Water | Resources
Rawganique
An extensive selection of stylish basic clothing (and undergarments) for men, women and children, most made from European certified organically grown hemp, organic linen or organic cotton, some with natural dyes. Many items are exclusive to this site. “Our hemp products are, of course, sustainably made with no sweatshop, child, or underwaged labor involved at any step of the cultivation or manufacturing process — this is something which we have taken pride in from the very beginning.”
Light Weight Safe Vacuum
Question from Cheryl3
Hi Debra and all,
Besides the price, the Miele vacuums all seem heavier than I can manage. I need to vacuum the carpeting on a regular basis and can’t handle heavy awkward appliances. So, does anyone know of a lightweight, upright, bagged, HEPA sealed vacuum with good suction and no triclosan? After reading several reviews I can’t find one that seems healthy and light. Or, if it has to be bag less, I might be able to work with it, but I’m concerned about dust spewing when I open it since it wouldn’t be contained in a bag. Thanks for your help.
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any suggestions?
Vermont Natural Coatings
Question from jiwaskow
Does anyone with chemical sensitivity have experience using Vermont Natural Coatings for finishing/sealing doors, floors, wood trim and furniture?
Also wondering if anyone knows about the company OSMO for exterior staining and sealing?
Thanks!
Jill
Debra’s Answer
I love Vermont Natural Coatings, however, I would not consider myself to be as sensitive as I know many of my readers are.
So readers, have any of you used these products?
HELP! Need Suggestions for a Non-Toxic Denture Adhesive ASAP!
Question from onlythegreen2
I am looking to purchase a denture adhesive, and I can’t seem to find any that are completely non-toxic. Even the BioForce SECURE brand has polyvinyl acetate in it, yet it’s listed on many non-toxic/health-related websites as a safe choice. Debra, do you or any of your readers know of any brands that don’t have harmful ingredients? Does anyone make their own denture adhesive (I’ve heard peanut butter–what a mess that would be!). Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any suggestions?
Fluoride Filtration using Alumina
Question from guspvt
Hi Debra!
I want to purchase a filter that eliminates (or at least reduce) Fluoride / Hydrofluorosilicic Acid in my tap water and I don’t want to use a Reverse Osmosis or Distillation filter.
So, I narrowed my search down to 5 filters, of different brands, and they all claim they eliminate Fluoride / Hydrofluorosilicic Acid using Aluminum (or Activated Alumina).
Concerned about Aluminum/Alumina leaching into the water, I asked the manufacturers if this leaching would occur, and they all said it wouldn’t. But Debra, my main concern (and the reason I’m asking for your help) is: How can I rest assured that the Aluminum/Alumina will NOT leach into the water I’ll be drinking? Do you know if this leaching will NOT occur? I’m afraid I might be exchanging Fluoride for Aluminum, and that’s not a good trade-off at all in my opinion.
Thanks!
Gustavo
Debra’s Answer
First of all, fluoride is NOT easily removed from water. There are only a handful of ways to remove it.
Rawganique
I can only describe this site as “organic fiber paradise.” They carry an extensive selection of stylish clothing for men, women and children, plus kitchen, bed and table linens–most made from European certified organically grown hemp, organic linen or organic cotton, some with natural dyes. Many items are exclusive to this site. Plus more certified organic hemp items, including footwear, bags, fabric and hemp paper. And organic foods and sustainability books. “The philosophy that governs every aspect of product selection at Rawganique.com is that there is no compromise for purity, environmental sustainability, and quality craftsmanship. This is why we mostly offer the highest-quality, most luxurious, best-made possible version of a product…Our hemp products are, of course, sustainably made with no sweatshop, child, or underwaged labor involved at any step of the cultivation or manufacturing process — this is something which we have taken pride in from the very beginning.”
Rapunzel Rapadura Sugar
Organically grown, whole, unrefined cane sugar harvested from sustainable family farms in Bolivia and through the Hand in Hand™ fair trade program. It has a unique caramel flavor and fine grain texture. It is closest to the natural whole cane because the molasses is not separated out during the squeeze-dried processing.
Rapunzel Chocolates
High quality Swiss chocolate bars and cocoa powder made from 100% organic ingredients. Most are sweetened with Rapunzel’s Rapadura whole organic evaporated sugar cane juice. Chocolate is purchased through their ‘Hand-in-Hand’ fair trade program. They have 70% bittersweet bars and semisweet bars with simple flavors.
Rainwater HOG
An old-fashioned rainbarrel with an innovative new design. It's relative small size and flat rectangular shape enables it to fit into many spaced previously not available to water tanks–it can fit under decks, up against walls and along side passageways. Holds 47 gallons of rainwater that can be used to water landscaping when needed. Made of virgin polyethylene plastic.
Quill
A general office supply business that carries hundreds of recycled office products. Type "recycled" into their on-site search box, and you will get pages of recycled products. If you want to search more specifically, type "recycled paper" or "recycled clipboard" or "recycled file folders" and you will get exactly what you are looking for.
