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The Slightly Greener Method : Detoxifying Your Home Is Easier, Faster, and Less Expensive than You Think
Small steps make a BIG difference when it comes to going green and getting healthy
Creating a healthy, non-toxic home feels like a losing battle.
That's where board certified holistic nutritionist Tonya Harris' motto comes in: you only have to make small adjustments to make a big impact on your health.
Enter: The Slightly Greener Method—small, actionable changes that prove even being slightly healthier in our cleaning and hygiene practices, as well as diet choices, can be highly-effective. The "all-in" approach is daunting, stressful, and expensive. By focusing on micro-habits that you can build over time you can create a lasting effect on your health and learn that small changes—in your pantry, in your medicine cabinet, or under your kitchen sink—can truly make a difference.
Creating a healthy, non-toxic home feels like a losing battle.
That's where board certified holistic nutritionist Tonya Harris' motto comes in: you only have to make small adjustments to make a big impact on your health.
Enter: The Slightly Greener Method—small, actionable changes that prove even being slightly healthier in our cleaning and hygiene practices, as well as diet choices, can be highly-effective. The "all-in" approach is daunting, stressful, and expensive. By focusing on micro-habits that you can build over time you can create a lasting effect on your health and learn that small changes—in your pantry, in your medicine cabinet, or under your kitchen sink—can truly make a difference.
- GenresNonfiction
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2021
1 person is currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Harris
11 books1 followerTonya Harris is an award-winning environmental toxin expert & the founder of Slightly Greener, offering busy moms simple solutions to reduce toxins without turning their lifestyle upside-down.
As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three, Tonya helps parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health. In addition to Board certification and a Master's degree in holistic nutrition, she holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field.
Tonya has been featured online in Parents, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living, and has appeared on TV shows across the country, such as Great Day Washington, Good Morning Cincinnati, Good Day Charlotte, CBS New York, and The Dr. Oz Show for her expertise in environmental toxins, holistic nutrition, and how toxins affect children.
She is the author of the children’s book Henry the Flying Squirrel and host of the upcoming podcast The Happy Child Project, where her mission includes showing children that it is possible to overlook their label and to realize their strengths. She and her daughter are also featured in the award-winning short documentary, "You’re Gorgeous, I Love Your Shirt," by award-winning filmmaker Tricia Brouk, where they share their story to change the conversation around the stigma of issues such as learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
As a childhood leukemia survivor and mother of three, Tonya helps parents learn how toxins in the home can affect their family’s health. In addition to Board certification and a Master's degree in holistic nutrition, she holds multiple certificates in the environmental health field.
Tonya has been featured online in Parents, Reader’s Digest, and Martha Stewart Living, and has appeared on TV shows across the country, such as Great Day Washington, Good Morning Cincinnati, Good Day Charlotte, CBS New York, and The Dr. Oz Show for her expertise in environmental toxins, holistic nutrition, and how toxins affect children.
She is the author of the children’s book Henry the Flying Squirrel and host of the upcoming podcast The Happy Child Project, where her mission includes showing children that it is possible to overlook their label and to realize their strengths. She and her daughter are also featured in the award-winning short documentary, "You’re Gorgeous, I Love Your Shirt," by award-winning filmmaker Tricia Brouk, where they share their story to change the conversation around the stigma of issues such as learning disabilities and mental health challenges.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 1, 2021
Thank you, Sourcebooks, NetGalley, and Tonya Harris for the opportunity to read this book. It releases August 3rd, 2021
When I first picked up The Slightly Greener Method by Tonya Harris I thought it would be discussing more environmental greener methods. This book actually focuses on toxins or actually toxicants in our homes, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and food. Tonya Harris has an MSHN and a BCHN so she is pretty knowledgeable in holistic living. When she was a child she was diagnosed with leukemia and because of that, she became more aware of what she put near or in her body. The book is split up into sections and offers statistics, studies, and alternatives to everyday things that do more harm than good.
“READ=
R-Replace plastic around food and beverages
E-Eat organic and whole foods
A-Avoid artificial fragrance
D-Destroy Dust”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
This year I have been determined to live more sustainably for the environment, which led to cutting out a lot of things that are also listed in this book. I think we can all agree PLASTIC IS THE DEVIL. I am not being facetious. It is true, plastic is harmful to the environment and to our bodies. Reducing single-use plastic is a great beginning but it was really interesting reading about the toxins that are in all plastics and cooking ware, even if it is reusable. She also provides tips if you absolutely must use plastic to avoid harmful toxicants.
“Greenwashing is when companies design their packaging so a product looks like it’s good for you (or for the environment.)”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
What I really appreciated is how she wants her readers to focus on reading the labels and researching the ingredients. Just because it says, “all-natural” or “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it is. Companies are very good at disguising ingredients on their labels. I did learn a lot in the cosmetics section but that also maybe because I don’t wear makeup! If I do, then it is an ultra-rare occasion. But her section on fragrance is so important. I use essential oils instead of fragrance but I have a friend that has a severe allergy to most fragrances. So if someone has a lot spritzed all over them in the grocery store she could have a reaction just by walking by them.
“The takeaway here: tap water while not 100% perfect, is more regulated. (Than bottled water)”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
The section on water discusses clean water and water regulation. She even discusses the issues that are plaguing Flint, Michigan. However, she also brings up some excellent points about bottled water and how it isn’t as great as it is made out to be. Now, I actually know a water scientist so I would go to her for verification, but I do think she made some excellent points.
Overall, I found this book to be very informative! I do love how she insists that this book is a guide and not meant to make anyone feel guilty or make them feel anxious. It takes baby steps. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
When I first picked up The Slightly Greener Method by Tonya Harris I thought it would be discussing more environmental greener methods. This book actually focuses on toxins or actually toxicants in our homes, cleaning supplies, cosmetics, and food. Tonya Harris has an MSHN and a BCHN so she is pretty knowledgeable in holistic living. When she was a child she was diagnosed with leukemia and because of that, she became more aware of what she put near or in her body. The book is split up into sections and offers statistics, studies, and alternatives to everyday things that do more harm than good.
“READ=
R-Replace plastic around food and beverages
E-Eat organic and whole foods
A-Avoid artificial fragrance
D-Destroy Dust”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
This year I have been determined to live more sustainably for the environment, which led to cutting out a lot of things that are also listed in this book. I think we can all agree PLASTIC IS THE DEVIL. I am not being facetious. It is true, plastic is harmful to the environment and to our bodies. Reducing single-use plastic is a great beginning but it was really interesting reading about the toxins that are in all plastics and cooking ware, even if it is reusable. She also provides tips if you absolutely must use plastic to avoid harmful toxicants.
“Greenwashing is when companies design their packaging so a product looks like it’s good for you (or for the environment.)”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
What I really appreciated is how she wants her readers to focus on reading the labels and researching the ingredients. Just because it says, “all-natural” or “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it is. Companies are very good at disguising ingredients on their labels. I did learn a lot in the cosmetics section but that also maybe because I don’t wear makeup! If I do, then it is an ultra-rare occasion. But her section on fragrance is so important. I use essential oils instead of fragrance but I have a friend that has a severe allergy to most fragrances. So if someone has a lot spritzed all over them in the grocery store she could have a reaction just by walking by them.
“The takeaway here: tap water while not 100% perfect, is more regulated. (Than bottled water)”
THE SLIGHTLY GREENER METHOD
The section on water discusses clean water and water regulation. She even discusses the issues that are plaguing Flint, Michigan. However, she also brings up some excellent points about bottled water and how it isn’t as great as it is made out to be. Now, I actually know a water scientist so I would go to her for verification, but I do think she made some excellent points.
Overall, I found this book to be very informative! I do love how she insists that this book is a guide and not meant to make anyone feel guilty or make them feel anxious. It takes baby steps. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.
August 2, 2021
Can you remove both natural and manmade toxins from your and your family’s life? Yes! With The Slightly Greener Method, a relatively painless and stress-free process, you can eliminate the worst toxins while still enjoying hot dogs and mascara.
“The good news is that there are a lot of safer brands out there. You just need to know what to look for, and that’s what this book will help you do. Because Cheetos taste even more delicious after a day of tossing phthalates in the trash.”
The book has a bunch of useful information. Who knew there are four different levels of “organic”? The best idea is to look for the USDA Organic seal or labeling stating the product is 100% organic. However, the process of acquiring the seal is tough and takes years so expect a much higher price. Whereas if a product is labeled simply organic, only a minimum of 70% of its ingredients must be organic. Plus, the words “natural”, “GRAS” and “pesticide-free” on products are completely unregulated making them meaningless.
Obviously, fresh fruit and vegetables only have one ingredient so either are, or are not, organic. If you look on the tiny label (SKU) on fresh produce, organic codes begin with a 9 and non-organic begin with a 4. Easy peasy, right?
Okay, while this book scared the daylights out of me, I’m happy that the author encourages readers not to take on too much detoxing at one time. Be a turtle—not a soon-to-be exhausted hare. I already know that I’m not giving up processed food or making my own lotion. That is just not my style. But I can look for nitrate-free hot dogs and organic produce—even at the 99 Cent Store.
The Slightly Greener Method gives me a few cogent ideas for small changes. I can always make additional changes later. The changes I selected will probably not match the ones you select. That’s the beauty of this book, you have options.
If a few changes can make your home healthier, why wouldn’t you go for it? The extensive appendices have cheat sheets on what ingredients to avoid and list brands that are acceptable. Overall, The Slightly Greener Method is clear and concise about how to live heathier one step at a time. 5 stars!
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
“The good news is that there are a lot of safer brands out there. You just need to know what to look for, and that’s what this book will help you do. Because Cheetos taste even more delicious after a day of tossing phthalates in the trash.”
The book has a bunch of useful information. Who knew there are four different levels of “organic”? The best idea is to look for the USDA Organic seal or labeling stating the product is 100% organic. However, the process of acquiring the seal is tough and takes years so expect a much higher price. Whereas if a product is labeled simply organic, only a minimum of 70% of its ingredients must be organic. Plus, the words “natural”, “GRAS” and “pesticide-free” on products are completely unregulated making them meaningless.
Obviously, fresh fruit and vegetables only have one ingredient so either are, or are not, organic. If you look on the tiny label (SKU) on fresh produce, organic codes begin with a 9 and non-organic begin with a 4. Easy peasy, right?
Okay, while this book scared the daylights out of me, I’m happy that the author encourages readers not to take on too much detoxing at one time. Be a turtle—not a soon-to-be exhausted hare. I already know that I’m not giving up processed food or making my own lotion. That is just not my style. But I can look for nitrate-free hot dogs and organic produce—even at the 99 Cent Store.
The Slightly Greener Method gives me a few cogent ideas for small changes. I can always make additional changes later. The changes I selected will probably not match the ones you select. That’s the beauty of this book, you have options.
If a few changes can make your home healthier, why wouldn’t you go for it? The extensive appendices have cheat sheets on what ingredients to avoid and list brands that are acceptable. Overall, The Slightly Greener Method is clear and concise about how to live heathier one step at a time. 5 stars!
Thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2021
While the idea to "start small" when changing your lifestyle is good in theory, this book missed the mark for me. First of all, there is a lot of waste generated in this approach - a lot of tossing things out and replacing them with some less toxic alternative...well, what happens to the toxic item you just tossed out? Also, there's a lot of information put forth without attribution in the text, which makes it difficult to know the source and if it is trustworthy (there is a listing at the back of the book, but would be nice to not have to flip back and forth). Finally, while it's important to choose non-toxic products for your own home and body, it's also important to work towards making those products affordable and available for everyone - in other words, working to make them the "standard" and to eliminate the toxic products/ingredients all together. That piece of looking outside your own bubble to the greater good is missing here.
May 15, 2021
The Slightly Greener Method is a book filled with ways to reduce your use of toxic chemicals in food, personal care, makeup, home and cleaning products. As a nutritionist I have taught my clients to do much of this, but never had a one-stop resource to suggest to them. This book definitely fills the bill. Harris gives the reader a lot of ideas about how to make healthier changes on an incremental basis in each area. She clearly explains what ingredients to look for, why they are problematic, and suggests alternatives to use. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to clean up their home products, but is confused about how to go about it. I received a complementary copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2021
I definitely liked the approach that this book used. It was all about finding a way to be greener, without letting it over take your happiness, I appreciated that it came from a point of pick what is important to you and do it. But don’t let it consume your life. I didn’t like the part about chemicals causing ADHD. As someone who has ADHD and children with ADHD, it is genetic not caused by chemicals. Now I do agree that certain chemicals and dyes make ours more difficult to manage and we try to avoid as many chemicals as possible.
April 29, 2021
“Do the best you can do until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Maya Angelou
That’s the quote the author uses to start her book. It’s the greatest quote for the authors concept. It’s not about perfection. It’s about doing the best you can do. The author gives you small steps to make significant changes in getting the toxins out of your house and body. It’s easy to make changes and lots of information.
That’s the quote the author uses to start her book. It’s the greatest quote for the authors concept. It’s not about perfection. It’s about doing the best you can do. The author gives you small steps to make significant changes in getting the toxins out of your house and body. It’s easy to make changes and lots of information.
July 18, 2021
A good, straightforward primer with practical advice and helpful cheat sheets. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy.
August 4, 2021
Terms and keywords explained. Good for wanting facts and ideas to have. Knowing it won't be an easy transition - can be helpful.
October 11, 2021
Title is not a good fit. The word slightly is an understatement. The information is wonderful but not at a beginning level of being green.
September 16, 2023
The author discusses a lot of information without it becoming overwhelming. My only disappointment is that I'd hoped to find some recipes for cleaning.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews