A few weeks ago I posted a comment on the question Cleaning Mildew about hydrogen peroxide. I said: Last week, a reader wrote asking, "Is there really phenol in hydrogen peroxide bought in drugstores? Ever since I read your article in Natural Home magazine about...

I come from a family where the giving and receiving of gifts was a big part of Christmas. But as I have become more aware of the environment and what is really important in life, my ideas about what makes a gift great have changed. I've put some of my thoughts in an...

Question from sandra I have new "Blue Pearl" granite counters. I am desperate to find an organic way to clean and sanitize granite because I have a parrot. Parrots can die immediately or become very ill due to exposure to fumes common in many ordinary household...

Question from DHines Do you know which bakeware, such as muffin pans and cake pans are the safest to use? Also where do you buy these pans? I previously was using non-stick but the coating starting peeling off so I threw it away. I was worried about the safety of...

Question from Susana I just got a wicker basket I'm planing to use it for potatoes and onions, and I would like to know if there is any way that it can be cleaned , to get rid of the dirt from the store and besides you know after a lot of people puting their hands on...

Question from Susana Hi I have a living room set the material is like velvet, light ivory color, when the guys from the furniture company moved my set to the inside of the house, thay stained te furniture leaving grime spots on the sofa and love seat arms. Since the...

Question from SVE Dear Debra, Just found this website with information about fabric dyes: http://terressentials.com/dplanet.html Since I'm chemically sensitive, I found it interesting to read. Could you please clarify the subject of textile dyes - petrochemical,...

Question from Denise It's cold here in Chicago and I want to buy a wool blanket for my daughter's bed. But she is so sensitive, I want to make sure it's pure. What do you recommend? Debra's Answer I recommend that you order one online from a website that is dedicated...

Question from ib I purchased a cotton sofa with foam batting wrapped in down; is this safe? If not will a cotton slip cover prevent the off gassing. I looked up afm safe choice capret lock out, but it says it's only for carpets. I emailed them to find out if this...

Question from Lynn Hi Debra, What is the difference between petroleum distillates, and petrochemicals? Is one more toxic than the other? Lynn, Michigan Debra's Answer Petrochemicals are any chemicals made from coal tar or crude oil. Petroleum distillates are...