My Top Tips for Non-Toxic Living on a Budget
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Simple swaps. Low cost. Big impact.
Living a non-toxic lifestyle doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag or an all-or-nothing mindset. It’s not about waking up tomorrow and tossing everything you own just to go and buy the most expensive, trendy green products out there. The best non-toxic habits are actually the simplest—ones that are affordable, realistic, and often already within your reach.
When I started my non-toxic living journey, I became overwhelmed with the immense amount of pressure to fix my ways of life. This is what I saw: my pantry was full of processed food, I burned tons of Bath&Body Works candles, I was washing my clothes with chemical-based laundry detergent, and there are many other things I could list… (yikes). But what I soon realized was that I had to take it step-by-step to really understand and grasp all the new things I was learning about clean living. Because, honestly, there is so much out there to learn. But what makes it worthwhile, is getting to control and choose the life I want to live. Constant overwhelm and stress over doing everything all at once wasn’t gonna cut it.
So if you’re just starting out and trying to make smarter swaps in your home, these are my top tips to detox your lifestyle without emptying your wallet.
Clean Your Cleaning Routine
First and foremost, this is the simplest and most versatile swap you can make it your home. It is easy and very cost-friendly.
Most conventional cleaning products are full of ingredients you can’t pronounce—and frankly, don’t need. But here’s the secret: you only need 3 basic ingredients to clean almost anything in your home. From the kitchen sink to your mirrors to your floors, these simple staples do all the heavy lifting:
White Distilled Vinegar – a natural disinfectant that cuts through grime
(you can get a half gallon from Target for just $2.99)
Baking Soda – deodorizes, scrubs, and lifts stains
(you can buy this 3 pack for $2.85 from Amazon)
Castile Soap – a gentle, plant-based cleanser that works on dishes, hands, and surfaces
(Dr. Bronner’s sells an amazing 32 oz bottle for about $17 dollars — a bit pricier but lasts a VERY long time in my experience and beats Dawn dish soap any day!)
Now, I LOVE this next one but it is only OPTIONAL!Essential oils – just a few drops of lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil can give off a wonderful scent all while disinfecting your space and getting rid of bacteria and smells
Bonus tip: Dr. Bronner’s sells naturally-scented soaps including citrus, tea tea, and peppermint if you are looking for the great smell without having to buy your own essential oils!
The great thing about these ingredients are that you can mix and match them based on the job:
All-purpose cleaning spray: vinegar + water + essential oil
Dish Soap: baking soda + castile soap
Tub and Toilet Cleaner: vinegar + baking soda
The list can go on, but these are just some ideas to get your creative energy flowing! I suggest getting comfortable with DIYing, as it is super simple and will save you from so many toxic products that you would’ve used in their place. With these four ingredients, you’re covered for any type of room or mess—and for a low cost, your cleaning routine goes from chemical chaos to natural simplicity.
Use What You Already Have
Another thing that saved me so much money on my non-toxic journey was simply learning to use what I already have sitting around my house. Going green isn’t just about buying more items at the store that are deemed to be safe for you. That approach isn’t always affordable or sustainable for the lifestyle you’re trying to create. Many things you already have can be used for other purposes, all while keeping your space free from toxins.
Here are some things you may have not thought of…
Before you buy a shiny, new set of glass food containers, reuse pasta sauce or pickle jars for pantry staples and homemade sauces.
Instead of buying new kitchen cleaning cloths, cut up old t-shirts or towels to use as reusable rags.
Little reuse habits save LOTS of money and reduces your toxic load from cheaper products you may have thought to buy instead. At the end of the day, you’re not just creating a healthier home—you’re building one that’s more resourceful and resilient.
Let Fresh Air Be Your Filter
Indoor air pollutants are especially important to pay attention to when it comes to your home because we spend the majority of our time indoors—often in spaces with limited ventilation—where harmful chemicals can build up and linger. Everyday items like cleaning products, synthetic fragrances, furniture, and even cookware can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins into the air we breathe. Unlike outdoor air, which gets constantly refreshed, indoor air can trap these pollutants, making exposure more concentrated over time. This can contribute to a range of short or long-term health issues such as headaches or hormone disruption. The great new is that there’s a very simple solution to eradicate these potential issues.
You don’t need to invest in a fancy air purifier or use toxic room sprays to improve the air in your home. One of the most powerful, completely free detox tools is right in front of you: your windows!
Fresh air doesn’t just make your home feel more alive—it helps remove indoor air pollutants with great ease! Our homes are filled with smells just waiting to escape. Even after I cook, I always feel the need to open the windows to get all of the stale food smells out (haha).
Here are some situations you might find yourself in where it is a good idea to open your windows for fresh air:
Morning air reset: Open windows in opposite rooms for a nice breeze while you make your coffee.
Post-cleaning refresh: Just cleaned bathroom or bedroom? Air things out to remove any residual smells, dust and dander.
After cooking: If you cook (especially everyday), there is a high chance you are releasing many VOCs that are sticking around while you eat and long after. It’s time to let them out.
You might be surprised how quickly your home feels lighter and more breathable—no expense required!
Don’t Be Afraid to DIY—It’s Simpler Than You Think
I mentioned it before, and I’ll mention it again. DIY sounds intimidating—but in the non-toxic world, it’s actually one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a big impact. You don’t need to be super crafty, or learn chemistry to make your own amazing products. Most of the best non-toxic DIYs are only a handful of ingredients and five minutes away.
And the best part? You get full control over what goes into the products you use on your body and in your home.
Here are a few foolproof DIYs to get started (and some of my personal faves):
All-purpose cleaner – white vinegar + baking soda + essential oil. Just mix and start cleaning!
Face + body scrub – sugar + coconut oil. Gentle, effective, and smells amazing.
Room spray – distilled water + essential oils in a spray bottle. Shake and spritz.
You don’t need a recipe book—just the confidence to try. Once you see how easy it is (and how much money you save), it’s hard to go back.
Simple Budget-Friendly Swaps
Simple swaps not only reduce your cost, but they reduce toxins in your home. Your non-toxic change shouldn’t be more difficult or more costly than your current lifestyle. So let’s make it easier:
Affordable swaps that make a big difference:
Instead of: Scented paraffin wax candles
—> Try: Soy or beeswax wax candles. made with essential oils
Instead of: Bleach-based cleaners
—> Try: A combination of baking soda, vinegar, and water for any type of mess
Instead of: Air fresheners or sprays
—> Try: Simmer a pot on the stove with citrus peels, cloves, or herbs for natural beautiful scent
Instead of: Store-bought body scrubs
—> Try: DIY with sugar + coconut oil
Instead of: Name-brand detergents
—> Try: DIY laundry powder using baking soda, epsom salt, and essential oils (one of my personal favorite swaps!)
Instead of: Plastic food containers
—> Try: Repurposed glass jars from sauces or nut butters
The list can go on and on… but you get the idea. So many possibilities with low stress or need to spend hundreds of dollars on “green” products you find online.
Final Thoughts:
Non-toxic living on a budget is absolutely doable—and it’s a chance to get creative and intentional with your space. You don’t need a cart full of expensive swaps. Just a few smart shifts, made at your pace, can clean up your home and your habits.
Keep it simple. Keep it consistent. You’ve got this.
And always remember: every step you take is a great step towards your one non-tox home!
