Question from HEG

Hi Debra and readers,

I am trying to identify the best source of drinking water for my family. We live in a highrise so a personal full home filtration system is not feasible. We currently drink spring water out of glass bottles from different brands including Mountain Valley, Saratoga Springs, Aqua Panna, Voss. I am wondering if it is best to continue doing this (and spending lots of money) or if a Brita or other very basic tap filter would suffice and be healthier and more environmentally friendly. I want to drink the cleanest water possible so if that means buying glass-bottled spring water then that is ok, but if the Brita water is just as clean then I will make the switch. thank you.

Debra’s Answer

In my opinion, water from a Brita filter is not as clean as Mountain Valley Spring Water. In addition, filtering tap water is not the same as drinking spring water from a glass bottle.

In my opinion, you’re already doing the best thing for your situation.

Add Comment

Question from jiwaskow

Has anyone recently bought kitchen appliances (especially dishwasher and fridge) and has learned which offgas the least yet are still good?

For example – is Kenmore more or less smelly than GE? Or vice versa?

Also seeking least off-gassing washer and dryer.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t think there have been any studies that answer this question. And I’m pretty sure there isn’t a brand that is conscious about making kitchen appliances that don’t offgas.

Within the last few years, I purchased a new Kenmore refrigerator and a new Frigidaire stove and both were fine for me.

I suggest you search this blog for specific appliances (i.e. refrigerator) and see what comes up. Appliances have been discussed many times.

Add Comment

Question from Judith Fleet Wisdom

I could swear I saw this information on one of your online resources, but had to interupt before I read it carefully.

I cannot bathe in my bathtub if it’s epsom salts I need to use, which I do. I could sit or even stand in a bucket while showering (or not). I’ve not even thought of the issue of toxicity till I saw your comments. I have simply failed to find something (rubbermaid, whatever) that had a footprint that allowed me to stand with my legs in a safe position; i.e., with enough space between them to allow me to be balanced.

I measure the rectangular size that would work: It is about 21″ wide (side to side) and l4″ front to back. If the level of water were to allow me to soak my feet up to my knees it would have to be about l5 – 17 inches high. But that might make it too heavy. though I’d fill it and empty it in the bathtub. I’d like it to have a handle.

I’ve been all over the place on the web and have found nothing re size appropriateness. And when I tried to use the bucket that is used to clean the floors with (ich) it made me feel unbalanced because it caused me feet to be too close.

I also don’t want to spend an arm and a leg, quite obviously, as we have so many special things it is almost impossible to survive and not be a millionairre.

Any help would be much appreciated. And, I must be able to order it online and if need be on the phone (though I’d like to see it); for I can’t get very many places.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t recall publishing something on this before.

Readers, any suggestions?

Add Comment

The World Cancer Research Fund has found that eating processed meats is directly linked to cancer.

The study says, “”Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat products for the rest of their lives.“

Read more: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/processed-meats-directly-linked-cancer-eat-instead.html#mkcpgn=fbpg2