The materials we bring into our space, the air we breathe, and the water we drink all shape our well-being. Many modern homes are built with synthetic materials that off-gas chemicals, filled with furniture coated in flame retardants, and stocked with cookware leaching toxins into our meals. But there’s another way—one rooted in nature, mindfulness, and simplicity.

Breathing Walls: Non-Toxic Paint & Furniture

Many conventional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which linger in the air and contribute to indoor pollution. Mineral-based and plant-based paints are healthier alternatives, free from harmful chemicals and biodegradable. There are non-toxic brands that offer options that keep walls breathable and toxin-free. The one we use at home is ECOS Paints. (We got you a 10% discount with code: CASAEARTH)

Furniture can also release harmful fumes, especially those made from MDF or particle board, which often contain formaldehyde. Choosing solid wood furniture finished with natural oils instead of synthetic varnishes ensures a cleaner, healthier home. The sofa brand we have at home is called Anabei, made with recycled materials, free from PFAs and PFC (forever chemicals), CertiPUR-US® certified, OEKO-TEX® Certified, and entirely washable and pet-friendly.

A Restorative Sleep: Vegan & Organic Mattresses

Most mattresses are made with petroleum-based foams, synthetic fire retardants, and adhesives that release toxins over time. Sleeping on organic, plant-based materials like natural latex, organic cotton, and coconut husk eliminates exposure to synthetic chemicals. Vegan mattresses, free of wool and other animal-derived materials, offer a cruelty-free and sustainable alternative. The vegan and organic brand we have been using at home for years is Avocado Mattress. They also have pillows!

Also, having linen bedsheets and curtains is a natural and nontoxic way of elevating the energy in your home! Yes, we are talking about vibrations now! Linen is made of the flax plant which vibrates at very high levels (5000 Hz) because of its crystalline structure. Humans vibrate at 100 Hz, hence, linen has been studied and said to increase our energy levels and health. It also goes through a minimal process to turn the flax into linen which is eco-friendly, nontoxic and preserves the vibration of flax.

Solar-Powered Glow: Charging Lamps with the Sun

Replacing traditional plug-in lamps with solar-powered ones reduces energy consumption while keeping your space free of unnecessary wiring. These lamps charge during the day and provide warm, ambient lighting at night—an effortless way to incorporate clean energy into daily life. The ones we added to our garden are these Outdoor Solar Lamps.

Clean Water, Clean Body: Natural Spring Water

Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and microplastics (yes, even in the US!) while many bottled waters come in plastic containers that leach chemicals. Fresh spring water, stored in glass or stainless steel, is the cleanest option when available. For those without access to a spring, a high-quality filtration system that removes contaminants while preserving essential minerals is the next best alternative. At home, we order our natural spring water in glass jugs from Mountain Valley and Alive Water. They both have a monthly delivery system. (We got you a 15% discount for Alive Water with code: CASAEARTH).

Fresh Air: Indoor Plants, Ventilation & Air Filters

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air due to off-gassing from furniture, cleaning products, and synthetic fabrics. Opening windows for at least 15 minutes a day helps refresh indoor spaces and circulate clean air.

Certain plants act as natural air purifiers, filtering toxins while increasing oxygen levels. Snake plants, bamboo palms, and spider plants are low-maintenance options that improve air quality. Adding a HEPA air filter further removes fine particles, mold, and allergens, creating a space that feels as fresh as a forest after the rain. The plants we have at home indoors are these: Areca Palms, Prickly Pear Cactus, Pothos, Montstera.

Mindful Choices: Second-Hand & Upcycled Furniture

New furniture production is a major contributor to deforestation and landfill waste. Choosing second-hand pieces extends their life cycle, prevents waste, and brings character into the home. They are also a great option because they have already off-gassed their initial chemicals while reducing demand for new resources. We have many second-hand pieces at home from Goodwill (Florida), Offer Up, MET (Muebles en Tránsito México), Fly Boutique (Florida), Lotus House Thrift (Florida), Palm Beaach Regency (Florida).

Upcycling is a wonderful alternative too! Whether it’s refinishing an old wooden table with natural oils instead of toxic varnishes or lacquers, or repurposing glass jars into kitchen storage, upcycling encourages creativity while keeping materials out of landfills.

Nourishing Wood Naturally: Vegetable Oils Instead of Varnish

Wood furniture and floors don’t need synthetic varnishes to stay beautiful. Linseed, walnut, tung, and coconut oil penetrate deeply, preserving the wood’s integrity while adding a natural sheen. These plant-based oils nourish instead of sealing with a plastic-like layer, allowing the wood to age gracefully. At home, we have transformed an antique door into our dining table using Tung Oil instead of wood sealers. Tung Oil is made of the seeds of the Tung tree nuts; a natural, eco-friendly and nontoxic alternative to wood sealers. (Please read the instructions before using to make sure you apply the oil correctly and safely).

Cooking Without Toxins: Non-Toxic Appliances & Cookware

Non-stick cookware often made of Teflon contains chemicals linked to long-term health risks. These chemicals leach into your food and air when the cookware gets heated. Cast iron, ceramic, and stainless steel provide safer alternatives that last for generations. When replacing kitchen appliances, choosing energy-efficient models made without plastic-heavy interiors ensures a healthier cooking environment. The brand we use at home for our pots, pans and even cooking appliances (We are obsessed with their mini oven!) is Our Place. Their products are made with nontoxic ceramic coating instead of teflon, and are beautifully and ethically designed too!

Composting: Closing the Loop

Food scraps don’t belong in landfills! To reduce our food waste and prevent the creation of methane in lanfills, we practice two types of composting at home: 1) Trench composting: burying organic waste directly into garden soil by digging a hole (12 to 24 inches deep), pouring our food leftovers in the hole, and covering it again with soil. This process is easy, and enriches the earth naturally. 2) We also have a countertop composting Food Cycler by Vitamix that breaks down food efficiently, without odors, in a matter of a few hours, using minimal electricity. Once the food leftoverd have been turned into nutrient-rich powder, we mix the powder with water to feed our plants and garden.

A Home That Breathes with You

Living in a conscious and non-toxic home isn’t about swapping out every item overnight. It’s about making choices that align with health, sustainability, and simplicity. Each mindful and small shift—switching to a natural paint, bringing in air-purifying plants, or choosing second-hand furniture—creates a space that feels lighter, fresher, and more connected to the rhythms of nature. When a home supports well-being, it becomes more than a place to live. It becomes a sanctuary.