Want to live greener and healthier? I am obsessed with these 10 clever buys right now

Goodbye plastic and toxic chemicals.

I recently went to a seminar about how damaging all the toxins we constantly surround ourselves with really are to our health, both in the short- and long term. And it really made me rethink some of the products I use in and around our home, on myself and on my children. Because while wrapping your leftovers in clingfilm and washing your hair with the shampoo you just picked up at the hairdressers might seem innocent enough, experts are now talking about the cocktails effect of living in a world with increasingly more and more toxins and harmful chemicals are in everything around us, including what we eat, wear and use on our bodies. And sure look – it is almost impossible to avoid things like plastic completely, but as with everything else, it's the little things you do every day, the small changes, that are all going to add up and make a big difference. And so with that in mind, I have recently made some swaps in my own home – and am currently really, really impressed with these 10 products: 1. 4-pack food wraps from Ireland Beeswax Wraps Say goodbye to cling film and plastic containers forever. Beeswax is water repellent, naturally anti-bacterial and has an indefinite shelf-life. The jojoba oil, from the jojoba plant is anti-fungal, so your food will stay fresh for much longer. Soft breads stay soft, no more brown avocados and your vegetables will stay fresh and crispy. Reducing your food waste as well as the need to buy plastic film wrap or foil. Simply use the warmth of your hands to mould and shape around your food items or over the top of a jar or bowl – quick and easy, leaves more space in your fridge or lunch box as there is no need for bulky containers. €16.95, Supervalu stores nationwide 2. Coconut fibre brush for pots I have decided to stop buying plastic brushes for doing my washing up, as, much like toothbrushes, these eventually end up in landfills, contributing to the enormous plastic problem we are facing globally. This beech wood and coconut fibre brush with metal interior is not only super effective in cleaning my pots, it also looks good and is easy to keep clean by just rinsing it in warm water. €6.99, Zara Home 3. Set of 6 resusable stainless steel straws + travel pouch + cleaning brush I found this little gem in my local TK Maxx recently – and they had a huge selection of other ones too, just in case you fancy other colours or even reusable straws made from environmental-friendly silicone too. My kids love to drink their smoothies (and water) out of straws, and I am forever using one to sip iced coffees too. But as we are trying to ditch plastic in our home, I picked up these gorgeous stainless steel straws – and love how they also come with a little travel pouch, meaning I can always keep one with me when out and about, so that I don't have to get a plastic straw if I purchase a drink – or use those dreaded paper ones, which, let's admit it, dissolve into your drink long before you have finished it. €12.99, TK Maxx 4. Cast iron frying pan Most cookware today is made from teflon – which, you know, is all sorts of easy to clean, but if you read up on it, can have a pretty dire effect on your health. Cast iron, on the other hand, is safe, long-lasting, and actually the preferred choice by professional chefs, as it spreads heat evenly, keeps the pan warm for a long time, and gives food an even browning. If you want to splash the cash, there are some amazing options out there from for instance Le Creuset. But for a great budget buy, this Ikea pan does the job, looks greaat, and is easy to keep clean. €35, Ikea 5. Organic cotton bedlinens Just think about it – we spent about 1/3 of our lives in bed – some of us more. And often, wearing a minimal amount of clothing, meaning your bedsheets are in direct contant with the skin on your body for hours at a time. This then becomes an issue when you realise that most cotton is grown using a variety of GMOs, pesticides and dyes filled with chemicals. I recently discovered Irish company White & Green, which create the most beautiful bedlinens and homewares made using organic, hand-picked cotton, where they also ensure that the farmers who grow the cotton are paid a fair wage and don't have to work with materials or chemicals that harm their health. I love nothing more than crawling into these deliciously luxurious sheets now at the end of a long day – these sheets were worth every cent. €209 for a kind-sized set of duvet cover and pillow cases, White & Green 6. EcoEgg Laundry Egg I can't believe I didn't know about this until recently! The Eco egg laundry egg washing kit is such an eco friendly way to wash your clothes as it completely replaces washing powder or liquid. It is just as effective – I have been testing it now for about a month – and hello – this is going to be saving me so much money in the long run! The Eco egg washing kit lasts for up to 210 washes. €15.50, Little Green Shop 7. Beauty Kubes Shampoo Take a look at your bathroom – how many plastic bottles can you count? I know – I was the same. Now, however, I have at least ditched buying plastic shampoo bottles – thanks to these super-clever shampoo cubes, which leaves my hair incredibly soft, shiny and free from build-up. There are 27 cubes per box, all wrapped in plastic-free, bio-degradable packaging, and you'll be happy to know this product is also palm-free, vegan, sulphate-free and is made with 64 percent organic ingredients. €12, The Clean Beauty Edit 8. Set of 3 Organic Cotton Produce Bag Tired of those flimsy fruit and veggie plastic bags? Which end up in the bin the minute you come home. These organic cotton produce bags are the perfect alternative to plastic bags or any other single-use, disposable bags. A great zero waste alternative that, if you remember to bring them with you when you do the shopping, you will use over and over again, for years.   The organic cotton bags can be put directly in the refrigerator, and are also dishwasher safe (gentle cycle at 30 degrees and line dry). €9, Reuzi.ie 9. Glass storage containers with lids Goodbye discoloured  and smelly plastic containers. I am now loving how organised and beautiful my kitchen presses and pantry look with these gorgeous Ikea glass and bamboo lid containers. Another bonus is that it is far easier to keep tabs on what I have and what I need to stock up on, meaning less food waste and money saved too! From €4.75, Ikea 10. Lilly's Eco Clean Washing Up Liquid Another Irish-made product that is killing it when it comes to being on the forefront of greener living, and one I have been using in my own home for the past few years. Lilly's Washing Up Liquid contains lemon oil and other naturally-sourced detergents. There are no harsh chemicals, phosphates or synthetic dyes. Just add to your washing up bowl and enjoy the pure lemon oil scent. Oh – and the containers are totally recyclable.Obvs. €2.65, from well-stocked Dunnes Stores, Supervalu and Nourish.ie