The Safety of Pewter (Old and New)
Question from M. C. I have an antique pewter salt shaker I bought it at an antiques store in Boston in the 1950s, and gave it to my parents then–it is old, old. I use it at the stove when I add salt rarely to food I’m cooking. Is it safe? It seems to me it...Sofa Cushions
Question from M. G. I purchased a used sofa and would like to replace the seat cushions. What can I use instead of foam? Debra’s Answer You could use natural latex foam like the kind used in beds or cotton or wool batting. Many years ago, I replaced the foam...Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls
Question from P.S We’re installing a butcher block counter top in our kitchen. Do you know of a product we can apply to protect and condition the wood? We thought of mineral oil, but you recommend against that in your book Home Safe Home. What do you suggest?...Air Duct Cleaning
Question from S. J. [This entry was transferred from the Q&A that was created before this blog existed. There are two questions and one answer.] The company that services my a/c unit told me that our ducts weren’t sealed properly and it caused dust and mold...Household Lubricant
Question from S. L. Greetings! And thank you so much for your valuable service. Any tips for a non-toxic, odor free or at least low odor lubricant for household uses such as oiling door hinges and windows? Food oils go rancid and we would like to avoid petrochemicals...Inexpensive Water Filters
Question from S. M. I read your tip about avoiding water stored in plastic containers. We’ve been using a Brita pitcher as an inexpensive solution for the water we drink at home. The problem is that the Brita pitchers are plastic. Is there an alternative that is...What Pillow Do You Sleep On?
Question from S. M. We are curious – what pillows do you sleep on? Debra’s Answer Organic wool pillows from Shepherd’s Dream. I have slept on cotton and feather/down pillows, but when I tried wool, I fell in love with them. :- We have the standard...Floor Wax Stripper
Question from S. P. I own a small janitorial company. My mother and my wife both experience symptoms of chemical sensitivity and over the past year I have been converting to all green products. I enjoyed your book on the non-toxic home and office. I liked the fact...Silicone baking mats vs parchment paper
Question from S. T. Why do you recommend silicone baking mats? Isn’t cooking parchment safer? Debra’s Answer Cooking parchment also called parchment paper, kitchen parchment, greaseproof paper and cooking paper is a sheet of paper impregnated with...
