Water | Resources
Native Seeds/SEARCH
Though the seeds they sell are appropriate for only a specific desert region, this organization performs an important larger function: preserving "for future generations, the seeds of crops and wild plants traditionally used as food, fiber and dyes by prehistoric and more recent cultures inhabiting the arid southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico." You can adopt-a-crop with your donation, which will contribute to growing more seed, and support their work through the purchase of traditional foods and crafts made from materials grown from their seed.
Natracare Pads and Shields
Tampons made from 100% pure organic GMO free cotton, certified organic, certified organic by the soil association. Disposable menstrual pads and shields made from non-chlorine bleached pulp. Because they have no plastic, they are biodegradable.
Cast Iron Cookware
Question from n rose
Does anyone know about the safety of Lodge Cast Iron cookware (sold at Wal mart). I have used stainless for years, and wanted to get a cast iron pan. What should I be wary of? The mfg process says it is seasoned with a special soy oil and baked at high temp.
Any recomendations?
Debra’s Answer
I’m fine with Lodge Cast Iron and have included it on Debra’s List.
In fact, I recommend this brand because many other (often brandless) cast iron pans are “seasoned” with paint that chips off. See Cast Iron Skillets Made in China.
Kid’s mattress
Question from Ronda
Hi Debra – First let me say how happy I am that I can always go to your website to ask a question or find an answer. You are providing such a great and valuable service.
I’m looking for 2 twin size mattresses for my kids. All of the wool ones that I’ve found on different websits are out of my budget. My husband doesn’t like he futon option becase he thinks they are uncomfortable.
We have a place by us in California that makes their own mattresses called Custom Comfort. They have a page talking about their green design. I was going to talk to them about a cotton mattress because they don’t seem to offer wool.
Here is what they say about the fire retardants. What do you think about this? Inherent FR barrier Materials: In keeping compliant with FR regulations set forth by the government we use an inherent patented FR barrier which is atypical of the FR chemistry used in most mattresses. Its inherent properties make it safe both for the environment and for the consumer.
Debra’s Answer
I think it’s great that you want to buy your mattress from a local business and more local businesses should offer them.
However, they need to tell you what the fire retardant is and all other materials used in the mattress. There are a number of ways now to meet the federal regulations with less toxic substances and materials.
DON’T RELY ON UNSUBSTANTIATED CLAIMS. If the promotional material doesn’t tell you ASK. If you get the info and don’t know what the substance or material is ASK ME.
You might also ask them if they will build a mattress to your specifications.
WalMart and Other Retailers Are Banning Toxic Chemicals in Products — Not Waiting for Government
Wal-Mart is banning polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, a class of compounds used since 1976 as flame retardants in such products as electronics, furniture, sporting goods, pet supplies, curtains and toys, sofas, cameras and child car seats. In a recent notice to suppliers, the company said it would begin testing June 1 to make sure products do not contain PBDEs.
This Washington Post article tells more about how various retailers are taking the initiative to ban chemicals of concern and the difficulties our federal government faces in getting through old regulations that prevent them from banning these chemicals.
The Washington Post: Wal-Mart bypasses federal regulators to ban controversial flame retardant
We should encourage these businesses and others to continue to refuse to sell toxic chemicals, one by one if necessary.
Natural Lifestyle
All the basic staples for an organic, vegetarian, macrobiotic diet, including baking supplies, beans and grains, condiments, herbs and spices, sweeteners, snacks and more. Plus vegetarian supplements, organic teas and coffees, cookware, and essential kitchenware. “We focus on supplying the finest quality, organic food and organic lifestyle products with fast, friendly service. We’re a family business and only offer products that we personally use and what we feel are the best for everyday natural health and living.”
Polyethylene Confusion
Question from lenare764
My 25 month old son’s body has a hard time ridding contaminants which has resulted in toxicities of arsenic and antimony from fire retardants. Dr. Sprotts told me to try http://www.offgassing-mattress-wraps.com/mattress-wraps.htm for larger beds but I remember you said they wouldn’t confirm the safety of their product after your 5 attempts to reach them. Have they ever gotten back to you about their safety? What is your opinion on the safety of these for a sponge like my son? I would have to max out my credit card to buy a new organic mattress – but I’ll do it if its safer than polyethylene for him.
Thank you so much.
Lena
Debra’s Answer
I don’t remember saying that I contacted this company 5 times and they didn’t respond. But I will answer your question about polyethylene.
Polyethylene is considered to be one of the safer plastics. It is used for waterproofing on Naturepedic mattresses, and I have talked with them at length about its safety. So I have no objection to polyethylene wraps.
Your choice is between an organic cotton mattress that is not waterproof, which would be 100% natural, or a waterproof organic cotton mattress (the Naturepedic mattresses use polyethylene-I’ve smelled it and it had no odor), or your polyethylene wrap (which I haven’t smelled, so can’t comment). I do know there are various types of polyethylene, and some may have more odor than others.
Those SIDS-prevention mattress wraps are very highly regarded. I have never heard of any problems with toxic exposure from using them. That doesn’t mean there are none, but I hear about a lot of toxic products, and this has not been one of them.
Nature’s Hardware
A delightful collection of eco-friendly accessories, coat hooks, handles, knobs, pulls, sinks and tiles made from natural, renewable or recylced material. Materials include bamboo, antler/bone, flowers, glass, granite/marble/onyx, ivory, leather, marble, metal, stone, and wood.
Does Vitamix really make smoothies more nutritious?
Question from Anlina
I know this has been discussed here in the past, but I’m wondering if there’s any updated research or more recent comments. I’m thinking of getting a Vitamix; I’d only use it to make smoothies. My only reason for getting it would be for the increased bio-availability of the food. But some nutritionists think the blender’s fast speed may cause more oxidation of the foods, so the fact that the cell walls are ruptured would actually make them less nutritious than if not blended. I’d appreciate your comment on this, Debra. Would you recommend (or trust) any cheaper brand with only a ½ hp motor to make equally nutritious smoothies? Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
I myself have a Vitamix and am very happy with it.
I purchased it because I was having difficulty making smoothies at all in other blenders I tried–they just didn’t break down the food even to the level of smoothness.
If you go to any commercial place that makes smoothies, they all have Vitamixes or similar high-horsepower blenders.
If you are making smoothies with ice or frozen fruits, it’s been my experience that a regular blender just won’t do it.
As to your question about oxidation, oxidation is an irreversible process by which oxygen in the air combines with nutrients in food, a process that makes the food rancid. A good example of oxidation is when an apple turns brown after you cut it.
So let’s use logic here. When you cut an apple, only the cut surfaces oxidize and turn brown. If you cut the apple in two, that would be less cut surface than if you cut the apple into ten pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more surface area there is and so more oxidation.
Non toxic plantation shutters
Question from Breathegreen
Hi Debra I need to purchase plantation shutters for a bedroom. I had mcs and need a non toxic alternative so that there is no off gassing! Can you help? Thank you Amie
Debra’s Answer
The choices of material for plantation shutters are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic (also called “vinyl” or “fauxwood”) or solid wood finish with stain or paint, or unfinished.
You want to not get the vinyl or fauxwood shutters because these are plastic and can outgas.
The wood shutter will be more expensive but less toxic.
Prefinished paints and stains are applied and then baked on. There may be residual vapors that continue to be released when you buy these new. How long they might outgas depends on how long it’s been since they were finished, and how well they were cured in the baking process. You can leave them outdoors or bake them yourself in an enclosed room to finish releasing emissions.
Or you can purchase the wood shutters unfinished and leave them unfinished or apply your own less toxic paint.
