non toxic home

Linking Everything I Bought for My Non Toxic Apartment

the pure life

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When my husband and I moved into a new place earlier this year, it was time for a “refresh” of new furniture and household products. With fertility, skin health and overall wellness as top priorities, we thought it was only natural to source out the most “low-tox” household furnishings we could find – on a budget!

Why is “low tox” living important?

So many of the things we use every day – our couch, mattress, cleaning sprays, even the paint on our walls – can quietly expose us to chemicals like flame retardants, VOCs (volatile organic compounds aka chemicals), and hormone disruptors. Over time, these toxins build up in our bodies and can interfere with everything from our skin health to our fertility. Living a low-tox lifestyle isn’t about being perfect—it’s about reducing that daily exposure where we can, so we can support our hormones, lower inflammation, and create a healthier home for ourselves and our families.

It’s basically impossible to live a completely non toxic lifestyle, which is why I think the term “low tox” is more appropriate here.

You might be shocked (or low key think I’ve joking) to see things like non toxic toasters and plates – sadly I was also shocked when I dug into the research.

I spent hours scouring the Internet and Reddit threads, throwing prompts into Chat GPT just to get some answers on budget friendly non toxic options. I hope this list saves you some time! Note: I live in Canada but many of these products can be shipped to (or are from) the U.S.

Hot tip: one of easiest indicators of if something is “non toxic” is to look for the OEKO-TEX certificate label. According to the OEKO-TEX website, “OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 is a label for textiles tested for harmful substances. It sets the benchmark for textile safety, from yarn to finished product. Every item bearing the STANDARD 100 label is certified as having passed safety tests for the presence of harmful substances.”

My Low-Tox Bedroom

This is where I prioritize clean air, restful sleep, and hormone health. I’ve swapped synthetic bedding for organic cotton, use a non-toxic mattress, and avoid toxic candles and synthetic fragrances. Silk sleep mask on and phone outside the bedroom – this space is all about deep rest.

Products purchased:

My Low-Tox Kitchen

From cast iron cookware to filtered water and glass storage containers, this kitchen is free from Teflon, plastics, and harmful products. Here’s what I use instead:

Products purchased:

My Low-Tox Bathroom

The bathroom is a great place to start swapping conventional products with non-toxic skincare, shampoo, and toothpaste that are free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance – all of which can impact hormones, fertility and so much more.

For decor and functional products, I chose low-tox affordable options such as:

My Low-Tox Living Room

This is where I wind down, so I’ve ditched off-gassing furniture (this is most conventional furniture that off-gasses harmful substances upon arrival) and a simple air purifier. No plug-ins, no synthetic scents—just a calm, clean space that feels good to be in.

Products purchased:

  • IKEA couch – we decided to keep our sofa as it is ~5 years old (most of the off-gassing would have happened by now). IKEA is a great lower-tox option as it adheres to EU standards, which are generally low-tox. Some great non toxic couch options are:
  • Simons 100% wool carpet
  • Simons 100% wood coffee table (no sealants or toxic paint)
  • Last Candle Co. large candle decorative vessel + non toxic candle

Other products you can consider if you are renovating:

  • Non toxic paint
  • Use the “non toxic” tab on Wayfair (not sure about the legitimacy of this but you can do your own research!)
  • Consider IKEA (matches EU non toxic standards which is much better than US/Canada/Australia)
  • Silk & Snow bedsheets

An important note on “off gassing” and why this is so important:

  • If purchasing conventional products, consider buying second hand. When we purchase a newly manufactured product that has been made using toxic materials, paints and glues, these substances will slowly “off-gas” over time (this can take months to years). In order to avoid newly off-gassing products, consider purchasing second hand (so most of the off-gassing has already happened) or put the newly purchased furniture in a well-ventilated area, ideally in sunlight, when possible (i.e. on a patio, in a room with windows).

A list of natural vs. toxic materials to look out for:

  • Look for natural materials: these materials help reduce your exposure to endocrine disruptors, VOCs, and other common household toxins:
    • Organic cotton – great for bedding, clothing, and towels; free from pesticides and harsh dyes
    • Cotton (non organic) is a good close second if organic is not available
    • Natural latex – used in non-toxic mattresses and pillows, a safer alternative to polyurethane foam
    • Solid wood (FSC-certified) – for furniture and flooring – avoids formaldehyde found in pressed wood
    • Wool – naturally flame-resistant and antimicrobial; ideal for rugs, blankets, and insulation
    • Stainless steel or cast iron – durable, non-toxic options for cookware
    • Glass – perfect for food storage and drinkware; avoids leaching from plastics

  • Avoid artificial materials: these materials can contribute to poor indoor air quality and increased toxic load over time:
    • Polyurethane foam – found in mattresses and cushions; can emit VOCs and contain flame retardants
    • PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – used in shower curtains, flooring, and plastic goods; often contains phthalates
    • Synthetic fragrances – in candles, air fresheners, and personal care products; may include endocrine-disrupting chemicals
    • Formaldehyde-treated pressed wood – in furniture, cabinets, and flooring; off-gasses over time
    • Non-stick coatings (like Teflon) – used on cookware; can release PFAS (“forever chemicals”) when heated
    • Acrylic and polyester fabrics – used in clothing, bedding, and upholstery; often treated with chemical dyes and finishes

This post was made August 2025 with the best of my knowledge – please double check all links/products as some manufacturers may change their regulations without notice.

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@theacnenutritionist