The 6 Easiest (and Free!) Ways to Cut Forever Chemicals from Your Life

Episode 135 of Practical Nontoxic Living: Forever Chemicals Detox (Part 7)

What Are “Forever Chemicals”?

“Forever chemicals,” or PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are man-made compounds designed to resist heat, water, and oil. They're found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, cosmetics, and even drinking water.

The problem? PFAS don’t break down easily. They linger in our environment—and our bodies—for decades. Research links them to hormone disruption, infertility, thyroid issues, immune dysfunction, and certain cancers.

But here’s the hopeful part: you can significantly reduce your exposure without spending a single dollar.

Listen to the Episode:

E135. Forever Chemicals Detox (Part 7): 6 Free Ways to Reduce PFAS Exposure
👉 Listen on Practical Nontoxic Living 

In this episode, Sophia Ruan Gushée shares the six easiest and free lifestyle changes that can dramatically reduce your lifetime exposure to PFAS—while simplifying your routines and supporting your well-being.

1. Eat More Homemade Meals

When you eat out or order takeout, PFAS from grease-resistant packaging can migrate into your food.
Cooking more meals at home helps you avoid this major source of exposure—and it’s often healthier, cheaper, and more mindful.

Pro tip: Batch-cook grains, soups, or roasted veggies so healthy meals are easy and convenient during your week.

2. Store Food in Glass, Not Plastic

Even BPA-free plastics can leach chemicals, especially into hot or oily foods.
To detox PFAS from your food and beverage containers, switch to glass jars containers—a simple swap that protects your hormones and reduces chemical migration into your food. For guidance on which glass containers to buy, read "Choosing the Best Glass Containers for Non-Toxic Living: A Comprehensive Guide," one of our most popular blog articles!

3. Skip Stain-Resistant and Nonstick Finishes

Nonstick pans, stain-repellent sprays, and waterproof coatings often rely on PFAS chemistry.
Instead, cook with cast iron, stainless steel, or glass bakeware, and look for untreated fabrics when buying furniture, rugs, or outerwear.

You’ll not only reduce PFAS exposure but also create a cleaner indoor environment.

4. Get to Know Your Water

Tap water is one of the most common sources of PFAS exposure in the U.S.
Before investing in a filter, you can start for free by checking your local water quality report. Just search:

“PFAS water contamination [your city or zip code].”

This simple step helps you understand your exposure and take informed next actions.

5. Don’t Microwave Food in Plastic or Takeout Containers

Heating plastic accelerates the release of harmful chemicals—including PFAS and hormone disruptors—into your food.
Instead, transfer leftovers into a ceramic or glass dish before reheating.

It takes seconds and makes a real difference.

6. Let Fresh Air In

Indoor air often contains more pollutants than outdoor air due to chemical off-gassing from furniture, fabrics, and cleaners.
Opening your windows—even for just 10 minutes a day—can help dilute and release these toxins naturally.

Small Steps Add Up

You don’t need expensive filters or specialty products to start detoxing forever chemicals from your life.
By making these six free swaps, you can lower your chemical exposure while supporting your body’s natural detox processes.

Each small choice is a vote for your health—and your family’s.

Listen to the Full Episode

Discover how these everyday tweaks can reduce your exposure, simplify your lifestyle, and strengthen your health resilience.

👉 Listen to Episode 135: Forever Chemicals Detox (Part 7) – 6 Free Ways to Reduce PFAS Exposure

Explore More of the Forever Chemicals Detox Series

• Episode 128 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 1): Your Body Is Brilliant—Why Detoxing PFAS Matters for Your Health

• Episode 130 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 2): From Red Flags to Resilience—How to Protect Your Health

• Episode 131 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 3): Your Genes Aren’t Your Destiny—How Your Home Shapes Your Health

• Episode 132 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 4): When Less Isn’t Safe—How Low Doses of Toxins Affect Your Health

• Episode 133 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 5): Household Repeat Offenders™—Everyday Products That Hide PFAS

• Episode 134 Forever Chemicals Detox series (Part 6): When Forever Chemicals Hit Home—Senator Judy Seeberger’s Fight for Clean Water

Ready to Go Deeper?

Take the next step in your detox journey with the 40-Day Home Detox Program —a self-paced, science-backed program to reduce toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and EMFs throughout your home and daily life.