Question from Annette Tweedel

Hi Debra, My husband and I are trying to find some dressy clothes for me and him. For me, a dress or skirt, possibly knee length, calf length or ankle length. I don’t know what size I wear, maybe an 8, I don’t know, I know my waist is around 30. And my husband is looking for suits. He wears about a 42 regular. This clothes is to wear to church at anytime of year. Are there any suits out there that don’t have polyester. Is it possible to get a suit that is all cotton or organic cotton? We know they have wool, but we are trying to go cheap. Thanks for the help.

Debra’s Answer

There are many suits that don’t have polyester. You can get 100% wool at many men’s stores, though you may have to have the lining replaced to cotton. There are also cotton suits and linen suits sold at better men’s stores. Dress Head sells organic hemp jackets and suits for men. They also have some very pure clothing for women.

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Question from blythegraves

What are some alternatives to stainless steel silverware and recommended companies/brands that produce them? I use wooden utensils to cook with but I’m looking for daily silverware to replace the typical stainless steel ones.

Debra’s Answer

Personally I use silverplate, but I’m not sure about recommending it because I know it wears off.

I think the best bet is to use wooden chopsticks or eat with your fingers.

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Question from Doreen55

Dear Debra,

After buying $500.00 of xtrema cookware after reading about it on your website I found out through the Project on Emerging Technologies that the product is made with nanoparticles in the glaze. Since nanoparticles are the last thing I want in or near my body, what is tha risk of ingestion from using this cookware?

Debra’s Answer

My understanding is that there is NO risk from nanoparticles in the glaze. They are firmly in the glaze and do not leach. I use this cookware myself.

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Question from GJ

can you imagine the impact if every one of us grew our own 100% certified organic garden? (http://www.gardenguides.com/599-starting-first-vegetable-garden.html)

It is estimated that about 75 percent of processed foods sold in the U.S. contain at least some genetically modified food ingredients. Unlike many other countries, there is no law in the U.S. requiring the labeling of foods that contain GM ingredients, but if you know how to identify which foods are most commonly genetically modified, you can reduce how many GMOs you eat. The best way to avoid GMO products is by buying unprocessed 100% certified organic LOCAL WHOLE FOODS.

*Here are some ways to avoid genetically modified foods:

Read the PLU labels. If the five digit PLU number starts with “8,” the food is either genetically modified or genetically engineered. If the five digit PLU number starts with “9,” it’s organic. Also, by watching for the absence of either the 8 or 9, which means the produce is neither organically grown or genetically modified, you can recognize traditionally grown produce. Ensure your produce is not genetically modified by reading the number on the sticker, and by buying 100% certified organic. 100% certified organic is by law never genetically modified!

•A 4-digit number indicates the food was conventionally grown and may or may not be genetically modified.

•A 5-digit number beginning with an 8 is a genetically modified food. However, not all GM foods can be identified because PLU labeling is optional.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from lindaann36

Could you please tell me which candle would be safer to burn, Palm wax candles or Beeswax candles. Thanks

Debra’s Answer

In my opinion, they would be about the same.

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Question from nontoxicmom

We are about to install new wood floors throughout our house. We’ve chosen a prefinished oak hard wood floor. It has been strongly recommended that we use the glue down method of installation. I know there are eco friendly glues available, but I’m afraid the installer won’t warranty the floors if we go that route.

First, has anyone had any experience with the amount of time it takes to outgas the toxic version of glue?

I understand there are 3 types of adhesive: water based, urethane based, and acrylic.

I assume the urethane would be the worst, but what about the acrylic? I won’t move my family back into the house until any toxic smell is gone, so I’m trying to figure out how long it will take. If it’s months, then I need to find a different solution…

Debra’s Answer

I have many times installed flooring with ordinary yellow wood glue, which is water-based and nontoxic. There is practically no odor and it dries quickly.

I once lived in a house for twelve years with this type of installation of wood floor with no problems. It was installed over a painted wood subfloor.

At this very minute I am sitting on a floor installed eight years ago over cement slab with yellow wood glue. Again, no problem.

The trick is that you need to pour the glue down and then use a mortar spreader to spread it, so there is continuous glue under the wood, not just little streaks.

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Question from Reenie

Hi Debra, I’ve shared your site with many in our area. My comment and question has to do with clean HVAC coils. There is a company in Tallahassee FL called Rejuvenair that has gotten positive media publicity about this method. Yet I continue to read other research that says, no, do not clean with this steam method. Have you heard about this? Has anyone on your site used this method and if so can they share comments. Thanks so much! Here’s an article on this method: www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/?p=2562

Debra’s Answer

I don’t have any experience with this method.

Readers?

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A new service at SaferProducts.gov allows you to report toxic products to the Consumer Products Safety Commission online, and lets you search for and read reports on specific products of interest to you.

It lets you search by popular categories or specific your own detailed search.

So if you find toxic problems with products, here’s a place to report them.