Having grown up with a mother who is mindful herself (she is a naturopath), I have spent a good portion of my life knowledgeable about how important it is not only to read labels, but to know what to look for and what to avoid. In this day and age, though an ingredient list is important, it’s not enough to just read the label. There’s too much a company can hide and in many different ways. For instance, when purchasing a dishwasher, it’s important that the racks be stainless steel or coated in nylon as opposed to being coated in PVC. Yet, many manufacturers do not readily disclose this information. In addition, a popular natural body care company, Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, (now under a new name) was found to be missing ingredients on the labels of their products. How was this found? A knowledgeable consumer questioned them for two years asking them how it was possible that their soap not contain ‘xy and z’ ingredients and yet it still lather. When the company finally questioned it themselves, after that consumer went to an independent laboratory and had it tested herself, it was found that this consumer was right. My point? Sometimes you have to go straight to the source to get the correct information, you have the right to ask questions, and sometimes, you have to be willing to dig deep if it’s important enough to you.
The products and companies that I share here are ones that I have had discussions with the owners, along with my own knowledge of their products through using them in my home and on my family. I will only ever recommend something on this website if it is something that I have in my own home, and for it to be in my home, you better believe it’s toxic-free, made in the U.S.A. (unless an extreme case which I will share), and coming from a company with the same values and integrity that I share. This list will grow as I find new products, so check back often. Also, scroll to the bottom of this page for useful links in regards to researching chemicals and their health effects. I am affiliated with some of these companies.**This post contains affiliate links. We may earn money from purchases made through links mentioned in this post, but all opinions are our own and we only recommend products used in our own homes. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliates sites.
For the Home
Mattresses and Pillows
My Green Mattress is the company that we trust. We currently have two twin mattresses here for my two oldest kids and a king on order for my husband and I. We found the company about three years ago now, after doing extensive research. The owner and staff is wonderful, willing to take as much time as needed to answer any questions that you have and to guide you to a mattress that fits your needs. The mattresses and made in the U.S.A. out of certified organic and natural ingredients without the use of chemicals. They are also the most reasonable price wise, for a mattress that is actually really natural and organic (there and MANY companies claiming their mattresses are such when in reality, it’s not the whole truth). Here are two posts about My Green mattress and why an organic mattress is important to begin with: Not All Mattresses (Organic or Not) Are Created Equal and Your Mattress Matters.
My Green Mattress offers $125 off each mattress, twin or larger, to our fans. Use code RNKSAVE at checkout on the website. In addition, a percentage of your purchase (at no cost to you), supports the work that I do on this website by using this code, so thank you.
Shower Curtains
What to Look for in a Dishwasher
Toys
This was one of my original reasons for starting this website – our kids deserve safe toys, ones NOT made in China. I spent weeks on this post, compiling a list of safe toy companies, chemicals of concern and what to look out for. I hope that you find it useful! I’ll be glad to add any companies you know to be made close to home with natural materials! Clean Toys, Green Toys and Toys made Close to Home. Also see Safer Pool and Water Toys.
EMF Protection
(protection from electromagnetic radiation coming from cell phones, smart meters and WiFi)
For Your Body (everybody’s body in your family!)
Deodorants, lotions, make-up, body washes, remedies and more…
It was fans of this website that originally led us to Poofy Organics. When fans over on our Facebook page would ask for safe product suggestions, be it baby wash, diaper cream, make-up, and even cleaning supplies, fans kept suggesting Poofy Organics. Intrigued at the fact that not only do people love the products, but that the products are all hand made by the owner and her staff in the U.S.A. with USDA certified organic ingredients, I reached out to the owner, had a discussion and tried some products that she sent over. I was hooked. In particular, she had sent over some deodorant. This was at a point in time where I had just given birth to my third child and I was smelling ripe… nothing I used work and so I was going without it all together. That changed when I tried the Peppymint Deo from Poofy. It worked on my postpartum stench. Then there was the dish soap. I went through a lot of natural brands trying to find one that was toxic free, yet still gave me clean dishes. The VESTA dishwashing liquid did the job well; better than any I had tried and I tried many.
Once hooked, I started sharing the Poofy brand myself. So did some of the other Raising Natural kids admin who also used it. Sometime later, I realized that since I loved the product and was recommending it over and over unaffiliated, that I should join them in spreading the word about their great products, so I did. I am now a Poofy Organics guide, using the commission I make through products purchased through my links, to support the work that I do on this website and on the Facebook page.
Menstrual Care
Basically, you don’t want to use mainstream pads or tampons. Your best bet are cloth pads or menstrual cups. There are a bunch of great options out there. I use the Sckoon Cup for reasons I discuss in the following post and organic cotton menstrual pads. I am sure Etsy probably has some too. I wrote a post here with some great info: The Scary Truth About What’s in Your Maxi-Pads and Tampons (and alternative options)
Food
Tuna Fish
SafeCatch – The lowest mercury canned tuna of any brand. Our tuna is traceable from catch to can and we only buy from captains whose fish come from managed and sustainable tuna stocks. Then, we test each tuna. Using our proprietary technology, we are able to test every single fish for its mercury content. If it doesn’t meet our purity standards we don’t buy it. It still may be a good tuna, but it’s not a Safe Catch tuna. Our limit for Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna is ten times (10x) stricter than the FDA mercury action limit. Our limit for Safe Catch Wild Albacore Tuna is three times (3x) stricter than the FDA mercury action limit.
For Your Knowledge
Natural Living Magazines
There are three magazine of the dozens I have gotten my hands on, that are just great magazines. They cover natural living topics in depth without bias. They cover topics that many others won’t. They honor their values by only including contributors and advertisers that are truly toxic-free and genuine. (and no, we are not affiliated with any of these)
Useful Links: