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This week I've been working on researching cleaning products for next week's "spring cleaning" issue, so today's newsletter is shorter than usual--new links on Debra's List, of course, this weeks more questions and answers from the Green Living Q&A blog.

Debra :-)


HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #74 ~ 6 March 2007

* DEBRA'S LIST
* 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 Issue (tables of contents)
Search the Back Issues
Other newsletters by Debra

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DEBRA'S LIST Here are some new links I've added to Debra's List this past week.

After adding a new page for Local Guides last week, I added three more links for local info: The Virginia Natural Living Directory, Colorado Organic Producers Association and Earth 911, which gives local info for the entire country (just enter your zip code).

Argington makes modern furniture for children that incorporates both sustainable design and materials...and art. Even if you're not in the market for children's furniture, this website is a great example of a sustainable business.

Branch, created by people who love to shop but who are concerned about the environmental effects of consumer products, offers products that prove "responsible" choices can also be "attractive and functional." Products for the entire home, with a modern aesthetic.

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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:

* How to minimize risk from swimming in chlorinated pool has info on baths that detoxify the body

* Re-Finishing Wood Floors has some recommended products

* Car air purifiers has some recommended products

* Flooring has some recommended products

* Crisco replacement has some recommendations

* How Do I Remove Mold from the Shower Floor Tile?
* Unscented Talcum Powder
* Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls
* Is Modal® a natural fiber?
* Purchasing Himalayan Salt
* Offgassing From Silicone Bakeware
* Which bakeware is safe?
* Need Advice on Latex Beds
* Removing Fragrance From Houses
* Cookie sheets
* copper cookware
* Muffin Pans
* Starbucks paper cups
* Jacuzzi Cleaner?
* Disinfectants
* Re-Finishing Wood Floors
* Vinyl windows question
* Ink Stains
* Soundproofing Materials


Latex Disposable Surgical Gloves

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 each class.)

If anyone has a suggestion, I would much appreciate it!

Thanks! Jayne L. Walnut Creek, CA

JAYNE L.
CALIFORNIA, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Cranberry Juice

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!

MELISSA
OREGON, USA

Read the answer...


apple juice vs apple cider--what's the difference?

Hello Debra,

What is the difference between Apple Juice & Apple Cider? How would you make your own Apple Cider?

Thank You,

HAH
NEW YORK, USA

Read the answer...


crib bumper pads

Yet another baby question!

I am trying to decide between bumper pads for my baby due in May. Some of the research I have been reading suggests that traditional bumper pads may be a SIDS hazard b/c babies can possibly roll up against the padded bumper and suffocate. They say to either not use one or use a mesh breathable one.

Well I would really prefer to use one of some sort but having checked into it, the only mesh ones I can find are 100% polyester. The majority of regular bumper pads out there are filled with polyester batting too, which I wonder if that could be part of the problem with SIDS.

I have found some 100% cotton ones at some of the organic stores though, but they are the thicker padded ones that some experts recommend against.

So my question is, would it be safer to use a mesh bumper, even if it is made of polyester, or would it be safer to use a 100% cotton one, even if it is thickly padded?

Any advice would be appreciated!

JEN
COLORADO, USA

Read the answer...


Baking Soda vs Washing Soda for Laundry

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 use Washing Soda instead. I see the former is sodium bicarbonate while the latter is sodium carbonate.

Do you know which would be best for laundry? And why regular baking soda is not a good idea?

Thanks!

Lynn Evans

LYNN EVANS
MONTANA, USA

Read the answer...


Temporary Spare Beds

Greetings. Does anyone know of a good non-toxic or low toxin, compact spare bedding option for overnight guests? Inflatable plastic mattresses have lots of out gassing. Know of a good foldout comfortable cot or such? Thanking you in advance,

S.L.
CALIFORNIA, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Outdoor Hot Tub

My hot tub chemicals have to go.....

I can't stand the smell of the chlorine but even worse it is not making my skin happy. Also when I empty the tub it makes me sick to have to put that water on the ground.

Are their any hot tub guru's out there that can give me a recipe for a do it yourself non-toxic hot tub program.

I did read the jacuzzi entry and was wondering if baking soda and vinigar would work. Keep in mind that the water stays in the tub for about a month. It is not changed after each use. So myself and my young daughter would be soaking in this every day.

I'm sure most anything would be better than our current option.

What about the non-toxic products on the market, What are the ingredients and how are they made?

Thank you so very much!!!!

MARGARET
OHIO, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Bottles for home made sprays

Hi Deb,

I want to go back to making my own cleaning supplies (something I have gotten away from) and I do remember a problem I did have earlier was finding a spray bottle that I could keep my sprays in. In particular, I had a 'monster spray'..the boys were little and afeared of monsters. I made up a spray with lemon and lavender essential oils and would spray it in their rooms at bedtime to keep the monsters away (Tx roaches don't care for lavender either). But I did have a hard time finding a container to keep the spray in and then keeping the sprayer from disintegrating.

So, where can I find containers at a reasonable price? (which was another concern and still is)

Thanks,

SUSAN
COLORADO, USA

Read the answer...


Roofing materials

We need a new roof on our house in the Northeast. I'm researching the safest, most affordable materials, and would appreciate any info. We have cedar shakes now, but they are badly deteriorated & curly in many areas. I would like to find something that can be put over the old plywood underlay, since we don't want any new plywood added if we can avoid it. So far it sounds like sheet metal is our best bet for safety & affordability. There is a large walk-in attic space between the living space & the roof, but we might use that space someday, so probably shouldn't consider asphalt shingles. If anyone knows of alternatives that are affordable, please share! Metal shingles, standing seam metal panels, slate, and terra cotta tiles are all out of our price range, as far as I can determine. Thanks so much. Dorothy

DB
MASSACHUSETTS, USA

Read the answer...


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CLASSIFIED ADS

LOTSA BAMBOO. Entire line of Bambu organically grown bamboo products--cutting boards, dinnerware, bowls, utensils, baskets, knives, trays, and more. www.greenfeet.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

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.

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Home Safe Home 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.

* 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
Free Newsletters ~ website update, natural sweetener recipes, words of wisdom
Debra's Bookstore ~ recommended reading on health and the environment
MCS Recovery ~ resources for recovery from multiple chemical sensitivities
Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
Talk With Debra ~ call for a personal consultation

Map of Debra's Websites



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