Dangers of Synthetic Scents and Safe Alternatives

Question from Jill Sverdlove I wanted to share an article I just wrote for Alternative Medicine magazine (April issue) about the hidden dangers of synthetic scents, safe alternatives, and the chemicals in fragrances. I’m hoping it will help educate people. The magazine is available nationwide, and also feel free to share these links: Stop Making […]

• Q & A

May 10, 2007

Synthetic Turf

Question from Shannon Rice Hi, I am a mother who desperately needs information on the safety of synthetic turf. We have a very small (150 sq.ft) patch of grass that we are considering replacing with synthetic turf for our kids to play on. I’ve done quite a bit of research but can’t seem to find […]

• Q & A

Cookware

Question from R Zamastil What cookware is it still ok to use? Aluminum is bad, cast iron is bad, teflon/nonstick is bad, and now I read in a blog on this site that stainless steel is bad. (I was planning on getting stainless)Is it only certain types of stainless? What kind do you use? Thanks. […]

• Q & A

Door & window seals, alternative to vinyl stripping?

Question from DB Does anyone have experience replacing the vinyl stripping around windows & sliding doors? If so, what did you replace it with, how expensive was the job, & how much difference did it make in your ability to live in the dwelling? Thanks so much for any info. DB, MA Debra’s Answer Readers?

• Q & A

May 9, 2007

Food-Grade Rain Barrels & alternative to Teflon Tape

Question from Fran My husband and I are looking for rainbarrels. We notice that very few of the good-looking ones are “food-grade plastic.” Two sites do (& both seem decently priced): sites for the grey-black “Urban” rain barrel (www.urbangardencenter.com) about $80 each, $100 counting shipping; and also some sold by “Midwest sales” on a few […]

• Q & A

power companies marking utilities

Question from Fran Does anyone know if cities have started using non-toxic or biodegradable paint when power companies mark underground utilities? Our yard and mulch heap got marked, so I removed every scrap of mulch, every clump of painted dirt, every red, yellow or orange blade of grass! (It took over three days! Thankfully there […]

• Q & A

Safe proximity of residence to distribution power lines & transformer

Question from mimi I live on a narrow lane where distribution power lines are very close to homes. One side of my house is located only 5 feet from such power lines (that run parallel to the back of the house); & a corner of my carport is just 5 ft from a transformer mounted […]

• Q & A

Batteries

Question from R Zamastil Our household seems to go through a staggering amount of batteries. These can only be recycled at our county’s household hazardous waste day. Can you tell me about the newer rechargable batteries? It used to be that you couldn’t use them in everything and they didn’t hold a charge for long. […]

• Q & A

Washing Soda Same as Baking Soda?

Question from Barbara Is Arm and Hammer Super Washing Soda the same as Arm and Hammmer Baking Soda just in a bigger box ? Debra’s Answer Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate and washing soda is sodium carbonate. They are very similar, but different. Sodium carbonate (also known as washing soda or soda ash) has the […]

• Q & A

May 8, 2007

Getting Pesticide Out Of Clothing

Question from Julie Vietor HI, My clothes all smell of pesticide from being stored in my condo that reeks of pesticide (recently bought it, cannot live in it, have recently had it baked out by professional bake-out contractors, still not good enough, I keep working away at it). I know soaking clothes in vinegar may […]

• Q & A

Green Bed & Breakfast

Question from Katie Gwinn I am looking for resources to advertise my new Bed and Breakfast, which I call “A Victorian Retreat”. Because I don’t service coffee, alcohol or other toxic drinks, nor allow smoking, I must create a niche for my products and services. I serve organic and natural foods, gourmet full breakfast, herbal […]

• Q & A

Urethane Foam In Upholstered Furniture

Question from Laura Sharp We recently built a new house and have killed ourselves trying to make it healthy for our 2 young daughters with all kinds of health issues. We did as much as we knew to do, including solid wood cabinets, healthy paint, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, etc. We also bought completely […]

• Q & A

Fire Retardents In Furniture

Question from Laurie Your web site and some others mention that IKEA uses pdbe free foam furniture but doesn\’t say if they use some other fire retardent. Do you know? I recently bought a chair from Crate & Barell advertising they use soy foam rather than polyurethane and would appreciate any insight you have on […]

• Q & A

Coconut water

Question from Sheri Debra, Thank you for your latest recipe for Coconut Water . For the last few months I have been making a smoothie for my daughter with young coconut water & meat (she has numerous food allergies and dysphagia which requires thick consistency drinks so she does not aspirate). I had not considered […]

• Q & A

Pet urine killing grass

Question from Susan W Any suggestions on what to apply on grass to prevent our dog’s urine killing the grass? I have yellow spots on my front yard (and he has to start using the back yard!) and I’d like to get them cleared up. Thanks, Susan Debra’s Answer Readers?

• Q & A

Green Child Daycare

Question from America Does anyone know of any green daycare for children? I’m have a non-toxic home for my child – and am not happy about the idea of putting her into an unhealthy environment – but it seems as if I have no choice. If anyone knows of a healthy, non-toxic, green-living childcare center […]

• Q & A

May 4, 2007

Memory Foam Mattress Outgassing

Question from Hilary Dear Debra, Do you have any information concerning outgassing from polyurethane, i.e. memory foam, mattresses? I’m thinking of buying a particular mattress (like the ones found at sleepwarehouse.com), but I want to make sure that I won’t be breathing in outgas fumes for the near future…any thoughts or information to share? Thank […]

• Q & A

Safe insulation?

Question from Jill Sverdlove I’m in the process of planning a safe home building project (so I can move out of my tent!) I’ve had trouble testing every insulation (even the soy foam). I do ok with the Ultra Touch, but am worried about mold issues. Do you have a personal favorite you recommend? Or […]

• Q & A

Finding Healthy Cleaning Tools

Question from Luisella Hello, I am starting a green cleaning business and would like help finding mops, gloves, brooms, buckets, rags, you name it (essentially all cleaning tools)that are kinder to the earth. I read your post on hemp rags. Any resources for the other necessary tools? Additionally, what is your list of essential cleaning […]

• Q & A

Mrs. Meyers products

Question from lynn witt Hello Debra, Mrs. Meyer’s cleaning products have been appearing in the health food stores in our area. The products smell nice. Are Mrs. Meyers products on the approved lists of safe for environmental and personal health use? Thanks, Lynn Debra’s Answer I wrote about Mrs. Meyer’s products at Q&A: Mrs. Meyer’s […]

• Q & A