HIGHLY NON-TOXIC CONTENT

enter if you dare 🫶

This topic has been officially breached. We’re getting into it.

This is a long post. Actually more of a rant so I apologize in advance.

TL;DR
Most of the things you buy at the store contain harmful, toxic chemicals which are bad for your health - mind, body & spirit. We cannot avoid all toxins but we can avoid many. Which is why I make non-toxic candles, skincare & herbal medicine.

Maybe you already know this or maybe you need a reminder, because sometimes life becomes too much and we get caught up and we stop paying attention to these things.

If you’re a subscriber to this newsletter, I assume you have somewhat of an interest in naturally derived & environmentally friendly products… or you’re my relative and in that case you’ve probably already been forced to listen to me ranting and raving at the dinner table (sorry but it’s because I LOVE YOU!) And even though I still do sometimes express my opinion on certain matters at the dinner table, I have learned to pick my battles (because sage wisdom & all that) and I think that’s why I haven’t talked about this here because I want this to be a safe space and I don’t really like shouting about my opinion on such things. However…it is an important topic and it has been brought to my attention that it is unbeknownst to many.

I want to preface this by saying be not afraid, truly, fear can more toxic to our well being than all the chemicals in the world. All we can do is our best with what we have by making small, stress-free changes. (A phrase to be repeated many times throughout this post).

Anyway, I’m trying to make this all as appealing as possible. Because, I have to assume that (you are my Aunt and hate this subject! Love you ;)) And as with everything, I am just here to offer you the information and you may do with it as you wish. However, my biggest selling point is that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. It’s making small changes. It’s swapping out your ~tidepods~ for seventh generation (which even that isn’t the best option but it’s better). I’m not telling you to sell your washer and dryer because it uses too much energy and to break out the washboard, no. Because my biggest argument is that, yes, I know we cannot avoid all toxins and that is exactly why I do what I do. To try and create the healthiest environment for me and my family with what control I do have. Because I cannot control the fossil fuel industry or any of the big shitty corporations that poison our water, food and air.

Needless to say, avoiding all toxins is impossible unless you live in a bubble. So I control what I can in my life. I avoid toxins in my home by using naturally derived cleaning, household & skincare products as well as eating whole, organic foods.

If you’re interested topics that bring you closer to yourself & Mother Earth…Check out ~Honest Nourishment~

I make these choices because I believe in a world where we have autonomy and my love for the land in which we live. I believe in keeping these spaces clean and sacred and that includes removing negative energy (emotionally & chemically). I will be damned if I let our gov/mega corps poison me.

It is not lost on me that neurodevelopmental disorders are at an all time high. I wonder why that is? It couldn’t be the artificials flavors, artificial colors, artificial light, artificial intelligence or other various harmful chemicals our children are exposed to, could it? Probably, most likely. It’s honestly a sad f*cking reality and is infuriating. Why are we poisoning our children, our future?

Imagine a world where instead of massive industrial complexes there were forests and fields. Where nature was actually accessible because really, it is becoming harder and harder for us to get out into nature. We’re surrounded by buildings and highways, it’s never ending. We live in a concrete paradise. A meca for industry and infrastructure. Of course, depending on where you live it is better or worse. And even when you’re in the countryside… Conventional farming? GAH! Spraying pesticides all over gods creation. Atrocious. A whole other post.

Endocrine Disruptors - Chemicals that interfere with our hormones and endocrine system. Examples of EDC’s: BPAs, heavy metals, PFAs, Phthalates, Parabens, etc. etc.

Endocrine System - A complex network of glands and organs. It uses hormones to control and coordinate your body's metabolism, energy level, reproduction, growth and development, and response to injury, stress, and mood. *The overarching system in which our body functions*

It was when these realities became very clear to me, and in an act of defiance, and self preservation, that I began to make my own candles, personal care & household products. I’ve always been very resourceful and it’s a driving force in all that I do. Along with the need for creativity in my life, Quartz in the Clouds was born, to share that with you and invite you to a life where you can choose a healthier option. Here friend, burn this candle because I care for you. Now, I l also ike to offer you bits of discourse like this, herbal insights, diy recipes and such.

Furthermore, I know that candles are not exactly a necessity however, I believe they are in the category of ~ I don’t need this to survive but it makes me feel good and my mental health is just important as my physical health~. Fragrances evoke memories, reduce stress & generally uplift the spirit. They make us feel good and a good fragrance can transform your space. Making it inviting, cozy and warm, uplifting and bright, soft and sweet, whatever the vibe may be. But when it comes to fragrances, I am extremely picky. *Im getting to the point, bare with me*… Upon entering a room with a toxic fragrance, my senses seize and within minutes my lungs tighten and I begin to slowly suffocate. I wish I was exaggerating. Anyway, moving on…

Let’s talk about “greenwashing”. These days everything is “greenwashed” claiming to be healthy and throwing “clean” or “plant-based” on the label, and the words “all natural” have lost all their meaning and we can no longer trust it. Many things like to claim “all natural”, which doesn’t mean it is but we’re not scientists and we don’t know what those fancy terms mean. Maybe they’re harmless and maybe they’re not. So we do our best. But that’s where I come in! My offerings are actually plant-based and they are toxin-free and that’s what I strive and work my hardest to create products that are actually what they say they are. You can trust me. I am a down-to-earth human being just like you :)

*Sorry, the progression of this post is a bit choppy. I’m not a profession writer if you haven’t noticed*

Now we can assume certain brands like Dr. Bronners, or Seventh Generation are safe enough. I will say though, I do not like Mrs. Meyers, I find their fragrances to be highly offensive…which brings me to another point about fragrance. In the broad spectrum of things, fragrances in general are toxic, when you see an ingredient listed on a product that plainly says “fragrance” I don’t trust it. Because in the US, the term “fragrance” (along with, which is another huge point, “natural flavors”, can be almost anything and absolutely not natural! - so many loops holes in our very flawed systems) It’s some chemical compound that maybeee included a part of a plant somewhere along the line but at the point of use it’s been so broken down only a scientist could identify it. (*Ugh, I just remembered the existence of fake meat…i’m not even going to go there*) So when I see these ingredients, I almost always avoid purchasing them if possible. Of course I make small exceptions - otherwise I’d drive myself to insanity. So we do our best. As far as household cleaning products are concerned, all you need is white vinegar and some baking soda. Simple & cost effective.

Obviously, I am that person in the grocery store reading the label. No toxic-sludge-oils (canola, vegetable, rapeseed (no thank you, wtf is a rapeseed)… No “natural flavors” or gums. No artificial anything. Basically if it’s not a whole food ingredient I pass. Peanut butter is a great example. I encourage you to look at the peanut butter label they next time you pick up a jar of jif. (The fully hydrogenated oils of cottonseed & rapeseed, no less, is toxic sludge in your gut.) The ingredient list of the peanut butter I purchase reads; peanuts, salt. As it should.

A general rule of thumb is if you don’t understand the ingredient listed it’s probably not safe - also if it says hydrogenated or high fructose, gross.

Again, we are not trying to cause ourselves more stress. If we’re stressing out over these things then we’re not doing ourselves any favors. That is why I highly recommend starting small, choose one household item, your scented garbage bags, perhaps?

Honestly, if you’ve made it this far, god bless you and thank you.

OK, Febreeze! PLEASE please please… Don’t waste your money on that garbage. Actually make yourself a little Quartz in the Clouds fund with all the money you save on NOT buying it so you can treat yourself some really nice handmade non-toxic candles to make your stinky kitchen smell better :)

I’m not winning anyone over am I?

Now, as someone who distances themselves from highly toxic/highly offensive fragrances, I am more sensitive to them and smell the off-putting fragrance immediately. Compared to someone who lives in a home where these fragrances are around 24/7, you become accustomed to their scent and it doesn’t bother you. I absolutely cannot walk down the detergent aisle at the grocery store.

Sorry, the more I continue the more I spiral.

Dryer sheets, straight to jail. (First of all, what is the point?) An easy solution to eliminate static and fluffen clothes are wool dryer balls which are reusable and decomposable. #greatfortheenvironment

Scented garbage bags… Whyyy!? This one I think drives me the most crazy. If you’re garbage smells, take it out. End of story.

Not to mention the effect all this crap has on the earth in which we live! The miles high landfills. Tell me, what will we do when the earth can longer contain it?

Ok, I think I’m done here, I digress. I’m sure I could’ve written a much more refined & dignified essay on the negative effects toxins in our daily lives, but alas, not today.

I thank you again, if you’ve made it to the end of my ranting & raving… You’re welcome for dinner anytime ;) But seriously, I’m being silly now… This topic is quite important to me not only personally but in my business as it’s the basis of everything I do and why I do it. I want us to have accessibility to products we can trust, especially when everything is so blurred in the world and you really don’t know what & who to trust and in all fairness it can be easy to give up or not try at all because it’s overwhelming and confusing and altogether ridiculous that we even have to think about this stuff, but unfortunately we really do and I don’t see it ending anytime soon. They will just come up with other ways…weather manipulation, perhaps? LoL… In the end, it’s your choice. And that’s my role, offering you the options and the information.

If you found this post beneficial and insightful (and not too disrespectful, I hope) please share it with your friends and family or anyone you think might need to hear these truths. I’m also always up for conversations around this topic and there is so much more I did not even touch on… So, if you are interested in hearing about say, the fast fashion industry or expanding on the atrocities of conventional farming, hit me up in the comments! Or reach out to where you can find me… email, social, by phone or snail mail.

My favorite all purpose cleaning products are Branch Basics! A concentrate to use for everything including, window cleaner, laundry detergent, all-purpose, hand soap, etc.!

I would love to hear from you in the comments! What are some of your favorite all natural, non-toxic products? How do you feel about the this hell on earth? Are you mad? You should be mad.

Thanks again!

Much love, Quartz.