Question from TK

Can you please tell me a good product or a healthier solution for laundry soap and fabric softner. I like my clothes to have a lite scent to then. But with seven kids I would like to protect them for all those bas and deadly chemicals. I have just in the past few months tried turning my family and my household to GREEN.

Debra’s Answer

Usually readers here are looking for UNscented laundry products. There are many natural laundry products listed on the Cleaning page of Debra’s List.

I haven’t paid much attention to fabric softeners myself because they are unnecessary for natural fibers. You only need them for synthetics to remove static cling.

Readers, feel free to jump in and recommend your favorite green laundry products with a LIGHT, NATURAL scent.

And let me just speak for many readers who I know are wanting you to please consider unscented laundry products, out of courtesy to others who may be in your vicinity who react to scented products.

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Question from TR

Last night my daughter knocked over a lamp and broke one of those new light bulbs. I vaguely remembered something about mercury and looked it up on the Internet and know I am scared to death. Do you know anything about this? I am wondering if once it has been cleaned up, if the mercury is gone as well as the danger? I couldn’t find any information about “the after effects”.

I am also wondering if this contaminated everything in the room? It broke by my bed. Is it safe for me to sleep in there?

Here’s a fact sheet about mercury: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts46.html

Also, read the first part of this about elemental mercury: http://www.calpoison.org/public/mercury.html. It talks about symptoms immediately after exposure. I think the danger is immediate, because it dissipates fairly quickly.

Yesterday the San Francisco Chronicle had a great article about CFL’s: San Francisco Chronicle: Confusion about fluorescent lighting. It points out a lot of the problems and offers some solutions. Near the end, under “If a CFL breaks” there are more detailed instructions about clean-up procedures.

Personally, I don’t use them. I use halogens.

Debra’s Answer

Here’s what I could find.

From Environmental Defense Fund:

It seems that the mercury is in the form of vapor, which will disperse. So once it has been cleaned up, it appears to be safe. Ventilation helps. I don’t think it has contaminated everything in the room.

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Question from Wanda

I’ve tried the Stevia Plus and had a terrible metal aftertaste that lasted most of the day. I switched to Agave Juice with better results, but have the candida/yeast problem and worry that I am only feeding the yeast. Can you give me any information about Agave and yeast? Seems like every website has a different take on it. Any help would be wonderful. I am leary about trying other sweetners, but would be willing to consider another. I simply cannot give up all sweets on this diet. I’m learning to cook all over again! Thanks. Love your site. Wanda

Debra’s Answer

I understand about the stevia aftertaste.

I’m not an expert on what is allowed on a yeast diet.

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Barbara

My kids love these plastic shoes and even Wholefoods is selling them. But the more I think about Crocs the more concerned I get. My daughter wore them a lot last summer and her skin on the soles of her feet starting peeling off. Is there any hazardous connection with wearing crocks, or cheaper similar products? Debra? Readers?

Debra’s Answer

I went to the crocs website at www.crocs.com and found that there was no information on the material the shoes are made from, except to say that it is a “closed-cell resin.” I called their Customer Service and was told the material was “propriatary.”

I’m going to assume it is some kind of plastic made from crude oil, since if it was something else, they would probably say so.

Sorry I can’t tell you what type of plastic this is, but in general, plastic is nonrenewable, not biodegradable, and often toxic.

The fact that the skin on your daughter’s feet is peeling would indicate to me not to wear them.

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Question from Michelle Hirsekorn

I’m very sensitive to new clothing and have had success using milk to remove chemicals, however, it seems that second hand stores that sell clothing have become dedicated to spraying Febreeze all over them. It has proven very challenging to remove. I have used milk, mustard, soda, borax, vinegar and multiple washings in Biokleen to no avail. Any ideas before I give up altogether?

Debra’s Answer

Hanging clothes outside in sunshine is the best, most natural way.  Readers have also suggested using vinegar and baking soda.

[This post was re-created from an archive after being lost.]

Question from Joy

Hi Debra,

I recently bought a set of 3 cast iron skillets that had a “Made in China” sticker on them.

After washing and using them a few times,the black finish started coming off on the towel I dried them with. The inside of the pans started to look brown where the finish had come off.

Does this sound normal for cast iron? I have an old cast iron skillet that I picked up in a thrift store that is not doing this. Do you think it is safe to use the newer skillets?

What with the problems of items coming from China lately, I am afraid to use them.

Thanks for your help.

Debra’s Answer

I’ve had some cast iron skillets and I’ve never had any black finish come off on the towel. In fact, there shouldn’t be a finish at all, only the cast iron. Who knows what they might have added in China. This doesn’t sound right to me. The brown is probably rust, which does happen to cast iron if you don’t season it. Be sure to follow the directions for seasoning the pan before you use it (coat with oil, bake in the oven, etc). Your pans should have some instructions for this. If not, search the web for “season cast iron pan”.

See comment from Debra below for the explanation of this black coating.

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Question from Deborah

Melting snows and the resulting streams and waterfalls have turned my daily fresh air and exercise program into a project of “How to get from here to there without soaking my feet”, very important in the just-above-freezing temperatures. Most waterproof boots seem to be made from highly out-gassing materials. Gore tex uppers are okay after they’ve been aired out for a few weeks, but the waterprrof soles make my eyes burn and hamper my breathing. I always keep my shoes and boots outside on the dry porch as I know that the bottoms have picked up oils from asphalt and car engines. (Ever see the beautiful colors in parking-lot puddles? Free oil paintings without having to stand in line or pay admission to a museum!) I realize rubber makes good soles, but the what it’s made out of is crucial. Any ideas?

Thank you

Deborah from New England

Debra’s Answer

I understand. I have a pair of hiking boots that are years old that keep my feet nice and dry. But I’m not sure where to direct you for new ones.

Readers, any suggestions?

Debra 🙂

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Question from jacinta

Hi Debra, I’m struggling with finding information on offgassing of polyester insulation batts. I read one site “ecospecifier’ saying of one brand ‘tontine’ that the offgassing is low – do you agree with this? or even if you don’t know about insulation batts just with polyester in general.

this is a great site and I am so pleased to find it.

thanks

Jacinta

Debra’s Answer

Some years ago, I read that NASA measured the offgassing of various synthetic materials because they were having problems with film buildup on the inside of windows on spacecraft (like the film that builds up on the inside of car windows). I wrote about this in some of my earlier books, but don’t see it in Home Safe Home. I’m not at home where I have all my past books, but one of you reading this has an old copy of The Nontoxic Home, I think it’s in there and maybe you’ll write in with the info.

Anyway, if I remember correctly, polyester outgassed the most of all the synthetic materials they tested. As far as I know, polyester is polyester, and it doesn’t matter what the brand is.

Also in the past I’ve written about a study done by John Ott, which showed that polyester can cause impotence in men. Again, I don’t have the exact reference here with me at the moment.

Regardless of the offgassing, polyester is made from nonrenewable crude oil, and doesn’t biodegrade. You’re in Australia. I believe they sell wool wall insulation there.

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Question from Kelly O

Hello. I know much has been made about chlorine and formaldehyde in paper products such as paper towels. I have seen recommendations for purchasing the brands that are made from recycled materials and chlorine free, but are these ALSO formaldehyde free? I can not find products that say “formadehyde free” on the packaging. Please advise.

Debra’s Answer

Mmmmm. Good question. My understanding is that formaldehyde is used in paper products to improve wet strength. That would probably still be the case in recycled paper products.

I suggest you call the manufacturer of several brands of recycled paper towels and ask them and report back.

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Question from KSM

Hi

I have been using pine to make some things but my wood working friends have suggested that I use plywood instead. They say the plywood is stronger and easier to cut. I am very eco conscious and when I voice my concerns about using plywood one of my frind’s reply is – “Well you are not going to eat off of it, what’s the big deal?” Please share with me any info that you have about safe plywood. Thanks!!!!

Debra’s Answer

Take a look at Q&A: Plywood resins. This should answer your question.

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Question from Laura

I need to repair my boots and shoes and am looking for a low toxic glue so I can still wear the shoes without getting sick. Someone else can repair them and I can probably put them somewhere to outgas for a while.The soles are typical synthetic rubber and the uppers of the boots are sheepskin(UGH) and of the shoes wool felt (Haflinger).

I”s very difficult for me to find footwear that fits and I don’t react to so this is important. There’s no cobbler in the area and the fumes in cobbler shops are usually quite strong.

I appreciate your help.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Dana

Hello,

I’m looking for an office chair. Any suggestions for a non-toxic or less toxic one? I specifically need a chair in which the height can be adjusted. Thanks!

First, I can’t wait for your new book! I’ve already purchased it. I search your site before buying everything now…I wish I had discovered your site sooner.

I am looking for a non-toxic, affordable office chair. Pottery Barn has some wooden chairs, and “Herman Miller” chairs.

I browsed the Herman Miller website, and it seems his products are Greenguard certified. The cheaper “caper” chair is made of “Flexnet” which I assume to be a plastic, but not sure. Have you heard of Herman Miller?

If something is Greenguard certified, is it most likely the best choice? What would you recommend? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

In the past I have used various “old-fashioned” wood office chairs that I bought at used office supply stores. These old styles are now available in modern reproductions, and also I’ve seen adjustable office chairs at unfinished furniture stores (just one example is at www.unfinishedfurnitureexpo.com/deskchairs.html). Search on “wood office chair” or “unfinished wood office chair”. I then made my own pillow from natural materials for the seat.

I then started spending so many hours at my desk that I needed a chair with more padding. I currently have a wood frame padded office chair I bought at Home Depot (they no longer sell this particular model). It has a synthetic cover and padding on a wood frame. The plan was to rip off all the synthetic material and have it reupholstered with natural materials, but that hasn’t happened yet. I do have a piece of cotton upholstery fabric thrown over it so I’m not sitting right on the synthetic fabric.

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Betsy

I spilled a little commercial glass cleaner on my beige carpet about the size of a nickel. I tried a 10-1 solution of vinegar to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

This should dissipate and dry on it’s own.

The bigger question is, why are you using commercial glass cleaner in the first place. Just use half and half vinegar and water to clean your windows.

Debra 🙂

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Question from Dana

My 3-year-old toaster oven has recently died on me. Any suggestions for a good quality toaster oven or toaster that will last? From the research I’ve done, it seems that toasters these days are pretty much disposable. Any suggestions for a sturdy model so I can reduce waste in this respect? Also, what can I do with the old one?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t shopped for a toaster or toaster oven in a while, and I don’t own either one (gave up toast a while back), but from my experience shopping for other things…

You can get something cheap and flimsy or you can pay more and get something that is better built and will last. I’ve seen good quality cooking appliances at places such as Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, and Sur La Table.

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Eva

What do you know about the new frozen vegetables that come in a bag that you can microwave to steam? Is this safe?

Debra’s Answer

Heat releases plasticizers, so I wouldn’t cook any food in any type of plastic bag exposed to heat.

The best way to eat vegetables is raw, or steamed using a bamboo or metal steamer basket, or stir-fried, or in soup (where you eat the cooking water). But raw is best.

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Question from Gary White

Everything that I read says do NOT use softened water (salt) for watering orchids. I realize that I could spend money and change the whole system. However, my question is: Can I draw a large container of water and add a common household liquid, such as vinegar or anything else, that would make it safe to use on orchids?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Karen

Hello Debra,

I would like to ask your readers what their experience has been in attempting to remove cigarette smoke residue from a home, so a person with MCS can live in it. My key questions are as follows:

Can it really be done successfully, so individuals with moderate to severe MCS can live in the home with no negative affects? If yes, how?

What products are effective and non-toxic (or at least will not continue to be toxic for more than a short period of time after application)?

This Ohio home was smoked in from 1977 through 2005 and unoccupied for the last year. Even after a few years of no smoking the nicotine/tar stains are visible on the walls and ceilings.

I realize this is certainly a less-than-ideal home for most people to consider, particularly those with MCS. However, there are special circumstances that warrant investigating what is possible and potentially trying to remediate it. Of course, the funds to do so are limited and must be taken into account.

Debra’s Answer

Readers, I don’t have actual experience removing smoke residues such as this from a house. Has anyone done this successfully, or do you know of anyone who has?

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Question from Kathy Paris

Hello Debra,

Love your site and your book!!

Can bisphenol A (BPA) be rinsed off of canned beans, olives, fruits, tuna and other items where the juice can be discarded?

Please continue the wonderful work and for those of you who can help her financially to keep this site going, please send her a few dollars. We don’t want to lose this extremely valuable treasure (the website and Debra) and she is doing it mostly for no pay. So write to her and ask for her address so you can send a check.

Thank you, Kathy Paris

Debra’s Answer

Well, to answer your question, no, you couldn’t rinse bisphenol A off of foods because it would be absorbed by the foods. But remember bisphenol A is only in polycarbonate plastic and I’ve never seen any of these foods packaged in polycarbonate.

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Question from KMA

I’m considering purchasing FLOR modular carpeting for my son’s play area. I’ve been very impressed with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, but I just realized that the carpet tiles’ backing is made out of a composite vinyl called Glas-Bac. It’s nice that the backing uses recycled materials, but I’ve been concerned about purchasing vinyl products for my home for health reasons. Does anyone have any experience with FLOR? Any sensitivities? Any information about how much this product might off-gas? I have some samples of the tiles, and they seem to have very little odor (unlike normal carpeting), but I know a larger area of this floor covering might be a different story.

Debra’s Answer

You are correct to question the toxicity of a recycled plastic product, and how the low toxicity of sample might multiply over a large area,

I have no personal experience with FLOR tiles, but I can tell you this. There are other vinyl “composite” products that I do have experience with and the “composite” part greatly reduces the toxicity. I have a hard vinyl composite floor in my office and it has no odor and never has. (I needed to put down something cheap at the time.) So it may be fine.

Let’s see what others have to say…

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Question from Laurie

Are there any safe bottled water products on the market? Is the only answer (besides the reusable products you suggest)–glass bottled water? Do you have a preference in brands if you were to purchase one? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

The best bottled water I know of is Mountain Valley Spring Water, which can be delivered to your home (almost anywhere in America) in glass bottles.

There is a website called Fine Waters, which reviews and discusses the bottled waters of the world, but this is for “bottled water connoisseurs and their accompanying lifestyle”. You can learn a lot about water, and particularly bottled water, from this site, but these bottled waters are more expensive than you would probably want for everyday use.

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Question from Mary

Dear Debra,

I’m considering Marmoleum Click flooring for my kitchen and am researching its toxicity. I first saw it at a green building supply who said it was nontoxie. Then I found the ingredients listed on the manufacturer’s MSDS:

“Composition/Information on ingredients

Composition: Linoleum floor covering laminated to HDF board on a backing of granulated cork sheet

Ingredients:

Linoleum: Linoleum based on a binder composed of linseed oil and (natural) rosin, mixed with woodflour and limestones pressed on a jute backing.

Debra’s Answer

[Sigh] I wish that companies making good nontoxic products would not take them and combine them with toxic materials.

Marmoleum sheets and tiles are nontoxic and made from renewable ingredients (see readers’ comments at Q&A: Marmoleum Flooring). I personally have never installed it, but have seen many samples and installations. It looks great and little or no odor (what little odor there may be would only be from the natural materials themselves).

I’d say go with the real Marmoleum and forget about their click floors.

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There was a story in the news on March 10, saying that tap water contains pharmaceuticals pollution.

The original story from Environmental Working Group said,

“A wide range of pharmaceuticals that include antibiotics, sex hormones, and drugs used to treat epilepsy and depression, contaminate drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, according to a 5-month investigation by the Associated Press National Investigation Team.”

These are “low-level mixtures of pharmaceuticals.”

“Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range.”

“Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range.”

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Question from gvs

Can you recommend a hardwood floor cleaner that doesn’t contain alcohol or citrus?

My husband brought home a Scotch Brite hardwood floor cleaner that claims to be “gentle a vinegar and water yet more effective?” Ingredient is chlorallyl methanamine chloride w/skin and eye warnings. Are you familiar w/it? I did try it, reminds me of Pledge in the 60’s-70’s.

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Kcall

Hello, I am chemically sensitive and am trying to reduce the amount of chemicals in my home environment. I was wondering if you knew what type of plastic is used in DVDVideo cases and whether it offgases alot or not.
Many Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

The “keep case”–which is made of a soft, usually dark gray, black or white plastic–is made of polypropylene with a transparent polyethylene outer jacket to hold a printed paper label.

The standard rigid clear plastic “jewel case” is made of polystyrene.

Neither of these outgas horribly, but if you have a lot of cases and you are chemically sensitive, it might be enough to cause symptoms for you.

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Question from Kristen

Hi Debra,

Indulging chocolates and chocolate ice creams while watching movies has become our stress-free Saturday evening routine. However, since I read your article stating that 68% of chocolate contain lead, we were not able to carry out our routine. I looked into your food list and found organic chocolates, but they are expensive and delivery time is lengthy. Can you help me find lead-free cholocates I can purchase at the local supermarkets?

Kristen

Debra’s Answer

Lead in chocolate is primarily found in chocolates that contain pesticides and Dutch-process cocoa. So as long as you choose an organic chocolate, and avoid products containing Dutch-process cocoa, you should be fine.

Generally organic chocolate is not sold in supermarkets (but things are changing all the time, I recently saw organic chocolate bars at Walgreen’s!). You can find a good assortment of organic chocolate bars at your local natural food stores and Trader Joe’s also has organic chocolate bars, if you have that store in your area.

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Question from Ellen

I read in one of your books and have read elsewhere that it is important to switch from gas appliances to electric appliances if you are concerned about improving health. My daughter has many food and environmental sensitivities and I am trying to make decisions about what to clean up in the house so that she has a good environment for maximal healing. I suspect that she is probably MCS. I saw in on your page about cookware that you seem to have a gas stove in the photos. That got me curious. Is there any way to make it safe to cook with a gas stove by increasing ventilation? Or is this not worth the gamble?

Debra’s Answer

Combustion by-products from gas heat and appliances are toxic, and the best recommendation for avoiding these by-products is to not use gas appliances.

However, I am a very good cook and I extremely dislike electric stoves. Yes, I do use a gas stove in my house (though no other gas appliances).

Complete instructions for reducing exposure to combustion by-products from a gas stove are in my book Home Safe Home on page 68.

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Question from JIm

I am an engineer so I end up being pretty facts oriented. I have read enough literature that I am concerned about chlorine in my shower and drinking water.

However, as I think about that, I wonder about swimming pools and swimnmers? I swam through high school and into college and only ended up with blond hair and no acne. But I swam a lot – does anyone have any information about studies or research on Olympic swimmers and their health? I should think that literally hours of exposure to swimming pool chlorinated water daily for 20+ years should have serious health consequences? For example, how are Mark Spitz and Gary Hall doing, health-wise?

Debra’s Answer

Interesting question. I have no such data, but that would be a good study. Anyone have any info on this?

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Question from LB

I’m going to be replacing a kitchen sink faucet, and noticed that many on the market today have a pull out sprayer. This is convenient, but I notice that the spray hose is made from nylon. I am concerned that there may be chemicals that leach out into the water from such a hose. We would be using it for both hot and cold water and drink from our faucet as we have excellent well water ( but a bit on the acid side)

Any advice would be appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

Nylon is a plastic, but it outgasses very little. I’m not concerned about sink spray hoses contaminating water that is rushing through them with only a fraction of a second contact time.

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Question from Melissa

I’ve been making homemade bread recently and have been using a Pyrex loaf pan. It works great, but I’m looking for a larger pan. I recently read on here something about coated ceramic being bad, is that right (I may have my facts mixed up)? I’ve found a few commercial stainless steel pans and a few enamel/ceramic pans, but I’m not sure which to choose!

Debra’s Answer

Let me suggest clay pans, as they are wonderful for baking. Romertopf is one of the best brands of clay cookware.

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Question from Michelle

My husband and I have been taking 15 drops of grapefruit seed extract diluted in juice or water for several years now as an immune system booster. In fact, when we’ve been ill, the amount we’ve ingested has been much higher.

Now, in my research to find non-toxic cosmetics, I found a study that grapefruit seed extract contains toxic chemicals, including benzothonium chloride and parabens. I’ve also read studies that it is not safe to ingest grapefruit seed extract. But, I’ve found no information on the adverse side effects/disease that may be caused by such ingestion. Do you have any information on the bodily harm we may have done by such frequent use of grapefruit seed extract, or natural remedies we can use to detoxify our systems and remove any harmful, residual chemicals?

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

The two chemicals you mention are both common preservatives, and are not extremely toxic, relatively speaking. I’m much less concerned about your ingesting these than pesticides, for example.

I haven’t done a lot of research on grapefruit seed extract, or used it myself. Grapefruit seed extract is derived from the seeds, pulp, and white membranes of grapefruit. Some natural products use it as a preservative. Recently, studies have identified synthetic preservatives in some commercial grapefruit seed extracts. Laboratory tests found the natural extracts that did not contain the synthetic preservatives to had little or no natural antimicrobial attributes of their own.

The confusing part of this is we don’t know if companies using grapefruit seed extract as an ingredient in another product are using grapefruit seed extract with or without preservatives, or if the companies using this as an ingredient even knew the chemicals were in the grapefruit seed extract.

If you are using grapefruit seed extract, or a product that contains it as an ingredient, I think it’s worth checking with the company on this.

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Question from R.S.

Hi Debra,

I try to avoid pre-packaged convenience foods to the best of my ability, but, like most people I have a very busy life and so I can’t make everything from scratch myself. I have two questions about convenience foods I frequently use. Are the bagged lettuces and pre washed vegetables (such as broccoli) safe? I do not mean in regards to salmonella, as much as the method in which they wash the produce, etc? While I realize cleaning a head of lettuce of broccoli does not take a lot of time- things add up, so I love using these products.

Second, I try to limit all the “health” food products with soy in them, mostly because and I don’t like the estrogenic like effect soy has and I have read that the soy used in processed goods is not high quality. However, I have noticed that almost all products (even health food brand products) now use soy lecithin as an emulsifier even in an otherwise soy free product (ex: graham crackers, bread, granola bars) Does soy lecithin also contain the estrogen type effect? Do you recommend avoiding it? Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

The problems with prewashed vegetables in plastic bags could be:

1) pesticides on the vegetables

2) pollutants in the water they were washed in

3) plastic residues from the bag

The ideal would be organic produce, not in a plastic bag, washed in filtered or spring water.

In the overall scheme of things, these contaminants in packaged prewashed vegetables are relatively minor, but can add up over time and increase overall load.

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Question from cl

Debra,

This past year has brought with it an increase in the number of instances of flooding in our basement. We have a typical unfinished basement, and while the flooding used to occur only after unusually heavy rainstorms, we are now noticing small leaks occuring during moderate rainstorms as well. The leaks are in the crack between the wall and the floor. We are planning on building up the soil around our house in the spring to help the water drain away from the foundation, but would like to fix the leaks as well. The problem is beginning to drive me crazy as I’m getting tired of trying to keep the basement dry. I want to fix the leaks in the least toxic way possible (strong fumes give me migraines) but don’t know where to begin. Any ideas?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I would start with AFM Enterprises. I’m pretty sure they have a less toxic waterproofing sealant.

Question from Deborah Barnett

Hi Debra. What do you think of this new product? You can see it at .

Debra’s Answer

It looks fine to me. It’s just 100% hemp oil.

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Question from Donna

Can you suggest safe ear plugs? I have found ones made of polyurethane, silicone, or memory foam. There is a wax/cotton ear plug but it does not sound very comfortable. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from J. Gonzalez

I own a tour company in a small in Alaska. Our local storm drains dump directly into local waterways. We MUST clean & wash vehicles on a daily basis! I’m looking for an organic/natural alternative to using chemicals, and would appreciate any suggestions.

Debra’s Answer

You can actually use any plant-based soap or biodegradable dishwashing detergent to wash cars. No need for special car wash solution. BTW, Clean House, Clean Planet has a whole section on DIY car cleaning formulas.

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Question from J.F.

I know we are supposed to avoid buying pans etc with lead glaze in their paint. But how do we know if there is lead in the paint without driving ourselves crazy! For example, I called sur la table and the sales-person who answered the phone said we don’t use lead in our paint (she did not check with a supervisor), so is this really sufficient or should I go a step further? What confuses me is that for example, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are painted; even corning ware white collection is painted white? But you seem to recommend both those products. However, it would seem that even if le creuset does not have lead in their paint, that over the years the pain would chip nonetheless and get into our food.

Lastly, when I go to Target or Bed Bath and Beyond, for example, they always have cute, fun designed cereal bowls or mugs. Would you suggest just avoiding these products because they could be made with lead? Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

At this point in time, I don’t trust what salespeople say. I’ve run into too many who really don’t know the facts.

I just want to comment first on what you said. You said, “I know we are supposed to avoid buying pans etc with lead glaze in their paint.” That’s confusing right there.

There is lead in paint and lead in glaze, and those are two very different things. Lead is no longer sold in paint, but there may be old lead paint on walls in older buildings. There may still be lead in glaze on pottery items sold today.

So for you to ask the woman at Sur La Table “is there lead in the paint?”…the paint of what? You should be asking her specifically is there lead in the glaze of a specific item.

There is no “paint” on Le Creuset of the type that used to contain lead. Le Creuset has a baked-on enamel finish. Corningware is not painted white. The white is a pigment within the glass. It is not applied on top.

Lead in glaze has been an issue for many years. Still, one cannot assume that anything glazed is 100% free from lead–it may meet a federal or California standard which allows a very small amount of lead. Since there is no safe level for lead, and this is well known, to me no anything that comes in contact with food should be allowed to have any amount of lead in it.

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Question from Mary Ann

I am searching for non-breakable stainless steel (or?) iced tea glasses for outdoor summer living and have only found a tumbler at Stash Tea. Also see that Sur La Table has Anodized Aluminum tumblers (like in the 50’s)–and I’m not sure about leaching from anodized aluminum. Can anyone tell me if these are safe to use?

Debra’s Answer

Anodized aluminum does not leach. Target carries those aluminum tumblers too, but don’t know if they are anodized.

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Question from Stephanie Mills

We would like to buy an RV. Do you have any recommendations for someone with mcs? We live in Northern California.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Any advice?

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Question from Johanna

I have very sensitive teeth and have been told to use a non-alchohol mouthwash and sensitive toothpaste. Well, all the sensitive toothpastes I can find have nitrates in them. Even just using them once a day has caused severe migraines for me. My mouth hurts though! What can I do? Any nontoxic products out there that work very well at stopping the pain and stopping more gum recession? I am sure if I were to ask the pharmacist he would recommend a prescription for toothpaste with extra fluoride. I am sure this isn’t good either. Help…Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Any recommendations?

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Question from Christy

It’s all well and good to say that these products will change your environment , but what about the expense? We are a family of 6 on a very tight budget and buying reusable grocery bags, energy saving light bulbs and natural cleaners are just not in that budget! I understand that the start up to change your life is off set by what you will save in the long run, however still do not have the money for “start up”

What I have done is start to make my own using essential oils , vinegars, peroxide, herbs and many other items. I am always looking for recipes like the four thieves wash and I expected that your site would contain more of this type of info. Please consider that there are many like me who want to make these changes but only can in an affordable way.

Thanks

Christy

Debra’s Answer

I do consider affordability all the time. And there are some books on the Cleaning page of Debra’s Bookstore that have a lot of do-it-yourself recipes. I just posted a question about a very affordable laundry detergent sold at Costco. Recently I saw at Home Depot energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs–6 bulbs for $7. Reusable bags cost a few dollars. I actually SAVE money living green. (I make most of my cleaners, too.)

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Question from DB

We are looking for a safe finish on a wood chair for our 1 year old. We are looking at a few European imports, such as the Svan and the Stokke. Actually, we ordered an unfinished restaurant high chair, but it has been on back order for months. (It is coming from China and may not really be the best choice. We want to cancel the order.) We decided to put our two older children on regular chairs elevated by the “Kaboost”. This won’t work for the little one. She needs a safety belt. Currently, she is sitting on our lap;-) So, any thoughts would be appreciated.

Also, we purchased an unfinished table from Ikea. We polish it with beeswax and walnut oil. Should we be concerned about the kids eating off this surface? Sometimes I wonder what type of glue adheres the boards together. It never seemed to outgas any odor.

I find your site very informative and interesting. I have really enjoyed the articles. Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Readers? What are your recommendations? Not having children of my own, I have no experience with this.

I’m not concerned about your children eating off the table from Ikea. Not all glues are harmful. If you don’t smell anything, it’s likely there are little or no VOCs.

Good for you with the walnut oil and beeswax finish!

Debra 🙂

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Question from Nancy

I have tried many brands of stevia in order to find one I both liked and that I did not react to. I also tried using the ground herb (the green powder) which doesn’t really dissolve well at all. Finally I found Sweet Leaf brand; I use their Stevia Concentrate. It has no flavorings,etc only water added; it has no after taste. I find since it’s a concentrate it goes further if I dilute it with water. As I don’t bake with it I can’t comment on this. I use it just for my coffee sweetener.

Debra’s Answer

What a great idea to dilute stevia! Why didn’t I think of that! That would make it so much easier to measure.

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Question from suzanne mikula

Hello Debra and readers!

I have a question about some Woodchip and Seagrass baskets which I was considering buying. The person selling them purchased them from World Market, but there is no information on the basket’s tags or on their website about the materials used to make the basket.

The person selling these baskets has the lightest (almost white) colored ones and said they don’t look stained, but bleached if anything. I called World Market, but since they don’t have the light colored basket in stock, they can’t tell me about it’s materials. I tried to do some research on Woodchip material online, but couldn’t find much. Any advice? I love baskets but I’m wondering how one goes about telling which kinds are non-toxic and which aren’t. I know one way to tell is by smelling them; but is that always a reliable way to tell whether something is toxic or not? In the case of these baskets, I cannot smell them, unless I buy them, and if smell may not a reliable method, what is? Even if wood looks unstained or isn’t painted, could it be chemically processed in some way? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Suzanne

Debra’s Answer

To the best of my knowledge, the thin strips of wood used to make baskets are not toxic, and neither is seagrass. Might they be treated with something? Yes. Are they? We have no way of knowing because nobody has the information.

If they were treated with a toxic wood preservative, it is likely you would smell it.

I myself have at least a dozen baskets in my house and have lived with baskets for many many years. I tend to stick with the natural color baskets, or those that look like they have natural vegetable dyes, as painted baskets DO often have toxic fumes.

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Question from Tamara

I’m in a trial period of giving up refined sugars, but I’m also including any sweetener that is digested quickly (right now my okay list includes agave and brown rice syrup, though mostly I’m just avoiding sweeteners as much as possible). I assumed that fruit spreads, even those without added sugar of any kind, would be off limits because of fruit pectin. To me it seems fruit pectin would have a high glycemic index because of the way it is processed, and so isn’t very healthy. Thoughts?

While I’m here, any thoughts on the best sweetener for someone who wants a “whole food” sweetener that is also easy on the body and environment? Maybe agave or barley malt syrup?

Thanks for your response!

Tamara

Debra’s Answer

You bring up some interesting points that I actually hadn’t thought about. I hadn’t considered how processed fruit pectin might be (it sounds so natural, like “fructose”) but in fact, it is an isolated substance that is very processed, and mostly standardized with sugar (I’m assuming that’s refined white sugar). This is the problem with food labeling. Labels are only required to state the final ingredients used in the food product, and not the ingredients that are contains in the ingredients. So here, someone thinking a fruit spread is all fruit (because it is labeled as such), is actually buying a product that contains at least a bit of sugar.

So if this is the case, the pectin one would use to make one’s own fruit spreads would be that same pectin.

I think one needs to consider how much of a substance one needs to ingest before it becomes harmful, and that would be different for each person’s body.

Fruit spreads bring up another issue as well, and that is the concentration of the fruit sugar.

If one wishes to be “natural,” natural would be an apple, for example. An organic apple–whole and fresh in the state it is in on the tree. As soon as you cook it, it’s no longer in it’s natural state, and the sugars are concentrated. If you separate the juice from the fiber, again less natural and more concentrated. And then you cook that down, and it’s even more concentrated. But it is thought to be natural because it originally was an apple. But concentrated apple juice doesn’t exist in nature. Our bodies are designed for fresh organic apples.

When I started this website, I was looking for sweeteners that were a step away from refined and artificial sweeteners. Now, more recently, I’m wanting to eat whole, sweet foods.

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Question from Laurie

Help! I want not just great tasting food using my beautiful pots and pans–but one that I can trust for our continued well-being.I have some wonderful pots and pots. By wonderful I mean, they are truly chef-quality. My question is are they safe?

What specific questions should I ask the manufacturer to get this question answered?

Most of my collection is 18/10 stainless steel, some with the heavy bottom, some light weight with added copper.

Though beyond the above, I have a greater concern for the ones in these fine name-brands–but are also non-stick with what I believe a life-time or 75 year guarantee.The coating doesn’t seem to budge. They are from tv like Cooks Essentials, Ultrex, Wolfgang, Emmerilware..and some that are cast iron with a finish that doesn’t stick. The performance is great. How is the safety?

Debra’s Answer

First, about the stainless, it’s not a matter of asking the manufacturer…you can test it yourself with magnets (see Q&A: Magnetically-attractive stainless steel cookware). But even if it passes the magnet test, if you have been using metal utensils or scouring your pans with steel wool, you’ve ruptured the steel and opened the way for the metals to leach into the food.

About the nonstick finish. It’s not a matter of the finish peeling or chipping, but what may be offgassing from it. Most nonstick finishes are made from the same group of chemicals, unless it is a completely different technology, like Thermolon. If I were researching this, I would contact each manufacturer, and ask them the name of the nonstick finish used and find out anything you can about it. Then you can look up those finishes on the internet and find out about the chemicals used to make them. But from my experience looking at the nonstick finishes, most are more or less the same.

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Question from Ralph Jones

I am currently involved in a non toxic construction project and was wondering if you could give me some information on galvanised metal. Ive heard metal is a good material to use for the chemicaly sensitive in general especially stainless steel. But are galvanised metals still safe? I cant seem to find any information on the process and was wondering whether by making the metal weather proof it was made toxic in some way? Is galvised steel toxic? Or potentially harmful to the chemicaly sensitive?

Thank you so much for your time.

Debra’s Answer

Galvanizing is the process of coating iron or steel with a thin layer of zinc to prevent the metal from rusting. There are two methods: “hot-dipped”, which consists of passing the continuous length of metal through a molten bath, followed by an air stream “wipe” that controls the thickness of the zinc finish; and “electro-galvanizing”, which fuses the zinc to the metal electrolytically.

I don’t see anything toxic about this.

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Question from Calicokitty

Thank you so much for this site! It is a wonderful resource.

My question is: have you looked at Yacon syrup as a sweetener? I’ve seen it touted as a “pro-biotic”, but most of the information I’ve found is from sites that sell it, so I’m looking for an unbiased source of information.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

I really don’t know any more than you do about it, except I have a bottle.

It is a syrup from the root of the yacon, a plant native to Peru. It’s sugar is an ogliosaccharide, so it doesn’t spike blood sugar. The one I have is both organic and raw.

I’ve had this bottle on my shelf for over a year, and it hasn’t inspired me to use it. It has a consistancy like honey or agave, but it is less sweet and has more of a strong flavor. So any dish containing it would necessarily have to have the flavor to get enough sweetness.

Agave is great because it doesn’t add any flavor of it’s own. You could only use yacon with foods that had compatible flavors.

It’s not an unpleasant flavor…it’s similar to dates. But for me, ogliofructose from chicory root (Sweet Perfection) is much more versatile as an all-purpose sweetener.

I have no reason to believe that yacon is harmful to health in any way, so I have no objections to using it. It’s just, for me, it’s use is limited and I am not so in love with the flavor that I would use it in a recipe for taste.

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Question from Kavita Shourie

Hi Debra,

I use this anti-allergen detergent regularly and I wanted to find out if it you thought it is safe to use on my clothes. I have 2 cats and an allergy and asthma to mold, dust mites and many pollens it is advertised as being safe and low sudsing. This website has a pdf of the ingredients. Allersearch website

I am pregnant now and use as many green products as possible and wanted to make sure this is a product you would okay for use.

Thanks for you help.

Sincerely,

Kavita Shourie

Debra’s Answer

This website has the MSDS, but does not list the ingredients. Instead it says that it contains no hazardous ingredients that are required to be listed.

I’d say it’s fine, based on this information.

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Question from Deborah Barnett

What kind of boxes beside plastic that would be safe for storage items such as clothes etc? I would like to have the kind that atleast has a lid on it to protect from bugs etc if I store in basement.

What would you suggest Debra?

Thanks Debra.

-Deborah Barnett,

Mount Carmel, TN.

Debra’s Answer

Last year I was faced with this very question as I started packing things to move across the country (haven’t moved yet, and these boxes are still in a storage locker).

My concern was how do I pack my things to keep them safe, clean, and dry, but also protect them from any exposures to toxic chemicals they may be exposed to along the way.

I used two types of containers.

One is plastic “big bags”. These are like the little ziplock sandwich bags, but the size of a garbage bag, and have handles. I have used plastic garbage bags in the past, but they are not very durable. They are difficult to keep closed and often rip. These “big bags” are made of a much thicker plastic and designed to be reused and reused, and last for storage. They have no more odor than a sandwich bag as they are made out of the same polyethylene plastic (one of the safer plastics). Two brands I have found are Ziploc Big Bags and Hefty OneZip Big Bags. They come in several sizes. Both were on the shelf at my local Target store. I’ve tried both and infinitely prefer the Hefties. They are a little larger and have a zipper lock instead of the type you have to squeeze together to close, so closing is quick and fast. They are also about 20% larger and cost about 10% less than the Ziplocs. I used these for soft items, like clothing and bedding. Some have been in these bags for six months now, and are completely in the same condition as when I put them in the bags.

For things that need to be stored in boxes, like all my books, we got moving boxes, taped them up, and wrapped each box in plastic food wrap. We got a big roll of food wrap 24″ wide at a local food service store. I also am using some storage-type boxes with lids to pock up project materials that need to stay organized and be accessable at the other end. When I wrap these with the plastic, it keeps lid and box together and keeps the box in good shape for future storage. The first box we wrapped didn’t work well at all. The wrap wouldn’t stay on the box. Then my friend Joyce suggested that we get a roll of Scotch Stretch Wrap (which we easily found at our local Target store). It’s about 6″ wide and on a roll in a hand dispenser. She wrapped it once around the box, then the food wrap had something to stick to. And then once around the box at the end. This produced and nice tight wrap. And for large awkward items that needed protection but didn’t need a box, like my wooden tabletop dictionary stand, she put it in a clear plastic trash bag, then wrapped the stretch wrap around it.

Yes, this is a lot of plastic, but that’s what keeps things dry. We have a lot of humidity here and organic materials like fabrics and paper mold. Moving and storage can expose things to a wide variety of unknowns. Nature designs materials to break down and biodegrade, so when we want to preserve something, these manmade materials are the only way…

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Question from Girliegirl

Hi Debra,

First i just have to tell you that I LOVE this website, it is so helpful and interesting. I refer to it almost everyday. So thank you so much for creating it!

Ok back to business, I was wondering if you’ve ever tried Steviva Brand stevia blend made with stevia extract and erythritol as a bulk sweetener. I’ve heard good things about it from friends who have used it as a cup for cup substitute for sugar. Any thoughts on this product? Do you think its safe to use?

Thanks so much!

Debra’s Answer

The ingredients are OK, but I don’t think you can substitute it cup for cup for sugar. Check the label. Usually stevia products have an equivalency, like one teaspoon for a cup of sugar.

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Question from Barbara Kyle

This year, Americans will buy 30 million new digital TVs.

So what happens to the old TVs we don’t want any more? They shouldn’t go in the trash, since they are filled with toxic chemicals (like lead) that don’t belong in the landfill. Many consumers will try to do the responsible thing, and recycle them.

But have you ever wondered what happens when you “recycle” your old TV?

Chances are your old TV will end on up the other side of the world in a huge dumpsite in Africa or Asia. Once there, workers in primitive backyard recycling operations strip out any useful metals and other components and then set the pile on fire to make room for more waste on the next barge. You can’t imagine the scene as black smoke full of dangerous chemicals fills the sky and pollutes the water supply.

See for yourself by watching this shocking video: URL

TVs are often the center of American households — but on the other side of the world, they’re creating an environmental and health crisis that can’t be ignored any longer. And the problem is only getting worse. Soon, an FCC-mandated transition to digital TV signal will make millions more TVs obsolete, and Americans will begin discarding them in record numbers.

Debra’s Answer

This website also has a directory of places across the country where you can recycle your television.

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Question from Kcall

I have just removed as many toxic elements as i can from my bedroom due to my mcs, and unfortunately its looking rather bare. I was wondering how long it on it takes printed materials like posters and pictures to offgas fully (i imagine its the same principle for other printed materials like magazines). I have some lovely art posters that i would be sad to live without, they are a couple of years old now, would they be safe for someone with mcs? Many Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

All you need to do is frame them under glass and that should be sufficient to block the fumes.

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Question from Lindsey

Hi Debra,

I have a few related plastic questions/frustrations! But first I want to say your blog is a blessing and I cannot thank you enough! All the pyrex and glass containers I am able to find have plastic lids. From what I have learned on your site, this would be bad because I would continually be rewashing those lids. Any suggestions? I know there are canning jars, but the pyex square long shape works better for a lot of products.

Lastly, in an effort to get rid of plastic, I am at a lost for what to freeze things in. I use to use freezer bags beucase it saved so much space. Since pyrex isn’t good to freeze in is corningware the next best thing? I know corningware has a glaze type finish which you also warn against. Plus the lids I have for corningware are plastic as well.

What confuses me is that I read that not all tuperware containers are the plastics to avoid. Does that mean if it is not #3 or 7, Tupperware is safe to use as long as its not old? I am scared to eat of plastic utensils, drink out of water bottles, but I am just not sure if that is plastic is fine for one time use and I only have to fear it when used multiple times. Sorry for the long list of questions- life would be much simpler if our gov’t had more stringent standards!

Debra’s Answer

First, remember there are many types of plastics, and not all have the same toxicity. See Q&A: The Toxicity of Plastic for a refresher on which are less toxic and OK to use. But in the long run, it’s best to phase out plastics made from petrochemicals because they are made from nonrenewable ingredients that do not biodegrade.

As for the lids on pyrex containers, I don’t know what plastic they are made from. I’m guessing it is polyethylene or one of the safer plastics. You could call them and find out. The rewashing of polyethylene is fine. It is the washing of polycarbonate that releases more Bisphenol-A.

Also, I think it makes environmental sense to use a product once it’s made, rather than discard it to a landfill without getting some kind of benefit from all the resources that went into its manufacture. So if it’s not toxic, I’d say use it.

Freezer bags is another similar thing. Since the plastic of freezer bags is not toxic, putting more food into a freezer that’s already running makes more efficient use of the energy that’s already being used to run the freezer.

Corningware does not, to my knowledge have the type of glaze that I warn against (which contains lead and is usually a bright color imported from another country). I personally use Corningware all the time.

If the Tupperware or any other plastic product is a 1,2,4 or 5 plastic, it is OK.

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Question from Marti

LOVE THE WEBSITE!! I am so excited to start trying your recipes. But I am curious – why is molasses missing from your lists of sweeteners? I was surprised to see that it wasn’t on your list of “okay” sweeteners since it often is recommended, but even more surprised to see that you don’t list it as one to avoid, either.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Well, here’s the thing about molasses.

Molasses is the stuff that’s leftover after they refine cane sugar. If you look at evaporated cane juice, it’s brown and full of nutrients. When it’s refined and granulated you end up with a pile of “pure” white sugar and molasses, which is everything else.

Molasses is actually considered by some to be a dietary supplements because of the nutrients it contains (nutrients in blackstrap molasses).

Since all the sucrose has been crystallized out, it’s not very sweet and it also has a strong flavor. So, though it is sold with the sugar in the supermarket, I don’t really consider it to be a sweetener. You couldn’t, for example, use it as the sole sweeteners in cookies or cake. To me, it’s more a flavoring for baked beans or gingerbread.

That’s why it’s not on the list.

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Question from S.S.H

My husband chews a pack of gum every day that contains aspartame. I was wondering if there is any type of safe gum or breathe freshner that dosent contain such scary ingredients?

Debra’s Answer

Check at your local natural food store. They have many brands of gum with safer sweeteners.

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Question from sissy

As an african American female it is very hard to find natural products that suit our hair type. Do you have any recommendations of hair products?

I am trying to stay away from hair relaxers and want to grow my hair natural. What is an alternative for relaxers?

Debra’s Answer

I found a website called nappturality.com that says it is a “resource for the style and beauty of Natural Black Hair…the place to find photographs, Black natural hair journals, websites, forums, information and links about the care, maintenance and politics of natural hair. Natural napptural hair.” You have to sign up as a member (free) to get into the site, so I didn’t check it out, but you may find what you are looking for there.

You also might take a look at Carol’s Daughter. Their tag line is “beauty by nature” and the product descriptions give a lot of natural and even organic ingredients that the product contains, but there is no full ingredient list, so I can’t tell you if the products contain any unnatural ingredients. Therer’s also African Wonders, which is similarly uninformative about their ingredients on their website.

There are also a number of books on the subject at amazon.com. Textured Tresses is one of them, other will come up under “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought”.

I have no personal experience with this, so this is the best I can do. Could you respond and let us know if any of these give you what you need?

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from John Cochell

This is the way to go everyone get rid of your Analon, Teflon, Circulon and all other on’s.

Check it out. Google Green Pan With Thermalon

John jrcochell@sbcglobal.net

Debra’s Answer

I did check it out. I went to http://www.thermolon.com, and they didn’t have any information on what the coating is made from, so I emailed the company.

They emailed me CompositionofThermolon.pdf, which states that the composition of Thermolon is a trade secret, but it “is based on silica, which of course originates from sand.” This is basically glass. Other raw materials in the coating are oxygen and carbon. During the process of making Thermolon, the carbon is eliminated. So it’s basically some type of glass.

I’ve not examined a pan with this coating, but from the description, it seems fine to me.

It is sold on many websites. Not hard to find.

The company also wrote to me: “Thermolon has been thoroughly tested by independent Labs in the US, UK and Germany – it has even been tested by the Swiss government. All have certified it to be completely safe, with no toxins or anything harmful to man or beast.”

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Question from CC

Hello,

I am a long time fan of your books and greatly appreciate the blog.

We recently obtained a short haired dog from a rescue organization. She is probably about 1 1/2 to 2 years old. It is my understanding that when she was recued from a shelter in March, that she had no skin/coat issues. This evidently began to develop in late summer and she was diagnosed with Demodetic Mange, which is not contagious….being an overgrowth of the skin mites, usually due to stress or other health issues….rather like I would think of a yeast infection for us. We adopted her around Christmas, and she was still being treated with a good degree of success. They were doing an alternate method of Ivermectin and Mitiban dip. Our vet has continued the treatment with Ivermectin but not the toxic dip. However, Ivermectin, which is a heartworm/parasite type treatment, is not something I care to give long term.

We have her on a premium dog food, and I am adding some cooked chicken and rice and carrots, to help try to build her up. Do you have any natural, non-toxic suggestions for skin ointments or dips or other supplements that might help? Our vet has suggested fish oil, which I am about to purchase.

Thank you very much for any assistance.

CC

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with dogs.

Readers? Any suggestions?

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Question from joyce newkirk

I am considering installing a jacuzzi tub to ease my back problems, but wonder about soaking in hot water in a new plastic tub. Does the plastic outgas, especially when filled with hot water? I also wonder if they are prone to mold and/or bacterial build-up in the jets?

Joyce, NC

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know what type of plastic is used, however, I do know that hot water tends to release plastic, whether it is in a plastic cup, plastic food storage container, or a jacuzzi.

As to it remaining free of mold and bacteria, I’m assuming you are talking about a jacuzzi spa where you would leave the water in it, and not a jacuzzi bathtub that you would fill and empty with each use.

For the spa, you would need to maintain it as you would any spa, for bacteria will collect and mold will grow.

There are less toxic methods of controlling the water in spas without chlorine. You might want to look into those.

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Question from L.M.

Debra,

After hearing about how bad aluminum is, I switched from using aluminum foil to parchment paper. However, from your site I am now learning that the reynolds white/bleached parchment paper is no better, although I am not clear as to why. Is it for environmental reasons or health reasons? I also use the national brand paper towels and toilette that are white, and therefore, I will assume are bleached as well. I tried to search on your website and found information about chlorine and fluoridation in relation to these products. But I am still confused as to why these things are bad, I actually thought fluoride was good for your teeth. I am just learning to cook and trying to be as healthy as possible in the process, but it’s confusing/overwhelming!

Is there something I should look for other than unbleached. That is, I don’t want to find out I bought unbleached, but the unbleached product contains a worse chemical in it too(I can’t afford to spend money on the name brand health brands right now, so I will probably go with the store brand name ie Trader Joe’s brand). Thanks so much, I have learned a lot through your website and now understand the saying “ignorance is bliss” 🙂

Debra’s Answer

The problem with bleached products is that the chlorine bleaching process interacts with the paper to form dioxin, which is one of the most toxic substances in the world. This has been known for many years, which is why we now have unbleached paper products, and paper products bleached with substances other than chlorine (you might see the notation on a product that it was bleached with a chlorine-free process).

So the answer is that you want to stay away from bleached paper products primarily for health reasons, as it does leach into food, although it isn’t good to put dioxin in the environment either.

Any brand of unbleached parchment paper is fine.

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Question from Laura

Debra, I have eliminated foil and saran wrap from my kitchen, however, I have been unable to find a good replacement for those products. What do you recommend for example when baking a chicken or roasting vegetables in the oven to cover baking dishes with when no longer using foil? The foil kept everything so moist. I feel like a heavy corning ware lid wouldn’t keep things as moist.

Similarly, what do you recommend wrapping things in instead of saran wrap. I have thought of wax paper, but to hold that together I would need to use tape and am worried tape has some other chemical in it that is not better. Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

In my kitchen I do use foil (made from recycled aluminum), and unbleached parchment paper.

I don’t use foil to cook food on or wrap food, but I will occasionally place a sheet loosely over food that needs a cover but still needs some air circulation (like when I make roasted beets–yum!)

If I need to wrap something, like a sandwich, I wrap it in unbleached parchment paper. There are ways to wrap things that hold together pretty well. Before there were plastic sandwich bags, we used to wrap sandwiches like this (no, I’m not THAT old…we’ve only had sandwich bags since 1957):

I rarely wrap sandwiches, but this is how I wrap anything.

I’m more inclined to use resuable containers than wrap, or wrap something in a clean cotton towel. But I’m not packing lunches.

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Question from Mike

There has been a lot written lately about plastic water containers and their affect on the endocrine/hormonal system.

I have been unable to find a water filter that does not contain plastic. Does such a product exist or is the plastic that houses filtration substances safe and free of any harmful chemicals, at least ones that might leach into the water being filtered?

thanks,

mike

Debra’s Answer

The Berkey Water Filter we have been discussing elsewhere on this blog has a model with a stainless steel housing.

I just typed “stainless steel water filter” into my favorite search engine and got a whole list of filters with stainless steel housings.

Is the plastic harmful? It’s generally thought that there isn’t much leaching from the plastic and if there is, it is removed by the carbon in the filter. I don’t know which plastic is used for water filters. But it’s not the same as say, water sitting in a plastic bottle for an extended period of time on a shelf in a store and maybe out in the sun on a truck or in front of the store for sale. Water goes through filters pretty quickly.

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Question from R.M.

Hi Debra,

I was bored today, and, remembering the recipe I saw for sugared nuts on your Web site, decided to cook. The recipe is yummy. I used pecan halves and organic brown sugar (evaporated cane juice).

I added a step, though. I lightly toasted the nuts (until they were slightly fragrant) in a dry skillet before preparing the sugar butter mixture. I was then able to put the sugar and butter right into the hot skillet (after removing the nuts, which I added back later).

Very yummy, thoughthe result was a little more buttery than expected.

I look forward to experimenting more with this technique, and trying the Quick Sweet and Salty Nut recipe.

Thanks for being such a “green” and culinary inspiration.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from TZ

I recently purchased a Wein Personal Air purifier because of my chemical sensitivity, my smell balance is way off. While I am working on getting this back in line, I find that walking into a room with any odor to be distressing. I have started using this personal air purifier. It is an ionic purifier. The booklet says that it gives off less than .028 ppm ozone output. Does anyone know about the safety of this device?

Debra’s Answer

I have no experience with this product, but I would like to point out that the Wein website says:

Note that it says the device “can substantially reduce the inhalation of toxic particles such as smoke, dust, pollens, molds, many allergens, fungi, germs and the most dangerous particles…” None of these are chemical vapors.

If what you are wanting to do is protect yourself from the toxic chemicals you are reacting to, this won’t do it.

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Question from JG

What would you recommend for a green garbage bag? Could you try to demystify the different materials used in the biodegradable ones?

Judi – Vermont

Debra’s Answer

There are two kinds of “biodegradable plastic” bags.

One is made from polyolefin or polyethylene (a petrochemical plastic made from nonrenewable crude oil), which has been modified with an additive that accelerates the breakdown of the plastic into fragments of “organic carbon” that can be processed by microorganisms in an ecosystem. The problem with plastic is not that it doesn’t break down, but that it can take 1000 years to do so. The additive causes the modified plastic to degrade in predictable and controllable timeframes. Landfill trials for showed that one brand lost more than 95% of its molecular weight in less than 10 months.

The other type of plastic is a bioplastic made from renewable resources such as corn, potatoes or wheat. These generally degrade at least 90% within 180 days or less when composting conditions (including heat, moisture, and aeration) are present. Such bioplastics include Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Polylactic acid (PLA).

There are pros and cons to each.

The petrochemical plastic with additive is cheaper to produce and look, act and perform just like their non-degradable counterparts. But they are made using fossil fuels (which contribute to global warming through the release of carbon dioxide).

Bioplastics have poor strength–when used to store vegetables or filled with wet leaves and set out for trash pickup, they can begin to biodegrade and fall apart. So these are great for bringing produce home, but not for storage. They also may become defective from conditions during shipping and sitting on the shelf.

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Question from Laura

Hello-

I’ve recently begun to have some bugs in my kitchen. Instead of using a Terminax type company, I wonder if there are any green friendly services to exterminate these bugs.

Much thanks in advance!

-Laura

Debra’s Answer

I’m not aware of any national chains. But I do know that some areas have independent pest control companies that use less toxic methods. We even have one here in Clearwater, Florida.

Ask around at your local natural food store, local nurseries, or in a local guide to green businesses.

Also, just look at the ads in the Yellow Pages. I have seen alternative pest control services advertised there.

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Question from MJ

We’ve been looking all over the web all evening trying to find any kind of review of Persil laundry detergents and their ingredients without luck. We’re looking for the best detergent to use with a new Miele front-loading washer, while also minimizing impacts on our own health and on the environment.

To their credit, the manufacturers of Persil list their ingredients on the package. Looking for an MSDS sheet for the detergents has been difficult, and researching the listed ingredients leads to some bewildering yet interesting chemical notations. Here is what is listed on the package:

If anyone can comment on the natural and non-toxic attributes of Persil laundry detergents, we would be very much obliged.

Debra’s Answer

The problem is that there is little information on the sources of these ingredients, being renewable from plants or nonrenewable fossil fuels. Also no information on biodegradability. Zeolite is a natural mineral, enzymes are natural, fragrance looks to be artificial.

Check Debra’s List: Cleaning: Laundry for recommended brands.

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Question from Chiq

I have been looking very carefully into alternative household cleaning products and wanted to know if anyone has any feedback on the book Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan. For example, do the ideas/products work effectively, is it really cost effective, etc. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.