Hi! My name is Catherine and I’m all about non toxic living. Some would call me crunchy, extreme, crazy but truly, I’m all about the 80/20… What’s that, you ask?
I make about 80% of my choices non toxic, good for you, aka healthy and I try not to sweat the remaining 20%. You see, when you start this non toxic journey and decide to do better for yourself, you can get overwhelmed really quickly. And that is never the goal. If you are overwhelmed, the changes you are trying to make will never stick. So over a decade ago, when I started making changes, I went at it a little at a time. A few changes here and there and slowly it became the norm. However, as the proud mama to two girls: a teen and a tween (for real, pray for me), I’ve had to balance my approach to let the girls be part of the decision process. I have had to give them information and choices without creating anxiety about their regular environment. So we practice 80/20 there also. We don’t live in a bubble and I don’t want to either but, I want them fully equipped with the information to make a safer, healthier decision when they can. Sounds familiar?
What does this look like on a daily basis? Well, we eat almost all organic and non processed foods at home but, we also eat out from time to time and that’s ok. Sure I would prefer to eat organic, grass fed 100% of the time, but I also want to enjoy my friends who might not care to and not worry about it. I use only non toxic personal care products at home and on the road but, about 3 times a year, I get my hair highlighted (you can find “less” toxic hair colors – that’s for another blog, but I have yet to find something around here). That’s also perfectly fine. The girls love their salads and veggies but, the little one would climb mountains for a bite of Nutella (and no, she does not like any of the “healthier” versions), so a few times a year she gets to eat it (yes, the picture is of a rainbow (dyes!!) bagel with Nutella… I get a rash just thinking about it). We do own organic clothes but, not all of our clothing is organic… I do own stainless steel lunch containers, reusable sandwich bags, stainless steel straws, etc…. but there is one roll of Saran Wrap in one of my drawer for emergencies (it’s really old, but it’s there). I’m the “healthy food snack” volunteer parent (did you know there is such a thing?) at school for my youngest but, when other parents bring in cupcakes, I let her eat that too if she wants.
The point is, very few people can go 100% non toxic, 100% of the time, unless they always bring their things and foods with them wherever they go. Totally possible and if that’s you, that’s awesome! However, that’s not the way I decided to go about it. I’m also not passing judgement on the choices you make. If I comment on your choices, it’s usually because you asked me and because I want to help. I meet you where you are in the journey. I’m here to share the information. Whether you decide to take my information and run with it or ignore it altogether, I feel my responsibility is in making you aware of your choices. Someone did with me 10 + years ago and I’m forever grateful I looked into it and started making changes. I’m passing the torch, so to speak 😊
So think about this… 80/20. You don’t need to go 100% right out of the gate. If you are at 0/100 right now, let’s aim for 20/80 first, then 50/50, then 80/20, up to wherever you want to go. What would making healthier, non toxic choices do for you?
Who wants to join me at 80/20?