Today I am flying across the country to Seattle, still on my media tour promoting my new book Really Green. Then San Francisco, then home. Next week I'll start catching up on all the new websites waiting to be added to Debra's List. There are some interesting new things coming... Debra :-)
HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #121 ~ 12 February 2008 * GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG: new Q&As / new comments on previous Q&As If the links don't work on this newsletter, you can view it online at http://www.dld123.com/newsletter/newsletterupdateback.html Health, Home & Habitat Back Issues (tables of contents) How green does a product need to be to be "green"? I would say that a green product needs to do more good than harm to health and the environment to be called "green" but...even a small green step is a step in the right direction and better than none. I'm for looking at what's right about a product first, and then see what the problems may be. In Really Green, I identify five shades of green, each of which have products that match the needs of their respective markets. By identifying which shade of green you want, you can more easily choose the products that meet your own green standards. I've developed a simple form that can help you see everything about a product "at a glance." Click here to see a sample of how you can evaluate the greenness of a product using the information in this book... Read more about Really Green and order...
GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG Here are the questions and new comments posted through last Friday. Remember, you are welcome to share your own comments and experience in response to any of these questions, and post questions of your own. To read and comment on more questions posted previously go to Green Living Q&A blog.
* Greenbags for food preservation has an inexpensive plastic-free alternative to keep foods fresh * Is Modal® a natural fiber? Is Tempur-pedic mattress material non-toxic Hello Debra removing chemicals from sheetrock We're still trying to find a solution to a conventionally built ten yr old home we bought 2 yrs ago, which I haven't yet been able to live in, since I'm chemically sensitive. Previous owners used tons of Murphy's oil soap on wood floors throughout the house. We've sanded & refinished those. Recent use of an Aranizer seems to be magnifying the smell of the soap, cat litter, laundry products, and who knows what else, and it seems to be coming from the sheetrock throughout the house, and maybe still from the wood. The Aranizer isn't powerful enough for the house, we learned after purchasing it.
how toxic are moth balls? Dear Debra- I found a used car I wanted to buy (Accord 1997) but the man who owns it put car in storage for 2 months each winter with MOTH BALLS inside the car! I have asthma and resperatory sensitivities and even though he says the smell wears out, I wonder if this trigger reactions? I've never used moth balls before. Thanks! Mara Removing perfume from new clothing Hi Debra:
Eliminating the smell of cat urine Hi Everyone...I am seeking an answer on how to eliminate the smell of cat urine. I have been feeding some strays by my house and they have repaid me by spraying my screened back door. The bottom part is made of metal. I have tried everything and though the smell isn't as strong as it was, it still lingers. I have a nose like a bloodhound and everytime I open that door, which is every day, I get a whiff of it. I am trying to be as environmentally conscious as possible. Any suggestions???
Long Underwear Debra, you commented on wanting long underwear in cotton -- presumably because it is more eco-friendly than synthetics? but you must remember that conventional cotton probably does as much ecological damage as most synthetics. I actually have some wonderful polyester long underwear (cuddleduds) which has lasted about 15 years and is very warm, doesn't cling under my clothes, and although certainly NOT made from recycled pop bottles at the time I purchased it, I can state that its longevity and durability have certainly helped minimize its carbon footprint. I wonder if anyone is producing long johns out of recycled polyester fibers? Non-toxic floor wax? Can anyone suggest a vendor for non-toxic floor wax and/or stripper?
Shaklee Basic G Could you please tell me if there are any risks to humans or the environment with the product by Shaklee called "Basic G?" Berkey water filter Does anyone own one of these or know anything about them? I am considering purchasing one. The information on their website is impressive, but I am afraid I may be missing something. It looks like it removes most impurities, without removing minerals and they even have a special filter for removing fluoride.
mcs and hospital stays I was diagnosed with mcs 6 years ago. How do others deal with hospital stays and hospital procedures. My family has a history of heart problems. I'd like to be prepared in case this situation should arise. The only doctor who is sympathetic to my needs is 2 hours away. I'm not that comfortable with the local doctor that I see.
Hormones in milk Dear Debra, acrylic plastic tumblers would you have any information on acrylic plastic dinnerware? we bought some really fun tumblers from costco but when we got them home and realized what an impulsive move we made. we don't know anything about acrylic plastic and we avoid plastics especially with food...the colors were just so fun ; ) unless they are somehow safe, and we doubt that, they are going back. Cleaning old wood furniture I just bought a second hand head board for my bed. It reeks of perfumes, which is the main trigger for my MCS. What do you recommend for cleaning such things? This is made of wood. In the past, I have left things outsided for many months to "outgas." But, I don't want to hurt the wood.
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|  The new, revised, edition of Home Safe Home is now available in bookstores nationwide. Home Safe Home tells what toxic chemicals are generally found in specific household products of all types, and safe solutions you can buy or make at home. It's different from other books on toxic chemicals because the focus really is what you can do to protect yourself and your family and create a healthy home. I bring over twenty years of research and personal real-life experience to this book. * 10 Simple, Inexpensive Things You Can Do To Reduce Household Toxics * How Toxic is Your Home? Quiz (excerpt from the book) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
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SHADES OF GREEN 
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