Today I am on an airplane, flying back to San Francisco, to live there for three months. As many of you know, my husband and I have been working on moving back home to San Francisco from Florida for some months now, but the real estate market has been, well, unusual. I have some consulting work to do in San Francisco, so I thought I'd just go there and work in person, and be available to look for our next home, while my husband stays in Florida and continues to make improvements in our homes so we can sell them. If you have MCS and have remodeled your home, I'd like to talk with you. Ecological Home Ideas magazine has asked me to write an article for them on how people with MCS remodel--what are the issues, what products have been used, your successes, unexpected surprises others should watch out for. They want some real life personal experiences, so I need your stories and photos. Please send me an email if you're interested. The deadline for your submissions is March 21, but don't wait til the last minute! I also want to remind you that Amilya Antonetti's event for green entrepreneurs is coming up on March 20. Amilya, who many of you know from her Soapworks products, and friends have formed a new company called Lucky Napkin, founded to help aspiring entrepreneurs make their dreams come true. Amilya wrote to me, "We would LOVE to find people that have ideas to birth that can help the planet, make green living more easy, or help human and pet health." On March 20th they are sponsoring "Lucky Napkin Live" in Arizona, an "all-day, fully loaded agenda of 'This is how it's done!' entrepreneurial intelligence delivered by the superstars of business who have done it themselves and are ready to show you how you can too." There will be people there who are looking for your green ideas. To find out more about this event, visit http://www.luckynapkin.com/arizona. Amilya knows how to get products to market. She's been on Big Idea with Donny Deutsch six times. Maybe she can help you... Debra :-)
HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #125 ~ 11 March 2008 * GENES MAY DETERMINE TOLERANCE FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS 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) * * * * * * * * * * * * * FREE MATTRESS GIVEAWAY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Every year, White Lotus Home selects one lucky family to receive FREE natural or organic bedding ($500.00 worth of anything they make: mattresses, pillows, covers, duvets, toppers etc). This year, White Lotus Home will select one of my newsletter subscribers. One of you will be the winner! Yay! To enter, do one or both of the following: All entries must be received by midnight (eastern time) April 7, 2008.
Read more about Really Green and order... -- Sylvia Ella Hirsch * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * GENES MAY DETERMINE TOLERANCE FOR TOXIC CHEMICALS Why do some people react more strongly to exposure to chemicals than others? Research on Gulf War syndrome may have the answer. Dr. Robert Haley, chief of epidemiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, has been studying Gulf War syndrome since the 1990s. He first described condition in January 1997 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Dr. Haley and his colleagues presented evidence attributing the veterans' illness to low-level exposure to sarin gas. Later research showed that the veterans who suffered most from this expsure were born with lower levels of a protective blood enzyme called PON1 type Q. It was quite interesting to me to learn that the function of this enzyme is to break down a category of chemicals called organophosphates, which are found in some pesticides. Veterans who were in the same area and did not get sick had higher levels of this enzyme. (many references, search on "genetic predisposition to Gulf War Syndrome") My mind boggles at this. I had always thought that the body had enzymes to break down substances that it found in the natural environment, and I have often written that one of the reasons that synthetic petrochemicals are so harmful to bodies and the environment is that natural mechanisms do not exist to break them down. Yet, apparently at least one does exist, showing scientifically that there is a genetic predisposition to one's ability to tolerate toxic chemical exposures. Another study done at the University of Buffalo found that veterans with severe and chronic fatigue (as well as non-veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome) had, in comparison to a control group, an increased frequency of a nonbeneficial genetic variant in a gene involved in the production of angiotension-converting-enzyme (ACE), an enzyme important in the control of blood pressure and electrolyte balance. This indicated that the genetic variant made afflicted veterans more susceptible to triggers present in the Gulf-War environment. (University at Buffalo News Center: Genes May Determine Who Developed Gulf War Syndrome) It is possible to be tested for PON1 type Q to determine one's genetic predisposition to tolerate synthetic chemicals.
NEW NEWSLETTER--A BIT OF NATURE Last Friday I started a new newsletter called "A Bit of Nature". The purpose is to simply take a few moments each week to remind ourselves of the wonder and beauty of nature and explore how we, the human species, can act as a harmonious participant in all life. Each issue will be posted on a blog, so there can be response, if anyone is so inclined. This is really where my heart lies. It is clear to me that if we wish to live in a way that sustains the ecosystems in which we dwell, we need to understand the nature of life. And that is a quantum leap beyond our industrial/consumer world. So each week, I just want to share a bit of my own experience and understanding and viewpoint about nature and the spirit that underlies all life. And I hope you will join me. Sign up here for "A Bit of Nature" newsletter...
GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG Here are the questions and new comments posted through this yesterday. 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.
* Air Duct Cleaning Glaze/Paint safety I know we are supposed to avoid buying pans etc with lead glaze in their paint. But how do we know if there is lead in the paint without driving ourselves crazy! For example, I called sur la table and the sales-person who answered the phone said we don't use lead in our paint (she did not check with a supervisor), so is this really sufficient or should I go a step further? What confuses me is that for example, Le Creuset Dutch ovens are painted; even corning ware white collection is painted white? But you seem to recommend both those products. However, it would seem that even if le creuset does not have lead in their paint, that over the years the pain would chip nonetheless and get into our food. Safe ear plugs Can you suggest safe ear plugs? I have found ones made of polyurethane, silicone, or memory foam. There is a wax/cotton ear plug but it does not sound very comfortable. Thanks.
Natural Bus Washing Solutions I own a tour company in a small in Alaska. Our local storm drains dump directly into local waterways. We MUST clean & wash vehicles on a daily basis! I'm looking for an organic/natural alternative to using chemicals, and would appreciate any suggestions. Trying to replace plastics for outdoor drinks I am searching for non-breakable stainless steel (or?) iced tea glasses for outdoor summer living and have only found a tumbler at Stash Tea. Also see that Sur La Table has Anodized Aluminum tumblers (like in the 50's)--and I'm not sure about leaching from anodized aluminum. Can anyone tell me if these are safe to use? Hempola HempWood Wood Finishing Oil Hi Debra. What do you think of this new product? You can see it at http://www.hempola.com/products/hempwood.htm. Laptop worries Hi Debra, Basement Flooding Debra, Non-toxic alternative to silicon spray? Is there a non-toxic alternative to the silicon spray builders use that is not harmful to vinyl window frames?
Nontoxic RV? We would like to buy an RV. Do you have any recommendations for someone with mcs? We live in Northern California.
reusing chip and snack bags I know that washing plastic water bottles leads to leeching into your water but what about potato chip bags, cereal bags, etc.? Is it safe to wash these out with warm soapy water and use them again for food storage instead of throwing them into the trash? Since they are a heavier plastic I thought they could be used over and over again as sandwich bags. Some of them even have a nice zippered top. Sensitive Teeth I have very sensitive teeth and have been told to use a non-alchohol mouthwash and sensitive toothpaste. Well, all the sensitive toothpastes I can find have nitrates in them. Even just using them once a day has caused severe migraines for me. My mouth hurts though! What can I do? Any nontoxic products out there that work very well at stopping the pain and stopping more gum recession? I am sure if I were to ask the pharmacist he would recommend a prescription for toothpaste with extra fluoride. I am sure this isn't good either. Help...Thanks!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CLASSIFIED ADS to place a classified ad in this newsletter...
SOAPSTONE COOKWARE IS NATURALLY NONSTICK. Natural stone cookware is beautiful, warms food quickly over low heat, is bacteria-resistant and naturally non-stick, and is so durable it can be handed down for several generations. Food tastes better cooked in soapstone. www.greenfeet.com REUSABLE BAGS. Eliminate disposable plastic bags and bottles from your life. Bags of all shapes and sizes are made from cotton, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials. Shopping bags, tote bags, and everything you need to pack a lunch. Reusable produce bags really keep organic food fresh. Reusable aluminum drink bottles. www.ReusableBags.com FIX WHOLE, ORGANIC FOODS FAST IN A VITAMIX. Whole food vegetable and fruit juices, creamy soups, frozen treats, whole grain breads, fresh nut butters and more are yours in minutes, made from your own organic ingredients. www.vitamix.com GIVE YOUR BODY THE NATURAL SALT IT NEEDS. Revive your energy with natural living salt. Contains 84 minerals essential to human life. Hand-mined to retain original primordial vibration pattern. Delicious taste makes food "come alive". A life-giving, natural, whole food. Email info@himalayanlivingsalt.com for free sample. www.himalayanlivingsalt.com SUSTAINABILY-HARVESTED WILD SALMON and other wild fish from the pristine waters of Alaska. Flash frozen, smoked, sausage and burgers, cans and pouches, salmon caviar. www.vitalchoice.com CALL FOR A HEALTHY BED CONSULTATION. 100% wool-filled and wool-encased mattress of heirloom quality, placed on a slatted wood frame for optimal airflow. Our wool fill comes from the EcoDomestic Wool Project and Woolgatherer Carding Mill in Montague, California, home of our production company. Available in U.S. and Canada. www.shepherdsdream.com SOLUTIONS FOR FLUORIDE HAZARD! Custom made water filters. Removes fluoride, arsenic, chlorine and chloramines without taking out the good minerals that make water wholesome. Whole house systems, under the counter systems, and 100% chlorine-free pool and spa system. Medical grade alkaline water unit. Natural Plus Plus LLC 727-447-2344 www.gobeyondorganic.com E-BOOKS BY DEBRA DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CREATING A GREEN BATHROOM. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd explains all the details of her do-it-yourself remodel. Learn how to choose green building products and materials for bathroom construction, save money on materials costs, and how to install a water-tight bathroom that will last for years. A complete directory of all the green products used on the project is included. Full color photos. Order now. DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING NATURAL SUN PROTECTION. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd tells how you can enjoy the health benefits of sunshine in balance with natural methods of protection when necessary. Order now. DEBRA'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING A NATURAL BED. Instant download e-book by Debra Lynn Dadd covers the types of natural mattresses that are available, all about the materials, natural bedding, the history of natural beds. Order now.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
|  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
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ email: debra@dld123.com web: http://dld123.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
"Really Green is worthwhile for all to read. I've learned a lot, and it's a fact-filled and pleasant learning experience. I am enjoying the cradle-to-grave analogy, and the way it makes you think of the resources it takes to manufacture a product. And I loved the way you defined and explained consumerism versus being human. All shopaholics need to read your book, along with each consumer, which includes all of us. Please send me six more copies to give to my friends." 
I also am available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm eastern time to answer your questions immediately and personally with a