Question from Patricia

Hi Debra,

I know blueberries are on the dirty dozen list so I always try to buy organic blueberries. They are usually quite expensive. Wyman’s blueberries, www.wymans.com/sustainability, posts the following statement on their website and I wanted to get your opinion:

Thank you

Debra’s Answer

This is an interesting question.

I went to their website. First, they correctly do not claim their blueberries to be organic, but they do promote “sustainability”. What was surprising to me was that pesticides in any amount were being used on “wild” blueberries. I had always thought that if something was labeled “wild” it was harvested from the wild, but apparenetly not. I need to do more research on what “wild” means, if there is a legal definition. Does anybody know?

As to whether or not it is OK to eat blueberries with this tiny amount of pesticide, here are my thoughts. Ideally, we would eat NO pesticides–100% organic. However, in today’s world, that is usually not possible. Myself, I eat as much organic as is available wherever I am, but I also eat non-organic foods. So if I look at my overall consumption, I am probably eating more pesticides overall between organic and non-organic than are in those blueberries.

Also, we need to consider that there are many health benefits to eating blueberries that may outweigh the infinitesimal amount of pesticide in them. And, these IPM blueberries have much less pesticide than standard blueberries.

So I would say it is a better choice, but not the best possible choice. That said, it may be the best choice available to you where you live.

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Question from Susan

generally, i have no problem with having a few spiders around. but i have a small lime tree that spiders seem to love too much–huge webs spring up overnight and kill the flowers before they have a chance to turn into fruit. (i also have a lemon tree in the same yard but do not have the same problem with it.) i only use products that are ok for organic gardening.

any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Helen

We have some fifty-year old child-sized wicker chairs that were recently repaired. The old material is gray and the new is natural new wood colored. The chair man has suggested we spray paint them because the color difference is so great between the old and the new materials. I suggested milk paint but he thinks that wouldn’t cover the discrepancy well enough.

We plan to put these chairs on a covered porch and want them safe for children to use and sit in when their little legs are bare on these hot days. Can you recommend a natural spray paint that would be suitable for this?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know of a less-toxic or natural paint that comes in a spray can, however, you can purchase paint sprayers at any home improvement or hardware store and spray any type of paint you want.

Readers, any other suggestions?

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Question from Jennifer

I’ve found a recipe for laundry soap that I really like:

I’ve been doing a lot of research and I don’t understand what the effective difference between washing soda and borax is. I know they are different minerals, but they claim to add the same “power” as laundry boosters and deodorizers. Do they really do something different? Or is it redundant to use both in the same recipe?

Thanks so much for any guidance with this!

Debra’s Answer

Washing soda and borax are different minerals, but I don’t know exactly how they function. Readers?

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Question from SarahBug

I just bought two Method cleaning products at Target recently and was wondering why it was not on the list?? Is there something wrong with the products I should know about?

Debra’s Answer

First, there are many more products on the market than I can keep up with, so don’t assume that if it’s not on Debra’s List, there is something wrong with it. I love having you all write in asking about specific products because then I know exactly which products you are wondering about and can address them. Sometimes I learn about new products from you too that I am not aware of and add them to Debra’s List.

Now about Method Cleaning Products, I’ve already answered this at Q&A: Method Cleaning Products.

Remember to use the big purple SEARCH button and search for your question before posting. It might already have been addressed and you’ll get an instant answer!

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Question from gail smith

Hello:

I have severe chemical sensitivies, and want to purchase a ceiling fan and dehumidifier that would be safe.

I purchased a ceiling fan, had it installed and have run it for 24 hours on high to get rid of the odor coming from it.

Evidently they dip ceiling fans works in shelac that is supposed to gas off in 24 hours, but this one certainly hasn’t.

Can you give me a brand name that doesn’t have an odor when run.

Similarly, I want to purchase a dehumidifier that doesn’t give off a new odor when turned on, or one that gasses off quickly.

Debra’s Answer

None of the ceiling fans in my house have ever had an odor.

I don’t remember the brands. Some came with the house. I purchased two inexpensive ones in a hardware store. I think the one in the kitchen is a Hunter.

They shouldn’t have an odor. I would return it.

Readers, any suggestions for ceiling fans or dehumidifiers that don’t have an odor?

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Question from joyce k.

I have an interior bedroom that only has one window. Outside the window the air flow is blocked by an added on bathroom. There is still air flowing, but the window is near the ground and if left open is a security hazard (someone could enter the house.)

I cannot even go in the room without a mask or holding my breath because of the build up of stale air. An air filter helps, but does not of course provide fresh air.

The wall of the bedroom that leads to the rest of the house cannot be taken down because it is a supporting wall.

Does anyone have experience with this type of problem? How can I ventilate this room?

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Mark

My wife is sensitive to many chemicals and plastics. Until recently she has tolerated Dove soap, the one that is for sensitive skin, which states “fragrance free” stated on the label. She has not tolerated the soap for the last two or three months and finally contacted Dove to complain. Dove customer service stated they now use a masking fragrance in the soap.

I am writing just to inform readers, this soap is no longer suitable for anybody that needs to avoid fragrances.

Mark

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Perri

Hi, I love your website and use your Shopping List almost daily!

I decided to start making my own candles so I can have fun trying different scents. Also, I want to know for sure that my candles are safe for my home.

Do you or any readers know where I can find 100% organic soy wax and organic cotton wicks? I have searched online with no luck. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Judith Wisdom

I’m living in an apartment that is about 40 years old. The original flooring was traditional linoleum. Most people have had it covered with various types of carpet, though some have put down wood floors of various sorts.

I can’t afford to buy new flooring but felt that getting rid of the carpeting (that itself is quite old)would surely make for a healthier environment. I had the carpet and its underpadding (looks like corrugated cardboard) removed in the living room.

It took my paying someone who’s very efficient and careful at least three four-hour sessions to get the floor clean (i.e., the original linoleum). The filth was unbelievable. Fortunately it was summer and I was able to keep the windows open and ran an exhaust fan constantly. The man who removed the carpet was supposed to do the same in the bedroom and just never showed up. So it’s still there.

I am much sicker now (many years later). I of course would love to remove the carpet in the bedroom but I don’t see how I could manage that since I so often must be in the bedroom. And also the amount of work it involved for me (the living room) is far more than I’m up to now.

However, were I to come up with a way to have the carpet and underpadding cut out in a way that I could reduce (dramatically) the filth it would be so good for me to live in a bedroom with no carpet at all. (I was thinking of affixing a drop cloth or two to the carpet; cuting it in sections; rolling it encased in the drop cloth but I will have to see what the person doing it thinks). Any ideas? They’d be much, much appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

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