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In celebration of the Spring Equinox next week, today's issue is about spring cleaning. I've dusted off some previously-written cleaning articles for all you new subscribers who haven't yet read them, and added some new cleaning product links to Debra's List. I've really been in the spirit of spring cleaning these last few weeks, eliminating clutter in my home and taking items I no longer need or want to be recycled at the thrift store.

I'm leaving this afternoon to go present seminars at the Women's Wellness Weekend in Lake George NY, sponsored by Natural Health magazine. And Natural Health has included lots of recommendations from me in the April issue of their magazine, in their "Green Your Kitchen" article (on newsstands now).

And, as always, this week's questions and answers from the Green Living Q&A blog. I won't be moderating the blog until I return on the 26th, but you are welcome to post comments and questions and I will add them to the blog when I get home.

Even though I'll be away next week, I've prepared a special newsletter for you in which I'll introduce you to two essential health books I've been reading lately. Applying the wisdom in these books has dramatically changed my body and health in a very short time and...my husband threw away his cane and can walk again without pain. So watch for this newsletter next week.

Debra :-)


HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #75 ~ 13 March 2007

* SPRING CLEANING
* 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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SPRING CLEANING

Here is where you can find information on safe cleaning on my websites:

ABOUT: Spring Cleaning
My classic spring cleaning article updated for 2007

DEBRA'S LIST: Natural Cleaning Products
Links to truly natural and organic cleaning products

DEBRA'S BOOKSTORE: Cleaning
Books with do-it-yourself formulas for cleaning

GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG: Cleaning
Answers to your cleaning questions

AT HOME WITH DEBRA: How I Clean My House
The cleaning products and methods I use myself

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DEBRA'S LIST

This week I added some new links to cleaning products on Debra's List.

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda has Instructions for using natural baking soda to clean all around the house.

naturallyclean makes all-natural cleaning products that contain hospital-grade™, vegetable-based enzymes as the active ingredient "just like enzyme cleaners used in the surgical suite to clean surgical instruments".

Earth Friendly Products makes an extenive line of ultra-concentrated, biodegradable plant-based cleaners made from ingredients such as corn, coconut, citrus and other essential plant oils, and herbs. Recipient of the 2002 Readers' Choice Award from Natural Home Magazine for best cleaning products.

Botanic Gold is a "nontoxic multi-use botanical soap...the most powerful chemical free all-purpose cleaner available anywhere...has over 1000 uses..." Made from purified water, fatty acids, folic acid, minerals and enzymes derived from edible and seed bearing plants."

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GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG

Here are the questions and new comments posted through this morning. 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:

Lots of comments this week!

* crib bumper pads has lots of comments and suggestions

* have your water tested for this....nitrates! has a comment from a reader wishing she had tested her water before purchasing a water filter

* Outdoor Hot Tub has some suggestions for chlorine-free water purification

* fragrance free deodorants has a discussion on the health effects of baking soda and NEEDS READER COMMENTS

* Safe Dinnerware contains the definition of "microwave-safe" dinnerware

* Flooring has some recommended products

* Low-EMF Hair Dryers NEEDS READER COMMENTS
* Sources of data about ingredients?
* Finally a Safe Sippy Cup
* Disinfectants
* Car air purifiers
* How to minimize risk from swimming in chlorinated pool.
* Ink Stains
* Soundproofing Materials
* Roofing materials
* Latex Disposable Surgical Gloves
* Temporary Spare Beds


water filter confusion- help!

Hi Debra,

Thank you for your excellent and insightful early pioneering into household greening and health questions.

I have some water filter questions. I understand the basic types of filters (carbon, reverse osmosis, and distillation, or a combo) and I am looking for an excellent filter for drinking water, as well as a whole house alternative if I decide to do that, or recommend it to others.

The problem is that so many brands and websites are incomplete, misleading, or confusing. There is just too much information! I spent almost an hour talking to a guy that sells a water filter that Dr. Andrew Weil uses, and at the end of the conversation, STILL couldn't tell what I should do, or what to tell other people who ask me all the time. (I did, however, figure out that distillation plus carbon is my best bet, maybe- but still have no idea which one to get.) So here are my questions...
Jessica

JESSICA
MASSACHUSETTS, USA

Read questions and the answer...


Long-term effects of formaldehyde exposure

I am an artist who uses acrylic mediums in large quantity. This December I spent a particularly intense period of time using these mediums. They contain small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde. As it was the dead of winter, I did not have adequate ventilation. I immediately developed intense insomnia. The insomnia continued, even though my exposure stopped. It may be complicated by a growing anxiety about sleeping. I use cotton flannel sheets at home. Are there long term effects to this kind of exposure? If so, how can they be reversed? Do I need to see a doctor familiar with chemical exposure?

TZ
ILLINOIS, USA

Read the answer...


mold in bathrooms

Hi, I need help getting of mold in the bathroom it is marble and I use almost everything I can think of to clean it. It is still there. I live in Honolulu and there is a lot of moisture. Can some one help me. Please

TRICIA
HONOLULU HAWAII, USA

Read the answer...


floor underlayment

Have you had any experience with SOUND SOLUTIONS floor underlayment? We are considering this to go under new hardwood flooring. The packaging does not offer too much information but does say it is safe and is also a vapor barrier. We are concerned about what to put down first and feel that the traditional tar paper leaves a lot to be desired.

Having suffered from environmental illness, we appreciate the work you do frequently refer to your original book even though many things in there are outdated. THANKS!

CONNIE
INDIANA, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Pesticides in Airplanes

Came across this very informative 16-page booklet on pesticides used by airlines, which includes pesticide spraying in occupied passenger cabins, countries that require treatment of passenger cabins with long-lasting "residual" pesticides, pesticides used on aircraft and health effects, what you can do to protect yourself, and how to get more information about the pesticides used on aircraft...

DEBRA LYNN DADD
FLORIDA, USA

Read more...


Insecticides in Delivery Trucks?

Hi Debra,

I have tried to find out if companies spray their mail trucks - USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc., and I can't get answers - no one seems to know.

Do you have any suggestions about how to find out if certain companies do this? I would like to find a domestic mail delivery service that does not spray or uses natural methods. I am very sensitive to insecticides and I believe spray residues are getting on packages that I receive.

I am also suspecting that big containers are being sprayed inside - the ones stacked on big ships and used to ship cargo internationally. I reacted to a large package that I know was shipped over to the US in one of those large containers (according to the mail order company).

Thanks so much, Debra. I LOVE your blog and website!

SVE

SVE
WASHINGTON, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Anolon Cookware

We are transitioning to a non-toxic household. My hubby has gone through and discarded all the toxic cleaners, etc from our home. I'm wondering about my cookware... it's Anolon. What is your opinion on this type of cookware?

Thanks,
Pam (WI)

PAM
WISCONSIN, USA

Read the answer...


Produce Wash

I'm looking to make my own produce wash to remove the wax, residue, pesticides, etc. Can someone provide a recipe for me?

I appreciate the help!

MARCY
TX, USA

Read the answer... NEEDS READER COMMENTS


Bisphenol A in Canned Foods

Just received this warning this morning from the Organic Consumers Association...

TOXIC CHEMICAL BPA LEACHING INTO CANNED FOODS

An alarming new study from the Environmental Working Group analyzed samples of canned fruit, vegetables, soda, and baby formula on sale in the nation's supermarkets and found that more than 50% were tainted with a chemical linked to birth defects, ADHD and cancer. The chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), is an ingredient in plastics that lines food cans. According to the study, the chemical has been leaching into foods at levels up to 200 times the government's recommended "safe" level of exposure...

DEBRA LYNN DADD
FLORIDA, USA

Read more...


Plastic Baby Bottles

Is there is a plastic baby bottle available that won't leach pthalates or other toxic chemicals into the baby's milk?

JANE SHEPPARD
CALIFORNIA, USA

Read more...


Slow Cooker with Lead Free Glaze

Hello- I am currently trying to find a slow cooker that is free of Lead Glaze. There seem to be a lot of slow cooker makers out there, but none of them state whether the inner pot that you put food in has lead/no lead glaze.

Yes, I could use the lead check swabs, but I don't see how practical it would be, as there are more than 25 possible ones I have seen on the web. Order one and test and return if lead possitive? Nor really.

I contacted a few seller and manufacturors, but all of the sellers said they didn't know, and I have not heard back from the others.

Any ideas where to find one?

CHRISTINE
MASSACHUSETTS, USA

Read the answer and find out the lead-free brand...


Natural Sleeping Bags

I wanted to know if any companies sell a sleeping bag that is made of natural fibers (on the inside), as the one I have is falling apart and if i purchase a new one, I want it to be non-toxic and natural.

Thank You!

MINDY GOLDIS
CALIFORNIA, USA

Read the answer...


Vinegar as Disinfectant

I am a licensed daycare provider who feeds the daycare children natural and organic foods as well as cleans with natural things.

I belong to a child care chat and many of the other childcare providers are adamant that I do not use bleach to sanitize and feel I am not disinfecting and sanitizing.

I use vinegar and they think that I should be using something else, like bleach.

I am not sure of what to say. They want to know if vinegar is a disinfectant or a sanitizer. They want to know if it actually cleans as good as bleach. They say that vinegar does not kill germs like E-coli and the such.

How can I combat this to my wanting a chemical free environment in my home for my family and the daycare children in my care?

Thank you in advance for your help.

MISS PAM
GEORGIA, USA

Read the answer...


Lead on Extension Cord

I have recently bought an extension cord at wal-mart and there is a tag on it that says it contains lead and may cause cancer and you need to wash your hands after touching it.

I tend to take a rag/cloth when I touch the cord, but I'd rather find a store that sells a cord that is lead-free.
Do you have any suggestions.
Thanks!

MINDY GOLDIS
CALIFORNIA, 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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