Water | Resources
Cooper Mountain Vineyards
The first winery in the Pacific Northwest to produce all of its wines from 100% certified organic and Biodynamic estate grown grapes. “We believe that our winemaking begins in the vineyard. That vines, cared for naturally, will give forth such magnificent fruit that our winemaker’s job is easy…We believe organic wine, especially with the farming practices of Biodynamics enhancing the vineyards, are better balanced with nature and our bodies…Biodynamic farming practices enhance the earth and allow the vines to give forth superior fruit that is rich in the unique flavors of our terroir. ”
Less Toxic Hotel Rooms
In response to my article Homes Away From Home: Nontoxic Hotel Rooms, readers sent me some comments about their own experiences with hotels.
The Container Store
Carries a large selection of glass food storage containers in many sizes and styles (type “glass food storage” in their search box).
Leather Watchband
Question from Mary Marston
I need to replace my watchband. I am more or less homebound and will send someone else to shop for it. I would prefer that it be leather rather than metal links, but am concerned about what chemicals would be in the leather that might be absorbed through my skin. On the other hand, I would probably wear it about 3 hours a week, and it is a small item, so it won’t be a lot of exposure.
Any advice about buying leather? Would something synthetic be better?
Debra’s Answer
There are various chemicals used in leather, however, my experience has been that different leathers have different chemicals. Some leathers smell a lot, others not at all.
I, for example, wear leather sandals and have a leather purse, neither of which have ever had any odor, even when new.
I’ve had leather watchbands in the past and haven’t noticed an odor. It sounds like, if you prefer leather, you’ve also had a positive experience in the past with leather.
I would give the leather band a good sniff. If there are chemicals present, they could offgass and be absorbed through your skin. But these types of chemicals are volatile, so even if they are used, at some point they evaporate out.
It’s a small strip of leather and you aren’t wearing it much. I’m not very concerned about this. If it were me, I would probably wear a leather watchband, too, if I wore a watch.
Conservatree
Because more than 90% of printing and office papers have no recycled content, Conservatree has dedicated themselves to finding and cataloging all the recycled paper products in existence. Their site has extensive lists of products made from recycled or tree-free papers, including writing papers, tissue products, newsprint, gift wrap, wedding invitations, calendars, all-occasion cards, stationery and notecards, school and office supplies, and packaging products. Recycled contents range up to 100% postconsumer fibers. In addition, there is much background information, too, on papermaking, paper recycling, and how to choose paper. This is the site to learn all about the best environmental options for paper.
Old Fashioned Mop
Question from audrey
I am looking for a plain old fashioned mop to dry mop and wet mop my tile floor. My old one is falling apart. A friend (I can’t go in to stores due to mcs) bought me a libman. It smelled and I aired it out for a few days and it was fine but then I took a look at the packaging it came in and it said it was antibacterial treated. I called the company and she didn’t know (or wouldn’t give me) the name of the chemical used – it was to help against mildew (whatever happened with just washing something after you use it)!!. Anyway does anyone know of a good simple mop – not those thin stringy ones – they don’t do a good job. Thank you.
Debra’s Answer
Mary’s patented mop lets you use one handle and cleaning head to mop floors, dust walls, wax floors, wash windows, and more, just by changing what you put in the head. You can clean the floor with a terry cloth towel and toss it in the washer.
Plastic smell in New Maytag Bravos Washing Machine
Question from Colleen
Our 13 year old washer was leaking and we had to get a new one. Has anyone has a problem dealing with the plastic smell in their new washer? I’m afraid to put my expensive organic bedding in it and ruining it with plastic smell but I also need to wash them once a week due to dust mite allergies. I’m running the machine with just a cleaning cycle first with vinegar to see if that helps and then I’m going to try a small load of something I don’t care about throwing away to try laundry in it. How long does it take to outgas? What have others done during this outgassing time-period? Thank you for the information.
Debra’s Answer
Readers? My best recommendation is to buy a used washer.
Nontoxic underlayment for vinyl floor
Question from Colleen
I have MCS and asthma we recently had a water leak from our washer onto the flooring in our main and only living area in a small (900 sq ft) house and have to replace the underlayment for the floor under a vinyl tiled floor and also replace the vinyl floor tiles. Does anyone have any suggestions on what we could use to fix that 6 ft area rather than replace the entire kitchen flooring. Replacing the entire kitchen flooring is also an option and eventually we will need to do that too. Suggestions for both scenerios would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Colleen
Debra’s Answer
Please do not replace your vinyl floor tiles with new vinyl floor tiles.
If this is a kitchen area, please use ceramic tiles. You’ll need to use cement backerboard as the underlayment, lay the tiles into mortar, and put grout between them.
This is the most waterproof and nontoxic floor for a kitchen.
Wood Floor Glue
Question from greystoke777
Has anyone on this site used Taylor’s MS Plus Advance wood floor glue? Here is a link to info: . Seems like a good product, I was hoping someone had some first-hand experience with it.
Debra’s Answer
Description looks fine to me, but have no personal experience with it. Readers?
Jamaica cruise
Question from Jenni
Hi Debra,
My husband and I canceled our planned honeymoon to Jamaica after finding out that they still spray flights with residual pesticides, but we’d still love to travel to the island. I was not able to find out anything about whether cruise ships that put into port in Jamaica are also treated with pesticides. After Julia Kendall’s death shortly after visiting Jamaica, I’m understandably concerned. Can anyone help reassure me that a cruise to Jamaica is a possibility?
Thanks,
Jenni in Ohio
Debra’s Answer
Readers?
