Super Search
This is a powerful custom search engine that will allow you to search my entire site, or just a specific section.
Page 283 of 295
Cleaning All-Clad Stainless Steel Pans
Question from Barbara I have been using SOS pads and Bar Keepers Friend for cleaning my pans. I want to use the safe and ecological way to clean my pans. Have I opened the door to the leaching of metals into my food by using SOS pads ? Is it bad to use Bar Keepers […]
May 1, 2007
Safe Materials for Garden Boxes?
Question from Gary Hello! We’re planning to start an organic garden using raised boxes (the “Square Foot Gardening” method), and we’re unsure what the best material would be. There seems to be some question about the safety of cedar around food, and most wood available untreated, such as pine, would be susceptible to unhealthy mold […]
Prevent outgassing of a foam back wedge
Question from Julia I must have a back wedge for my bed that will allow me to sit up straight for eating and recline a bit as well. I can only find them in foam. I need a 12″ one. I hate using foam but I need something sturdy, that will not loose its firmness, […]
Food Grade Stabilizers
Question from martina Hello, Can anyone tell me the names of some food grade non toxic stabilizers. I want to use them in my all natural cleaning products. Thanks so kindly Martina Debra’s Answer Readers, I don’t even know what this is, so you’ll have to help out with this one!
Shower Filter for Tankless Water Heater
Question from Mary Anne Hi Debra – I hope you can help me. Our ancient water heater was on its last legs, and rather than waiting for it to die we researched and bought a tankless model. Way less enery usage, no water storage, etc – it is a more environmentally sensitive product. Plus we […]
What is Butyl Lactate?
Question from Brad Carroll Hi. I use a “natural” herbicide called Matran EC. The main active ingredient is clove oil, while the inerts are wintergreen oil, butyl lactate, and lecithin. I like this product, but I do have a question. While I think 3 out 4 known natural substances is good, the butyl lactate is […]
April 26, 2007
Carpet outgassing
Question from TZ How long does a carpet outgas? I have had mine for over 2 years and am wondering if I need to use a product like AFM Carpet Seal. Debra’s Answer Well, that’s a good question. The Carpet and Rug Institute says, “New carpet’s emission level will drop significantly within the first 24 […]
April 20, 2007
Is sodium meta bisulphite safe?
Question from Nancy Unable to find any information on what this ingredient is. Or whether it is safe? Also does it contain gluten? It is in the canned coconut milk I use and it is the only canned coconut I have found that does not contain guar gum. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks. nancy […]
April 18, 2007
Nontoxic products for washing and waxing cars
Question from Lea Hello, I was wondering if there are any good nontoxic products available for washing and waxing my car. Thanks in advance for your help! Debra’s Answer Well, we take our cars to be washed at a self-service car wash. We use whatever comes out of the high-pressure wand and I haven’t noticed […]
April 16, 2007
Neutralizing a toxic apartment
Question from Stephanie Hi. I just moved to a new apartment in a new city. Since I’ve gotten here I’ve had debilitating headaches everyday. Before we moved in, the landlords cleaned the apartment, including the carpeting (1/2 the apartment is carpeted) with strong chemicals and deoderizers. Though the smell has mostly gone away, I suspect […]
Response to Costco Lamb
Question from Lisa Hello! I just wanted to write in response to the post regarding Costco’s lamb. I called Costco and asked about the beef and other meat. I was told they follow regular FDA rules (which signals a red flag to me) and their suppliers do use antibiotics, etc. unless specifically specified on the […]
April 12, 2007
Benefits of Having “No Shoes” Policy
Question from Mark Please tell me the environmental health benefits (if any) of having a “no shoes” policy in the house. Debra’s Answer When we walk around out in the world, we step into all kinds of things: bacteria, pesticdes, asphalt, etc. If we walk across a lawn, for example, it is likely to have […]
Cleaning Clogged Drains
Question from Ellie Gioumousis I remember reading a suggestion to use a mix of baking soda, borax and vinegar to clear slow running drains. I also recall reading that borax is toxic and not to use it. Could yu comment on this please? Thank you Debra’s Answer The formula to clear clogged drains is baking […]
April 10, 2007
Stinky NEW Wool Rug – what gives?
Question from Lisa J. Hi Debra, Recently found your site and thought I’d solicit your advice. I purchased an all wool rug from Company C in December, 2006. After the first 6 weeks or so, I noticed a strong “weird” odor coming from the rug. I thought it was just the new wool rug smell. […]
Vinegar in laundry
Question from Darci Franklin Ii was wondering if I can use vinegar in my laundry instead of bleach to disinfect. If so, how do I go about this? Debra’s Answer Yes! An article on the Reader’s Digest website RD Living says, “A single cup of vinegar will kill off any bacteria that may be present […]
April 9, 2007
Pain Free
Question from CVD Dear Debra, About 5 years ago I my feet were in such pain, I could hardly walk. One day I was to go shopping in the mall with my daughters, and I had to tell them to go ahead and I would sit in the book store and look at books. I […]
April 3, 2007
Looking for help with a few recipes for natural products you make at home
Question from DEBORAH HOLDEN I wonder if anyone could tell me where I can buy pure Castile soap powder? I’m trying to make laundry soap to give as gifts to friends but I can only find liquid and my recipe calls for powder. Also, I’m looking for a recipe for dishwasher powder, deodorant and toothpaste […]
Healthy Breathing Success
Question from Carina I was so happy to hear you talk about Dr. Buteyko in your March 20 newsletter. I wanted to let you know that my son used this technique for his asthma and was cured. He’s a teenager and like all teenagers he’s inconsistent, therefore, his asthma returned since he never worked this […]
April 2, 2007
How do I remove smoke odor from fabric?
Question from Frank My wife is an hygienist and she sometimes has patients that smoke which is transferred to her clothing and than to our home. Is there any product that you know of that can alleviate the smoke smell? Debra’s Answer Use baking soda. Sprinkle it on the fabric (clothing or upholstery) and let […]
Dangers of Burning Wood in Fireplace
Question from Nancy Thank you for your website. I have learned so much from your web pages, including how to make the best Magic Disappearing Chocolate Fudge! Eighteen years ago my next door neighbor burned his shake roof in his fireplace. It’s wood, so that’s perfectly legal in California. He made so many people very […]
Page 283 of 295
