A Healthier Home: The Room by Room Guide to Make Any Space A Little Less Toxic

by Shawna Holman

“If you are looking for a tangible, stress-free guide to protect you and your family from everyday environmental toxins, THIS IS IT!"
—Dr. Vivian Chen, MD, founder of Plateful Health and Detox Right

With all the time spent at home in recent years, you probably realize how much the inside of your home contributes to your mental and physical health, for better or worse. But did you know that the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that indoor air is 2–5 times (and occasionally more than 100 times) more polluted than outdoor air?

The good news is that you can control and improve the environment inside your home, and A Healthier Home provides an accessible, room-by-room roadmap for doing just that. Wherever you are on your journey to a healthier home, author and founder of A Little Less Toxic, Shawna Holman, offers realistic steps you can take to maintain a less toxic living environment that aligns with your values. Create a healthy, happy living space with simple swaps and hacks for banning hidden harms in every
  Finding the best cookware, helpful tools and gadgets, safe serving ware and food storage, all about supplements, buying cleaning products, DIY cleaning products Laundry Washing machine and detergent recommendations, DIY spot treatment, whitening without bleach, treating stains, clotheslines, tips and tricks Toiletries, oral hygiene, water (including chlorine and fluoride), self-care, skincare and a few DIY skincare recipes, medicine cabinet, hair training, cleaning (including deep cleaning/going beyond the basics of the kitchen!) Mattress shopping, pillows, linens, all about certifications and materials, condoms and lubrication, pregnancy prevention/fertility, sleeping tips, blue light, hacks and tips for cleaning in the bedroom Living Indoor air quality, air purifiers, filters, furniture and rugs (materials and more), air fresheners (key swaps, essential oil how-tos, and candle info), mold mindfulness, EMF protection Lawn care, sun protection, insect protection, after-sun care, and grounding
From tackling toxins and revamping your kitchen to making a greener garden and ensuring cleaner laundry, A Healthier Home will aid you in creating a sustainable, safe lifestyle that benefits both your mind and body. Every corner of your home can be made to better serve you and your family—it’s just a matter of getting started!

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Parenting, Personal Development, Clean Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2023

Reviews

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patted myself on the back for what I knew already. Ignored the things I just can't be concerned about. Took a couple pages of notes of things to try.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this in a few sittings. Reads almost like a magazine— so beautiful & full of helpful lists! I rented from the library, but I will probably purchase. I’ve been making swaps for 5 or so years now, but her lists will be so helpful as I continue to make swaps & need to reference things to avoid/things to look for in products!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ebook. The premise is not one of guilt but opportunity. I especially loved all the DIY recipes and specific resources given in this book.

[Jhansi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright. She is pretty comprehensive about what all she things is toxic in our world and home, and she gives alternatives for everything she discusses. Know yourself before you read it. It kind of makes you look around and not even want to breathe or touch anything! If that would stress you out, maybe read 1 room every so often??

I did appreciate that she repeated throughout that Stress is also toxic/harmful, so she encourages the reader to make small changes that you choose over time as you can and let go otherwise. Don't try to change everything she suggests all at once.

I don't know if I buy that all the things she says is toxic is in fact as toxic. I didn't feel she provided enough study references to show her claims. It does give quite a bit of food for thought, though.

[Joanne | wellreadcoffeeaddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very helpful guide to making your spaces cleaner + healthier. I think it would be a helpful resource no matter what stage of the natural living journey you are in. I liked the way each section was organized by the room/space in your house. I would definitely pick this one up in paperback for my own house.

I received an e-copy of A Healthier Home via Netgalley. I was not required to leave a positive opinion, and all thoughts shared are my own.

[Sarah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like having your favorite informative Instagrammer in your home, at your beck and call, every day. While I’ve “finished” it, I’m far from finished with it and will leave it on my coffee table for regular reference. So happy to have easy access to all the great work and valuable information Shawna is providing.

[Mia Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pictures were lovely. Easy to read chapters and to understand. But I do feel as though it’s just like every other “happy home” guide.
Keep things fresh and clean. Tidy up after yourself. Try using homemade cleaners. Look at ingredients. Things that majority (like 99%) of us already know and we either, a- do then already, or b- cannot afford the time and/or money to do things every day, even though we *really* want to.
Guess which option I am…

Thank you NetGalley & team for this ARC

[Mana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Healthier Home offers a plethora of simple tips for a healthier, less toxic home. The author offers the book as "a place you can come and visit whenever you like".

It can be read from any page you want because it provides advice for various areas of the home, and includes a section on electronic devices and outdoor spaces.

In the book you can find many recipes for making homemade cosmetics and cleaning products; everything is accompanied by beautiful photos.

Some are not so well and widely known or used, for example, mouth tape, which is supposed to improve sleep.
Even though there are many tips in the book, I believe it is mainly intended for the younger population or beginners who are not yet familiar with the toxins that surround us in everyday life.

This is a simple and minimalist guide to a healthier home with many useful recommendations and links at the end of it.

3,5/5

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical tips, nicely organized chapters, pretty photos. As with all books like this, I focus on the sections that pertain to my situation and then narrow down to a couple takeaways. This helps me avoid getting overwhelmed. For example: I rent, so I cannot rip out my old carpets, for example, as much as I wish I could. But I can vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.

Author includes list of toxins and definitions, resources in back, and practical "how to" tips along the way. This book reinforced some tasks I'm already doing: open windows to get in fresh air, avoid fragrances (such as air fresheners and candles), and remove outside shoes because they track in lots of toxic elements.

[Jesus Salgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few months ago I was introduced to Shawna on Allie Beth Stuckey's podcast she was on and I was introduced to her method of making things a little less toxic. I purchased her book right after listening to the podcast and I am very happy I did. This book is a must-have guide for anyone who is looking for practical ways to get rid of the environmental toxins we face every day. I recommend this book to anyone for anyone looking to create a healthier environment within their home. I have already started applying some of the recommended methods in this book and I have noticed a big difference.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this.
I’m trying to be more intentional about the products we use on ourselves and in our home. Most of Shawna Holman’s thoughts weren’t new to me but there were some inspiring ideas through out. I found the book to be practical and not so extreme that I couldn’t implement some new practices.
This is worth your time.
She makes it clear through out that we shouldn’t be stressed out about this subject because stress in itself can be harmful for us!!

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself making a number of notes from her suggestions. She really does go room to room listing ways to make your spaces/habits healthier. It's in a conversational tone and no pressure vibe. She lists recipes of her favorite diy remedies/cleaners/etc. and in the back she has a big reference list of companies/products she endorses. I wish she would've mentioned that list earlier in the book. There were times she'd say to switch to companies that don't use.... and then not give any examples, and each time I'd think, "Well, where do you get your stuff? Save me the legwork!" 😅

[Hannah Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had already been helped so much by Shawna’s expertise and knowledge but reading this book only continued that. So helpful and informative without using scare tactics. Just presenting facts and challenging mainstream thinking on the products we bring into our homes. Highly recommend!!

[Lia Tapia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot, it makes me want to buy the book to refer to or they probably have Instagram. I want to learn more about composting and other topics in the book. Slowly switching things to be a little less toxic 🤞🏼

[Alexandria Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how practical and pretty this is. There are some things I don’t think I’ll ever have the time or money to care about (bamboo toilet paper and the backing on rugs to name some). But overall it’s pretty approachable and helpful. She does mention often that stress is the most toxic of all so we shouldn’t worry too much about what we can’t do (all while telling us how toxic almost every single little thing is). It’s a little ironic. Got to the point where I wondered if she was just trying to find chemicals in random products haha. But that’s our messed up world.

All sources are linked on the back. There are lots of recipes included as well, which will be nice to refer to. 👍

[Melissa Lawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re wanting to change things in your life to get away from toxins, this is a great book to start with. And Shawna has an awesome Instagram page with helpful tips and info too!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good reference book on how to make all areas in your home a little less toxic. I enjoyed the laundry section the best.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Healthier Home by Shawna Holman is about simple lifestyle changes that will improve your home and health. The author suggests that the book does not need to be read cover to cover but to come back to various sections. The author also suggests implementing the changes as needed; not all need to be done at once. The changes are about making mindful choices of what we bring into our homes and eliminating some toxic items that could affect our health.

The information provides practical, no-pressure tips and resources. As the author states, "do what you can, with what you're able, and as it makes sense for you."

I already do 1 of the 3 things the author immediately suggested: not wearing shoes inside the house as it brings in dirt, bacteria, etc. I implemented opening the windows for 10–20 minutes a day and will slowly replace the more toxic household items with healthier products as I can afford them.

The electronic information section was interesting to read. I tend to have my iPad and iPhone at my bedside, and now I may need to rethink this. I need to remove the electronic devices from my sleeping area. I need my phone because I'm on an emergency call list, but I can remove the iPad and the Kindle, so I'm not exposed to the wi-fi or EMF exposure.

I also loved the suggestion about using a pillowcase to clean ceiling fans so the dust and particulates do not get released into the air. I was interested in the mattress section, and luckily at the back of the book is a Resources section that lists recommendations and links.

One interesting section was the mouth tape. I wear a mouth guard at night because I grind or clamp my teeth. The mouth tape is supposed to improve sleep, and she lists several benefits. I am definitely going to check that out so I can sleep better, etc.

I also found the outside section interesting will need to get peppermint essential oil and place it around areas in the backyard and near the garage door for insects and rodents. I live in a rural area where there are several rodents and critters.

The book was a good resource for making small changes and removing toxins in the house. She has a resources section at the back of the book with recommendations and links, which is perfect.

I would recommend this book. An excellent resource to have on hand.

#AHealthierHome #NetGalley @QuartoKnows

[Christine Kenney]

Great lit swap if you are hankering for magazine-style inspo. This is packed with beautiful beige photos of what your junk drawer, cosmetics counter, and fridge could [briefly] look like before descending back into chaotically functional.

I am still on the hunt for a book that gets a little nerdier and more data-based about the chemistry and scientific studies to better prioritize where to focus. There are a couple Huberman podcasts (i.e. microplastics, hormone disruptors) that try to take a crack at this but I really miss the book form-factor. Shawna is more of a "I started making [cleaning products] myself because it was less confusing to me than deciphering the labels," style investigative reporter.

Given the er--credentials, a personal journey for relief from migraines and sinus infections, I had an urge to search a forum like reddit for a second opinion on some of the wackier tips.

For me, this book shakes out to be roughly--

75% already aware, but thanks for the reminder! (i.e. benefits of decluttering, castiron cookware, clothes lines, EWG)
15% TIL! (i.e. HOCL (bleach) can be made in a machine with vinegar and salt; store potatoes and onions separately)
5% GF, you are making this more complicated than it needs to be (i.e. acid rinsing all produce even bananas in peels prior to storing; herbal remedies in emergency first aid kit)
5% GF, you may actually be undermining your objectives here (charcoal tooth treatment whitens by abrading the enamel you worked so hard to build with the nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste and... mouth taping? Candles as a preferred after dark light source after diligently cooking with all windows and doors open to purge VOCs)

But yeah, it is a quick read and worth spending time reviewing once for that 15% TIL hit. I love the idea of planning how to "level up" to less toxic options over time as you empty products or save funds, but I wouldn't track down a personal copy for ongoing reference in support of that objective.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivered even more than I expected! I learned so much about making our homes a little less toxic! Ms. Holman cleans fresh produce upon entering her home with a sink of cool water and a cup of white, organic vinegar, and soaks it for a while. Think of our fabrics in our home and consider that cotton is the most highly sprayed crop in the world. Since toilet paper is bleached, it has formaldehyde, BPA, etc. especially if extra strong, extra soft or with fragrance. Options include using unbleached or bamboo, or a bidet. If a product has fragrance, it is due to added chemicals. Oil pulling with coconut oil is recommended to pull toxins from the body, as well as teeth whitening. Charcoal powder can be used for teeth whitening, too. Jojoba oil can be used as a face and body cleanser and moisturizer. Cleaning our hands is superior to sanitizing them. Facial masks using honey for 15 min. cleans well, treat eczema and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Talc is a naturally occurring mineral which is carcinogenic when inhaled. It is found in powders, antiperspirant sprays and make-up. Ms. Holman uses this for cough medicine: 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks, juice of 2 lemons, 1 cup of raw, organic honey, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 in. piece of fresh ginger, a pinch of cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt blended, strained and refrigerated for several months, to take sips as often as needed. Use Arnica pellets/gel/cream for pain. Use white vinegar or wool balls for fabric softener. Peroxide can replace bleach. Mattresses have a lot of chemicals. Using a good protective, washable cover for mattresses and pillows can help with breathing and combat dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, etc. The MADESAFE certification gets the job done well. Organic food is important, even for tea and coffee. What a wealth of information!

[Ali C · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of harsh realities about many of the common personal care items, cleaning products, and foods found in the standard American home. I woke up to this reality several years ago, but becoming a mother has expedited my quest to minimize toxicity in our home. I started following Shawna's Instagram account ( A Little Less Toxic) about a year ago, and love the information she's sharing there, but I personally hate using social media as a primary source for learning. I was so excited to see this book come out!

It has a beautiful simple design, and the information is given bite-sized chunks. Still, the information can be overwhelming and, at times, depressing, as brokenness seems to touch everything -- even products made for babies, but Shawna encourages readers to take their time reading and try not to stress over these things. She encourages small incremental changes that can be sustained over a long period of time. Truly, that is the only way to do this, especially if you are on a limited budget!

This book is a great starting point for understanding toxic products and easy ways to shift to non-toxic options. The information within can help us become better stewards of our homes, bodies, and the planet which I believe as a Christian, is non-negotiable. For deep dives, proven research, and further speculation, you will have to look elsewhere, but this book is a great intro to a less toxic life with lots of helpful practical tips within.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Shawna for sharing your journey.

[Abbey Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

10 years ago, just figuring out the low tox lifestyle, I would have given this 5 stars. A decade in, it hit 3 stars for me, so I met in the middle.

Let me start by saying I've been following Shawna on Instagram for years and she's one of my favorites. She has such a wonderful personality, but I don't feel like that transferred well to the book. It seemed way more informative and less heartfelt, which can be okay, but I wanted more of her to shine through.

This did feel like a typical "healthy living" book. I picked up a few new tips but most of it was information I've heard before.

My biggest problem, however, was the setup. I did not like how she avoiding mentioning brands and then just listed them all in the back. It felt like she was trying too hard to not say what she uses, and it was also hard to locate a certain brand from the 20-30 that were from a specific chapter.

Overall, it was a good book. Shawna is brilliant in the low tox space, and she shares her knowledge well. If you're just starting out, this is a must read. If you've been at it a while, stick to her Instagram (@alittlelesstoxic).

[hannah cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

This is an excellent resource to keep on hand if you’re in the process of going low-tox in your household and lifestyle. She first addresses common toxic ingredients and what makes them toxic, then goes through ingredients to look for and avoid while hunting down a low-tox substitute. Everything is categorized and indexed neatly, making it easy to flip back through when you’re ready to swap out a household product or item. It’s lovely to have so many great low-tox suggestions all compiled in one place. At the end of the book she links to tons of her favourite low-tox products, another helpful tool even though I’d likely still shop around for Canadian alternatives or more budget-friendly options.

She even throws in a whole bunch of very simple, budget-friendly DIY recipes for things like cleaning products, personal care, and even pest control. I found these recipes incredibly helpful (it’s a bonus that a lot of them share ingredients) and will be using a couple of them for sure!

[Amanda Bruner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year one of my resolutions is to be kinder to my home. A Healthier Home by Shawna Holman offers resources, ideas, and tips to accomplish a less toxic home. In the introduction she offers a key idea for many, if you feel overwhelmed stick to something small. It is easy for one to become overwhelmed with all of the details of changing a lifestyle, habits and our homes. I personally found the information provided about current toxins in our homes incredibly fascinating and learned a considerable amount!

I love the size of this book. 90 pages packed with info; however, I do wish there were more organizational methods in the forms of checklists or a bit of a list for one to add certain ideas to their planners. I do appreciate how one can take bits and pieces of this book and fit it into their lives.

Thank you NetGalley and Quatro Publishing Group for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own

#AHealthierHome #NetGalley

[Ayden Tilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is for sure a must read! Even if you don’t apply everything that she writes about, it makes you so much more aware of the toxins and chemicals that you can be bringing into your home and body. It is laid out in such an organized and aesthetically pleasing way, with pretty pictures and color schemes, which make it super easy to come back later for more specific information or recipes you might want to remember or use. There are even some good tips on how to clean and thoughts on food as well. My view on cleaning and the home is definitely changed for the better from reading through this book. She doesn’t tell you exactly how to do things, but encourages you to do it your way, according to your budget, and just a little bit at a time, which helps the book not to be so overwhelming. She shows you her research and tells you the facts in an easy to understand way.

[Stefani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book had some great tips for a beginner interested in making their home less toxic. Though a lot of this seemed like information I already knew, it’s always good to reinforce the ways we can eliminate the toxins within our control because there are a LOT that we can’t control like genetics, the food system and air quality. I’m glad that the author is realistic and not dogmatic in her beliefs because a lot of these suggestions may not be plausible for all (making your own cleaning products and soaking beans for days before use are definitely not high on the list of priorities for busy people). I, for one, am very sensitive to smell and couldn’t imagine swabbing down all surfaces with vinegar no matter how much essential oil is added to mask the scent. However, I can be more mindful of where I buy my mattress or laundry detergent.

[Jennifer Michaels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

This book was organized by each room in your home and explained the potential sources of common toxins and how to reduce your exposure by taking small steps to be a little bit less toxic. I thought there were some good tips in here and reminders of how to do a little bit better, but I was craving some sources for her claims/scientific papers or studies in the appendix to see where each claim came from.

Overall I thought there were some good tips, but it’s not the best of this type of book that I’ve read. I did really enjoy the list of suggested products or brands in the back so you had some place to start your own research on replacements.

[Kim Schade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because even though I had heard/read about many of the tips mentioned, it served as a great reminder that I can always be better/do more on my sustainability journey! Plus, there were lots of recipes and new items to make my home healthier that I'd consider in the future, as our budget allows! Shawna certainly lays out many of the dangers to our health in our homes and when it's in front of your face, it's hard to deny that things are not as simple as they used to be. We must be our own health advocates and hope that others will follow and maybe eventually corporations will listen and make healthier changes to their products and in support of our Mother Earth. There's no Plan(et) B!

[k2148 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Healthier Home: The Room by Room Guide to Make Any Space A Little Less Toxic. By Shawna Holman. 2023. Fair Winds Press (ARC eBook).

A Healthier Home is an informative guide that is easy to understand and makes good use of photographs. Overall, it will be good for those who are interested in introductory material, but may not have too many new insights for those who have read similar material over the years.

*Fair Winds Press ARC via NetGalley

[Elizabeth Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book! I checked this out from our library, but I definitely want to own a copy. I would go back to this again and again. I loved all the DIY recipes included. This book could be overwhelming, especially to someone just starting out, but i have followed her for years on social media and know that is not her message at all. She says in the book multiple times to do what you can with what you have as you’re able. This book just gives lots of options for living less toxic, whether you’re just starting out or been at it for years. Loved it!