OK! I'm back this week with 100+ questions and comments on my Green Living Q&A blog. Lots of interesting info, so without further ado...

Debra :-)

HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #135 ~ 20 May 2008

* GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG: new Q&As / new comments on previous Q&As
* CLASSIFIED ADS

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)
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"Your book is our bible!"

This is the most frequent comment I receive about my book Home Safe Home. And I heard it just again the other day. I was walking down the street here in San Francisco and happened to walk by an eye-catching store selling green goods. I walked in and there was Home Safe Home on the shelf. I walked over to the woman behind the counter and asked if she would like me to autograph my books. "Who are you?" she asked. "Debra Lynn Dadd," I replied. "Debra Lynn Dadd! Oh my God! Your book is our bible around here. When I started to work here, the owner gave me a copy first thing and said, 'Read this!'" I signed the books. The clerk working with her bought a copy on the spot and asked me to sign it to him. This is THE book. If you don't have your copy yet, order one today.

Read more about Home Safe Home and order...
Read about Really Green and order...
Order both books and save $4.00 on shipping

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GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG

Here are the questions and new comments posted through 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.

I also am available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm eastern time to answer your questions immediately and personally with a paid telephone consultation.

NEW COMMENTS ON PAST QUESTIONS:

* Dust mites has lots of suggestions for control

* nontoxic baby cribs has the details of one mother's search for a crib

* Green Fund Raising has a great new entry with lots of products for fundraising

* Eyeglass lens material has info on plastics used to make contact lenses

* Is silicone cookware safe?
* How To Repel Ants So They Don't Come Back
* Toxic Plastic Water Bottles
* Is Modal® a natural fiber?
* Safe Dinnerware
* Natural and Synthetic Latex Pillows
* Earth-Friendly Hand Sanitizer
* Mold Problems With Front-Loading Clothes Washers
* Melaleuca
* Safe Cookware
* AFM wood floor finishes
* Good alternatives for freezer bags?
* Slow Cooker with Lead Free Glaze
* looking for plastic-free coffee maker and rice cooker
* Flooring: Least Expensive and Least Toxic
* Shower Filter for Tankless Water Heater
* Washing Soda Same as Baking Soda?
* Magnetically-attractive stainless steel cookware
* sewing machine oil
* Glycerin
* Odour of wool pillows and mattress
* PVC Plumbing
* ceiling fans and dehumidifiers
* Dove soap not fragrance free
* Drywall danger?
* Burt's Bees products
* Iron Skillets
* Raw eggs?
* Waterproof, non-toxic shower curtains
* Safe dishware for kids
* help! we have ringworm!
* Smelly Blackout Blinds
* Tagless clothing
* Thermolon nonstick cookware
* Removing Perc from previously dry cleaned clothes
* Stainless Steel Canteens
* ethnic hair
* Plastic in dvd cases
* toasters & toaster ovens
* polyester insulation batts
* Gas heat
* Low Water pH
* Natural Acne Treatment?
* Food Dehydrators
* plastic packaging
* Bon Ami
* Sanitizing cultured marble
* House Cleaning and Bacteria
* Cast Iron Skillets made in China
* Organic food colors?
* safe water kettle?
* sealing in vinyl flooring
* Non-plastic and Green Lunch Supply Alternatives
* Low EMF Stovetop
* Debra's Cookware: -- Cast Iron and Porcelain
* Dust mites
* Elevators and EMFs
* Allergic to vinegar?

Replace plastic and paper bags with?

Question

What should we replace plastic and paper bags with for our doggie walks outdoors and our home indoor garbage cans?

Read the answer...

Biodegradable Disposable Picnic Ware

I wanted to check to see if you're familiar with any plastic-ware, plastic glasses and paper/plastic plates, napkins & table cloths that are now on the market and are environmentally friendly products. We'll be celebrating my daughter's graduation and are looking for something that we can hopefully purchase at Target or Walmart for her party. It is casual (picnic in local park), so no glassware is allowed. I've already checked with Target and Walmart to no avail. Any ideas?

Read the answer...

Air Conditioner Alternatives

Thanks so much for your website. You and your readers always have so many good ideas!

I live in the desert southwest and am designing my own strawbale house. The temps here sometimes rise above 115 and I need ideas to minimize cooling costs. My goal is to go completely off the grid, but AC is a major issue here.

I would like to know of anyone's experiences with geothermal heating and cooling. Or any other air conditioner alternatives. I've done basic research but need to know how it works in real life, not just in the books. Thanks for your help!

Sherri in Pinal Co., AZ

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Varnish removal

Our landlady had the raised deck and fence of our townhouse powerwashed and sealed. Now the windows and siding are speckled with sealant, and the grass and plants are completely sprayed with sealant. We have a child and we would like this problem to be fixed without further use of toxic chemicals, otherwise we will be extremely reluctant to use the yard and deck. Any suggestions would be welcome!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Exercise is healthful. Some exercise wear is not!

Hello!

I'd really value your input on a subject that is an increasing concern to me. One of my favorite sources for exercise wear has recently begun to feature yoga pants and other workout clothing with an "antimicrobial finish" to the fabric. Actually, the descriptions even sound as though this is a feature that is woven into the fabric.

I do not know what kinds of chemicals this process would involve butI certainly do not want to be wearing chemicals when we're all concerned enough with avoiding breathing them and ingesting them!

What exactly are these finishes? It seems to me that just laundering workout clothes would be enough to avoid the necessity for using them in the first place.

Also, I plan to search for the name of the CEO of this company and write to them, telling them I would continue to use their exercise wear IF they dropped the chemical finishing!

Thanks, and thank you for your outstanding newsletter!

Read the answer...

Bees in the Attic: Non-toxic Solutions?

Hi,
I just discovered that in the midst of our home improvements, some bees have found a home through some holes in the walls into our attic. I see them flying in and out of the holes. (Yikes!) I'm assuming they have a hive forming in our attic.

What can we do to remove and inhibit them, in a non-toxic manner that will not be problematic for my MCS? I did a search, but couldn't find anything specific regarding bees.

Additionally, I live in Southern CA, so if anybody knows a good integritous non-toxic pest company, I would also appreciate a referral.

Thank you very kindly.

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Lime Deposits in Washing Machine Tub

Hello,

I have a Whirpool Cabrio he top loading washer. We've had it about a year and a half and I have been using Charlie's Soap exclusively. Unfortunately, I have significant lime build up in the tub of the washer.

(I've been having a horrible problem with my clothes smelling like 'paint' or something.. after they are washed and dried repeatedly. I'm hoping getting rid of the lime might be the answer? One can only hope.

Anyways, I went to the Whirpool site, and they suggest AFFRESH to keep the washers clean. I'm not sure if this addresses and would solve the lime issue specifically, but that is their recommendation for cleaning the washer.

I'm looking to clean the tub in a non-toxic, non-chemical manner. Does anybody have a non-toxic suggestion for cleaning out the lime deposits in my washer? I was going to try vinegar, (2 cups with a regular load) but was afraid of issues with the stainless steel drum and corrosion? I'm not sure if bleach would solve the problem or get the corroded lime off the tub walls, either.

Additionally, does anybody happen to know if this AFFRESH is an okay option and non-toxic?

Your input would be greatly greatly appreciated! Thank you very much!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

fragrance, chemical and botanical-free shampoo

I am chemically sensitive and have a few botanical allergies, and I have not been able to find a shampoo that I can use without side effects. Has anyone found a plain shampoo without fragrance, without the laureth and lauryl sulfate, and without such herbal additives as chamomile, patchouli, lavender, or marigold? Thanks.
-Christina

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

toxicity of airport turned into neighborhood

Hi again!

We are getting ready to move and are very strongly considering a neighborhood in denver called stapleton. This was formerly the denver airport. I have some concerns over whether this location could be a potential toxic nightmare! I have asked the people running it and they assure me that they have been extemely careful in cleaning it up and making sure no chemicals are left behind. But of course they would say that! How do I know for sure?? I have checked the scorecard website but unfortunately it pretty much encompasses all of denver county, which is a big place so it is really hard to tell whether stapleton is of the same level, better, or worse. The neighborhood has been named one of the top 10 greenest neighborhoods in america but I think that has more to do with being enviromentally conscious. While of course I support that, it is just as important to me to live in a safe, nontoxic environment.

Do you have any knowledge of airports turned neighborhoods, or similar things, or can you please point me in a direction to dig deeper?

Thanks!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

how to make a brand new home that isn't green healthier

Hi,

After reading your great book and using it to completely detoxify our current home, we now have found ourselves in a position where we will have to move. :(

We have found a home deal that is really too good to pass up financially, whereby we would purchase a brand new built home. Unfortunately the most this company can offer as to nontoxicity is low VOC paint inside. I know about "baking the house" before moving in, but you have typically suggested this with a green home.

Are there additional steps or suggestions for a home that isn't green built? We will request all hardwoods throughout and I know they don't use an adhesive to put them down. I also know they use the blown in cellulose insulation. And I know we will paint it with a zero VOC paint weeks before we move in and before we bake it. But unfortunatley there are some obvious downsides we can't get away from.

First are the vinyl windows with no option of wood or aluminum upgrades (nor would we be able to do this on our own until waaay down the road.) Second, they use some sort of PEX piping for the water which is supposed to be a softer type plastic. They claim less leaching than copper but I feel worried. We can't afford to replace all the piping but my husband suggsted mybe we could at least replace the pipes that carry the drinking water with copper for now.

And I am sure there are a multitude of other toxics associated with new home building. So I would truly value your input, are we crazy for going brand new?? Help! What can we do to make it better?

thanks!!!

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Organic Chicken Broth

After using Pacific Organic Chicken Broth I started to have a reaction to the broth. Included in the ingredients are Natural Flavors, which the company described in response to my e mail, as Plant Extracts. Due to "proprietary reasons" they would not explain what ingredients they are. Instead they asked me to give a list of things I am sensitive to and they would check if it was in the broth.

Is there an easier way to find out all the ingredients? It may be something new that I am not aware of that has caused a problem.

Their website lists all things that are NOT in the broth but does not disclose what IS in it.

Here is the website.

www.pacificfoods.com/products-broths.php

Thank you.

Read the answer...

air filters

Dear Debra,
We would like to know if you or readers could suggest the best air filters for a person with mcs. We live in northern California on an almond ranch which is sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, etc...Since I take care of my 90 year old father moving is not an option. We now have a Living Air ozone purifier, an Oreck professional air purifier, a uv light in the air conditioning unit, and a heavy duty Aprilaire filtering system in the return air duct. However, during the times they spray, and harvest time I still get sick. We would like any suggestions for better filters. And I really appreciate the comments that I have received in the past. They were very helpful. Thank you, Stephanie

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS

Plywood

We are moving into a house that is 22 years old. We are taking out all the carpet and replacing it with prefinished hardwood.

Should we rip out all the plywood (maybe MDF) and glue the hardwood to the concrete or do you think it would have completely out gassed by now and is safe to leave in?

Also, the moisture barriers that I've seen today are in a liqued form that are brushed on the concrete. How do I know if the liquid moisture barrier is safe? Lumber Liquidators uses a brand called Mapei for their adhesives and liqued moisture barrier.

Thanks so much for all your wonderful help!!

Read the answer...

Non Toxic Swimming Pool Filtration Systems

I must change out my chlorine filtration system in my swimming pool. I don't want to go to salt water because it still forms the chemical sodium hydrochlorate which is as toxic as chlorine, I'm told. I have been looking into UV and Oxygen filtration systems and I'm having trouble finding anyone that has used them. I've looked at EcoSmarte and Brookforge on the internet, but I'd love to hear from someone who has actually installed a totally non-toxic system. I'm worried that it won't take care of the algae in the hot summer weather where I live. Thanks. BJK

Read the answer...

New nontoxic pest control

I discovered a new process called Thermapure that sounds great for termites, dust mites, bed bugs, ants, viruses and MOLD and FUNGUS. It's basically just big heaters that blow thru the house or room and keep it at a high enough temp to kill off various problems. They call it structure pasteurization. Completely non-toxic. I called for a quote for termites for my house -- it's expensive. But no more than anything else for termite or mold abatement. Plus you get to kill all those other buggers in the process

They have a good website at

www.thermapure.com

P.S. If you end up using their service, please tell them Linda Giella referred you (and DLD of course!) and maybe one day they will give me a discount and I'll be able to afford it myself!

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CLASSIFIED ADS

to place a classified ad in this newsletter...

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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

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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.

* More information

* 10 Simple, Inexpensive Things You Can Do To Reduce Household Toxics

* How Toxic is Your Home? Quiz (excerpt from the book)

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Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
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Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
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