Which Method Do You Need Right Now?
I’ve developed two evaluation methods because real life requires both thoughtful planning AND quick decisions. Choose the one that matches your current situation:
📊 The CLEAR Method: Deep Evaluation
For when you have time to make informed decisions
Use this method when you’re:
What you’ll learn:
Time investment: 30-60 minutes
Outcome: A thoroughly evaluated decision you can feel confident about
Examples of when to use CLEAR:
- Choosing an air purifier or water filter
- Selecting new cookware or small appliances
- Finding the right personal care products for sensitive skin
- Researching cleaning product options
- Any first-time purchase in a new category
⚡ The STOP Method: Quick Decision
For when you’re standing in the store aisle RIGHT NOW
Use this method when you:
What you’ll get:
Time investment: 2-3 minutes in the aisle Outcome: A reasonable choice made quickly without stress
Examples of when to use STOP:
- Emergency cleaning supply run
- Last-minute toiletries before a trip
- Unexpected product needs while shopping
- When you’re out of something and guests are coming
- Travel-size items at the airport
How These Methods Work Together
Think of CLEAR and STOP as complementary tools in your evaluation toolkit:
CLEAR builds your foundation. When you use the full evaluation method regularly, you develop:
- A mental database of trusted brands
- Knowledge of your family’s specific red flags
- Confidence in your evaluation skills
- A list of go-to products for different needs
STOP leverages that foundation. Once you know your priorities and red flags from using CLEAR, making quick decisions becomes much easier. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re applying what you already know.
The Ideal Workflow
At home (with time): → Use CLEAR to thoroughly evaluate and stock up on products
In the store (emergency): → Use STOP to make quick, informed decisions when life happens
Back at home (later): → Optional: Run your STOP purchase through CLEAR for future reference
Start Building Your Skills
New to product evaluation?
Start with CLEAR. Spend time learning the full method with one or two product categories. This builds the foundation that makes STOP easier.
Already familiar with low-tox basics?
Use CLEAR for important decisions and STOP for everything else. You probably already have instincts about red flags—STOP gives you a framework to trust them.
Feeling overwhelmed by it all?
Start with STOP. Get comfortable making quick decisions without perfectionist pressure. Then graduate to CLEAR when you’re ready to go deeper.
Ready to Choose?
I Have Time to Research
I’m at home and ready to learn how to thoroughly evaluate products.
I Need Help NOW
I’m in the store and need to make a quick decision.
Questions About Which Method to Use?
“I have 15 minutes—which method should I use?”
Use STOP. CLEAR needs focused time to work properly. Better to make a good quick decision than rush through a thorough evaluation.
“Can I use CLEAR for small purchases?”
Absolutely! If you’re curious and want to practice your evaluation skills, CLEAR works for any product. But don’t feel like you HAVE to do the full process for every single item.
“I used STOP and now I’m second-guessing my choice. Should I do CLEAR next?”
Only if it will give you peace of mind. Otherwise, trust your STOP decision and move on. You made the best choice you could with the information available in that moment.
“Will I ever not need these methods?”
Eventually, you’ll internalize the evaluation process so thoroughly that you don’t think about “using a method”—you just evaluate naturally. That’s the ultimate goal: independent, confident decision-making without a framework.