Check out what's new!

People often ask me about the benefits of practical nontoxic living. If you're curious about one person's experience, then this podcast is thought-provoking.

My guest is Ariana Ost Martz. Ariana studied at the Parsons School of Design in both NYC and Paris, and went into fashion and jewelry design after graduating. However, in 2006,  Ariana's mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and given 6 months to live. 

Ultimately, Ariana's mother chose not to opt-out...

Podcast producer: Chris Robertson

Did you know that there are 76 FDA-approved additives that US wine-makers can use? Some of these are natural, some are toxic. 

In addition to using pesticides to support the farming of vineyard grapes, additives are used for manufacturing the wine's taste, extending its shelf life, and much more. Ultimately, these chemicals help winemakers' bottom line of maximizing recurring revenues and minimizing expenses. For...

My first gift wrapping attempt with fabric. It was so quick and EASY!

Over the past few years, my family and I have been transitioning to more sustainable gift wrapping materials as we also still use up our pre-existing set of conventional wrapping supplies (sigh). The winter holidays always involve many hours of wrapping, which leads me to become curious about the wrapping materials. My informed common sense was concerned that:

• The sheen from wrapping paper might...

by Sophia Ruan Gushée

As we spend more time at home this winter, many of us will be cozying up on our sofas. I hate being the bearer of upsetting information but, if you're reading this article, you'd probably appreciate learning more about the risky exposures from many sofas. 

This article will inform you of key things you should know about sofas, simple habits that can reduce your toxic exposures, and tips on selecting the "cleanest" organic sofa for your budget and...

Podcast producer: Chris Robertson

by Sophia Ruan Gushée

If you're interested in any of the below, then this podcast will provide insight into a strategic approach to help you achieve:

• healthier indoor air quality
• sustainable interior design
• a more eco-friendly and healthier home
• reduced exposures to toxic (or risky) chemicals and heavy metals

In this episode, I share my conversation with Barry A. Cik, Founder / Technical Director / CEO of Naturepedic, an...

In May 2019, I visited Barry Cik, founder and CEO of Naturepedic®, at Naturepedic's Manhattan store to help you understand how you can select the most "clean," organic mattress for your budget. To accomplish this, we took a deep dive into the components of a mattress, which you can watch in the video below.

But, first, are organic mattresses worth the money?

In a nutshell, Yes!

Popular mattress components (like polyurethane foam and vinyl) are made of toxic chemicals that can...

by Sophia Ruan Gushée

Updated November 25, 2020 to include Practical Nontoxic Living podcast episode 18: Essential Features of a Healing Space. Originally published on February 14, 2019.

It feels like there's a tremendous collective craving for more true connections, kindness, and sincere love. Especially love for oneself.

I don't know if my stage in life makes me more observant of this, if it's my particular lens and/or my surroundings (NYC), or if it's a new...

Updated November 23, 2020 to consider my podcast interview with Vinny Lobdell, Jr, founder of Intellipure. This post was created in June 2018.

One of the most common questions I'm asked is, "Which air purifier do you use?"

Recently, after speaking at a wellness event for the Brown Alumni Club of NY, my fellow panelist Max Goldberg (someone you should follow and support because he's working hard to protect our food supply from toxic chemicals: visit his website LivingMaxwell.com) said to me, "...

Inspired by lung cancer awareness month, let’s choose one detox tweak that unburdens our lungs.

This week: edit your spray products. Search your home while responding to the question: How many spray products in my home are unused? 

Then discard those responsibly, and note how many you eliminated from your home. Feel proud because they are potential sources of toxic fumes—even if they are unused! Let me know how it goes @ruanliving on Instagram or ...

This podcast episode was inspired by lung cancer awareness month. My friend Reina Honts, who is also the guest of this episode, has taught me that lung cancer is not just a smoker's outcome. If you have lungs, then you should be aware that:

• Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide
• Lung cancer takes twice as many women's lives as breast cancer
• Lung cancer takes twice as many men's lives as prostate cancer
• People who have never smoked account for 20K-30K lung...