Art | Resources
Nightstand from Room and Board
Question from Sue
Hi Debra,
I found a Zen style nightstand I love at Room and Board. It’s walnut veneer over plywood and MDF (argh) so I called them to inquire. They told me all of their products have 0 VOC’s by the time they leave the warehouse, meet California standards, and many are Greengard certified (but they don’t spend the $ to test all of their products for that, they test mostly the kid stuff). They use all non-toxic glues. Do you think it’s safe?
www.roomandboard.com/catalog/bedroom/nightstands/copenhagen-nightstands
Thanks Deb!
Debra’s Answer
You are telling me that it’s made from materials that usually are red flags for me, but Room & Board seems to be aware of the outgassing issues and say they don’t exist.
So I would proceed with caution, bring it home, and be prepared to return it if you find it does outgas after all.
Dinnerware
Question from Dianne
Hi Debra,
Do you know if Villeroy and Boch fine china and bone china is safe to use or has too much lead content?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know off hand.
But instead of me finding out, I’ll tell you how to find out so you can check any china you want to.
1. Go to the manufacturer’s website: www.villeroy-boch.com
2. Look for the “Contact Us” link which is usually in the top navigation bar or in the footer: www.villeroy-boch.com/shop/contacts/
3. Often there is a phone number you can call for Customer Service, but not on this site. They have only a contact form. Fill it out and ask your question. They may or may not respond.
Ask them if their china is lead free. Some china companies have a statement. This one does not.
Look in the product descriptions for “lead-free” or a State of California Proposition 65 warning label.
If there is a Proposition 65 label, there is lead in the glaze. If not, or if it says “lead-free” that means there is no lead added. But there is often lead in the materials that is naturally occurring.
See the Dinnerware page on Debra’s List for the dinnerware I recommend.
YOU CAN’T ESCAPE LEAD. THAT’S WHY I DETOX FOR LEAD EVERY DAY.
Lead is in many products we use every day and even in the outdoor air. We can’t escape it. So it’s likely that your body has built up a store of lead and possibly other heavy metals that could be affecting your health.
Once lead and other heavy metals enter your body, it is very difficult for your body to remove them.
That’s why I take PureBody Liquid Zeolite every day. This natural mineral is uniquely suited to remove heavy metals. Tiny bits of negatively-charged zeolite act like little magnets to attract positively-charged particles—which include 99.9% of heavy metals, radiation, and organic chemicals–so they can be removed from your body via your kidneys. It’s simple, effective, and affordable.
Kitchen and Bathroom Towels
Question from Sicili
Hi Debra,
Will you please tell me what type of towels you use in the kitchen and bathroom? Like for doing dishes, taking baths and drying off. Do you use non organic 100% cotton towels of different colors or do you stick to GOTS certified ? I am just curious because I am trying to figure out what to do as far as my wash cloths and such and I greatly value your opinion. Thank you so much for your time Debra.
Debra’s Answer
If I had all the money needed to buy everything in the world I want, I would choose GOTS certified organic natural fibers for everything.
The reality is that I buy what I can afford, which is 100% natural fibers, without finishes. This type of textile uses chemicals in growing and processing, but there is little, if any, exposure at the user end.
For my dishes, I now use 100% linen towels because they absorb water sooo much better than cotton. Just a wipe and dishes are completely dry. They cost about twice as much as cotton, but they are also more durable. I bought a few at IKEA. They were $3.99. VARDAGEN. They are not sold online but they probably have them at your local IKEA store. I used to use just non-organic cotton towels of various colors.
I also have some linen dish towels on the Kitchen Linens page of Debra’s List.
My bath towels are currently 100% cotton terry cloth that I bought at Bed Bath & Beyond about ten years ago. They are blue. But I have my eye on buying some linen bath towels because, as I said above, they are so absorbent, and get softer and softer with every wash.
I have some linen bath towels on the Bath Linens page of Debra’s List.
Building Biology Institute
BBI educates people from all professions and walks of life about the hazards to human health from electromagnetic radiation, indoor air & water pollution and toxic building materials. The Institute’s website offers a wealth of free information (factsheets, videos, articles, downloads), as well as a comprehensive curriculum that includes online courses (self-study), a mentored correspondence course, and six instructor-led 5-day seminars. The institute also offers professional certification training for those who wish to make a profound difference in the health and wellbeing of others, training and certifying Building Biology Environmental Consultants (BBEC), Electromagnetic Radiation Specialists (EMRS), and Building Biology New-build Consultants (BBNC). Also offered is Building Biology Activist (BBA) Certification, which can be accomplished entirely from your home or office, and at your own pace.
BBI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental education organization.
Swans Island Company
Blankets, throws, wraps, and accessories (also yarns) handcrafted from Maine-spun fleeces and hand-dyed yarns. “A Swans Island product means natural fiber, sourced to the highest possible standard, designed to be as timeless as the tides. * Much of our fiber is from local New England farms as well as domestic, family-run farms that have been caring for their flocks for generations. Our organic merino, sourced from South America, has been certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard, the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers. * Fleece from those farms is custom spun for us by New England mills on trusty vintage machinery. From there, every skein of Swans Island yarn – whether destined for our looms, our machine-knit accessories, or your knitting needles – is dyed by hand in our Northport dye house. * Many of our yarns are dyed using naturally derived pigments like cochineal, indigo, and madder root. Others are skein-dyed with low-impact dyes. * We make each dye bath with unique recipes, expertly working the fibers in order to achieve our distinctive hand-dyed look and feel. * Many of our products are woven on traditional looms here in Northport; others are produced in partnership with American makers who share our belief in the value of a life built by hand.” Edges handwoven with 100% silk.
Mountain Honey Clothiers
“We are committed to creating heirloom quality children’s clothing, toys, and accessories, that support imagination and your child’s own unique style. We don’t skip corners, follow the hotest trends, or print big flashy logos on our products. We create pieces that are timeless and fun, yet incredibly functional.We are all about bringing your family fashion choices that allow your little one to express their uniqueness and creativity, while making a positive impact on their world. Our clothing is more than just whimsical, well made, and unique, it is made by a small company, with a huge heart; a company with a conscience.” In an email, Diedre told me she is committed to using only natural fibers (with one tiny exception: recycled plastic in a wool blend). She tries to use as much certified organically grown cotton as possible, or organic linen. The dolls are stuffed with fluffy organic cotton fill. I choose fabrics that have a 100% cotton, linen, wool, or flax content, no synthetic fibers. I use cotton thread, and metal snaps that are produced in the US and are nickel-free. I purchase from companies that either produce their products organically, are sustainably run, or can be classified as a “small business”. 100% of my products are handmade in VT, USA by either myself or my assistant. The Mountain Honey line is based on the principles of sustainably produced, small-batch fashion.”
Dots on Tots
100% certified organic cotton hats for babies and toddlers. Various styles in various colors. “Dots on Tots is a baby headwear company specializing in ear flap hats made from natural, certified-organic cotton…As newborns and toddlers have sensitive skin and are vulnerable to ENT ( ear, nose and throat) complications, [parents need] a line of accessories that keep babies safe by covering their ears and at the same time not harming their sensitive skin. With her Master’s Degree in Fashion Design and Technology and an experienced mother, Olivia set forth to provide the children’s market with a niche product that would provide safety and comfort to children.” Noise-reduction inserts for ear flaps available.
Rat Pack Hats
Natural fiber hats for men with “cool and sophisticated styles” reminiscent of the Hollywood “rat pack” actors. Made from cotton, linen, straw, wool, leather, or waterproof genuine oil cloth (choose “Shop Hats by Material” from the side menu).
Jacobs & Brichford
Producers of raw milk cheese on their family’s Hoosier Homestead Farm. “Making cheese from our solely grass-fed dairy cows, we continue to live and work on the farm that has been in the family since 1819. We believe in a sustainable future and our cheese is one way we can bring that vision to you.”
Explorer Hats
“Indiana Jones” style hats for men and women, made from garment washed twill, weathered cotton, boiled wool or naturally harvested organic raffia. Look at this sweet wide-brimmed crocheted toyo hat with flowers made from shells. Great styles. Affordable prices.
