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Welcome!
I'm so glad to have you here. We're easing into things to start with - here's what we'll cover:
- A welcome video
- What is a 'low tox life'?
- 2 things to get started on today:
- Interview with Marty Zucker
- Your mission for Day 1
A welcome video
I made a little video to kick us off. Pour a cuppa... it's only a few minutes but you could watch Marty's interview straight afterwards which is 13 mins if you fancy - just scroll down!
So what is a low tox life?
It has come to mean for me...
- Living more in-line with nature in our daily choices with what we put ON us, IN us and choose to have AROUND us.
- It's about making better choices for our health and for the planet in our day to day lives.
- Making time for ourselves to relax.
- Keeping a low tox mind in terms of more positive thoughts, more gratitude.
- Holding space for being upset with the way some things are in the world while realising also things don't change unless "I" do and being empowered in the collective change we're making.
When it comes to chemical exposure, we can't be 'no tox' in the modern world. Take one example alone: with 350,000 microbeads of BPA-containing plastic in every tube of cheap face scrub, which floats out into the oceans and rivers and then back into us, it just ain't possible anymore. Sad, but true but certainly not worth despairing - It's much more exciting to get positive about the changes we can make instead.
It is important to ditch any notion that this is a journey of perfection because perfection doesn't exist. You will be far more empowered and happy as we go along these 5 weeks thinking about it as a springboard for continued tweaks and changes, rather than a stressed, intensive time frame for a complete overhaul. We're also not going to be replacing every teensy little thing you own, with low tox options. You will find most likely as the days roll on, that you want to let go of lots of extra stuff that you just don't need - 12 eyeshadows anyone?
We can drastically lower our toxic load and over time drastically change human, animal and planet health in doing so. It never fails to spin me out just how much our tiny daily choices impact the bigger picture. Little old you and I can move mountains.
On we go as quiet warriors, steadily growing in numbers, effecting big change by simply 'not buying bad' once we know what that looks like. We should no longer support companies that don't have our health, nor the planet's health, at the core of their business. It simply doesn't make sense to, as the number of low tox options grows every day. If we continue to grow in numbers by 'not buying bad' then they will have to change their formulations or go out of business. Their choice. Our power. How cool is that?
Change is going to happen by supporting the companies who are 'making good', as well as learning to make a few things ourselves which save us money on personal care and on gifts, and saves packaging. No more products with fake promises.
We have allowed ourselves to be dumbed down so much that we can be convinced into buying a 'fresh air system' that sprays hormone-disrupting fake smells throughout our home periodically (more on that tomorrow!). Call me old-fashioned, but my fresh air system is to open a window or get a good air purifier! I sometimes ponder how I can have gone through 13 years of school and 4 years of university and not have become a curious thinker about what went into my body and onto my skin - why also, were we not taught about what went on and in us and how it impacted our health and the planet?
Do not feel bad if you're a 'total newbie' and you don't know this stuff. As I write this I have cringe-worthy memories of my apartment in my 20s which was full of scattered fake smelling candles, a pantry with a microwave popcorn sachet, fabric softener, honey 'scented' shower gel, a freezer with a bunch of lean cuisine 'emergency' meals in there, tinned tomatoes with BPA lined cans... The important thing to know is that if you've just started today: you are here. The past is the past. Learn, adapt, move on and be excited. There's no time for guilt and bitterness and definitely no time for comparing your progress/change-making speed to someone else's.
Each time we're on a 'product' oriented topic, there will be DIY suggestions, economy suggestions and luxe/investment suggestions, so everyone is able to make positive changes. And remember: If you just want to take it slow, be a part of the Facebook group discussions, and start implementing things slowly, at your own pace, beyond the time frame of the course, that's absolutely fine.
This is not a race to get all your products swapped first - it will not make you cooler than the other kids.
Your way. Your pace. You are going to hear me say this A LOT.
2 things to get us started today and ease into everything nice and gently!
1. Chemical Maze App
This is a handy app and site for ditching harmful additives from food and chemicals in your home and in beauty products. It's not perfect, in that something like benzyl alcohol derived from floral plants poses no known risk, but that derived fro petroleum does, so while you might see a red frown face on it, the naturally-derived aspect isn't factored in there. anyway, it's definitely handier than it is a pain. The app is Chemical Maze. It's an app available for iPhone and Android, or in physical form as a book. This is an invaluable compilation of almost all the nasties in one place. For a site with loads of details on the nasties, you can head also to Skin Deep, by the EWG. which focuses specifically on personal care and is USA based and researched.
Bill Stratham, the creator of Chemical Maze has been researching the science on chemicals used in products that go in and on us, and makes it very easy and empowering to choose better. I highly encourage you to grab the full paid version of the app (under $10) if you're new to all this. Get curious and start punching things into the app in the search bar, and you will be given the verdict on whether it's harmful or not.
You could also check out THINK DIRTY, another app that has come out more recently.
A scary thought: Every year another 1,000 or so new compounds enter the chemical economy, either as ingredients in finished products or as intermediate chemicals used to make other chemicals. The total number of synthetics in commerce is probably now somewhere around 164,000 created since the 1940s. The total number of synthetics in the environment is probably far greater than that, because of the byproducts (like dioxins) unintentionally generated during production, and because of the breakdown products that result from the decay of commercial substances.
Why aren't these chemicals tested you might ask? Isn't stuff supposed to be safe if it's for sale? Well, the short answer is no, a lot of it isn't safe or certainly hasn't been proven 100% safe with lengthy independent studies. It's created to provide a 'use' or function like making plastic bendy or making fragrances stick, preying on the fact that us humans desire the functionality MORE than caring about what's in it. There's the problem.
Our job is to change our mindset and redefine appeal together over 30 days. It's a big job and before we get stuck into it, let's start by getting grounded - also known as earthing!
2. Earthing
It might sound a bit 'woo woo' to the uninitiated, but 'earthing' basically just means getting in touch with nature. Have a think for a second about what it feels like to swim in the ocean. Think about being barefoot in the soft grass. Think about running your hands through the sand.
They all feel amazing, right? You might be someone who asks yourself: Why don't I do this more often, it feels so good? As well as the fact that it usually coincides with a weekend or holiday, the essential reason is that the earth and the ocean carry a charge that literally 'grounds' us and brings us feelings of well-being, relaxation and peace.
With our shoes on and our synthetic paths and varnished floors, carpets and big high rise cities, cars, trains and aeroplanes, we are removed from that energy that grounds us so well.
When you're 'grounded' there's a transfer of free electrons from the Earth into your body. And these free electrons are super-powerful antioxidants. They literally help wipe the 'badness' of modern living, artificial environments and frequencies away.
These antioxidants are also responsible for the clinical observations from grounding experiments, such as:
- Beneficial changes in heart rate
- Decreased levels of pain
- Decreased levels of inflammation
- Increased sleep quality
Need some science on the matter?
This finding published by the US Library of Medicine from the Journal of environmental and public health is great.
Here's a neat list of case studies and research all together in the one spot.
I'm going to add rapid recovery from jet lag, because I did an experiment last year, and it was incredible the difference I found in getting barefoot once I arrived. If you think about it, it's literally the opposite of being in the incredibly artificial surrounds of a jet plane 30,000 feet above the ground! You can read my low tox travel tips here.
This is a FREE and simple therapy that anyone can implement, starting now. You will be amazed at the benefits and shouldn't wait a day to get started. It's a beautiful thing to do with small children too and parents often report calm on a 'devil day' when they get barefoot with their little ones and relax outside.
Fancy getting into the mats you can use in the home environment at your desk? Head here to the wonderful Aussie business, Earthing Oz (or to a US or UK counterpart) for some online options but nature is best, and don't use the earthing BED sheets if you have an innerspring mattress due to conductivity issues. Pure latex or wool mattress is fine though. The earthing mats are excellent if you live somewhere in a cold climate where it's not possibly to ground barefoot everyday, or if you're unwell and unable to get out there.
HERE'S A NIFTY PAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES ON THIS TOPIC
Interview with Marty Zucker
Enjoy my chat with Marty Zucker, best-selling co-author of the book: Earthing. The Most Important Health Discovery Ever.
In each module where there's an interview - we've got a transcript for you if you're more the reading type or don't have great quality internet. We also share a sound cloud for going for a walk with the headphones in and soaking up the expert knowledge that way. Here's today's transcript.
Here's today's video interview - I have to cringe at my video location set up in 2014 - Hadn't quite mastered lightning back then! hehe. But it's a great, short chat. Enjoy!
Here's today's Soundcloud Here's the SoundCloud version if you'd like to walk and listen.
Alexx chats to Martin Zucker | Transcript
What do you say to people asking why you're 'earthing' all of a sudden?
It just feels totally relaxing - Just try it!
It pumps your body with antioxidants and helps with things like back pain and has been scientifically proven to reduce blood pressure and increase sleep. I get barefoot every chance I get now. Make the naysayers join you and see how they feel after 10 minutes!
And here's a great little article on how "Dirt Can Make you Happy" from the Horticulture Magazine. Happy reading!
And a fab little doco on grounding...
DOWN TO EARTH from Big Picture Ranch on Vimeo.
YOUR MISSION FOR DAY 1:
Go back to nature - get outside, kick the shoes off (unless it's snowing, and then I don't recommend doing this right now!), go for a swim in the ocean, or do whatever you can do to get in touch with nature - especially via the feet. If all you can do is run some cold water over your feet or pop out to the front lawn barefoot for a few minutes, do that.
See you tomorrow to start peeling back the layers on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and why they are our #1 group to try to minimise wherever possible!
Until then - let's get our shoes off!
Low Tox. Happy Bodies. Happy Planet.
P.S BEFORE I GO.... I have to make a disclaimer:
This program is the basis of my years of research and that of the experts I've brought in to be interviewed. This is in no way intended as medical advice. You MUST seek practitioner help for any specific concerns you may have before acting on any suggestions in the program. You must NOT stop any medications you're on without the advice of your doctor. I take no responsibility for any health events caused by heeding any of the suggestions in this course. They are merely suggestions based on case studies, research, personal testing and people's anecdotes, including qualified practitioners and scientists, consulted during the course, as well as my own and past students. They are not advice equal to that of a personalised appointment with a medical practitioner. Thanks - that's the boring legal bit out of the way.
Comments 0
How wonderful, a scientific explanation for feelings I have had all my life! Swimming in the sea and walking barefoot on the beach are my two favourite things in the world!!! Now I know why! I wasn’t imagining the benefits and love I got from it! Totally uplifting! 🙂
Hi Alexx,
It’s great to get back to the basics. Having done the original course awhile ago now I must admit little bad habits have crept back in. I used to earth fairly regularly but I realise it has drifted away and I haven’t done it for ages. This refresher course for me is going to be a bit of a reminder to do what is good for me and the family, this is definitely an ongoing process that never really ends. Nor would I want it to as there is so much to learn out there. Great to be back and a big thank you
Catherine
Author
So happy to have you here Catherine. And yes – keeping it simple is absolutely where it’s at x
Much calmer starting this course second time around – still soaking up every bit of info though! 🙂
Author
Hehe. Like putting on your favourite old pair of boots, right? 😉 x
I really appreciate that there is a Soundcloud version of the interview.
Author
Super welcome Michele x
Author
Glad you find them useful Michele x
Hi Alex, so happy i took the plunge to do this course. I am a house/pet sitter and I am finding more and more homeowners are replacing the real live earth with plastic green fake grass. I have to go to the park to do my earthing where I am now as its all fake grass in the garden. Such a shame and more plastic in the world is not a good thing
Author
Yes it is such a shame the fake turf stuff, hey? Super happy you took the plunge too Karen x
I’ve recently been learning all about earthing and it just makes sense. For me i live in the city, I work on the 6th floor of an office building, work out indoors, wear shoes constantly and when I actually thought about it my feet rarely touch the ground! I’ve since spent lunchtimes at the park with my shoes off when I can and have bought some products from Earthing Oz for our bed and my office at work. They are super affordable and I’m sure are doing my body a lot of good.
Author
They’re a great range for the indoor bound days aren’t they? x
Absolutely! x
I am defiantly a newbie to this stuff and suffering depression, anxiety among lots of other issues I really wish I had heard about this sooner but it’s never too late thank you for introducing me to Mother Earth ❤️
Author
Oh Sarah I’m thrilled you hadn’t discovered it yet – it will make such a wonderful difference. Sending you happy, healing vibes x
What a great way to start!! Went outside and connected with the lovely grass, very nice feeling
Author
So glad you enjoyed it x
Love today’s videos – “Going back to nature fixes so many things” – love it, and it’s definitely not woo woo!! xx
Author
Agree – proven everytime we go barefoot in the grass x
Day 1! I’m impressed! And I didn’t even watch the videos yet! It’s beautiful! No nonsense and no judgement; backed up with science and research. Didn’t expect anything less though xx
Author
Yay Christina. Yes you can always rely on me, a self confessed nerd x
Used some of your information for my recent travel, worked very well.
Author
Oh fantastic Roberta – glad it was helpful x
Hi Alexx,
I’m a day behind, but so be it. Loved hearing about “Earthing” This is something I am going to explore more in connection to my next Art Event, talking about childhood memories and bringing people back to nature through experiencing my art. xKT
Author
Ooh yes, I can imagine it’d be super cool to explore that in that context x
Doing the course again Alexx and thrilled to be here. My little farm is just emerging from the wet slosh of winter in Victoria so I am so so happy to have been reminded to kick the shoes off and go for a barefoot walk… Instant smile on the dial…..Thanks
Author
Great to have you back Glenda – did you see the PM I sent you enquiring about the Young Living oils last month? Perhaps it ran into the “other” folder. Hopefully the farm gets nicely dried by some late spring sunshine for you x
I have no idea what Alexx is saying in the interview because I can’t hear her, but Marty is great isnt he?
Author
Hi Lucy – really? That’s odd. Maybe try a different speaker / headphone? x
the moment my partner & I arrive on holidays or weekend away we immediately flip off our shoes, and walk on the beach, the sand, the park, whatever! We always take the opportunity to sit at a table with our feet actually in the sand (this happens regularly thankfully when on holiday in Asia!), and now i know why i feel so energised, and sleep so well afterwards! Being in a big city we really don’t connect directly with nature… until now. I just returned from my 1st earthing session, and I’m tingling all over! Bring it on xx
Author
Sorry Sue-Ellen there seem to have been a bunch of comments in a spam folder that I didn’t see in the course! So glad you enjoyed the kick off – bring on more nature x
Just got the Chemical Maze app. Love it! Thanks Alexx.
I have been using earthing sheets for a year now. Swear by it. Does wonders for jet lag.
Author
Oh I LOVE them for jetlag too. So good! Hope you’re enjoying the course. Sorry I didn’t see your comment earlier x
I’ve always known nature to be my cure for most things. In fact it is my religion. The earthing interview helps me understand why. I am nervous about how much we can not control though although you did warn us about this Alex so I will just try to relax and keep reading!
Hi Alexx,
I’m so excited to finally be here! I started dabbling in Earthing a few years ago but then life took over. Thank you for rekindling my desire to start Earthing once again. We have a couple of overseas trips coming up this year so I can’t wait to get barefoot as soon as we reach our destinations and beat the jet lag!
Author
Yay – Super excited you’re here too Michelle. There’s always the right time in the end x
Author
it is SUCH a good way to beat the jet lag. Yay to overseas trips x
Loved day 1. and why did I not know these travel tips years ago, when that was pretty much my life!! oh so going to implement them from here on in. Thanks Alexx, what an inspiring way to start…..think i’ll pop outside and stand on some grass….. thankyou.
Author
So glad you enjoyed day 1 Kerry – and enjoy outside!! x
Wow! What a start! Earthing intuitively makes so much sense. And as many others have said, this is why it feels so amazing being outdoors in nature and feeling the sand/grass between your toes. I just know I’m going to learn so much from this course. Thank you for a wonderful start.
Author
Aww so glad you’ve loved the start Lorraine x
I LOVE the way you have summarised the content at the bottom with links to recommended books, downloads etc. I started making notes as I made my way through Day 1 content and when I reached the bottom, realised you had it all there for me! This will be so useful to come back to. So well thought out, and will save a notebook in the process x
Author
You’re super welcome Fiona – Kate is our course user-experience ninja and does such a wonderful job, doesn’t she? Brings to life all the things I’ve wanted for students in the past but haven’t had the tech know how! So glad it’s useful for you x
Hi Alexx
So happy to be back for another round. I’ve made so many positive changes since your first round of this course! It was the best thing I could’ve done for hubby and myself. He’s fully on board too (which I never expected to be honest!) am moving back to Australia from the U.K. this week (argh! Lol) so seems such a good time to update and reinvigorate my low tox commitment. Really excited to be doing this again.
Author
Great to have you back Sue and yay to positive changes x
Author
Awesome to have you back Sue and great that the husband is also on board this time x
Hi Alexx,
Super excited to have found and taking part in this learning adventure – yippee. I moved from the NT (warm, sunny, outdoors) to VIC (cold, grey, life coupe inside) 3 years ago and notice a shift in my health. Also battling unexplained infertility, my partner and I have been transitioning into better health and life of low tox. So far it has been an eye opening experience and so much more to learn. Thumbs up and looking forward to day 2 🙂
Author
Great to have you here Jaimie and wishing you every success in having a bub on your horizon x
I’m definitely not a fan of summer weather, but I’m finding myself dreaming of the warm sunny days so I can start making grounding part of my routine. Any tips for grounding in Melbourne’s cold winter weather??
Also wondering if this is similar to the feeling I get by tending to my veggie garden, I find it refreshes and relaxes me – even if I only manage 15 minutes to water the garden.
Author
Meaghan this is EXACTLY what you experience in your veggie garden, yes. For Melbourne you could just try taking shoes off even for 2-3 minutes in the cold grass to see how you go. I actually can do in quite cold weather and find, especially if I’ve been really warm inside, it’s super invigorating. Otherwise, an earthing sheet for bed is my winter must-have to stay ‘earthed’. http://earthingoz.worldsecuresystems.com/AP.aspx?ID=200&EID=51538994 x
I have to keep remembering to breath cause this is bigger than I thought. The first night I did the earthing my feet were tingling.
Author
Amanda that’s super common the tingling. We’re detoxing, lowering blood pressure… lots happening x
My boyfriend has always called me a weirdo! Whenever I’ve had a really big day in the office, I’ve always come home to stand right away, barefoot in the grass or insisted in going for a quick dip in the ocean. I’ve always believed they had healing power. Now I can tell him “it’s earthing” 🙂
Author
You’re not a weirdo Jessie – you’re a genius! hehe. You knew all along x
Very interesting read. Loved the documentary. I can’t believe there are so many studies in medical journals and yet we never hear about earthing!
Author
It’s quite crazy to think isn’t it Darra? Glad you enjoyed it and happy earthing x
Loved the interview with Martin Zucker and now I have the science to back me. Ive been earthing for a few years now after my long haul flights (Im a flight attendant), and its absolutely true. It works!!
Author
It really does!
Im so lucky to have moved to a rural coastal town six months ago. Most days I walk on the beach in bare feet and try to take a quick dip in the ocean a couple of times a week even when it cold because it just makes me feel so good. My husband now refers to it as my ‘earthing’ and knows to send me off to be beach if i’m out of sorts.
Author
How wonderful Tania x
Thank you, we are so excited about learning in this course! We live by the beach and realise that our children are at school five days a week, in shoes all day. The need to get their feet bare and on the sand, on grass, climbing trees and in the ocean is ever on our minds. Thank you for sharing and getting us thinking in new ways. We are pumped for this! Xx Frances and Nichola, Organic Nights
Author
So excited to have you both joining me for the course, personally and professionally. And Seb is absolutely loving his PJ.s x
Author
Wonderful Michelle! It’s amazing how easy it is to grab a couple of minutes here and there in cooler months too. Nice wakey wakey in winter that’s for sure 😉
A lovely reminder of why I love to garden and the need to get to some clean soil <3 thank you
Author
<3
Hello!
We have liquid rules here in the US even when traveling domestically. Is that not the case in Australia? I don’t know the total but only as many 3ml bottles that can fit in a one quart gallon zip lock bag and that includes your cosmetics no matter where you are traveling. Sad, I know. I fill my stainless thermos inside then airport. Also, I was wondering about the nut butter. I would love to take that on our trips from the US to the UK. So, that is not counted as a liquid in international flights? Awesome if not! I’ve had a histamine issue in the past and it has resolved enough that seed and nut butters are ok with me. As for nuts, is it really ok to bring in nuts and seeds into another country? I’m not entirely sure.
Thanks in advance!
Author
Hi Paty, yes it’s tricky in the US, isn’t it? We have a 100ml allowance of as many bottles that can fit in a small zip-lock bag. As for the nut butter – it really depends on your airline/airport – if you can show them the nut butter they generally don’t worry but some airports are far more strict. Same goes for bringing food into countries, Australia is very strict but if it’s a sealed, labelled ground-up nut butter they are fine. best to check with the country policies before taking anything or be prepared to throw it on your way through.
Hello Alexx! I’ve been doing a lot of dietary changes and lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation in my body as I’ve suffered with hives for a 17 years (on and off, but consistently the last 3 years) I will definitely be prioritising grounding. My intention has been to be to do more gardening too…will start diarising! (Poppy Seed x) PS I’ve ordered the Grounding book 🙂
Author
Hi Catherine, well done for taking control and making those changes. Grounding and earthing really do support our nervous system – I hope you feel the benefits quickly. Enjoy the course. x
Love the earthing segment!
Author
Glad you enjoyed! x
Wow! It is certainly good knowing there is a scientific reason why I feel relaxed and at peace when I am in nature, bare foot on the beach or rainforest, breathing the clean air, observing little details of my surroundings. Nature is such a place of healing. I live in an apartment in Sydney, I have been missing nature for some time now, we have been discussing leaving sydney. I will definately be looking for more nature in my area until then.
Author
Isn’t it fab? We’re apartment dwellers in Sydney too but what I love about this city is that its nature calls you and is never far away x
Absolutely! We live very close to Olympic Park, I am regularly saying we should walk around the parklands there whenever we cant or dont want to head to the beach or coastal walk, we love the sea air. Now I have added that to my TO DO list at least once a month. I think I’ll “book” a day to go each month to be accountable, and any other time is a bonus. Plus there is a lovely cafe in there that does a delicious homemade Egyptian Rose Ice Tea.
Miss when I walked barefoot all the time in singapore. Normally I’ d be able to, but day it’s pouring, so will have to postpone. Funny how my son has kept the habit and always walk around barefoot in the house.
Author
Such a simple… and cheap exercise to do! More and more people are kicking their shoes over here and going barefoot 🙂
Have always felt at home in nature and now I know why. Makes sense when you think about it, we are part of nature. I think people have forgotten this.