Question from Celestine

I am looking for as much info as I can get on non-toxic swimming pool care. Chlorine is out, of course. But I need to know more about the various devices out there, the hydrogen peroxide systems, etc.

I’d like to know about cost, maintenance, etc.

I am in the Los Angeles area, so if anyone has specific recommendations in that area, or the San Gabriel Valley, that would be helpful too.

Thanks! Celestine

Debra’s Answer

I can’t give you a detailed overview of all the pool devices and their dangers. I’ll just say that over the years I have looked at them all and decided on hydrogen peroxide. But I want to especially say to not use a copper system, as the body does absorb the copper, which can lead to a copper imbalance in your body. The so-called “salt” systems are still chlorine, it’s just produced from salt.

When I used to have a pool I used hydrogen peroxide. All we did was periodically add more hydrogen peroxide as needed. But it’s not the type you get at the drug store. I think it was 50%. We bought it at a chemical supply house and kept it locked up in a shed because it’s very toxic at that concentration. You do need to be careful not to splash or spill the hydrogen peroxide on your skin or clothing and wear goggles when you add it to the pool. But there is no chlorine smell and the water becomes effervescent.

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Question from -E-

Hi Debra!

I’ve been reading through your blogs posted on Cookware and have to say I’m confused.

I know Cast Iron is the best but its just way to heavy!

On your Cookware & Bakeware section you have stated for the items that are made of ceramica such as the Green Gourmet. “Embedding the finish in the ceramic-titanium craters prevents it from being scraped off into the food, but fumes may still be released, especially as a result of long periods of excessive heat.” I know that you have mentioned that you use their pans but does that comment mean that toxic fumes are still released and that it as unsafe? Does that include sandflow also?

I’m also unclear about stainless steel. Is 18/0 still the best option when it comes to leaching.

I’m looking to purchase pots that are safe. Although I realize that it may be impossible to avoid all leaching I would like to be able to make the best decision for my family and me.

Debra’s Answer

There is a lot of information about cookware. I’m actually working on a new page about cookware that will make it simple.

In your paragraph about ceramica, you’ve taken something I said about TITANIUM cookware and incorrectly attached it to CERAMIC cookware. Ceramica cookware is entirely different from titanium cookware. Cermaica is ceramic. I have been using Green Gourmet cookware for about two years now and do not perceive any toxic fumes, nor does the finish appear to be anything but ceramic.

If you want stainless steel, get surgical stainless steel cookware. That leaches the least. See Q&A: Stainless Steel Leaching into Food and Beverages.

For my primary cookware, I use Xtrema, which is ceramic through and through and fairly lightweight in comparison to cast iron.

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Question from jemcconaughy

Dear Debra,

I am curious to know your opinion on EcoSpun Fabrics, polyester fleece made from recycled water bottles. Are they harmful in anyway? Could a baby or child be harmed in anyway from wearing clothing made from these fabrics? Bedding and toys, included. Do the Pro’s outweigh the Con’s? Any and all information would be appreciated.

Thank You

Debra’s Answer

I wouldn’t put my baby around EcoSpun fabric. Plastic is plastic whether it is recycled or not.

I’m all for recycling plastic, but it should be made into products that are not close to the skin.

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Question from Jill

I have severe MCS…

I’m seeking help for a problem I can’t believe I’m dealing with again.

A year ago, I stupidly experimented with using ammonia in my washing machine to deal with a mold issue I thought I had.

Short story – despite endless rinses, vinegar, water, taking apart and cleaning the machine – after the ammonia, I was never able to wash clothes again without them smelling a certain way, the clothes were burning my hands and causing a headache.

We got another machine. I washed something that had been washed in the first machine. It contaminated the machine and this happened all over again.

We got ANOTHER machine! This one was great and I got rid of (I thought) anything that had been washed in the earlier machines.

Debra’s Answer

Readers. any experience with this?

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Question from sathia

Madam Debrylynn,

I am from India. I like the most “Green living”. Its really amazing to see a person living green for almost 23 years.

I just have a question.

Is there any green jewelry cleaner that cleans and removes tarnish on Gold and Silver jewels/wares.

If yes kindly inform the product name and company name.

Let stay ever at green revolution.

Debra’s Answer

The answer to this question is easy and something you have right there in India: toothpaste.

Yes, any toothpaste will do. Just get an old toothbrush (don’t use it again to brush your teeth after using it to clean jewelry), put some toothpaste on it and brush away.

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Question from Cheryl3

Hi all,

Weeds seeming impossible, I ‘m considering trying a polypropylene weed mat and wondering if it’s considered safe. The only problem I can see might be whatever it is colored with (black). Compost no longer seems to block the weeds and I don’t want to use any wood product for fear of termites (Florida). Any thoughts on safety of or experience with would be appreciated.

Also, I love garden fairies and was wondering if resin fairy statuary (or any avilable material) are safe for the garden environment? I haven’t been able to locate any that say they are ecosafe. Should I be concerned? Thanks for any help.

Debra’s Answer

I don’t like using plastic in my garden. Instead of polypropylene weed mats, I suggest using cardboard boxes, which are free.

We did this in our garden, over lawn. You just open up the cardboard boxes and lay them down over the weeds, and cover with layers of compost and leaves. We’re in Florida too and have done this quite successfully.

You might also consider growing a ground cover that would smother the weeds, or planting your plants closer together.

I don’t know what kind of resin is used to make garden fairies. If you could find out, I could tell you how toxic it is.

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Question from SVE

Dear Debra,

Synthetic shoes (New Balance) may be a problem for me. I can’t seem to find very many “non-toxic” shoes online (such as hemp, etc.). Leather would be OK but the foot beds and soles are made from so many substances. Leather and real 100 % rubber sound OK, but what about polyurethane, foam and other synthetics? Do you have a list of non-toxic substances that “main stream” shoes are made of? If not, do you have a list of worst toxic materials used in the manufacture of shoes? I dislike not buying “green” shoes, but I’m more interested in “not-toxic” shoes made of substances that a person with MCS might be able to tolerate. Love your new website – such great information and easy to use! Thanks for all your help.

Debra’s Answer

A lot of shoes today are made from PVC, which emit phthalates, an endocrine disruptor. Even if the shoes are not made from PVC, many are made from other petrochemical materials.

Leather shoes may utilize a variety of toxic chemicals as well, so you really have to check and see how the leather is processed.

Here’s a link to an earlier post about nontoxic shoes: Are there any nontoxic shoes?

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