I love this lifestyle. I believe in it deeply.
But can I be honest?
Sometimes the low-tox space turns into something it was never meant to be. When I started going low-tox, I thought I was just making better choices for my family. But I quickly realized... it felt like I had joined a competition I never signed up for. And then I got so caught up in trying to "do it all".
Suddenly it wasn't just about ditching harsh cleaners... It was about doing everything perfectly.
Organic. Plastic-free. Homemade.
100% natural everything.
Or else... you're "not doing enough."
It can easily become an idol. A source of control. A measuring stick for "good" motherhood.
Instead of being a tool to support our homes... It becomes a test we re scared to fail.
It's not just about low tox laundry detergent. Or cloth diapers. Or tossing every plastic thing in sight. Or only ever using natural remedies.
For many crunchy moms, it's about something deeper:
Safety.
Control.
Trying to protect what we love most-our babies.
We've seen too much. Pesticides in our food. Toxins in our shampoo. Microplastics in baby bottles. Endocrine disruptors in everything. Dyes in everything.
And the systems that are supposed to protect us: They don't. Not really.
So what do we do?
We take matters into our own hands.
We research.
We swap.
We double check every label and panic if we forget the non-toxic sunscreen.
Because it feels like we're the only line of defense between our kids and a toxic world.
Why? Because when the world feels out of control - The food system, the medical system, the toxins in everything... Controlling what we can feels safe.
I remember when I finally had my reality check, sitting bedside in the hospital watching my newborn on total life support.
It was in that moment God reminded me who was ultimately in control... Him. Not me.
But here's the thing:
When we're trying to control everything...
We often lose peace.
We stop trusting.
We isolate ourselves.
We forget that God designed us to "detox" And we start judging others who don't "do it like we do." Perhaps even unintentionally.
The need to control is so human. Especially for moms who feel like the world isn't safe.
But control doesn't equal peace.
Fear disguised as control still steals your joy.
But sometimes that desire for control turns into obsession. And that obsession turns into judgment— of others... and of ourselves.
So why does it get so judgmental?
Because we care. Because we're overwhelmed. Because perfectionism sneaks in when we just want to do right by our babies.
Because social media makes everyone look like they’ve got it together. Highlight reels of spotless low-tox kitchens, DIY everything, million dollar homesteads and $500 hauls can make you feel like you're not doing enough.
Because moms are already judged for everything Breastfeeding, screen time, food choices, nap schedules— and low-tox is just another lane where judgment shows up.
Because, if we really want the uncomfortable truth, some people need validation. If you've sacrificed a lot to live a certain way, it's easy to judge others who don't do the same-it reinforces your own choices.
So if you feel like you're gripping everything too tight lately...
Take a deep breath. You're not failing. You're just a mom who cares deeply.
But you don't have to carry it all alone.
We start thinking: "If she uses that lotion, she doesn't care enough." "If I don't buy organic, I've failed." "If I can't afford the best, am I even a good mom?"
Sis, that's not wellness. That's fear wearing a low tox outfit.
Let's remember: low-tox living is a tool, not a trophy. It's here to support your family, not to steal your peace. It's not your identity-it's just part of your journey. Low-tox living isn't a purity test.
It's a journey. It's progress, not perfection. And it should never come at the cost of your peace, your joy, or your motherhood. So if you feel like you're gripping everything too tight lately... Take a deep breath. You're not failing. You're just a mom who cares deeply.
But you don't have to carry it all alone.
Here's what I wish more moms heard:
You don't have to DIY your deodorant.
You don't have to toss every plastic toy.
You don't have to do it all right now.
You're doing enough.
You ARE enough.
So let's stop worshiping clean labels. Let's stop judging the mom who's still learning. Let's trade control for compassion. Because the most powerful thing we can be is grace-filled. Low-tox living, with room to breathe. Here's what I remind myself (and what I hope other moms remember too:
Progress > perfection. Intentions matter.
You're allowed to care deeply about your family's wellness without turning it into a moral contest.
You can choose a low-tox lifestyle without judging the mom next to you who's just trying to survive bedtime.
We are all doing the best we can with the information, time, and resources we have.
And honestly? A supportive low-tox community that welcomes imperfect moms is way more powerful than a curated one that shames them.
l've been thinking a lot about how something as life-giving as low-tox living can become... heavy. Like we have to carry it perfectly, or not at all.
Let's be honest-most crunchy moms didn't wake up one day obsessed with detoxing their entire life.We saw things. We learned too much. We realized the world isn't always safe... and that our kids deserve better. So we took control.
But sometimes, control turns into fear. And fear steals joy.
This is your reminder: it's okay to care deeply. But you don't have to carry it all alone. Let grace be louder than fear today.
If you've ever felt judged-or found yourself judging-I just want to say this: it's okay. That comes from fear, not failure. We're all navigating this together.
