Art | Resources
LED lightbulbs are not as safe as advertised
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are being widely promoted as having better energy efficiency than other lighting sources, and as being more environmentally friendly because they do not contain mercury.
But this is a case where a product does not contain one toxic substance, but does contain others.
A new study done by UC Irvine showed that LED bulbs contain various levels of arsenic, lead, and nickels, and should be classified as household hazardous waste. If disposed as regular landfill trash, these bulbs could leach these metals into soil and water when they are crushed and broken.
Researchers determined there is little toxic exposure when using unbroken bulbs at home.
At least they are more difficult to break than compact fluorescents.
Non Toxic Shoe Polish
Question from darenso
Hello Debra
I have just read your answer of some years ago about shoe polish and just tried the Tapir shoe polish. It does contain ammonia, and sometimes I can feel the vapour in my eyes but it is very slight and does not cause any irritation.
Can you tell me if you would be concerned regarding the ammonia?
Also in the UK I have found a shoe polish contain beeswax,carnauba wax, white spirit and natural turpentine. I thought natural turpentine is ok but since read, although from trees it is very toxic and can cause cancer
Thank you
David
Debra’s Answer
I generally recommend avoiding ammonia, however, how much of a chemical you are exposed to certainly contributes to it’s toxic effect. So much so, in fact, there is a very famous saying “The dose makes the poison,” meaning that the amount of exposure is a greater factor in the poisoning than the inherent toxicity of the substance itself.
If you must use shoe polish, Tapir is one of the least toxic. I would recommend using it outdoors.
In the other shoe polish, I’m actually more concerned about the white spirit in the shoe polish. Also called Stoddard solvent, enough exposure can lead to central nervous system effects.
Myself, I never use shoe polish of any kind. I’ve made choices in my life to not require wearing shoes that need to be polished.
Polar Bottles
These double-walled, insulated reusable water bottles will keep your water cold for hours–without leaching of toxic chemicals. They are constructed of low density polyethylene (LDPE): a durable, lightweight, FDA food grade approved material that does not contain Bisphenol-A. Made in the USA. Has a wide mouth so it’s easy to add ice cubes, and a “sport” top to make it easy to drink. Comes in a rainbow of cool colors, and is dishwasher safe (so you can sanitize it between uses).
Polaner All Fruit Fruit Spreads
100% natural fruit spread sweetened only with fruit and fruit juice. All the standard flavors. Sold in most supermarkets (on-line by the case).
PM Organics
Certified organic cotton fabrics, knits and woven, in a variety of weights and patterns. Some made with naturally-colored cotton, others with low-impact dyes. Also yarns and notions. Website originated when some women got together to collectively purchase organic cotton fabrics for their own sewing. These are the fabrics these women find “indispensable.”
Plantopia
"Celebrate the wonders of the plant world and give something back." Handmade, vegetable based soaps that "do not contain artificial colorants, fragrances or preservatives, are scented using pure essential oils and colored with natural herbs and herbal teas. Plantopia's soap labels are printed with soy ink and made with 100% post consumer fiber. The same is true for our gift boxes. The decision to obtain eco-friendly packaging was an expensive decision for a small start up organization…made in a desire to hold true to our own beliefs. If you buy three soaps, they will make a donation to plant a tree through the Trees Across America Campaign, sponsored and supported by Earth Day Network and American Forests' Global ReLeaf Program. Soaps are available unscented or with simple, lovely additions, like orange blossom honey that contains real orange blossom honey and is colored with the tea brewed from organic calendula petals. An unusual item is their Sea Soap, which lathers easily in salt water.
PlanTea
An organic fertilizer in easy-to-use, handy tea bags. It is "brewed like regular tea to give your plants a delightful, nourishing drink." Ingredients: Kelp, Rock phosphate, Fish bone meal, Greensand, Dried herbs and flowers, Parsley, Beet powder, Carrot powder, Oak leaves, and Love. Also related products such as seed starting kit, quartz crystal powder, sticky traps for bugs, handmade soap, and more. Website is filled with organic gardening tips, recipes, e-newsletter and other interesting tidbits.
Pheylonian Beeswax Candles
These beeswax candles are quite unique and truly magical. They are made by a couple–Iilah and Tawlia–who learned the family craft of candlemaking from Iilah's grandmother, a Medicine Woman and Elder of her clan. When she escaped persecution in the Ukraine and came to Canada, she brought with her the last remains of wildflower beeswax candles. Today, these candles are still made according to old traditions. "As is still practiced today by the Philoxians, it is customary to melt the remains of the old candles into the new pot of wax, showing honour and respect, at cellular levels, for all that was done by our forefathers to get us to where we are
Green Earth Frying Pan
Question from Rubys Mom
What do you think of The 10″ Green Earth Frying Pan by Ozeri, with Smooth Ceramic Non-Stick Coating (100% PTFE and PFOA Free) ?
Debra’s Answer
The descrtption sounds good, but I’ve never actually seen one.
Readers, any experience?
Slip Cover To Contain Fumes
Question from samsam
Hi Debra,
I was wondering if putting a couple of cotton slipcovers on a normal sofa is effective in containing the fumes? I can’t find any non toxic sofas on the east coast (of Cananda or the US.) Is there a normal brand that is less toxic?
Thanks,
sam
Debra’s Answer
No, this will not work. Fumes go right through the spaces between the threads. You need something with no gaps, like a sheet of polyethylene plastic or aluminum foil.
