Water | Resources
Padded Headboard
Question from Olga Mayers
Hi Debra,
I am looking to purchase a platform tufted bed. I noticed that it has been upholstered with fabric – polyester and linen and padding is made of a foam in the headboard. The frame is made of a solid wood all over including the headboard. Should I be concerned about any toxic off-gasing that could potentially harm me in the long run? I live in CA so this manufacturer does not use any fire retardant as well.
Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
I’m still concerned about polyurethane foam, even if it doesn’t have a fire retardant. You should check to see if the fabric has been treated with anything before you make a decision.
Personally, I wouldn’t choose this headboard. While it may be attractive, it may harbor dust and other pollutants. Since this is bext to your bed, where you sleep every night, I would keep the area as simple as possible, so it can be as clean as possible.
Miswak Club
A miswak is a natural toothbrush made from a tree branch. Picked specifically from the tree ‘Salvadora persica’ it has a unique chemical composition that works exceptionally well to naturally clean and whiten teeth. The Journal of Health says, “It it has been found that if a miswak is used correclty, then it is more effective in reducing plaque and gum disease than that of a toothbrush due to its antibacterial properties and brushing action.” Comes with two custom-designed carrying cases so you can brush wherever you are.
Urthware Cutting Boards
“Naturally safe cutting boards and kitchenware without the toxic, synthetic and/or petroleum based chemicals found in most cutting boards. From our organic finishes to our all natural gum tree rubber feet. We go out of our way to create products that are as natural as possible and healthy for your family to use. Why buy expensive organic food just to place it on either a plastic cutting board, a glue filled bamboo board (usually an untested glue) or a wooden board containing toxic glues (untested) or scrap lumber or lumber obtained in unethical ways? When you now do have a choice. Urthware, naturally safe kitchenware…ZERO glues and ZERO petroleum based coatings. They are the most natural and safe cutting boards we can possibly produce…We use North American Hard Maple for most of our cutting boards. Hard Maple has the perfect blend of hardness for durabilty and softness to not dull your knife blades. It also has been shown in studies to not harbor bacteria.”
Listen to my interviews with Michal Gal, Founder of Urthware |
Mooseberry Soap
Organic soap and body care products made from ingredients that are sustainable and organic, including “bio-food-grade organic colors.” Many of their products are scent-free. Non GMO. They are a wholesale company, but they also sell retail on their website—both products and soapmaking supplies. They are a little sketchy about providing ingredients lists for all their products, but what they do show on the site demonstrates they understand the issues.
Imlak’esh Organics
A sustainable, intentional company that specializes in the import and distribution of superfoods ethically sourced from small-scale organic farmers around the world. They are committed to working directly with farmers, cooperatives, and like-minded companies to grow abundance for all people on the planet. “We want to promote a lifestyle of gratitude, intention, and integrity that centers around the nutrition we choose for our bodies.” These superfoods are sold individually, with all their nutritional benefits explained.
Sanctuary Organics
Whole organic fruit powders and extracts “made from the purest, most nutritious and highest quality fruits in the world.” Each has a description of the superfood and nutritional benefits. “All products undergo rigorous testing for purity and to ensure no contaminants are present. Various stages of testing are conducted throughout the process including third party testing. Analysis throughout the process includes HPTLC, UV, GC, HPLC, and/or USP analysis.”
Lifefactory
Mobile glass containers with protective silicone sleeves allows you take glass containers anywhere without breaking. Drinking glasses, oven-to-table square food storage containers with lids, water bottles, and baby bottles all come with a silicone sleeves in a variety of bright colors. Great for carrying lunches and snacks wherever you go.
Vegetabowls
Delightful earthenware that look exactly like fruits and vegetables! Slip-cast from molds made from real fruits and vegetables, the unique organic qualities of each fruit and vegetable comes through in each piece. Hand painted with nontoxic, food-safe glazes that reflect the bright colors of it’s edible inspiration. Made in the USA.
Zenbunni Chocolate
A very different and pretty amazing chocolate! One of the best if you want to eat chocolate in it’s purest form as a superfood. First they start off with artisinal stone ground biodynamic cacao and then handcraft bars using “a wide open range of certified biodynamic, organic, and wild foraged heirloom spices, herbs, leaves, flowers, nuts, oils, salts and minerals to soothe, inspire, amaze, delight, health and nurture you, all graciously provided by Mother Nature.” They have many astounding flavors, sold individually and in sets. Sweetened with a “proprietary mineral-rich sugar blend of biodynamic cane jaggery (whole cane sugar), and organic coconut flower nectar.”
Elaa
elää is a Finnish word meaning “to be alive”…”Just like a hummingbird or butterfly transforms and thrives with vitality and beauty from the drink of plant nectars, so shall you”. elaa products are made from living and highly active, transformational plant oils and extracts. With these precious nectars, you’ll soon fly. Soar to your highest height of aliveness, health, and beauty.” Pure, super active living organic skin, body, dental, and hair care products.