Ditch Resolutions: 5 Non-Toxic Tips For A Healthier, Happier Year

January inspires us to set ambitious resolutions: hitting the gym daily, waking up at 5 a.m., journaling every morning, taking cold plunges, building savings, investing wisely—the list goes on. While these goals begin with the best intentions, the sheer number of commitments can quickly feel overwhelming. As life inevitably catches up, many of these promises fade as the months pass.

This year, skip the stressful list of resolutions and focus on simple, intentional changes to reduce toxins and improve your overall well-being—choosing cleaner products, creating healthier environments, and nurturing relationships that support your mental and emotional health.

Here are five non-toxic tips to help you create a healthier, more fulfilling year:

1. Cut Alcohol to Reduce Cancer Risk

Dry January has surged in popularity, and many have set resolutions to reduce alcohol consumption at the start of the year. However, taking a step further and going alcohol-free might have even more significant benefits, including reducing exposure to toxins and lowering the risk of cancer.

The U.S. Surgeon General recently issued a new advisory highlighting the link between alcohol and cancer risk. "Alcohol is a well-established, preventable cause of cancer, responsible for about 100,000 cases of cancer and 20,000 cancer deaths annually in the United States – greater than the 13,500 alcohol-associated traffic crash fatalities per year in the U.S. – yet the majority of Americans are unaware of this risk," said U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy.

In response to this growing awareness, non-alcoholic beverage companies are thriving. Bars and restaurants now feature alcohol-free wines and spirits, offering alternatives replicating traditional cocktails' flavors and social aspects.

2. Switch to Clean Beauty Products

The beauty industry, encompassing personal care, skincare, and makeup, is among the most under-regulated sectors in the United States.

According to the Environmental Working Group, the average woman uses 12 beauty products daily, such as body cleansers, conditioners, hair dyes, fragrances, skincare items, scented lotions, nail polish, and makeup. A study by Bionsen reveals that most women are exposed to 515 synthetic chemicals in their daily skincare and makeup routines.

Strides have been made in the cosmetics industry, particularly with California's Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (Assembly Bill 2762). Taking effect on January 1, 2025, this legislation prohibits the manufacture and sale of cosmetics containing 24 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, mercury, parabens and specific PFAS compounds.

However, much work remains to ensure comprehensive safety and regulation across the industry nationwide. While this law applies only to California, products in other states remain primarily unregulated at the federal level. For perspective, the U.S. bans just 11 chemicals from cosmetics, compared to over 1,300 prohibited in the European Union.

Switching to cleaner personal care and makeup products can feel overwhelming. Consider using what you have and replacing them with cleaner options as they run out. Apps like Think Dirty and Environmental Working Group (EWG) are valuable resources for finding non-toxic products and educating consumers about the safety of the items they use or are considering purchasing.

3. Upgrade to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Like personal care products, cleaning supplies can be a significant source of toxins in the home. Removing harmful ingredients from these everyday items is essential for creating a safer living environment.

The EPA has recently prohibited the use of hazardous chemicals such as trichloroethylene (TCE), perchloroethylene (PCE), PFAS, and 1,4-Dioxane in cleaning products, reflecting growing awareness of their health and environmental dangers.

Apps like EWG and Think Dirty can also help with cleaning products. These tools identify products free from toxic chemicals, making knowing what to shop for easier.

4. Eliminate Toxic Foods

In October 2024, protesters gathered outside Kellogg's headquarters in Battle Creek, Michigan, calling for removing artificial dye additives from popular cereals and other foods. Activists pointed to the harmful effects of these ingredients, noting that Kellogg's products in countries like Canada already use natural colorings derived from fruits and vegetables.

Among the activists was Vani Hari, popularly known as the "Food Babe" on social media. Her protest video went viral, garnering 7.5 million views on Instagram.

These movements expose disparities in ingredient standards across countries while driving change and raising consumer awareness. Apps like Yuka further support this shift by allowing users to scan food products and access detailed insights into ingredients and their impact on health.

For improved skin and overall wellness, dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., author of Feed Your Face, recommends avoiding the following foods:

• Cured Meats (e.g., lunch meats, hot dogs, bacon): Nitrites, used to preserve and enhance the color of these meats, can harm collagen and elastic tissue, speeding up skin aging. The high salt content in these foods can also cause puffiness under the eyes and facial swelling.
• Potato Chips and French Fries: These foods contain acrylamide, a compound formed when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures, such as frying. Acrylamide has been linked to cancer, DNA mutations, and neurological damage.
• Microwave Meals: Even "microwave-safe" packaging can release harmful chemicals like bisphenol A, phthalates, and microplastics into food. These substances may disrupt hormones and elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

5. Detach from Toxic Relationships

Toxic relationships are a major contributor to stress, anxiety, and depression. Whether it's a romantic partner, friend, colleague, or family member, recognizing harmful patterns and evaluating how these relationships affect your well-being is the first step in deciding whether to step away.

Brenda Heidrich, PhD, Santa Monica, CA, emphasizes that navigating toxic relationships marked by criticism and high expectations can be challenging. She recommends understanding and addressing each other's needs while communicating your own.

"Supporting, listening, encouraging, and negotiating are caring habits that can strengthen a relationship," she explains. "At the same time, it's important to avoid criticizing, blaming, threatening, or punishing."

If these efforts fail to improve the relationship, Dr. Heidrich suggests it may be time to part ways amicably, acknowledging that not all relationships are meant to work out.

As the new year begins, shift your focus from overwhelming resolutions to meaningful changes. Strive for a non-toxic lifestyle by choosing cleaner products, improving your diet, and letting go of unhealthy relationships to enhance your well-being.