Water | Resources
Maxim Hygiene
Organic and natural cotton tampons, menstrual pads, pantiliners, and maternity pads, plus organic cotton balls, rounds and swabs, created by a father-and-daughter team. "The founders of Maxim built the company and developed Maxim products with three main elements in mind – Body, Earth, and Health. They asked themselves, “How can we take these three very basic and essential components of life to their maximum level of efficiency and sustainability?”…by combining them together in to one product we are meeting our maximum potential."
Martha Stewart Clean
A full line of unscented natural cleaners for laundry, kitchen, bathroom, and general household use, developed by Martha Stewart. “Our products have been developed from 99+% plant- and mineral-based formulas that are safe to use, especially in homes with children and pets. They are naturally “clean-fragranced”— without artificial perfumes and strong chemical odors—so surfaces, clothing, and hands are left smelling fresh and clean. We strictly avoid animal by-products and testing, artificial colors and preservatives, and harsh synthetics like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) which can irritate skin. And all of our packaging is sustainable: our recyclable bottles are made only from PET or HDPE (carrying resin identification numbers 1 or 2, respectively) and contain recycled content, and our shipping cartons are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure that they are sourced only from well-managed forests. As a result of all these efforts, Martha Stewart Clean™ has been recognized by Design for Environment (DfE), a program administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, as a best-in-class product recognized for safer chemistry.”
Maggie’s Organics
Simple organic clothing for men and women, including pants, wraps, hoodies, dressses, tanks, camisoles, and scarves, and socks (socks for kids, too). “Maggie’s Organics was founded in 1992 on the premise that workers should be treated ethically and that clothing should be durable, affordable, and constructed of environmentally sustainable materials…All of our products are made with Certified Organic Cotton or Certified Organic Wool.”
Titanium reinforced, aluminum base pots
Question from cvlamarr
Hello
I am a new user. I was wondering if you could help me determine if my new HERITAGE pots (the Artisan line) are safe to use. I have reviewed previous blogs but I havent come across this exact brand. I looked on their website but couldnt find a decription regarding how they are made. They are described as:
Thank you very much,
Carolina
Debra’s Answer
“Extra thick aluminum base: perfect heat distribution and even cooking” is fine as the aluminum does not come in contact with the food. “3 layers of Titanium-reinforced non-stick coating: resists scratches and abrasions” to the best of my knowledge this is still a teflon-like coating, just reinforced with titanium, so I can’t recommend it as safe.
“Exterior non-stick coating: worry-free cleaning and maintenance” if this is a teflon-like coating, it would be releasing toxic fumes into the air during use, even if the coating does not come in contact with the food. This evaluation is based on the little data you gave me.
Microwave Ovens
Question from photobee
Hello Debra, I have enjoyed reading your books. I wanted to get the most recent information on the dangers of microwave ovens, but have not found anything in “Toxic Free” or on this site. Just the fact that you don’t use a microwave. I would really like to hear the information that helped you to come to this decision. I really would not like to take chances when it comes to radiation. However, I had been led to believe that microwaves are very safe.
Debra’s Answer
Here is an article I wrote I think about five years ago that used to be on my website, but it didn’t get transferred over to the new site. I haven’t done any new research since on this subject, but have no reason to believe they are any safer now.
MICROWAVE OVENS
Microwave ovens are certainly convenient, but are they safe?
While there is not enough evidence to require warning labels on microwave ovens, or to remove them from the market, there is concern both about the safety of our exposure to microwaves and the healthfulness of microwaved food.
THE DANGERS OF MICROWAVES
Even microwave ovens that are functioning perfectly emit microwaves. Safety standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allow microwave emissions of up to one milliwatt per square centimeter (1mW/cm2) when the oven is purchased, and up to 5mW/cm2 after the oven has been in use. Studies on industrial exposure recommend that daily exposure should not exceed one milliwatt for more than one minute. Average home use of microwave ovens far exceed this.
Tunney Wool Company | O-Wool
Certified organic wool yarns (be sure to read their excellent page describing organic wool )
SOS from Texas
“We Grow Organic Cotton T-Shirts” for men, women, children and babies. This is one of those businesses that I just love, because they do every step of making the garments themselves. “SOS t-shirts are made from organic cotton grown on our certified organic farms. We have been certified organic by the Texas Department of Agriculture since 1992…Our cotton is planted in mid-May and harvested after frost in November. The harvested cotton is ginned at our certified organic gin and then shipped to a certified mill in North Carolina for spinning into yarn. The yarn is also knitted, finished and sewn in the Carolinas. SOS products have a pedigree as we can tell you when and where they were planted and trace their development into a finished product. SOS organic cotton products are 100% Made in the USA, “sweat shop free”, by American workers being paid a fair and lawful wage…As we grow organic cotton t-shirts, we share our land with you, our customers. SOS organic cotton is “good for man and good for the land” as these practices improve our environment, create jobs for people in rural American and keep our family farm and heritage sustainable.” This is a very durable tee that will last many years and continue to soften with age and washings. The natural color varies from year to year with the type of growing season experienced by the cotton. And…these shirts are sewn with cotton thread.
Olympic Premium Zero VOC Paint
An affordable, zero-VOC paint now sold at Lowe’s. I bought a gallon of semi-gloss to paint some trim and hired a painter. When I walked in the room, I said, “Have you been painting with this paint?” I could smell nothing. Comes in flat, semi-gloss, satin, eggshell…even exterior paint. 1200+ colors. Looks great. Individual results may vary.
Staub Cast Iron Cookware
Question from Lyn Ko
I have been told that the interior enamel of the Staub cookware contains quartz. Is quartz a safe product to have on cookware. How does it impact your health. Thank you for your expert opinion.
Debra’s Answer
Quartz is totally fine. It’s a natural mineral. Nothing toxic about it.
Dacron vs. non-FR polyurethane for upholstery
Question from Sousou
Dear Debra,
There is a lot of info on your site already about Dacron and Polyurethane for upholstery, but none that answers the specific question of whether it is better to use Dacron (with Flame Retardants “bonded” to the material during manufacturing) or non-Flame Retardant Polyurethane Foam. If you had to pick one to use for a sofa, which one would you pick?
Thanks, sousou
Debra’s Answer
Neither.
When I chose a sofa many years ago, I did what was necessary at the time to have a safe sofa. I had a sofa frame custom upholstered with my specified materials.
Today there are nontoxic sofas readymade, though expensive (see Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Furniture).
You are not limited to a choice of two toxic materials.
