Non-Toxic Dad News: October 09, 2025

Author

Warren Phillips
October 09, 2025

Hello Non-Toxic Friends!

We often talk about everyday products that seem harmless but can actually have a negative impact on us over time. This week’s topic hits home for anyone who’s ever filled a shopping cart on autopilot: the hidden toxins in typical grocery store foods. Everything is pre-cooked, pre-marinated, and shrink-wrapped to save us time. But convenience often comes with a chemical price tag that never shows up on your receipt.

This week’s feature article, “Three Foods You Should Stop Buying at Big-Box Grocery Stores (and What to Choose Instead)”, breaks down what’s really hiding behind those glossy food labels and how to make cleaner, smarter swaps that don’t compromise your health.

Take a few minutes to read the whole piece, share it with someone who shops where you shop, and remember: the real cost of convenience isn’t measured at checkout but in how it interacts with your body.

What’s Happening

I’ve been working on something behind the scenes that I’m really excited to finally share with you. The Non-Toxic Living Community was created as a safe, judgment free space for families to learn, connect, and make simple swaps together. Inside you’ll find expert led courses, live Q&As, and resources I wish I had when I first started this journey. My hope is that this community makes the process of protecting your family feel simpler and a whole lot less lonely.

My Non-Toxic Swap of the Week

When the air turns crisp, we crave cozy scents, but many candles pour VOCs and petroleum byproducts into your home. For some people, this may mean headaches, irritation, or allergy-like sensitivities when burning traditional candles indoors. Traditional paraffin wax emits benzene and toluene, and most “natural” scented candles still rely on synthetic fragrance oils.

That’s what makes Fontana Candles different:

  • Beeswax + coconut oil blend for a clean, even burn.

  • 100% essential oils, never synthetic fragrance, so no hidden chemicals.

  • Every ingredient is fully transparent and our candles are the first to be MADE SAFE® certified non-toxic.

Enjoy that warm, autumnal glow without compromise!

Blog Spotlights

Think Twice Before Buying These Three Foods

Walking through the aisles of large grocery stores can feel like stepping into a world of abundance. Rows of perfectly packaged foods, ready-to-eat meals, and bulk deals make it easy to fill your cart without thinking twice. But behind that convenience lies a hidden cost that isn’t printed on the price tag…

Three Clean Snack Picks for Smarter Eating

Finding a snack that’s both healthy and genuinely enjoyable can feel like a scavenger hunt. The average grocery aisle is lined with foods packed with artificial sweeteners, gums, preservatives, and synthetic dyes. Many of these additives are known to disrupt gut health, increase inflammation, and even interfere with hormones. The modern food industry has normalized these ingredients in the name of convenience, but the long-term impact on the body is anything but convenient.…

The Hidden Dangers of Fake Eyelashes

Most people think of the bathroom as a place of hygiene and cleanliness. It’s where you prepare for the day, wind down at night, and care for some of the most basic human needs. But hidden in plain sight are everyday products that can introduce harmful chemicals into your body, disrupt your hormones, and impact your long-term health…

The Toxic Truth About Gel Nails

Gel nails have become one of the most popular beauty treatments of the last decade. They promise weeks of chip-free shine, glossy finishes, and perfectly polished hands that survive the chaos of everyday life. But beneath that smooth, flawless surface lies a troubling truth...

Non-Toxic Tip of the Week

Read Before You Reach: Decode Food Labels

When you’re shopping at big-box grocery stores, it’s easy to assume that anything labeled “natural,” “organic,” or “heart-healthy” is safe, but marketing claims don’t tell the whole story. Learning to read labels and packaging is one of the simplest ways to clean up your diet.

Here’s what to watch for before a product hits your cart:

– Avoid cheap, ultra-processed, highly inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, and corn. Choose olive, avocado, or coconut oil instead.

– Skip artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, aspartame, and acesulfame potassium. They disrupt the gut microbiome and metabolism. Instead, watch for “natural flavors.” This catch-all term can hide synthetic additives under a clean-sounding label.

– Limit preservatives like BHA, BHT, and TBHQ, which are linked to endocrine disruption and long-term health issues.

– Check your salt source. Many commercial “sea salts” contain microplastics or heavy metals. Opt for unrefined, lab-tested salts from trusted brands.

– Be wary of “fortified” or “enriched” claims. These often indicate that the food was stripped of real nutrients and replaced with synthetic versions. And don’t forget to read beyond the label—the packaging matters, too:

– Avoid plastic whenever possible. Many containers and lids contain BPA, BPS, or phthalates, which can leach into food (especially with heat or fat). Choose glass, stainless steel, or paper packaging when available.

Non-Toxic Recipe of the Week

Digestive Tea: Naturally Soothe Your Stomach

Sometimes, our digestive systems need a little extra support. This week, we’re sharing a simple, natural Digestive Tea made with ginger, peppermint, fennel, lemon, and honey. It’s gentle, soothing, and entirely non-toxic, perfect for calming your digestive system and supporting overall comfort anytime.

Check out the recipe below and discover how simple, natural ingredients can make a big difference for your digestive wellness.

This Week on Social Media, I talked about:

Before You Go…

I hope this newsletter guided you to make conscious choices, especially regarding shopping. I know it can feel overwhelming at first. I aim to bring you reliable, practical information about what you’re getting into your home.

Creating small, intentional habits and giving your body the nourishment it needs makes it easier to reconnect with what makes you feel good, inside and out.

As always, if you try this week’s tips, discover something new, or make the Digestive Tea recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes. Your experiences inspire and motivate us to keep sharing simple ways to live healthier and more intentionally.

Until Next Week,
Non-Toxic Dad