17 Easy Steps to Reduce Endocrine Disruptors in Your Life
Last week I posted about 4 types of endocrine disruptors. If you missed it, here’s a quick recap:
Endocrine disruptors are environmental toxins found in everyday products. They interfere with our hormonal system by mimicking or blocking natural processes, leading to hormonal imbalances and reduced egg and sperm quality—both of which can impair fertility.
So, how can you reduce your exposure?
Below are 17 easy and practical steps to help you begin removing or limiting endocrine disruptors from your life. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great starting point—and it might inspire other ideas too.
17 Easy Steps to Reduce Endocrine Disruptors
Discard plastic food storage containers and replace them with glass containers.
Drink from stainless steel or glass bottles, not plastic.
Switch plastic cooking utensils for bamboo or wooden ones.
Never microwave food in plastic containers—transfer to a glass container first.
Swap microwave popcorn bags for loose kernels popped on the stove.
Limit takeaway that comes in greaseproof packaging and plastic—ask if you can bring your own container.
Replace Teflon-coated pans with cast iron, stainless steel, or ceramic cookware.
Remove processed and preservative-laden foods from your diet, especially ultra-processed items like boxed cereals, chips, hot dogs, and energy drinks.
Switch canned foods for fresh, frozen, or dried options whenever possible.
Eat fresh fruit and vegetables, and choose organic if you can. Wash all produce well.
Remove chemical cleaning products and replace them with natural alternatives like EcoStore or Koh—available at Woolworths and often on sale.
Choose natural options for soaps, shampoos, and laundry detergents. Look for brands like Thankyou or explore nourishedlife.com.au for a wide selection.
Check your dental floss for PFAS coatings and discard it if present.
Choose cosmetics free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. Try the Yuka app for help decoding ingredients and finding safer alternatives.
Ask for digital receipts instead of printed ones to avoid BPA-coated thermal paper.
Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, using natural, fragrance-free soap.
Dust and vacuum your home regularly to remove airborne toxins. If your budget allows, consider a HEPA air purifier.
Start Where You Can
I completely understand that implementing all 17 steps at once can feel overwhelming—and expensive.
But here’s the good news: some of these steps are completely free, and others can be slowly incorporated over time.
Here are a few tips:
Watch for supermarket specials on cleaning products and natural toiletries
Try DIY cleaners using pantry staples like vinegar, bicarb soda, and essential oils
Look out for sales on pots, pans, and glass containers at department stores
Buy in-season produce which is often more affordable and fresher
Begin replacing one item at a time as your budget allows
Every small switch adds up to a healthier environment for your body—and your fertility.
If you’d like more personalised support or want to understand how endocrine disruptors may be impacting your fertility, please get in touch with us at Sydney Natural Fertility. We’re here to support you.
Reference
CHEM Trust (2024). EDCs: The Facts. The Endocrine System and Endocrine Disruptors. https://chemtrust.org/endocrine-system/
