Water | Resources
Natural Choices
“We have the widest range of quality oxygen bleach based products available anywhere!” Indeed, they have a full line of cleaning and laundry products based on oxygen bleach, at competitive prices with the supermarket brands. They say their products contain more active ingredients than popular brands, and they have lots of directions on their site for using oxygen bleach for specific cleaning needs, including mold and mildew. Many many uses, including pool maintenance and janitorial supplies.
Natural Area Rugs
Stylish area rugs made from natural fibers, including sisal, bamboo, wool, seagrass and mountain grass, and jute. Some unusual and interesting combinations, including wool/sisal and sisal combined with paper. Will send two swatches free on request, more can be ordered for a minimal fee. Throughout the site, comments made show thoughtfulness regarding toxic substances and environmental impacts. Good descriptions of the various materials used and how they are processed. Rugs are factory-direct at discounted prices.
Safer upholstered furniture
Question from deanna96
Debra,
Many mainstream companies are claiming to be less toxic and eco-friendly. Two that I have been researching are Rowe
http://www.rowefurniture.com/about-us/eco-rowe.html
and Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams (see their final option for the eco-down cushion)
http://www.mgbwhome.com/mgconstruction.asp
I am having a hard time finding any non-toxic sofas for less than $10,000 and was wondering what you thought of these.
Debra’s Answer
Both of these have a lot of good features, but the problem from a toxicity viewpoint is the filling material for the cushions. Though some of the polyurethane foam is replaced with natural materials, it’s still basically polyurethane foam. You might ask them about emissions and see what they are.
Another possibility would be to get them to encase the cushions in some material that would block any fumes from the foam. This might be cotton barrier cloth, a sheet of polyethylene or foil encased in polyethylene, which would block the fumes for sure, if there is such a material. Of course, this would be inside the cushion, around the filling but inside the cover.
Budget-friendly bedding options without flame retardants
Question from Elliotsmom
I’m trying to rid my house of flame retardant-treated polyester filled bedding, pillows, mattress pads, etc. I’m very frustrated that the only options I can find are extremely expensive. While I feel it is important to switch to bedding without these toxic chemicals, I don’t have it in my budget to spend several hundred dollars on a single mattress pad. Do you or anyone out there know of any sites or stores that offer wool, cotton or other material untreated with flame retardants that won’t break the budget? Maybe someone should open a web store that specializes in affordable eco-friendly products. Currently, it seems “going green” is only for the rich…
Hoping for a good night’s sleep!
Thanks!
Debra’s Answer
Readers, any suggestions?
I haven’t checked prices recently.
Non toxic toy box
Question from exerphys
I have been searching for non toxic toy boxes. So far most have MDF. I have found a few that are solid pine. Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions.
Debra’s Answer
Try an unfinished furniture store or build one yourself.
Readers, any other suggestions?
Polyurethane finish for kids bookcases – safe?
Question from LauraPR
Hi Debra and other readers,
Thank you for having this website. I have been looking for a good bookcase/toy storage solution for my kids room. Finally found somebody here who custom makes bookcases for schools and libraries, they are going to have one made for us from birch wood. I asked about the finish because humidity here where we live is always high and, as much as I love unfinished wood, mold can be a problem. They said they usually use polyurethane as a finish. Is that something that is safe to have in kids room?
Alternatively, I can ask them to just leave the wood unfinished and paint it with something myself, just not sure what I would use that is non-toxic and better than polyurethane?
They also said they are looking into using something that is water-based for a finish in the future but they haven’t really used it much yet.
Thank you for any input!
Debra’s Answer
Regular polyurethane IS toxic and I don’t recommend it.
I purchase unfinished wood furniture and finish it myself, or you could ask them to use a water-based product. My experience is, however, that professionals are reluctant to use finishes they have no experience with because they cannot guaranteed results.
I’ve been happy using Rust Oleum 6032 VOC Varathane Interior Polyurethane (which was recommended to me by the cabinetmaker who made my kitchen cabinets in California), which is a water-based polyurethane, and also wood finishes from Vermont Natural Coatings.
New Tires Killing Me! Help.
Question from Paul McBride
Had to put new tires on my old 4runner. Even though they are outside the vehicle, they put out VOCs big time, which can be detected in the vehicle. It isn’t a smell per se, but it makes my mouth break out and burn (strange reaction to many chemicals that I have–not sure if others have this issue).
Apart from used-tire shopping and the waste associated with abandoning the new ones, what have people done? I don’t keep it in the garage, etc. The tires, FYI, are Cooper Discoverer SUV tires, so beware of getting new ones. I got ones that are supposed to be good at wet traction, but I think this means more soft-rubber compounds in the material. Thanks in advance for tips. I am going to try washing them, etc. And maybe if it starts raining again around here, that will help. In the mean time, I have to use my portable activated-carbon filter on trips.
–Paul
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
Nandina
Exceptionally soft, absorbent, luxurious towels made from “nandina,” an innovative new yarn that is a blend of certified organic cotton and plantation grown bamboo “creating the luster of silk, the softness of aged cotton, and the durability and ease of care found in more traditional fabrics…We are proud that our towels have been certified free of harmful substances, often exceeding the highest standards set by Oeko-Tex, the world leader in textile testing for human ecology.” I have felt these towels and they are the softest fabric you could ever want next to your skin. This fiber is especially appropriate for bath towels as it is resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew, easy care, and more absorbent than cotton. Click through for more information and to see colors, but the manufacturer does not sell retail on their website. They do give a list of stores across the country. You can order by phone from Luxury Linens at 847-277-1480. Ask them for Nandina towels.
Mountain Rose Herbs
An amazing list of several hundred organic and wildcrafted bulk herbs and spices–all “grown, processed and handled with oversight and certification from a third party certification agency…Mountain Rose Herbs has over 8 farm operations, 3 wild harvesting operators, and acts as a direct liaison and processor with farmers and growers all across the globe. We are confident not only in the quality of material you may order but the ethics involved with their preparation and handling… We will continue our work in making organics affordable and have them delivered to your doorstep so fresh and fragrant that we promise it will make you feel good all over.” And there are info links for each that give contemporary and folklore data.
Mountain Rose Herbs
Large selection of certified organic and fair trade certified green and black teas–old favorites plus new delights such as honeybush tea. Also loose-leaf herbal tea blends.”Our line of herbal loose-leaf teas are made with certified organic ingredients, and when organic materials are not available, we will opt for carefully wildcrafted herbs. We never have, nor will we ever use conventionally grown materials in our teas…We were the first company to introduce 100% certified organic herbal loose leaf teas in compliance with the USDA National Organic Program and certified organic by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic.”
