Silicone cookware

Question from vivian I came across your website while trying to get information about the safety of silicone cookware. I received a bright red tart pan for Christmas, and the first time I baked with it I noticed a distinctly odd odor. The nose is considered the “first line of defense” from an evolutionary standpoint, […]

• Q & A

March 26, 2007

Local Honey Helps Allergies

You may already know that raw, local honey can reduce allergies, but here’s why. Unprocessed honey, which contains bits and pieces of bee pollen and honey (and sometimes even the honey comb, as well as propolis and live enzymes) is a super immune system booster. The reason local honey is particularly effective is because the […]

• Q & A

March 22, 2007

Honey Can Help Prevent Cancer

In a study at the University of California, Davis, when research subjects were fed four or more tablespoons of buckwheat honey each day, after 29 days blood samples showed increased levels of antioxidants that help protect the body against cancer and heart disease. But you don’t need to eat this much honey and it doesn’t […]

• Q & A

water filter confusion- help!

Question from Jessica Hi Debra, Thank you for your excellent and insightful early pioneering into household greening and health questions. I have some water filter questions. I understand the basic types of filters (carbon, reverse osmosis, and distillation, or a combo) and I am looking for an excellent filter for drinking water, as well as […]

• Q & A

March 13, 2007

Blog Will Resume March 26

I’m taking a Spring Break to go speak at the Women’s Wellness Retreat in Lake George NY, sponsored by Natural Health magazine. I won’t be moderating the blog while I’m away, but you are welcome to post new questions and comments and I will review and post them when I return.

• Q & A

Insecticides in Delivery Trucks?

Question from SVE Hi Debra, I have tried to find out if companies spray their mail trucks – USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc., and I can’t get answers – no one seems to know. Do you have any suggestions about how to find out if certain companies do this? I would like to find a domestic […]

• Q & A

March 12, 2007

Mold In Bathrooms

Question from Tricia Hi, I need help getting of mold in the bathroom it is marble and I use almost everything I can think of to clean it. It is still there. I live in Honolulu and there is a lot of moisture. Can some one help me. Please Debra’s Answer I just happen to […]

• Q & A

Long-term effects of formaldehyde exposure

Question from TZ I am an artists who uses acrylic mediums in large quantity. This December I spent a particularly intense period of time using these mediums. They contain small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde. As it was the dead of winter, I did not have adequate ventilation. I immediately developed intense insomnia. The insomnia […]

• Q & A

Produce Wash

Question from Marcy I’m looking to make my own produce wash to remove the wax, residue, pesticides, etc. Can someone provide a recipe for me? I appreciate the help! Debra’s Answer I don’t generally recommend produce washes as I don’t believe they can remove waxes, pesticides, etc. Better to buy organically grown food. I just […]

• Q & A

March 9, 2007

Anolon Cookware

Question from Pam We are transitioning to a non-toxic household. My hubby has gone through and discarded all the toxic cleaners, etc from our home. I’m wondering about my cookware… it’s Anolon. What is your opinion on this type of cookware? Thanks, Pam (WI) Debra’s Answer From the descriptions I could find, it appears to […]

• Q & A

Bisphenol A in Canned Foods

Just received this warning this morning from the Organic Consumers Association… Toxic Chemical Bpa Leaching Into Canned Foods An alarming new study from the Environmental Working Group analyzed samples of canned fruit, vegetables, soda, and baby formula on sale in the nation’s supermarkets and found that more than 50% were tainted with a chemical linked […]

• Q & A

Slow Cooker with Lead Free Glaze

Question from Christine Hello- I am currently trying to find a slow cooker that is free of Lead Glaze. There seem to be a lot of slow cooker makers out there, but none of them state whether the inner pot that you put food in has lead/no lead glaze. Yes, I could use the lead […]

• Q & A

March 8, 2007

Plastic Baby Bottles

Question from Jane Sheppard Is there is a plastic baby bottle available that won’t leach pthalates or other toxic chemicals into the baby’s milk? Debra’s Answer Readers? Do you know of one?

• Q & A

Natural Sleeping Bags

Question from mindy goldis I wanted to know if any companies sell a sleeping bag that is made of natural fibers (on the inside), as the one I have is falling apart and if i purchase a new one, I want it to be non-toxic and natural. Thank You! Debra’s Answer Allergy Buyers Club sells […]

• Q & A

Vinegar as Disinfectant

Question from MISS PAM I am a licensed daycare provider who feeds the daycare children natural and organic foods as well as cleans with natural things. I belong to a child care chat and many of the other childcare providers are adamant that I do not use bleach to sanitize and feel I am not […]

• Q & A

March 7, 2007

Lead on Extension Cord

Question from mindy goldis I have recently bought an extension cord at wal-mart and there is a tag on it that says it contains lead and may cause cancer and you need to wash your hands after touching it. I tend to take a rag/cloth when I touch the cord, but I’d rather find a […]

• Q & A

March 6, 2007

Latex Disposable Surgical Gloves

Question from Jayne L. Does anyone have a good green alternative to latex disposble surgical gloves? I’m an artist and art teacher and sometimes I just have to use the disposable gloves due to health and budget reasons. (I’m not allowed to share gloves and I can’t buy each person their own set of gloves […]

• Q & A

March 5, 2007

Wheat free nut cake

Question from KJR I have tried several of your recipes and they have all been fabulous. But today I tried to make your nut cake for a friend’s birthday. It did not work at all. I’ve never made a cake without flour before, so I knew the batter would look different, but it was very […]

• Q & A

Cranberry Juice

Question from Melissa By now many are well aware of the health benefits of Cranberries. My question is, how do you make your own Cranberry juice so that you don’t have to worry about artificial sweetners, perservatives, and colors? I’d like to use a juicer, but should they be boiled first? Thanks! Debra’s Answer Actually, […]

• Q & A

Baking Soda vs Washing Soda for Laundry

Question from Lynn Evans Hi Debra, I love your books and website! (I sell your books in my office) I’ve been making my own laundry soap for years (baking soda, borax and castile soap flakes). I just ran into a site with several similar recipes but noted NOT to use regular baking soda but to […]

• Q & A

March 2, 2007