Art | Resources
Dacron vs. non-FR polyurethane for upholstery
Question from Sousou
Dear Debra,
There is a lot of info on your site already about Dacron and Polyurethane for upholstery, but none that answers the specific question of whether it is better to use Dacron (with Flame Retardants “bonded” to the material during manufacturing) or non-Flame Retardant Polyurethane Foam. If you had to pick one to use for a sofa, which one would you pick?
Thanks, sousou
Debra’s Answer
Neither.
When I chose a sofa many years ago, I did what was necessary at the time to have a safe sofa. I had a sofa frame custom upholstered with my specified materials.
Today there are nontoxic sofas readymade, though expensive (see Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Furniture).
You are not limited to a choice of two toxic materials.
Mixing Bowls
Dear Readers ~
I am working on a new section that will make it easier for you to find guidelines for choosing specific products, which show which products in a category are toxic and which are not. Below is a format I am working on, answering a question I receiving this week about mixing bowls. Please email me with any comments you have, especially if you would like to have more like this, any specific tweaks you’d like, etc. Also what products you’d most like to see in this format so I know where to start. Thanks! 🙂
NOTE: These are not ALL the possible mixing bowls, just a start.
I like this format because I can give you simple summaries that can help you choose products “at-a-glance.” Do you like it?
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Duralex Lys made in France since 1939 |
 |  Bamboo Composite Mixing BowlsMade primarily from bamboo fibers, one of the most renewable natural resources on the planet. Nontoxic, durable, sustainable, 100-percent biodegradable and compostable. |
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 |  Stainless Steel Mixing BowlsCAUTION: Stainless steel cookware and water distillers are known to leach toxic metals into food and water. It is not known what might leach from mixing bowls into food, since no heat is involved and there is little contact time. |
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Some mixing bowls are available made with recycled melamine, which doesn’t affect toxicity or safety, but a good thing to do for the environment. |
 | #5 Polypropylene Plastic Mixing Bowls Caution: the safety of polypropylene is uncertain. It has been considered safe, however, one study “accidentally” discovered that two chemicals leaching from their polypropylene lab equipment. Not enough is known about these two chemicals to know what hazard, if any, might occur from exposure through consumer products. If you choose polypropylene mixing bowls, you can get them made from recycled #5 plastic. |
 | Silicone Mixing Bowls There are still unanswered questions about silicone. Though silicone itself is made from silica (sand) other chemicals may be used in silicone formulas to make individual silicones more or less toxic. More research needed. |
 [If there were a mixing bowl that was so toxic I would say not to even consider it, it would go here with a red down arrow.] |
Aluminum Foil in Yogurt Containers
Question from Cheryl3
It seems all yogurt containers have aluminum foil as their inner or outer lid. How safe do you think this is? Somehow I hadn’t thought about it before. The aluminum isn’t usually touching the yogurt, however, there’s always some on the lid so it obviously touches it sometimes also, if it’s on its side or upside down. There’s also the condensation that might drip from it onto the yogurt in the refrigerator. But, I love yogurt and it’s generally a healthy food. What are your thoughts? Thanks.
Debra’s Answer
I don’t eat much yogurt, but when I do buy it, the brand I buy doesn’t have aluminum foil: Brown Cow. It has plastic across the top. I always buy plain yogurt and add my own flavorings.
In today’s world, it’s simply impossible to avoid every toxic exposure. That’s why in my new book Toxic Free, I recommend both avoiding the worst toxic exposures and helping your body have the ability to effectively detox to handle the rest of your exposures.
But I think in the larger scheme of things, this exposure is very minor.
If you want to minimize toxic exposures associated with yogurt, you can always make your own yogurt at home. That is actually the best way, because you can control the quality of the milk used and the containers used to make it. Homemade yogurt also contains more probiotics than packaged yogurt.
100% Organic Wool
Question from Craig D.
Hi, Debra! I love the informative information that you give out to help us. I found a site that has 100% organic wool hats, lamb, beef, sweaters, hats, mittens, blankets, yarn, rugs, and fleeces and is certified USDA organic. Also inexpensive.
http://www.lambandwool.com/
Hope this can help someone that is looking for winter gear.
Debra’s Answer
Looks great! Thank you.
Car Care
Question from janicedb
Hi Debra- After 16 years with my Honda I finally traded it in for an almost new used Volvo. So far so good -I’m not getting sick from the new car off-gasing chemicals like I did for quite a long time after getting the new Honda. Do you or anyone know of a natural car wax? There are carnauba waxes out there but it looks like they also contain petroleum distillates. Thanks so much for all you do.
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Natural car wax?
Strong body spray
Question from movinup
Help! I have a rather costly business bag I received as a gift. I left a bottle of bodyspray in it overnight by accident and the whole thing emptied into the bag. It is so strong i get a headache just going near the bag and don’t even know how to begin to clear out the smell. The bag is leather and not something i can rub liquids or pastes over…..any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!
Debra’s Answer
Well, there are various things you could try.
Heat often removes odors, baking soda will absorb some.
I would probably start by putting baking soda all over it and if that doesn’t work, put it out in the sun.
My experience is that some things cannot be salvanged. This may be one of them.
Organic Dry Cleaning
Question from nan46nan
hi debra,
please enlighten us on the validity of “organic dry cleaning”. i have gone to several different storefronts for my dry cleaning and they have written signs saying “organic dry cleaning” and have verbally confirmed to me that fact also. how do i know if it’s really organic or are they all (i have seen at least 20 so far) breaking the law by lying? and to what extent, technically, is this dry cleaning “organic”?
Debra’s Answer
Well, first of all there is no such thing as “organic” dry cleaning. It’s a misuse of the word.
When used with regard to food and fibers, “organic” has a very specific definition, and very specific rules must be followed to legally use that term.
No such definitions exist for dry cleaning.
I think some people are using the term in general to mean their dry cleaning does not use toxic chemicals. And there are some dry cleaning methods, such as using a food-grade level of carbon dioxide, which are nontoxic. But don’t at all assume that because a sign says “organic dry cleaning” that they are using nontoxic methods.
Here is a post I wrote before outlining the different dry cleaning methods and their toxicity: Q&A: Help Me Find A Green Dry Cleaner
Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/latest/812#ixzz1gIpHeJDM
Xtrema cookware care
Question from nurse52
I am considering buying Xtrema cookware, which you recommend & use. However, I am concerned because their website states that the cookware can not be nested, but each piece stored separately. I do not have room for this. What has your experience been? Would the cookware be harmed by stacking or nesting? Also, one is not to use any metal utensils on the cookware–this concerns me. I would appreciate your comments.
Thank you
Debra’s Answer
I don’t know about not nesting. I have a set of three pots that were originally sold as a set and one of the features was that you could nest them for storage and that’s what I do.
What is your concern about not using metal utensils? I don’t ever use metal utensils in pots and pans, only wooden. I don’t want to scratch the surface with the metal.
Furnace Insulation
Question from sjsongbird
I need new insulation for my furnace. Is there a special kind of insulation to use or would the normal kind (fiberglass) work? I am extremely senstive to plastics, scents, etc. and the wrong choice may not allow me to sleep for months. Thank you
Debra’s Answer
Get formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation. It’s sold at Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Nikwax Waterproofing Products
Cleaning, waterproofing, and conditioning products for leather and garments made from nontoxic EVA polymer. Water-based, biodegradable, non hazardous. Choose from products for outdoor activities, equestrian, motorcycling, golf, team sports, and more.
