CONSCIOUS CONSUMERS
NON-TOXIC, SUSTAINABLE, & INTENTIONAL LIVING
CONTENT
QUESTIONS FOR INTENTIONAL PURCHASING
MARKETING TACTICS
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING PRINCIPLES
A. GREENWASHING
B. WARNING LABELS
C. OFF-GASSING
D. PAINTS
E. MICROPLASTICS & PLASTICS
F. MAST PRODUCING
G. FAST FASHION & TEXTILES
BODY & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
A. WHERE WAS IT MADE AND WHERE WERE THE MATERIALS SOURCED?
B. WHAT IS THE MATERIALS OR INGREDIENTS?
C. IS THE PRODUCT AND ITS PACKAGING SUSTAINABLE?
FOOD PRODUCTS
INTENTIONAL EATING PRINCIPLES
A. DIET CULTURE
B. MARKETING TACTICS
C. PROCESSED FOODS
D. PESTICIDES
E. MOLDS & MYCOTOXINS
F. RANCID FOODS
G. SOIL, WATER, & AIR QUALITY
QUESTIONS FOR INTENTIONAL NOURISHMENT
A. DOES IT MEET MY NOURISHMENT NEEDS, VALUES, AND GOALS?
B. HOW WAS IT SOURCED AND PRODUCED?
WHAT IS HEALTHY FOR YOUR UNIQUE BODY?
THE LIMITS TO GOOD LABELS
KNOW WHO YOU EMPOWER
A. QUESTIONS FOR COMPANIES
B. WHAT TO LOOK FOR
C. WHERE TO LOOK
D. TOOLS
HOW TO MAKE THE SWITCH
SOURCES & INSPIRATION
WELCOME!
Navigating today's market and marketing of body, home, and food products can feel overwhelming, confusing, and disempowering. And when you're dealing with health challenges, as I have, the quality of the products you choose matters even more. That's why I created this guide - to empower us all to become conscious consumers, making informed and intentional choices that support non-toxic living and overall wellness.
Conscious consumerism means shifting from mindless to mindful consumption. It requires a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, recognizing that our purchasing power can not only create real change, but also impact our health. It invites us to align our values with our actions.
Being an informed consumer means understanding the impact of our choices, researching brands or products, and questioning marketing claims. Choosing healthy, sustainable, and ethically sourced products that prioritizes quality, durability, and a product's entire lifecycle takes more effort and practice. But by intentionally embracing these eco-conscious practices and supporting the businesses that do the same, we improve our own well-being and contribute to a healthier non-toxic planet. We have the power to shape the future of consumption, one intentional purchase at a time, and every small step we take towards mindful and ethical consumption makes a real difference.
*Disclaimer* This document may be frequently updated! Sections of this document are influenced by my personal beliefs and values, but are meant to serve as an example on shopping more intentionally. Please fit this document to your personal values, beliefs, and needs! This guide is not intended to make shopping harder, or for you to hold yourself to an impossible standard of perfectionism, but to help you build the mindset of sustainable, conscious, and non-toxic shopping! Do what you can where you can and let that be good enough.
QUESTIONS FOR INTENTIONAL PURCHASING
Use these questions when deciding to make a purchase. While some may not apply to every situation, and others may feel repetitive, they're designed to offer different perspectives. As you read through them, notice where your awareness goes. What thoughts, beliefs, or values shape your answers? Let these questions guide you to greater self-clarity.
1. What feelings or motivations are driving you to make this purchase?
Why do you want this?
2. Is this purchase important to the life you want or who you want to be?
Does it support your long-term values or goals?
3. What's the purpose or value of this thing in your life?
How will it benefit you and your quality of life?
4. Is it worth your money and within your budget?
Is this something you’ll be purchasing often or once?
5. Is it a necessity or a desire?
Do you really need it at this current time?
6. How often will you use this?
Is this something you could borrow instead of purchasing your own?
7. Where will this go in your spaces or be stored?
What place will it have in your life?
8. What is the lifetime and quality of this purchase?
Is it sustainable? (time, money, materials, sourcing)
9. How long have you been looking for this?
Have you compared this with other prices, features, brands, models, locations, and customer reviews?
10. Do you own something else that can serve the same purpose?
Can you get creative in how you use what you already have?
11. What state is your nervous system in?
What inner emotions are driving your purchasing choices?
12. What outside influences are driving your purchasing choices?
Is social media, commercials, sales, or discounts influencing you?
13. Is there any maintenance that may be required with this item?
If yes, is that worth it or doable for you?
14. What are your unique needs from this item?
Is it compact, transportable, agronomic, or multifunctional?
MARKETING TACTICS
Be aware of what influences your choices. This can go towards anything in life, but for the sake of intentional, eco-focused shopping I am talking about marketing tactics. Marketing is how businesses get your attention and convince you to buy.
There are positive, authentic ways of marketing, like a truly sustainable company sharing their environmental practices in a way that aligns with your values, making you trust and feel confident in shopping with them.
Or there are toxic ways of marketing, like the ones that use shame, guilt, or fear to influence your emotions and thoughts about yourself or the world to get you to purchase. There are also tactics that use inaccurate claims or greenwashing to convince you to buy. And other marketing strategies that create a sense of urgency or imply customers will miss out may be less nasty, but can still create pressure in your decision making. Be curious about… What emotions or thoughts do you notice are present when considering making a purchase?
SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING PRINCIPLES
I believe shopping intentionally means shopping sustainably. And look, we can not hold ourselves to the standard of “perfection” when it comes to making sustainable choices. No matter how hard we may try, with the way this modern day world is designed, we will make choices that have some kind of negative impact. We will make mistakes or be in situations where we can’t make the most sustainable choices, like when traveling. Doing your best to follow these sustainable shopping principles when you can, where you can does make a positive impact though.
GREENWASHING
Greenwashing occurs when companies deceptively market their products or services as environmentally friendly when in reality, they have little to no environmental benefit.
This can show up in various ways, such as using vague terms like "eco-friendly", "green", or “plant based” without clear definitions or standards. Or emphasizing "green" imagery or other terms without a clear and provable commitment to sustainable practices. They might highlight a single minor environmental benefit while ignoring the overall environmental impact of their product or company.
For example, a company might promote a product as "recyclable" while neglecting to mention the energy-intensive manufacturing process or the use of harmful chemicals in its production. Recognizing these tactics requires critical thinking and a healthy dose of skepticism.
When shopping, ask yourself…
Does it contain the color green or any plants in the marketing?
Does the product claim to be "plant-based", “eco-friendly”, or “green” while relying heavily on synthetic ingredients?
Does the company offer concrete evidence of its environmental impact and transparently share information about its practices and sourcing to support its sustainability claims?
WARNING LABELS
Be mindful of those warning labels, like "California Proposition 65," or any fine print directing you to a website for more information about the chemicals in a product. Prop 65 includes a long list of chemicals - over 900 - including well-known substances like lead, mercury, BPA, and arsenic, all of which can have significant adverse health effects.
Prop 65 serves as a valuable reminder to be aware of the potential presence of harmful chemicals in everyday products. The sad thing is, Prop 65 only applies to California, so if you are not in California you may not be getting the warning of these toxic chemicals.
Also keep in mind that some food products may naturally contain trace amounts of these substances due to absorption from the soil. But by being informed about what is in or where your products come from and making conscious choices, you can minimize your exposure to these chemicals and prioritize your health and well-being. See the over 900 chemicals under Prop 65 here… https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-listhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Proposition_65_list_of_chemicals
OFF-GASSING
When purchasing products with toxic materials that you can’t avoid like paints, furniture, electronics, appliances, mattresses, building materials, adhesives, cleaning products, etc... be mindful of off-gassing!
Off-gassing is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from products and materials. These gases can contribute to indoor air pollution and can have negative health effects. Off-gassing can happen for years after the product was made or purchased!
While it's impossible to eliminate off-gassing entirely, there are things you can do to minimize your exposure. Consider choosing products made with natural or low-VOC materials. Allow new products to air out in a well-ventilated space before bringing it indoors and keep the room the product is in as ventilated as possible. Remember, every small step you take to reduce off-gassing can contribute to a healthier home environment. Be curious about the products you bring into your home and how they might be impacting your indoor air quality or health.
PAINTS
Be mindful of the paints! Most of the traditional paints that are used in products are not naturally made and contain harmful chemicals. Even paints labeled as “non-toxic” can still have harmful effects. These chemicals can linger long after the paint dries contributing to off-gassing and indoor air pollution. Some health concerns include respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, skin issues, and other potential long-term health impacts.
So many products out there are painted, like water bottles, phone cases, grinders, kid’s toys, labels on dishware, etc. Paint, especially on items that are most used like stainless steel water bottles or cups eventually scratch, chip, or wash off. These paint flakes can end up being consumed or released into our water and ecosystems.
When shopping, it can take some practice to know what is painted, dyed, or just a plastic sticker, but eventually you can quickly tell the difference and make eco-friendly choices - which may mean avoiding the fun colors - lame, I know!
When selecting paint itself, prioritize natural, zero-VOC, or low-VOC options, and always keep your spaces well-ventilated during and beyond the application and drying times. By making conscious choices about the paints you use, you can create a healthier and safer living environment for yourself and your family.
MICROPLASTICS & PLASTICS
A more commonly known issue in consumerism, but one that there is not enough being done about! Our bodies might be very resilient, but the toxins of plastics, especially “forever chemicals” in PFAs, are extremely pervasive and difficult for the body to detox. PFAs accumulate in body tissues, such as in the liver, and disrupt our endocrine system. The more these plastics, or any of these toxins mentioned in this guide, accumulate and build up in the body the more disease and dysfunction will occur over time.
Alarmingly, studies have revealed the presence of plastics in newborn’s bloodstreams, and even our pets exhibit higher concentrations than humans, highlighting the extent of our exposure. Before we are even born we are exposed to the world’s saturation of these harmful substances.
Every single choice we make to reduce our plastic footprint is a powerful act of resistance. From ditching disposable water bottles and detergent jugs - to being mindful of microplastics shedding from packaging, cooking utensils, skin care products, laundry, and even the toys our children and pets chew on. Embracing an intentional and eco-conscious lifestyle isn't just a trend, it is the way we lived for thousands of years and it's a necessary defense for our own health, the health of generations to come, and the health of our precious planet.
MAST PRODUCING
Mass producing may offer the allure of convenience, immediate gratification, and affordability, but it carries significant consequences. Driven by the relentless pursuit of profit, companies that mass produce most often prioritize quantity over quality, resulting in cheaply made goods with short lifespans that contribute to a disposable consumer culture and the poisoning of ecosystems.
These large corporations intentionally make their products cheap and low quality so that they fall apart quickly in order for you to purchase more from them - most industries do this. This cycle of rapid production and disposal fuels environmental breakdown through resource depletion, industrial pollution, and overflowing landfills.
Mass production also frequently depends on exploitative labor practices, with workers in developing countries enduring low wages and hazardous working conditions. This way of producing diminishes cultural diversity, human expression, and traditional craftsmanship. Where artisans once poured their hearts and passion into each unique creation, saturating it with character and lasting value, we are now left with a sea of uniformity, of mass-marketed alternatives devoid of the stories and traditions, and filled with toxic chemicals.
When we intentionally use the power of our money to support the artisans - the small businesses, the fair-trade companies, the small-batch or on-demand producers, and the local craftspeople committed to sustainability and the use of natural materials - we contribute to healing the planet and healing the relationships between art, nature, and community. Be mindful of brands that lack transparency or products that lack general or brand information. All this said, again we can never be “perfect”, but do what we can where we can.
FAST FASHION & TEXTILES
Fast fashion is the rapid mass production of clothing or textiles and while it offers trendy clothes at low prices, it has a dark side riddled with negative consequences. Fast fashion is a prime example of how industries prioritizes fleeting trends and money over health, fueling a culture of overconsumption and disposability, driving significant ecological damage.
The industry's enormous water and energy consumption fuels greenhouse gas emissions and accelerates climate change. Fossil fuel-derived synthetic fabrics shed microplastics that pollute our oceans and soil, harming marine life and entering the food chain. Even natural fibers are heavily treated with pesticides, further contaminating the environment. Dyes and other chemicals used in textile processing frequently pollute waterways, again impacting both aquatic ecosystems and human communities.
These clothes are cheaper, because they are made cheaper and not designed to lastlong, leading to more and more consumption. Studies show up to 80% of fast fashion-made clothing end up in the landfills, where it can take centuries to decompose, or is incinerated, releasing harmful pollutants.
Fast fashion's focus on cheap clothing often means the use of exploitative labor in developing countries, where workers, often women and children, face low wages, long hours, and hazardous working conditions where they are exposed to these toxic chemicals.
We need a shift towards a circular economy for fashion, where clothing is designed for durability, repair, and reuse, minimizing waste and reducing the industry's heavy footprint on the Earth. We can make more sustainable choices when buying less items that are of higher quality and will last longer, donating clothes instead of throwing them away, and supporting thrift stores or small businesses.
BODY & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
The majority of household or body products in today’s market are highly toxic. We are exposed to hundreds to thousands of different chemicals on a daily basis. From cleaning products to cooking materials, from lotions to laundry detergent. They are loaded with chemicals that are known to cause health issues, like cancer, allergies, gut issues, headaches, muscle pain, skin breakouts, and so much more!
Some of these toxins are even banned in other countries, but in places like America these toxic chemicals are still being used in abundance with approval from the FDA. Some manufacturers or companies even hire scientists to create “studies” to prove their claims that these toxins are safe, but real science says otherwise, our bodies and our decreasing health say otherwise.
The rise of the use of the toxins parallels the rise of chronic health conditions - for the sake of our collective health, we can’t keep ignoring this. Below is my guide on assessing a product's aspects and quality to further help you in making conscious decisions.
WHERE WAS IT MADE AND WHERE WERE THE MATERIALS SOURCED?
CHOOSE THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
FAIR TRADE
CRUELTY-FREE
SMALL BUSINESS
LOCAL
THRIFTED
ECO-CONSCIOUS
TRUSTED COMPANY IN ALIGNMENT WITH YOUR VALUES, BELIEFS, AND NEEDS
MASS PRODUCED
LIMIT / AVOID SUPPORTING BIG BRANDS
AVOID THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
COMPANIES USING NASTY MARKETING TACTICS
USING EXPLOITATIVE LABOR
UNTRACEABLE
WHAT IS THE MATERIALS OR INGREDIENTS?
CHOOSE THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
PLANTS / HERBS ( 1 )
ESSENTIAL OILS ( 1 )
BOTANICAL EXTRACTS ( 1 )
ANIMAL’S MILK / TALLOW ( 1 )
GLASS
FOOD GRADE SILICONE ( 2 )
CERAMIC
SOME METALS ( 2 - CAST IRON, STAINLESS STEEL )
NATURAL WOODS ( 2 - TREATED NATURALLY )
FIBERS / FABRICS FROM PLANTS COTTON, SILK, HEMP, BAMBOO, LINEN +
FIBERS / FABRICS FROM ANIMALS WOOL, LEATHER +
PLASTICS / MICROPLASTICS / PFAS ( 3+4 )
SYNTHETIC / HIGHLY PROCESSED CHEMICALS RESOURCES BELOW
AVOID THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
ANY SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCES 5 ALSO CALLED COLOGNE, PERFUME, PARFUM, AROMA +
ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING
SYNTHETIC FABRICS ( 6 )
PARABENS
PHTHALATES
PRESERVATIVES
DOESN’T EVEN TELL YOU AT ALL!
Not all plants / animals or oils / extracts / products are made the same or are safe for everyone. For example, the FDA does not have a specific, legally defined standard for the "100% pure" labeling of essential oils used in cosmetics or aromatherapy. This lack of a strict definition allows for some ambiguity in how companies use this term. Therefore, it is possible for an essential oil to be labeled "100% pure" even if it contains small amounts of other substances.
Not all metals, silicones, and wood products are made the same or are safe.
Plastic is everywhere, we can’t 100% escape it, but where you can reduce your use / purchasing of plastics is best for the planet’s and your health.
Avoid pots and pans that are “non-sticking,” especially if they don’t tell you how. “Non-sticking” usually means covered in paint with PFAS that will cook into your food and eventually chip, peel, or wash off.
Even check the ingredients in “unscented” products. Companies will put hidden scents in “unscented” products to cover up the smell of the other chemicals.
Thrift shopped clothes with no labels or made with synthetics is more sustainable than buying brand new fast fashion, but opt for wearing / purchasing natural fabrics as much as possible.
IS THE PRODUCT AND IT’S PACKAGING SUSTAINABLE?
CHOOSE THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
RECYCLABLE
REUSABLE
RECYCLABLE ONLY IN SPECIALIZED FACILITY IF WILLING TO DROP OFF
AVOID THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
SINGLE USE / DISPOSABLE
PLASTIC / PETROLEUM BASED
FOOD PRODUCTS
Food is medicine. We used food for thousands of years as our medicine. In a world where fad diets, distorted food relationships, and fake highly-processed “foods” prevail, returning to the wisdom of our ancestors can offer us a way home to ourselves and our health.
For over thousands of years, our ancestors thrived on what the wise earth offers us, foraging and hunting foods that were local and seasonal. Diseases that plague our modern society were rare, and the vitality of our food wasn't compromised by industrial farming practices. Again, the rise of chronic health issues in America parallels the rise of highly processed foods.
When it comes to intentional food shopping, there are some items to be extra mindful about. Not all foods are created equal and some are more susceptible to contaminations or spoilage than others. We might be able to see a rotting spot on an apple, but you can’t see the micromolds growing in your coffee beans, or the layers of pesticide residue on your produce, and you can’t see that your oil was rancid before you even bought it.
INTENTIONAL EATING PRINCIPLES
Eating intentionally or intuitively is more than just a practice - it's a sacred journey that allows you to create a healing relationship with your body and its innate primal wisdom. By honoring the divine relationship between yourself and the nourishment you need, you can foster a deeper sense of trust and support within yourself.
Intuitive eating invites you to attune to your body's whispers and connect deeper with how certain foods are affecting your physical symptoms and moods. It challenges us to discern between genuine physical hunger and appetite stirred by external influences. And it honors your body’s cues of hunger and fullness without judgment.
Before each meal, ask yourself…
How does the food I consume make me feel on a physical and emotional level?
Are my food choices guided by my body's genuine impulses or external influences?
Am I reaching for this food to numb or to nourish myself?
Am I listening to the cues of hunger or of fullness?
DIET CULTURE
A one size fits all mindset in any form limits our individual unique expression, shames our different needs, and leaves us lost on how to truly support our bodies. This guide is not here to promote a specific diet as the diet for everyone, but follows the principles of our ancestors. That is to listen to the wisdom of our bodies and the earth, not of consumer marketing propaganda. The truth is, we all need different nutrients at different times of our life.
As a conscious consumer focused on not only the sustainability of the earth, but the sustainability of your health and lifestyle - jumping to the next trending diet isn’t it. By rejecting the toxic diet mentality and embracing the wisdom of our bodies, we can reclaim our power and this sacred dialogue with our inner selves.
MARKETING TACTICS
Again, be aware of what influences your choices. Marketing is how the food industry became so big in the first place. Through a strategic combination of color, characters, catchy tunes, and the emphasis on convenience, these campaigns aim to influence our choices and cravings, often at our expense as they prioritize profit over our well-being. By exploiting our biological and emotional connections to food, they subtly manipulate our rational decision-making processes and make it harder to choose nutritious real food.
These unhealthy, highly processed, nutritionally deficient foods are frequently marketed with deceptive claims, targeting vulnerable populations like children and low-income communities. Just walk into a grocery store and look at how many products are marketed to children with chemicals you don’t even know how to pronounce. The abundance of advertising for sugary drinks, fast food, and other unhealthy options filled with chemicals normalizes these choices, making it harder for individuals to make informed decisions about their diets.
It's crucial to recognize the power these messages wield, as food directly impacts our biology and neurotransmitters, affecting everything from our mood and cognitive function to our energy levels and immunity. Food marketing can also create unrealistic expectations about food and body image, contributing to eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
Profit-driven sales are their priority, not concerns about public health, creating a system where unhealthy choices are readily available and aggressively promoted, while healthier options are made less accessible or affordable. Ultimately, the persuasive power of food marketing can undermine individual well-being and contribute to a cycle of poor health outcomes.
Cultivating awareness of these tactics is essential, enabling us to make informed choices that prioritize our well-being over corporate profits. Be curious about… What emotions or thoughts do you notice are present when considering making a purchase?
PROCESSED FOODS
Highly processed foods, or what I like to call fake foods, have become so normalized in our modern world that it is more normal to eat them than real whole foods. The food industry has designed it so that real whole foods are more expensive and viewed as elite or a luxury to purchase and consume. The concerns extend beyond just the presence of added sugars and unhealthy fats.
The food industry hires chemists and scientists to create concoctions of chemicals and ingredients that make the food taste better, look more appealing, sound better, have specific textures or colors, and are highly addicting. These scientists focus on understanding how their concoctions can influence the brain’s reward system. This, mixed with the lack of real nutrients in the food creates a cycle of not being nourished leading to more hunger and overconsumption.
You can find numerous studies linking the consumption of highly processed foods or the cocktails of chemicals within them to an increased risk of numerous health conditions. A few examples - there is a link between dye Red #40 and hyperactivity in children. Titanium dioxide is known to cause DNA damage and immune system toxicity. It is banned in Europe, but the FDA has approved the safety of for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. Many food companies make and sell healthier versions of their products in countries with these bans. Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a synthetic chemical used in yoga mats to give it that sponginess, it is also used in baked goods for the same reason. This knowledge can empower us to make more informed choices and prioritize whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
PESTICIDES
Pesticides not only kill the bugs on our food, they kill pollinators, disrupt ecosystems, contaminate waterways, poison aquatic life, strip the soil of nutrients, and cause adverse health conditions in humans. Exposure to pesticides, even at low levels, has been linked to various health problems, including neurological issues, respiratory problems, and cancer. Those who live near conventional farms, especially children with developing immune systems, or farmers that work directly with these chemicals are particularly vulnerable to their harmful effects.
Over 1 billion pounds of pesticides are used in the United States each year and approximately 5.6 billion pounds are used worldwide. The overuse of pesticides can lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests, leading to even stronger and more toxic chemicals to be used, creating a very dangerous cycle. The widespread use of pesticides poses a significant threat to biodiversity, human health, and further shows how the conventional agricultural systems are not sustainable.
Studies show foods grown with pesticides have significantly less nutritional value than organic foods. In today’s market, it is understandable that buying all your food organic may not be feasible and you may not have the resources to grow your own food, that’s okay. We start where we can and by at least prioritizing buying organic for the foods most heavily impacted by pesticides in our diet we can significantly improve our health. So, what are these certain foods? Some are grains, corn, and specific produce. Check out sites like Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" and “Clean 15” lists for more info.https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/
MOLDS & MYCOTOXINS
Invisible to the naked eye, micro-molds are microscopic fungi that can grow in our food, producing mycotoxins - powerful poisons capable of contaminating a wide range of foods, including grains, nuts, seeds, beans, coffee, flours, and spices.
Even small amounts of some mycotoxins can have serious health consequences, ranging from acute poisoning to long-term health problems like liver damage, kidney disease, and an increased risk of certain cancers.Chronic exposure to mycotoxins can also weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses or triggering autoimmunity. Children, whose bodies are still developing, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mycotoxins. The presence of micro molds can also degrade the nutritional value of food.
Because mycotoxins can be present even when there are no visible signs of mold, regular testing and proper food storage are crucial to minimize the risks associated with these harmful substances. This is why buying your food from trusted sources can play a significant role in your health. Organic options are less prone to mold growth during storage and transport. https://chriskresser.com/food-for-mold-illness-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid/
RANCID FOOD
Rancid foods can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to a buildup of free radicals in the body, which are highly inflammatory and can lead to a variety of chronic health problems. Particularly oils, especially those not sourced or stored properly, can quickly turn rancid. Also storing oils in plastic bottles can further damage health, as chemicals can leach from the plastic into the oil, especially when exposed to heat or UV light.
This is why it's important to purchase oils and other susceptible foods from trusted brands in glass containers to ensure freshness and quality, minimizing the risk of consuming rancid products or their packaging. By making conscious choices about key food items, we can significantly improve the quality and safety of our diets.
SOIL, WATER, & AIR QUALITY
Food gets its nutrients directly from the soil and water it is grown with. Industrial agriculture’s farming methods deplete the soil of essential nutrients, resulting in food that is often significantly less nutritious than food grown using more sustainable methods. This nutrient depletion in our food can have far-reaching effects on human health, contributing to deficiencies and weakened immune systems.
The heavy reliance on pesticides - insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides - also dramatically compromises the health and quality of the soil, water, and even the air we breathe. The toxins polluting our air can damage the stomata, or pores on the leaves of plants, stunting crop growth by weakening photosynthesis, leading to smaller crops. Air pollution also leads to a bigger ozone hole causing plant damage due to excess UV light.
These farming practices and use of chemicals disrupt delicate ecosystems, harm beneficial organisms, and contaminate water sources. The conventional, industrial approach to food production prioritizes quantity over quality, ultimately negatively impacting both the health of the environment and the nutritional well-being of those who consume its products.
QUESTIONS FOR INTENTIONAL NOURISHMENT
Use these questions to guide your eating habits. Again, while some may not apply to every situation, and others may feel repetitive, they're designed to offer different perspectives. As you read through them, notice where your awareness goes. What thoughts, beliefs, or values shape your answers? Let these questions guide you to greater self-clarity.
1. What are your current nourishment needs?
Will this item meet your needs?
2. Is this item in alignment with the life you want or who you want to be?
Does it support your long-term values or health goals?
3. What is your intention for purchasing / eating this food?
Is it to nourish your body or to satisfy your taste buds?
4. What state is your nervous system in?
What feelings or motivations are driving you to make this purchase?
5. Is it worth your money and within your budget?
Is this something you’ll be purchasing often or once?
6. Is it a necessity or a desire?
Do you really need it at this current time?
7. How often will you use this?
Is this something you could borrow instead of purchasing your own?
8. What is the lifetime and quality of this purchase?
Is it sustainable? (time, money, materials, sourcing)
9. What outside influences are driving your purchasing choices?
Is social media, commercials, sales, or discounts influencing you?
Why do you want this?
DOES IT MEET MY NOURISHMENT NEEDS, VALUES, AND GOALS?
CHOOSE THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
REAL / NATURAL
MINIMAL PROCESSING
WHOLE FOOD
SEED OIL FREE
ORGANIC ( 1 - HIGHER PRIORITY FOR CERTAIN PRODUCTS )
AVOID THESE (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE)
HIGHLY PROCESSED
POORLY SOURCED
UNTRUSTED BRAND
CHEMICAL-FILLED
DYES
ARTIFICIAL ANYTHING
PRESERVATIVES
NATURAL FLAVORS ( 2 )
1. Certain products contain higher levels of pesticides than others. For any produce, whether it is organic or not, use a fruit / veggie wash.
2. The FDA allows 80 to 90%+ of “Natural Flavors” to contain significant amounts of solvents, emulsifiers, flavor modifiers / enhancers, and preservatives and label it as natural.
HOW WAS IT SOURCED AND PRODUCED?
CHOOSE THESE ( AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE )
FAIR TRADE
NON-GMO
ORGANIC
PASTURE RAISED
GRASS-FED/FINISHED
WILD CAUGHT
AVOID THESE ( AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE )
CONVENTIONALLY RAISED MEAT
FARMED FISH
WHAT IS HEALTHY FOR YOUR UNIQUE BODY?
Every single thing we are exposed to in our environments can affect each individual in completely different and unique ways. You may be very sensitive to molds and not pesticides, or you may be very sensitive to plastics on your skin and not fragrances. What is considered healthy for you may be different for another, especially if you consider those with chronic health conditions or highly sensitive beings who need more awareness and resources to support their health. Regardless of what your unique body is more sensitive to, these chemicals are a major source of stress for the body. And the specific steps you take to support your body and health can be different from another’s.
THE LIMITS OF GOOD LABELS
While labels are a necessary starting point for conscious consuming, understand that no certification or label is perfect. Even the most established seals often have a hidden cost. For example, while the USDA Organic label ensures food is grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers - it does not mean the food is pesticide residue-free. The annual certification process itself costs farmers hundreds to thousands of dollars, making it inaccessible to many truly organic small farms. This is one reason why these labels lead to higher prices, making healthier options inaccessible to many.
You must also be aware of minimum standards that sound good but actually mean little. The Cage Free label only requires 1 - 2 square feet per animal and provides no guarantee of adequate space or access to the outdoors. Food labels like Vegetarian Fed often mean corn and soy that are drenched in pesticides, which is known to cause symptoms for those with autoimmunity or food sensitivities. As a conscious consumer these certifications are essential, but they are not the end of the conversation. Be mindful of the companies that own those products.
KNOW WHO YOU EMPOWER
Being a truly informed consumer means looking beyond marketing claims and understanding what is behind the brands and products you choose to support.
The truth is money isn’t power - what you decide to do with it is.
Every purchase is a vote for the company behind the product.
Knowing who owns a brand and what that parent company stands for - is the key to ensuring your money funds the future you want to create. Finding reliable, third-party information can be tricky. But by using a combination of the resources below, you can become an informed and conscious consumer, intentionally supporting companies that are truly committed to environmental sustainability, ethical labor, and transparency.
QUESTIONS FOR COMPANIES
Do you trust the company? And why?
How transparent are they about their values and ethical practices?
Who owns the company? What do they support?
Do they donate money to support organizations? Where and why?
Are they transparent about their environmental practices or impact?
Do they ethically source their materials and labor?
Are their claims backed by trusted third-party resources?
Do they advocate for more ethical and sustainable practices in business?
Do they encourage their customers to shop more ethically and sustainably?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Look for specific concrete data and metrics to support their claims.
Check for the company's transparency about their supply chains, sourcing, environmental, labor, and manufacturing practices.
Evaluate the credibility of the source providing the information.
Look for independent information verified by a third-party organization.
Check the product labels!
WHERE TO LOOK
Many companies publish annual sustainability reports or corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports. These reports often detail their environmental initiatives, goals, and performance data. Look for sections on emissions, water usage, waste management, and sourcing practices.
Check the company's "About" sections for information on their values, mission, and commitment to sustainability.
Look for environmental certifications or labels on product pages and packaging.
Investigative reports that cover a company's environmental practices are from reputable news sources.
Trade publications often have articles on environmental trends and company initiatives within specific industries.
Review Third-Party Websites like the B Corp Directory. B Corps are companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
TOOLS
Environmental Workers Group is an organization whose mission is to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment. http://www.ewg.org/
Ethical Consumer is a website that provides ratings and reviews of companies based on their ethical and environmental performance. They provide tools and resources you need to make choices at the checkout simple, informed, and effective. https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/
Good On You is a website that ranks brands on their sustainability and social responsibility. https://goodonyou.eco/
Think Dirty empowers ingredient-conscious consumers to choose the safest beauty, personal, and household products! https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/