Art | Resources
Mosquito Curtains
Custom-made, machine washable polyester mosquito curtains for outdoor use (outdoors you want to use polyester because cotton will quickly biodegrade in the elements, and it’s less toxic than pesticides). Transforms porches, decks and patios into protected areas quickly and inexpensively. Unlike screens, netting can easily be removed and stored when not needed.
Mosquito Barrier
A natural mosquito repellent made from garlic, designed to apply to grassy areas. “Just one spraying will keep mosquitoes, ticks and fleas out of your yard and away from your home, 24 hours a day for nearly a month…a very strong liquid garlic made from very potent garlic cloves. The garlic used is a very powerful variety which is much more potent than the garlic found in grocery stores… Garlic has a natural sulfur which repels insects, including mosquitoes, ticks and fleas. Spraying garlic to keep insects away is not something new, farmers and master gardeners have been doing it for many generations. The juice does not harm humans or pets or plants, but to mosquitoes it can be deadly. The odor of it chases them out of the area and they stay away – for as long as they can detect the odor. While the odor of sprayed garlic juice becomes undetectable to humans within minutes, the mosquitoes will still detect it. If the mosquitoes aren’t in your yard, they can’t get into your house.”
Carpets
Question from cindysimone
My daughter had rugs installed in the basement of her new home. I am so worried about my grandchildren (1 yr. and 3 yrs. old) playing down there. There is a strong odor. Is there anything that can be done ‘after the fact’? Do I need to find out the specs of the rug, first?
I am running my Austin Air Healthmate HEPA air purifier down there now.
Thank you so much!
Cindy
Debra’s Answer
You can apply AFM Carpet Seal. This is a clear odorless sealant that seals in the carpet odors.
Removing Fire Retardants
Question from Donna L
I’m confused. I read a while back that washing clothes in vinegar removes flame retardants. Today, I read that vinegar actually helps to keep fire retardants in tact. Do you know if either is the case or if there is any way to wash flame retardants out of clothes? I have a four year old and even though I make sure his clothes, bed linens, etc. are 100% cotton, I’ve been washing all new purchases in vinegar…just in case. Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
I haven’t read either about flame retardants.
My understanding is that flame retardants cannot be removed from clothing. They are designed to make the fabric flame retardant for the life of the fabric, to conform with federal flammability laws.
What to replace synthetic wall to wall carpet with?
Question from karen b
I am looking for a new apt because the waterproofing chemicals recently applied to my apt building are making me very sick. I have seen some nice apts but all have synthetic carpeting which will also make me sick. What is the best alternative I might use to replace the synthetic carpet at a new place? I have done a little research into linoleum and it seems to have an acrylic sealant (a no no) and also I have read that natural linoleum has strong fumes. Cork, I have read, contains binders in it such as formaldehyde and urea melamine. So I am looking for suggestion and ideas. Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
My preferred floorings are prefinished solid wood laid with yellow woodworker’s glue, ceramic tile, or stone.
Readers, what do you like?
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Question from katier
Hello,
We are getting ready to refinish the oak hardwood floors throughout our entire house and have found the comments on your website to be extremely helpful. Thank you.
In our research we have come across products by a company called EcoProcote, but I haven’t seen any discussion about these products on your site (unless I missed them) and haven’t been able to find too many reviews on the web. Any feedback that you’ve received on the true eco-friendliness of these products for hardwood floors and also on durability?
I have seen mixed reviews on AFM products as well as those by Vermont Natural Coatings — some people love and some not so much…
Also, in your readers’ experiences, is any hardwood floor refinisher able to use these green products? We are having trouble finding someone who is willing to use one of these products since they haven’t used them in the past.
Many thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I don’t have any experience with EcoProcote. Readers?
Hot Water Tank
Question from mcy9@hotmail.com
I am having a reaction to the new hot water tank. Would appreciate any information to help me figure out why I am having a reaction.
Debra’s Answer
Readers, anyone had a similar reaction?
Morocco Method
All-natural raw vegan hair care products, “designed to both detoxify and nourish” your hair. Contains trace minerals, botanicals, and sea proteins. Developed by Anthony Morrocco–hairdresser to the rich and famous–after over forty years of research and experimentation, “integrating modern scientific knowledge with the ancient healing arts of Ayurvedic and Chinese herbalism…products contain only the finest organic derived minerals and botanicals harvested from around the world, selected for maximum potency. We have followed the principles of Old World farmers who understood that planting, harvesting and storing foods according to the lunar cycle maximizes the energetic potency of the plants.”
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Listen to my interview with Ellen Eves, Social Media Director of Morocco Method. |
Mole Hollow Candles
Natural-color solid beeswax votives and tapers. Scented and unscented soy wax candles in jars, tins, and votives. Recycled scrap wax and wood are used to make Log Lighters™ (a fool-proof starter for lighting a wood fire in the campsite, woodstove or fireplace) and QuickFire™ (an outdoor-only "instant campfire that burns several hours, even in a torrential downpour, leaving nothing but a small pile of ash").
Minwax Water-Based Wood Finishes
Minwax makes both toxic and nontoxic water-based products, so check labels carefully for their water-based finishes. Sold at hardware and home improvement stores.
