If Cinderella had a wicked stepsister today, it wouldn’t be a person…it would be forever chemicals. Also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), these compounds were designed to make life easier: stain-proof couches, nonstick pans, waterproof jackets. I mean as a mom who washes the slip covers, cooks and cleans pans, and does laundry daily this sounds dreamy, right? Wrong. The problem is PFAS don’t break down in nature—or in your body. Once they show up, they’re sticking around like that one guest who refuses to leave your party…despite your husband blowing out candles, turning off music, and taking their drink.

Here’s the kicker…forever chemicals aren’t just clingy, they’re toxic. Studies link them to hormone disruption, immune system weakness, high cholesterol, and even cancer. They’re sneaky too…lurking in water, food packaging, cosmetics, and carpets. You can’t see them, smell them, or taste them, but trust me, they’re there, and they’re creating havoc.

I used to be naïve and think if you ate well, you would be healthy. I still think eating whole foods is the best thing you can do for your health. Vibrant inside, vibrant outside. Garbage inside, garbage outside. Simple. The truth of the matter is our environment matters a ton. There are areas with cancer clusters based on pollution! Our youth is sick with cancers and autoimmune diseases outnumbering elders. One of every two children will suffer from some type of autoimmune disease by the time they are 15. As a society we are ignoring this and treating it as the norm. There is very little we can do to control some of the toxins we are exposed to through pesticides, fungicides, chemical run offs, pharmaceuticals, pollutants sprayed in the air…the list goes on and on. It is a lot to think about, and very easy to be complacent and throw your hands in the air.

I am not a complacent person. I pray a lot and then do my best to stick to materials and foods closest to nature. While we can’t avoid all toxins, we can do our best to lighten our toxic load. I can control what I can control and I give the rest to Jesus.

So how do you dodge these invisible villains? By becoming a little savvier about the products you use daily. I figured I would start with ten ways, as to not overwhelm anyone. This will be an ongoing topic, stay tuned.

Here are 10 simple ways to tell forever chemicals to take a hike:

1. Skip nonstick cookware and spatulas…opt of cast iron or stainless
2. Avoid fast-food wrappers…eat whole foods
3. Ditch to go coffee cups…leave a ceramic or stainless mug in your car for hot beverages on the go
4. Filter your drinking water, or use glass bottled water
5. Say no to stain-resistant sprays and fabrics
6. Choose natural fiber rugs and carpets like wool and cotton
7. Pick PFAS-free cosmetics
8. Check your dental floss and toothpastes
9. Pass on waterproof jackets unless PFAS-free.
10. Use glass to store foods, use pyrex and ball jars

Remember you are the one writing the guest list. While that guest was invited before, they don’t have to be invited again.