about transitioning to natural deodorant but I promise the transition period is not as bad as you think! It takes about two weeks for your body to detox from traditional deodorant and if you’re worried about B.O. you can reapply during the day or after a workout.
There are lots of options for non scented, essential oil scented, or scented deodorants that avoid the heavier chemicals that are in traditional deodorants. Bonus points for a deodorant that comes in a refillable case.
Glass Containers.
The single biggest exposure we have to plastics happens with food storage. Buying tinned foods or ready made foods in plastic containers (especially those that get microwaved in plastic!) is a big source of chemical exposure. Doing your best to avoid plastic packaged foods for at least 80% of your meals will reduce the amount of chemicals that you consume.
Look for foods that are sold in glass containers, rather than plastic or tins, especially if the food is acidic (like canned tomatoes).
Similarly, when saving leftovers or packing a lunch, glass or silicone are the best options. If your glass containers have plastic lids (like the IKEA 365 series), let the food cool before securing the lid, to avoid heating the plastic.
Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen.
The Environmental Working Group (in the US) creates a yearly list of Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen. These lists outline the dirtiest fruits and vegetables of the year. These 12 fruits and veggies should be bought in organic versions whenever possible. Alternately, the clean fifteen are fruits and veggies that can be bought traditionally (non organic) without concern over pesticides. If you’re outside of the US you can google the same phrases and include your country in the search terms to find similar lists. In the UK, you can find this on the Pesticide Action Network.
If you find these lists overwhelming, here’s a rule of thumb. If produce has a peel or skin that is removed (bananas, oranges, etc), its safer to eat non organically. If if produce is delicate and you’re eating the skin (spinach, tomatoes, berries), you’re best off buying it organic.
Filtered water.
Every city, every country has different quality of water in their taps. An easy way to avoid unwanted chemicals is by removing them from your drinking water. There are a few alternatives to the ol’ Brita filter, included carbon filters like the Phox refillable filter system, reverse osmosis systems (efficient but expensive and typically needs to be installed into your kitchen tap), or a countertop filter system like a Berkey.
Do your research before investing and remember that charcoal filters aren’t recommended for anyone on medication as activated charcoal can reduce the absorption of drugs taken orally.
Refillable water bottles.
Another simple swap that will save you money and save the use of single use plastics. Drinking out of a glass or aluminum water bottle will help you avoid plastic. It might even remind you to drink more water while you’re out and about! Bonus, you can carry around filtered water from home and reduce chemicals on the go.
French Press for coffee.
I’m not someone who’s going to suggest removing coffee from your diet. I enthusiastically enjoy my two cups of coffee a day before switching to decaf or herbal tea. If you also regularly drink coffee, this could be giving you regular exposure to heated plastics. Most coffee makers pump hot water though plastic pieces to make that cup of Joe. Switching to a French press (or caffettiera as they say in the UK!) might take a few additional minutes in your morning but will give you that lovely buzz without any chemical exposure.
Cast iron and ceramic cookware.
In case no one has told you, “non stick” cookware is non stick because of chemical lining (no, it’s not magic). A well cared for cast iron pan is cheap, non stick (if seasoned), stovetop & oven safe, cooks food evenly, and will last for decades.
For other cooking needs, look for ceramic cookware like a dutch oven. Once you make the switch from non stick you’ll see you won’t even miss it!
Cleaning Products.
At this point you won’t be surprised to hear that most cleaning products contain endocrine disrupting chemicals. There are some non-toxic products available and you can make your own all purpose cleaner with just citrus peels and white vinegar (directions here). A quick google search will help you find specific types of cleaning products without EDCs.
Plants.
What is more eco friendly and cost effective than an air filter? A live plant! You can lower airborne bacterias and molds by up to 60 percent by filling a room with plants.
Not only do plants produce clean oxygen, they can also boost your mood and productivity. I have found caring for house plants to be a nice non-fertility activity and investment. My houseplants are a reminder to me that even slow growth is progress!
Robot vacuum.
This might not seem like a fertility hack but when you’re injecting yourself with hormones daily and dealing with so much on top of your normal responsibilities, who has time to vacuum? Turning on my robo-vac instantly upgrades the level of cleanliness in my house and vacuuming of any kind minimizes dirt & germs and can prevent the growth of mold & mildew.
What did I miss? Tell me about your fertility friendly household hacks!
