7 Easy Ways to Create a Healthier Home Environment
- Christy Phillips
- Apr 6
- 9 min read
(Be sure to keep an eye out for 💵 for money saving tips)
The products and materials we use every day have more of an impact on our health (and the environment) than we might realize. Creating a healthier home doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, thoughtful changes in how we cook, clean, and shop can make a meaningful difference over time. Keep reading for seven simple ways to get started.
1. Cook from scratch 💵
Cooking from scratch gives you more control over what goes into your food and how it’s prepared. It can help to reduce consumption of highly processed foods and limit exposure to additives, preservatives, and potentially harmful packaging.
When (and if) possible, use organic ingredients and use stainless steel or cast iron cookware. Even making small swaps, like preparing a few meals at home each week, can make a meaningful difference over time. If cooking entirely from scratch seems daunting or too time-consuming, consider making semi-homemade meals using partially prepared components.
2. Reduce Pesticide Exposure in Your Food
You may have heard the term “The Dirty Dozen.” This is a list of fruits and vegetables that are recommended to be purchased organic, or from a trusted local farm, when possible due to the chemical contaminates they carry. If you need to prioritize the organic food you purchase, this list is a great place to start.
The Environmental Working Group has identified the following:
Spinach
Kale, Collard, and Mustard Greens
Strawberries
Grapes
Nectarines
Peaches
Cherries
Apples
Blackberries
Pears
Potatoes
Blueberries
Did you know that spinach has more pesticide residues by weight than any other type of produce?
So why is organic important?
Organic farming practices help reduce exposure to synthetic pesticides and fertilizer, for consumers and also for farmworkers. These practices prioritize soil health through methods like crop rotation and natural soil amendments. By caring for soil, organic practices help protect water and wildlife beyond the farm. Curious to learn more about how non-organic practices affect waterways and the environment? Check out the section at the end for a deeper dive.
That said, organic produce isn’t always accessible due to its higher cost. If buying organic isn’t an option, rinsing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking can help reduce pesticide residue.
3. Switch to Glass or Stainless-Steel Food Storage and Cookware
Have you ever stored tomato sauce in a plastic container, only to find it still stained red after washing? Or used a plastic utensil for curry and noticed it turned permanently yellow? These stains are a visible sign that food can be absorbed into plastic which serves as strong evidence that chemicals from the plastic may also leach into your food.
Many plastics contain chemicals that can pose health concerns, especially when they come into contact with food. The State of Maine has identified these 10 toxic chemicals of concern in food packaging. You can learn more about three commonly discussed chemicals of concern in the section at the end of this article.
Why choose glass or stainless steel?
They help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals
They’re durable and long-lasting - unlike plastic, which can warp, crack, or stain over time
They hold up better to heat, making them a safer choice for cooking and reheating
Non-stick coatings on pots and pans can chip and wear down over time, especially at higher temperatures. Cast iron, however, is a time-tested option that can last for generations when properly cared for
While the upfront cost may be higher, they can save money in the long run due to their longevity. Many wholesale club chains have great sales on glass storage containers.
Bonus: Both glass and stainless steel are 100% recyclable
If plastic food storage is unavoidable, try to transfer food to a glass or ceramic container before reheating. Heat can increase the likelihood of chemicals leaching from plastic into your food.
4. Consider using reusable bags and containers at the store
As you’ve probably gathered, plastic can come with hidden health risks. Phthalates, for example, are often found in flexible plastics - like the produce bags at the grocery store. Consider bringing your own reusable produce bags, or skipping them altogether when possible. Items like bananas or avocados can often go straight into your cart without a bag.
You can also reduce your plastic exposure by shopping from bulk sections and using your own containers. There’s no need to buy new containers - hold onto glass jars from foods you already purchase like pasta sauce, pickles, or mayo. To remove labels, peel off as much as you can, then soak or rub the remaining sticky residue with rubbing alcohol or a fat like cooking oil or peanut butter. As a bonus, buying in bulk can be a more affordable way to purchase organic products like nuts, snacks, and even candy!
This is another simple way to reduce contact with plastics that may contain chemicals of concern.
5. Use simpler cleaning ingredients 💵
Similar to what we use to store and cook our food, the products we use to clean our homes can also contain harmful chemicals, including PFAS and Phthalates. When possible, look for products with the EPA Safer Choice label or choose fragrance-free options.
You can also simplify your routine by using a few basic, effective ingredients:
Vinegar (white or apple cider) is antimicrobial and can be a great general cleaner. However it should not be used as a disinfectant.
Lemon is anti-bacterial and can help cut grease and remove odors.
Baking soda works as a deodorizer and a gentle scrubbing agent.
Castile soap is a natural and biodegradable soap option - but don’t mix it with vinegar or other acids.
Make your own everyday cleaner
For a simple, low-toxin everyday cleaner, mix a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of an essential oil if you’d like - lemon, sweet orange, or tea tree are great options. This can be used on mirrors, windows, bathtubs, shower-heads, non-stone countertops, and even toilets. (This recipe is from Sustainable Home by Christine Liu)
For tougher grime, sprinkle baking soda onto the surface first. When combined with a vinegar-based cleaner, it creates a bubbling reaction that can help lift stuck-on dirt.
A quick note on surfaces
Because vinegar is acidic, avoid using it on stone surfaces. Instead, use a Castile soap cleaner: mix one tablespoon of Castile soap per cup of water. You can add essential oils here as well.
Make the switch gradually
Finish using what you have, there’s no need to throw everything away. As products run out, rinse and reuse the bottles with simpler alternatives or consider purchasing products that are fragrance free or have the EPA Safer Choice label. Even though we’re not directly consuming cleaning products, we can still be exposed to their chemicals through our skin and by breathing them in. They can also make their way into our environment. Learn more about their impact in the section at the end.
6. Rethink Fragrance: Choosing Safer Personal Care Products, Soaps, and Household Cleaners
Have you ever noticed a strange taste or smell on your clean dishes after using the dishwasher? Perhaps you use a fragranced dishwasher detergent.
If you take a look at your cleaning products or personal care items, you’ll often see the word “fragrance” listed as an ingredient. This can refer to a mixture of undisclosed synthetic chemicals, often added to mask unpleasant odors or create a more appealing scent (think air fresheners).
These mixtures have been linked to potential health concerns, including impacts on hormones, reproductive health, and more. Our skin can absorb certain chemicals, especially with repeated or prolonged contact.
When possible, look for products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.” If you have the time, researching products can also help you avoid known chemicals of concern. I’ve been enjoying the EWG Healthy Living app by the Environmental Working Group. It’s a free, easy tool that lets you scan the bar code on products and view ratings across categories like cancer risk, allergens, developmental impacts, and ingredient restrictions. If you’re curious, you can even dig into how ingredients are rated.
If you’re not quite ready to give up scented products, here are a few alternatives I personally enjoy using:
Brands like everyone soap and Seventh Generation
Castile soap
An essential oil diffuser instead of air fresheners
Making your own room spray (see recipe below)
DIY Room Spray (This recipe is from Sustainable Home by Christine Liu)
What you’ll need:
A spray bottle
3.5 fl oz (or 7 tablespoons) filtered water
10 drops of an essential oil of your choice
1 tablespoon witch hazel or vodka
A bowl (to catch any spills)
Instructions: Place a bowl underneath your work area to catch any spills. Pour the filtered water into the spray bottle, then add the essential oil and witch hazel (or vodka). Secure the lid and give the bottle a good shake. Spray once to test the scent, then adjust by adding more essential oil if needed. Shake again, and it’s ready to use!
7. Sign Up for Energy Coaching 💵
Did you know that indoor air quality can often be poorer than outdoor air quality?
Here are a few reasons for diminished indoor air quality;
Even when working properly, gas stoves release nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and other fine particles.
Similar to gas stoves, gas furnaces and gas water heaters can also leak combustion byproducts indoors if not properly ventilated.
Candles, fireplaces, and wood stoves also release fine particulate matter.
Many homes don't exchange indoor/outdoor air effectively.
Older or dirty exhaust fans or range hoods often don't move enough air to make a difference
Poor ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements can lead to mold growth.
The Town of Yarmouth is launching an Energy Coaching Program to help residents create healthier, more comfortable homes. Energy coaches will work with you one-on-one, offering recommendations that fit your home and your priorities.
This means that you can learn about how to boost the indoor air quality in your home!
Replacing fossil fuel–based systems with electric alternatives can have a big impact. Electric systems don’t release carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, or other pollutants that can affect your health. Fossil fuel appliances, on the other hand, emit these chemicals, which are linked to respiratory issues, inflammation, and other concerns.
Sign up for a free consultation to see how energy coaching can help make your home healthier and more efficient.
The Biggest Chemicals to Watch in Your Home
When we talk about a healthier home, it’s not just about what we eat or how we cook - it’s also about the chemicals that can sneak into our food, water, and environment. Here are some of the main chemicals to be aware of, why they matter, and how they affect both your health and our environment.
You’ve probably seen water bottles labeled “BPA-free”. BPA is a chemical used to make certain plastics and can act as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with your hormones. BPA can be found in many food can linings. Exposure to BPA has been linked to a range of health concerns, including reproductive and developmental issues.
PFAS stands for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. PFAS are found in many everyday items, including non-stick cookware, food packaging, water- or stain-resistant clothing, and cosmetics. These chemicals are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because the human body can’t break them down and they accumulate over time. PFAS exposure has been linked to numerous health concerns.
In May 2026, Maine will ban intentionally added PFAS in many food containers. However this rule will only apply to companies making over $1 billion in annual national sales.
Phthalates are used in plastics to make them flexible and resilient and they are also included in artificial fragrances. Like BPA, they are endocrine disruptors which means they interfere with the body's hormones. They’re sometimes called “everywhere chemicals” because they are common in food packaging, bags, and other household items, and Phthalates are easily absorbed by our bodies.
In 2022, Maine banned phthalates in certain food packaging but similar to the ban of PFAS, this only applies to companies making over $1 billion annually. While this is a big step, it also doesn’t include the products we put on our skin, like lotions or cosmetics.
You’ve probably heard people advise limiting tuna consumption due to mercury. This is because of bioaccumulation - which is the buildup of chemicals, such as PFAS and toxins, in an organism over time. When we eat animal proteins that have accumulated these toxins, it compounds in our own bodies. In food chains, animals at the top, including humans, tend to have the highest concentrations of these forever chemicals.
Impact on Waterways and Land
The chemicals we use in our homes don’t just stay there - they usually end up in our waterways and soil. PFAS, for example, have been detected even in rainfall, exposing plants and animals to harmful toxins. Contaminated soil or water can affect plants and the wider environment. If you’re on a septic system, chemicals that end up down drains are even more likely to enter groundwater before being treated.
Cleaning products, personal care items, and laundry detergents all contribute to this chemical load. Choosing low-toxin alternatives helps protect not just yourself, but the land and water around you.
