Welcome back to We Got You, Mama!

Today we’re going deep on clean living with Emily Velasco, founder of Living the Cleaner Life—a California mom of two (and four dogs!) who helps families remove harmful products from their homes and make practical, sustainable swaps that actually fit real life.

Emily’s journey started when her oldest was six months old back in 2008. After repeated skin sensitivities, she discovered the culprit: chemical-based sunscreens. That wake-up call sent her down the research rabbit hole—learning that many “popular,” heavily marketed baby and personal-care brands weren’t nearly as clean or safe as they claimed. Later, after losing her dad (who had Crohn’s disease and then rectal cancer), Emily made it her mission to help others lower toxic exposures at home and advocate for safer products—not from fear, but from informed, empowered choices.

In this conversation we cover

Clean Living 101: what “clean” really means, what’s marketing (greenwashing) versus genuinely safer products.

Sunscreen truth: why mineral formulas often outperform chemical filters for many families—and how to read the label.

The “fragrance” loophole: why the word “fragrance” or “parfum” on an ingredient list can hide thousands of chemicals—and what to look for instead.

Smart, high-impact swaps: start with what you ingest (lip products) and what sits on your skin the longest (lotion, foundation, eye products, mascara, shampoo).

Home upgrades that matter:

Cookware: avoid PFAS or Teflon; choose stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic.

Cutting boards: switch plastic to wood, tempered glass, or metal (microplastics are real).

Storage: replace plastic with glass; trade baggies for silicone (such as Stasher bags).

Candles and scent: choose soy, beeswax, or coconut wax with clearly listed essential oils—or use a diffuser.

Laundry: skip dryer sheets and use wool balls (with optional essential oils); pick fragrance-free detergent.

Multi-surface cleaning: simple vinegar plus water works for many jobs; Emily also loves concentrated cleaners that last ages.

Apps and label reading: why EWG can help (and its limits), what rating systems miss (actual concentration), and how to email brands with questions.

Microplastics and indoor air: why focusing on the home is empowering—control what you can and don’t stress about perfection.

Teens and fragrance: finding clean colognes and perfumes (yes, they exist!) and talking about endocrine health.

Real results: fewer headaches, calmer allergies, and the confidence that comes with aligning daily choices to your values.

Emily also shares her experience partnering with Shaklee for supplements, skincare, and home cleaning—including why concentrates (like the beloved “Basic H”) are budget-friendly, low-waste, and versatile, and why a gentle scour cream can be a game-changer on grout, ovens, pans, and even walls.

You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight—start small. Swap the products you use the most and that touch the most skin, and build from there. Your future self (and your kids) will thank you.

Learn more and work with Emily

👉 Website: https://www.livingthecleanerlife.com

Consults available worldwide—simple, personalized plans with zero overwhelm.