Water | Resources
Tropical Traditions
Cleaning products for around the home, made of "A botanical solution comprised of: purified water, amino acids, minerals and other ingredients derived from leafy green, edible and seed-bearing plants." Included all-purpose cleaner, glass and surface cleaner, dish liquid, laundry detergent. Plus oxygen bleach, and liquid soap made with 100% virgin coconut oil.
Tropical Traditions
Originally a source for high quality organic coconut products (oil, cream, meat, and flour), they now sell many other organic food products, including grass-fed meat and dairy, wild-caught fish, and other whole foods (no organic potato chips here). Their Healthy Buyer's Club gives a big discount to repeat buyers for a very small fee. "Finding good food sources and healthy products is an ongoing endeavor, and the products represented here are the products I have trusted to meet the needs of my own family. I won't sell you products that I won't use personally or give to my children. We have a strong commitment to family farming and organic standards. But the organic label is not enough for us. We research and find out where the products are produced, and how they are produced. We find some organic standards too loose for our trust, so we look beyond what is claimed on a label. We find out as much as possible about those who provide the products. And if a certain quality of product does not exist, we will work with others to produce that product and offer it to our consumers."
Safe Dishware – Corelle?
Question from elw22
I am a mom of 2 – 1 and 4 – and we use the Corelle Livingware plain white (winter frost white). There are no decorations or color dyes on these MADE IN THE USA dinnerware. Are these safe, non-toxic dinnerware? Are they 100%-lead and cadium free? Or do they at least meet the Cali’s Prop 65 standards? I’m concerned based on a recent article I read…. If they are no good, do you know of any clear glass dinnerware that are safe (100% free of toxins!) and microwaveable? Thank you!
Debra’s Answer
You can search the past posts on Corelle and dishware here.
You can read more updated information here:
Crib Mattress
Question from Kimberly78
I’m having a hard time choosing a crib mattress then choosing something to cover it and make it water proof. I live in Canada and I was looking into Simmons® ”Nature’s Best” Crib Mattress. Then I need something safe to protect it. Then I was told about the BabySafe New Zealand SIDS overs. I really need some help making a decision. Thanks so much, Kim
Debra’s Answer
If you want a natural fiber mattress with a waterproof cover, just get a Naturepedic. It’s made from organic cotton and has a nontoxic food-grade polyethylene cover built right in.
Flexible Stainless Steel Water Connectors
Question from ksutherland
I am trying to decide if it is healthier and/or worth the expense to change the flexible plastic (PVC?) hose connectors that connect the piped water supply to the faucets for each sink for the flexible stainless steel ones. It appears as if the “rubber” lining of these stainless connectors is EPDM rubber. Is that really a superior choice in terms of health? Thank you for your analysis/advice.
Debra’s Answer
First of all, the flexible hose could be PVC, polyurethane, or polyethylene, each of which has a different degree of toxicity. So I can’t evaluate this without knowing which plastic it is.
EPDM rubber is ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber. Ethylene and propylene are both low toxicity plastics. However, I looked at the MSDS for EPDM rubber and it lists some other ingredients. It warns that there could be a cancer hazard if the rubber is heated.
So I’m not sure there’s much difference if both are in contact with hot water. But, hot water rushing through is unlikely to release emissions.
Swing set/jungle gym
Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com
We plan to buy a swing set/jungle gym for our backyard for our children. Do you have any tips, recommendations, or suggestions? I think I read to be careful of arsenic in older Wooden sets, but are there other concerns? Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Any suggestions? I’ve never looked at swing sets and jungle gyms.
Boric Acid in futon mattress
Question from RedondoSun
Hello Debra! Since having our daughters, I am regularly on here and have found so much useful information! Thank you! I have a concern:
I bought a futon crib mattress thinking it was a better alternative to the other mattresses on the market. Supposedly it has a ‘light’ coating of boric acid as a flame retardant, which I was told was natural. After purchasing it and having it shipped to us, I grew wary of the boric acid. It is now wrapped up and taking precious space in the closet. I was curious if there was a way to ‘wear out’ the boric acid or if breaks down after time. I need to do something with it. Should I just get rid of it?
Thank you for any information you can send my way 🙂
Debra’s Answer
Boric acid has been used for many years as a filame retardant on natural mattresses, but it is also used as a pesticide.
It’s unlikely that the boric acid would “wear out” because that would make the mattress no longer flameproof and it would no longer meet regulatory requirements.
If you don’t feel comfortable having your daughter sleep on this futon (I wouldn’t). there’s no point in keeping it.
Treecycle
Specializes in high post-consumer recycled paper products, including office paper, stationery, binders, notebook, writing pads, folder, tissue products, printing papers, bags and packaging, food service items, and envelopes and mailers.
Totally Bamboo
A large selection of bamboo cutting boards, plates, bowls, and accessories. “Bamboo is actually a grass that grows to a harvestable height between 3-5 years. Some species grow up to 2 feet per day. After harvesting, bamboo does not require replanting. Bamboo has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself, making it one of the most renewable resources known. Our unique bamboo cutting boards are hand crafted using hundreds of tiny laminated bamboo strips. Unlike most other hardwoods, bamboo absorbs very little moisture and consequently does not shrink or swell as much, making it a superior choice of material for cutting boards. It is 16% harder than maple which means less visible knife marks keeping the cutting board looking brand new for years to come.”
Tobias Stucco
A textured interior wall finish made of Portland cement. Comes in many multi-pigmented shades. Mold- and fade-resistent.
