Art | Resources
Couch Conundrum
Question from Cecelia
Hi Debra,
I purchased two futons (latex/wool) because I read California had TB117 – the flame retardant in all its furniture (this was about 3 years ago).
Now, I find that you can get furniture without flame retardants!
The only question is, is it worth getting a foam couch w/o flame retardants as the foam has it’s own problems. we can’t afford a 3-4 thousand dollar couch (EKLA home) and although our futons are ugly, and I’d love to have something stylish, I’m afraid the latex/wool is better than anything we can get. Any suggestions?
Debra’s Answer
I agree your latex/wool futons are better than anything you can get in a sofa in that price range.
There are many now without fire retardant, which is a good first step, but they still contain many other chemicals I wouldn’t want to breathe.
How Long Does It Take for Phthalates to Outgas?
Question from Jen
Hi Debra,
Really appreciate the work that you do.
I have a simple question that I can’t seem to find an answer to: How long generally does it take to outgas phthalates? Do products continually outgas them? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
First I want to be clear that “phthalates” is not a material, but rather a group of chemicals added primarily to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, to make the PVC more flexible and harder to break.
So technically, I think you question is, “How long does it take for phthalates to outgas out of PVC so it is no longer outgassing?”
I don’t have actual numbers for this, but here’s the thing. Phthalates are added to PVC to keep it soft. As along as it’s soft, there are phthalates in the PVC that can outgas. When the PVC finally outgassed all the phthalates, it becomes brittle and rips or breaks. So we’re talking years here, not days or months.
Yes, products that contain phthalates continually outgas them.
Erector Desk
A standing desk (a work desk where you stand instead of sit) made of wood and steel and nothing else. I wrote to them asking “What is the finish on the wood?” and this was their reply…”The top is sanded and unfinished beech wood. We’ve experimented with some finishes and polishes but decided that we really like the matte look and feel of the untreated wood and that the tops hold up very well without being sealed. Another advantage is if you ever mark or dent the wood, you can just use a little sand paper to rub it out and the sanded portion will still match the rest of the top. We also really prefer not using a finish that would compel us to tell people that our tops are not food safe. We also don’t have to expose ourselves to more VOCs than necessary while making the desk which is definitely a plus! After all, we got into the standing desk business because we have an interest in healthfulness. I took a quick look at debraslist.com so I have a feeling you may feel the same way about these things :)”
Dr Fedorenko True Organic
Organic tick and mosquito repellents that are clinically proven to prevent the transmission of Lyme disease and repels ticks and mosquitoes. It is a certified organic product made with essential oils and herbs. “Dr.Fedorenko True Organic Bug Stick is designed to protect and nourish skin to keep it looking and feeling healthy while keeping mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, horseflies, black and biting flies away. Works quickly to protect you and the whole family. Luxurious botanical butters infused with pure essential oils help to hydrate your skin. Powerful blend of pure essential oils keep biting insects away for hours. ”
Agent Nateur
Just one product—luxury organic deodorant—made from organic coconut oil, avocado, raw organic honey, and essential oils. “After purchasing and testing nearly every available natural deodorant free of aluminum, I found that none were effective…. I decided to make my own…I want to change the way the world views luxury cosmetics. If you choose to live a healthy, natural lifestyle, the application and absorption of healthy cosmetics are as critical as the ingestion of healthy food. Your skin is the largest organ of your body and since it is porous, it absorbs whatever you put on it. Your cosmetics should be equally gorgeous and healthy.”
Billy’s Infinity Greens
Superfood blend whole food supplements that are 100% organic, raw, wild-crafted, vegan-friendly and free from dairy, wheat, wheat grass, gluten, soy, peanuts and gmos. More than greens, they also have vitamin C, plant protein, meal bars, and more. “We only work with suppliers that utilize ecological, sustainable and fair trade practices. This commitment to superior ingredients and equitable business dealings is critical to the quality and effectiveness of our unique formula. You can rely on the fact that every superfood ingredient we use is produced by the very best, and is 100% organic, wild crafted, raw, and vegan.”
Lucy & Leo
Delightful organic clothing for babies and children, made in New York. “Our mission is simple: to provide your child with the finest, highest quality clothing on the market. Our garments move and breathe, are durable and very comfortable. {Our] clothing is known for its soft color palate and classic design with a modern twist. As our brand grows, we stay true to our vision of creating unique, adorable and comfortable outfits for your child in an eco-friendly fashion. We are proud to be one of the first organic and USA-made clothing brands in the children’s industry.”
New Report on Fragrance Ingredient Safety and Regulation
A few weeks ago, I published a question from a reader wanting to know about Toxins of Dawn Dish Detergent.
I answered her question by giving her a link to the ingredients of Dawn provided by Proctor & Gamble, which included a list of fragrance ingredients from the International Fragrance Association.
She commented
When clicking on the perfume link, hundreds of possible ingredients are listed, with this as part of the intro :
“Our perfumes are formulated with the greatest care and utmost attention to safety. Whenever a perfume is developed or enhanced, our safety scientists evaluate the detailed composition of the perfume to ensure that the product is safe to use. Perfumes are formulated taking into account our stringent internal safety standards for every ingredient, as well as the safety standards set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). We adhere to the IFRA Code of Practice and the IFRA Standards. For more information about IFRA go to www.ifraorg.org.”
Can this be true? I thought all perfumes (not including organic essential oils) contain toxic chemicals.
Well, it turns out that Women’s Voices For the Earth has been asking this question for almost ten years, and just recently release a report on the subject.
Here are some links to help you find everything.
Especially see the last link, which shows which chemicals on the IFRA list are known to be toxic by other organizations.
Kudos to Women’s Voices for the Earth for doing this work.
EcoWatch: Are Toxic Fragrances Making You Sick?
Women’s Voices For the Earth Report Overview
THE REPORT: Unpacking the Fragrance Industry: Policy Failures, the Trade Secret Myth and Public Health
More information on fragrance ingredients from Women’s Voices for the Earth
Fragrance Chemicals of Concern Present on the IFRA List 2015
Take a look at this if you want to see what chemicals in fragrances are considered toxic by organizations outside of the fragrance industry.
Mothproofing in Wool Carpet from New Zealand?
Question from Michael
Hi Debra,
Do you know anything about the insecticide they have to put in wool carpet in NZ? Is it toxic? Any health concerns? Here it is:
is potentially carcinogenic: Bifenthrin. Bifenthrin is a Pyrethroid compound.
Debra’s Answer
Hmmm. Some conflicting information on this.
First, here are a few links with health effects of this pesticide.
www.toxipedia.org/display/toxipedia/Bifenthrin
npic.orst.edu/factsheets/bifgen.html
pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/24d-captan/bifenthrin-ext.html
I found a comment on a post that said, “wool carpets are treated with a pesticide called bifenthrin which is added into the dye process.” If this is the case, then an undyed carpet would not have it. Also this source didn’t specify New Zealand.
But here is an industry document that describes the use of mothproofing, which says “it must be applied at dying, or later.”
Now Karastan says:
New Zealand wool is the purest, whitest wool in the world, offering excellent dyeing characteristics that create long-lasting colors.
New Zealand wool is raised with little impact on the natural landscape. It is a renewable and biodegradable fiber that is one of the world’s most environmentally friendly products.
New Zealand wool is produced on land mostly unsuitable for other agricultural purposes and does not compete with food production.
No internationally banned pesticides are used on New Zealand farms, making New Zealand’s sheep industry one of the world’s greenest animal production systems.
The Wools of New Zealand brand is your guarantee of the highest quality New Zealand wool. It is the indication that New Zealand wool is a superb natural product derived in an environmentally responsible way through sustainable land use.
I went to the Wools of New Zealand website and couldn’t find any statement about insecticides. So I can’t tell if New Zealand wool is mothproofed with a chemical pesticide or not.
Well, after all that, here is the document you want to read:
admin.woolsnz.com/uploadGallery/documents/insectresist%20.pdf
It’s the technical document for making Wools of New Zealand insect resistant. It does mention Bifenthrin and states it’s not approved for the USA.
Personally I wouldn’t get a carpet with this pesticide applied.
Safe Dishwasher Detergent?
Question from nclynn
Hi Debra,
Your books were my main teachers when i really committed to going green in the 90s. so wonderful!
i am on a thread right now where someone recommended a dishwasher detergent of borax, baking soda (1/2 cup each), 1/8 cup citric acid and 25 drops of ‘essential oil’.
Someone chimed in and said they used this and it ate up their enamelware. the rest of the thread is opinions about what was the culprit and they have ALL been named!!! lol.
The latest was a mom who has a chemist son. son said “borax will ruin your glassware (depending on the make-up) when added to hot water and can make it taste like play-doh – forever! “
I told them i had heard in the 90s (from you?) to use plain borax in the dishwasher. i used it once at a friend’s and it was fine but i’ve never had my own dishwasher.
Do you have any thoughts on that original recipe…good, bad, indifferent?
Thanks for all you do!
Debra’s Answer
I looked up my original recipe for dishwasher detergent and found mix baking soda and borax half-and-half and then put 4 tablespoons in your dishwasher. But I got that from a book somewhere and never actually used it.
I haven’t had a dishwasher since 1985.
So, readers, what are your thoughts or experience with this formula, and what do YOU use in your dishwasher?
