Summer is the time to get outside, soak up the sun, tend the garden, and enjoy nature’s abundance. But many of the common products people reach for—weed killers, sunscreens, and produce washes—can come with hidden (or not-so-hidden) health risks. If you’re trying to live more holistically and reduce your toxic load, this season is the perfect time to make some simple, effective swaps.
Let’s explore natural and safe alternatives to:
- Harmful weed killers like Roundup
- Chemical-based sunscreens
- Conventional fruit and vegetable washes
Glyphosate, the main ingredient in Roundup, has been linked to serious health concerns, including hormone disruption, gut imbalance, cancer, and more. Many people don’t realize that what they’re putting on their soil can get into their drinking water. Thankfully, there are safer, natural ways to manage weeds without harming your health or the environment.
Non-Toxic Weed Killer Alternatives:
- Vinegar + Salt + Dish Soap Spray
- Mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of natural dish soap. Spray directly on weeds during a sunny day.
- Boiling Water
- Pour directly on weeds in sidewalk cracks or driveway edges.
- Mulching & Manual Pulling
- Prevent growth by covering garden beds with organic mulch and staying ahead of root systems with occasional hand-pulling.
These options are effective, safe for ourselves, our pets, and children, and won’t harm the surrounding soil biome.
Secondly, conventional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate—chemicals known to disrupt hormones and potentially damage coral reefs, among several other negatives.
What to Look for Instead:
- Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Fragrance-free, non-nano, and reef-safe labels
- Avoid spray sunscreens, which are easy to inhale and harder to apply evenly
Top Holistic Sunscreen Brands:
- Badger – Organic, family-friendly, and gentle on sensitive skin
- Babo Botanicals – Great for kids and contains nourishing plant-based ingredients
- Thinksport – High-performing and EWG-rated for safety
- Raw Elements – Biodegradable and water-resistant, ideal for active summer days
And remember: natural sun protection also includes wide-brimmed hats, lightweight long sleeves, and seeking shade during peak UV hours. The sun is our friend, not our enemy!
Lastly, even the most organic fruits and vegetables can have dirt, bacteria, or natural residues from being handled and/or transported. Washing them thoroughly is essential, but that doesn’t mean reaching for sprays that have disadvantages to our health.
DIY Fruit & Veggie Washes to Consider:
- Simple Vinegar Soak:
Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Soak produce for 5–10 minutes, then rinse well.
This helps remove pesticides, waxes, and bacteria. - Baking Soda Rinse:
Sprinkle baking soda onto produce and gently scrub with your hands or a veggie brush, then rinse. - Lemon Essential Oil:
Add a few drops of food-grade lemon essential oil to your wash water for extra cleaning power and a fresh scent.
Or try natural store-bought options like Rebel Green, Fit Organic, Young Living, or Aunt Fannie’s Produce Wash, all made with safe, plant-based ingredients.
Embracing non-toxic living doesn’t mean giving up convenience; it means choosing products and habits that support you and your loved ones’ health. Whether you’re tending the garden, applying sunscreen, or prepping a fresh fruit salad, these simple changes can make your summer cleaner and more health-conscious. Every small choice adds up!
Sincerely yours in health,
–Mikaela Cradit, CNHP
