Non-Toxic Dad News: September 18, 2025

Author

Warren Phillips
September 18, 2025

Hello Non-Toxic Friends!

Every week, I walk into the same big-box stores as you. The towering stacks of “household essentials” and bulk deals are designed to make us feel like we’re winning at family life. But here’s the truth: many of these everyday items have a hidden cost to our health.

This week, I’m breaking down three products I never buy anymore: conventional toilet paper, most dishwasher detergents, and disinfecting wipes. On the surface, they look like harmless staples. In reality, they carry toxins that can disrupt hormones, irritate the immune system, and add to the chemical burden our bodies are already fighting.

The good news? As always, there are simple, affordable swaps that keep your home clean and your family safe without the toxic baggage. I’ll show you what I use instead, and why making these small changes matters. Let’s dive in.

What’s Happening

Mindshare Summit 

Warren will be showcasing his book and supplement line at the Mindshare Summit, a premier gathering for health leaders and innovators. He’ll be working alongside Dr. Randall Turner from Integrative Wellness to present the exciting results of their recent clinical trial, sharing these findings with fellow practitioners and thought leaders. This is an incredible opportunity to spotlight the impact of non-toxic living on health and to connect with professionals who are shaping the future of wellness.

CPK Event 

Next up, Warren will be at the CPK Event, where his focus will be on supplements and connecting with a chiropractic-heavy audience. Warren is looking forward to building valuable partnerships within the chiropractic community and broadening the reach of the Non-Toxic Dad mission.

Blog Spotlights

A Few Things I’ve Cut Out of My Home

Walking through big grocery stores, it’s easy to get drawn in by the towers of “essentials” and tempting bulk deals. But over time, I realized that some of the things I used to buy all the time weren’t actually supporting my family’s health. As someone trained in environmental science, I’ve had to step back, look more closely, and make a few changes that feel better for us.

The Skincare Swap That Changed Everything for Me

Walk down any drugstore skincare aisle and you’ll see rows of CeraVe products stacked like they’re the holy grail of skincare. They’re marketed as dermatologist-recommended, affordable, and effective for dry or sensitive skin. You’ll see them on commercials, influencer posts, and lists of “must-have” products curated by health professionals. But here’s the uncomfortable truth..…

The Truth About Sparkling Water

Sparkling water has become one of the fastest-growing beverage categories in recent years. Sales have skyrocketed, with brands like La Croix, San Pellegrino, and Spindrift becoming household names. Many people reach for these fizzy drinks as a healthier alternative to soda. On the surface, they seem like the perfect choice....…

Why Black Plastic Food Packaging Is Harmful

Next time you’re in the grocery store, look closer at your food's packaging. Chances are you’ve seen ready-made meals, takeout containers, or even grocery store produce sold in sleek black plastic trays. They look neat, modern, and sturdy, but here’s the reality.....

Non-Toxic Tip of the Week

Become a Label Detective

One of the simplest (but most powerful) ways to shop smarter is to start paying attention to the fine print on labels. Large grocery stores are filled with products featuring “green” or “natural” packaging, but the reality often falls short of the marketing claims. Here are a few red flags to look out for next time you shop:

  • “Fragrance” or “Parfum”: This single word can hide dozens of chemicals, including hormone-disrupting phthalates. Choose unscented products or products scented with essential oils instead.

  • Triclosan or Antibacterial Claims: These chemicals are often found in soaps, cleaners, and even toothpaste. They can disrupt hormone levels and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Plain soap and water work just as well.

  • Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, etc.): Common in lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics. They act as preservatives but are linked to hormone disruption. Look for the label to indicate “paraben-free” products.

  • “Non-Stick” or “PFOA/PFAS”: Found in cookware, bakeware, and food packaging. These “forever chemicals” stay in the body and environment. Opt for stainless steel, cast iron, or beeswax paper instead.

  • Bright Colors or “FD&C” Dyes: If your food or drink is neon, it’s probably packed with artificial dyes tied to hyperactivity and other health issues. Choose brands that use natural colorings (beet, turmeric, spirulina).

A good rule of thumb: if the ingredient list looks like a chemistry project, it probably doesn’t belong in your home or your body. Stick to short, simple ingredient lists you can actually pronounce.

Non-Toxic Recipe of the Week

Citrus-Infused All-Purpose Cleaner

Keeping your home clean shouldn’t mean exposing yourself or your family to hidden chemicals. As we’ve discussed, many conventional cleaners contain ingredients that can irritate skin, disrupt your microbiome, and leave lingering residue on surfaces.

This week, we’re making a simple swap with a Citrus-Infused All-Purpose Cleaner: a natural, effective, and fresh-smelling alternative that cuts through grease and grime without toxic baggage. It’s easy to make, safe to use, and a small change that makes a big difference in your home.

My Go-To All-Purpose Cleaner Brand

I’ve been reaching for this plant-based cleaner a lot lately—it’s become a staple in our home because it works on nearly everything, from the kitchen counters to the kids’ toys.

I like that it’s refillable too, so we’re not constantly tossing bottles. It’s one of those everyday things that just makes life easier and healthier to manage.

This Week on Social Media, I talked about:

Before You Go…

Remember that, on the surface, everyday household cleaning products may appear safe. But they have a strong chemical smell for a reason…they are loaded with toxins that can harm your family’s health. Your safest bet is to buy non-toxic brands like Truly Free, or make your own with my citrus-infused recipe. Remember, if it has a strong fragrance or antibacterial claims, be wary of it!

Talk soon,
Non-Toxic Dad

*Not what you're looking for? Go to the HTML version for the fancy stuff and content. OR: I need to ask you something.. How tightly are you holding on? Now don’t just answer with your mind. Feel it. Feel the grip inside of you, the tension, the way your heart clings to things, the way your mind grabs at control. I’m asking because this story is about letting go. Not in theory—not as some idea to think about. But as something to do. Right now. Let me explain. There was a man who lived his life as if he were holding on to a rope. The rope was long and frayed, tied to all the things he thought he needed to survive. He gripped it with both hands and held on for dear life. He thought that if he let go, he would fall into an abyss. He didn’t know exactly what was down there, but he knew it would be bad. He’d lose everything—his family, his job, his sense of self. Without the rope, he was certain, he would be nothing. But holding the rope was exhausting. It burned his palms and cut into his fingers. Sometimes it felt like the rope pulled him in different directions at once—one end tied to his need for people to like him, the other to his fear of failure. Sometimes the tension on the rope was unbearable, but still, he held on. Because to let go? That was unthinkable.