Blocking Fumes from Vinyl Shelving

Hi Debra! Thanks so much for your site and all the great info you provide. I have a question about vinyl shelving. We currently have shelving in our rental home that is vinyl. Unfortunately removing it is not an option as we are renting. The shelving is in our pantry, every closet, and our laundry room so going without using it would drastically cut down on our storage space. Is there anyway to protect ourselves from the shelves out-gassing? This is our second year living here, and I don't think the shelves were put in right before we came so I am guessing they have been here at least two to three years. Is it safe to store things in the closets but not actually on the shelves? Thank you so much---this site is such a valuable source of information!

Safe Water While Traveling

I was wondering if you could share any thoughts on how to travel/vacation with the least amount of toxins. I struggle every time we go on vacation with things like water. At home we have a whole house water filter but what do you do when on vacation? Is it better to buy bottled water rather than drink the local water (in the U.S.) from the tap? How about using the water pitcher filters even though they don't filter out a whole lot of contaminants? Is it worth it to take a shower filter? I try to keep thing in perspective that this is only a week away from our normal toxic free living but always worry since my 6 y/o son had leukemia.

Least Toxic Way to Pack a Drink for a Kid's School Lunch

what is the least toxic way to pack a drink for a kid's school lunch? I was using Honest kids juice pouches but they get so expensive and so does organic milk in the mini containers. I am curious to know what the inner lining of those types of containers is made out of? It seems my only options would be a reusable plastic water bottle (ugh!) or a stainless steel water bottle. Both have leaching issues. Kids can't take glass to school so the glass water bottles are out. thanks for your help.

Nontoxic Water Nozzle?

Debra, Any suggestions for a non-toxic water nozzle? Every one I've seen has brass or plastic and is not good. How about aluminum? What's the lesser of all these evils? And what do you use in your garden? Thanks.

Dr Oz Finally Says No to Sunscreens

Dr Oz amazingly enough is finally debunking the myth of sunscreens and their cancer-causing, endocrine-disrupting dangers. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/oz-investigates-your-sunscreen-poisonous-pt-1

Sorry, this isn't a question but of interest to all here; after years of hearing Dr Oz recommend sunscreen & wanting to yell at my TV about the danger of toxic chemicals being worse than any sun-promoted cancers, this is long overdue! (We can only hope the air "fresheners" dangers show will follow soon).

Warning: on part 2 there's this nightmare of a woman from the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) with her horrible (to be polite) denial & useless, ignorant rebuttals about "lack of scientific proof" that will make everyone here cringe. (Why people fall for that line will forevermore be beyond me!)

Now if only he could stop promoting the toxic chemical face & eye cream lines! Not to be mean but he says he uses them and obviously they're not working for him! Well one step at a time, I guess!

Chantal Stainless Induction Sauce Pan

I just bought a 3qt sauce pan made by Chantel. It is called Stainless Induction 21 Steel. It is for use on all types of stoves including magnetic tho I don't have that type. I just needed something that would sit flush on my coil burners.

Here is what the info on the tag says: Metal Composition 21/0 21% Chromium, 0 Nickel. The Nickel has been eliminated since it can leach during boiling. It is NSF approved. "Stronger, improved construction resists stress cracks. " It has a few other metals listed too but at lower amounts than 18/10 for"extra corrosion resistance". If you need to know about them let me know.

I just want to know if this is a safe pot to cook from? I am not allergic that I know of to Nickel but don't like the idea of leaching so I was attracted to these claims.

What do you think? Thanks so much for all you do, your work has made my life much better.

Toxic-Free Bamboo Steamer

I talked with a rep at Thunder Group regarding bamboo steamers and he could not tell me the name of the chemical, but said that it is used on bamboo steamers & chopstick as a mold inhibitor. He told me to steam it 3x before my first use with food to remove the chemical. This concerns me that there is any chemical on it to begin with. I cannot have any toxins due to health issues. Do you know of a bamboo steamer that does no chemicals? Desperately seeking! Thanks, Liz

Sleeper Sofa Mattress

My question is for a sleeper sofa mattress. I just want to get a custom sleeper sofa mattress with the innerspring coils, but want it to be short in height and all natural. Are you aware of any company that does this? My husband and I always sleep wonderfully at a family member's household on his Sealy sofa mattress, and want one for our own mattress at home, of course, with no chemicals and with a wonderful natural wool topper. We just don't like most of the innerspring mattresses available today (natural) and I was thinking of getting creative and creating our own. Just like you. :) Please let me know if you have any tips. Thank you, Dardi

EMFs of Solar Panels?

Hi, We decided to sign up for a major incentive/promotion program my city and state is sponsoring with solar panel installation. However, after signing up I thought of a major concern - potential EMF from the solar panels (PV), the connection and/or the box they will put in our basement. Anybody have any experience and/or done research on this? Thank you so much for any information you could provide- Julie

"Chemicals of High Concern" Found in Thousands of Children's Products