Water | Resources
Approach Biological Odor Eliminator
I tried a sample of this and it really works! Almost instantly (less than 5 seconds). It even worked on really strong odors, while being itself almost odor-free. Completely eliminates a wide variety of odors commonly found in and around the home including tough odors associated with smoking, pets, bathrooms, kitchens, athletic gear, skunks and many more. Made primarily from plant sources and contains no dangerous chemicals. In extensive laboratory testing actual use in hospitals this product has been shown to be hypoallergenic and nontoxic.
Antique Drapery Rod Company
This company proves recycled can also be beautiful with their gorgeous historic, classical window hardware. They manufacture over 600 types of drapery hardware in recycled wrought iron, reforested carved wood, recyclable cast stone, tortoise shell bamboo (the fastest growing renewable resource on the planet) and a highly polished recycled aluminum.
Anna Sova
The most luxurious eco-friendly bedlinens I’ve seen. Organic cotton bedlinens come in a rainbow of solid colors, in an Indian print applied by hand with wood blocks, and other natural designs and in various weights. Natural color linen bedlinens contain both fine Irish and Belgian linen. And alpaca–yes, soft alpaca sheets and pillowcases–from animals grazed on land that is free of fertilizers and pesticides, where the herders practice a philosophy of “Pachamama” to develop harmony between man and the mother earth and to preserve the alpacas’ welfare. Silk bedlinens–and handstitched quilts, shams and bedskirts in vibrant colors–are finished with organic nut oil soap instead of formaldehyde. All can be custom monogrammed. Packaging is minimal packaging out of only recycled materials that can also be recycled or reused. All the eco-benefits of each product are fully explained. “We video tape in person, in all countries, all human resources that go into the manufacturing of our draperies. We guarantee good working conditions where happy employees take pride in producing our quality healthy products for a healthy planet…We have a corporate commitment to alternative labor sources. We also have an ethical responsibility to our community including support for homeless and battered women’s programs.”
Perchlorate in batteries
Question from Annette Tweedel
Hi Debra,
One day I was looking for a scale, one that would check for Body Mass Index (BMI), and found one and decided to look further on the box for other information.
Well, I noticed that the battery that goes inside the scale contains perchlorate material. So then I took down other information including a website www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate
Debra’s Answer
Kahrs or Mannington engineered hardwood floors
Question from Brenda S
Hi Debra,
I was wondering if anyone has had a experiences with Kahrs or Mannington engineered hardwood floors. From what I have read on the websites of these companys Mannington uses formaldehyde free adhesives and Kahrs said theirs is very low in emissions. Kahrs also uses a uv fininsh with no aluminum oxide finish. Thanks.
Brenda
Debra’s Answer
Readers? Any experience with these?
Plywood Vs Particleboard
Question from kpc
I know both of these use formaldehyde based resins, but is furniture made from plywood less toxic (less offgassing) than that made with particle board?
Debra’s Answer
Particleboard is made from wood chips and sawdust, held together with a urea-formaldehyde resin. It offgasses formaldehyde from the resin. Over time, the amount of formaldehyde emitting from the particleboard becomes less and less as it outgasses.
There are at least a half dozen types of plywood used for different purposes, bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin (the one you want to avoid) or the less toxic phenol-formaldehyde resin the OK one because they have to be waterproof.
Furniture and cabinets are made with what is called “furniture grade” or “cabinets grade” plywood, which simply means there are no knot holes or imperfections in the outer layer of the wood on both sides. It does NOT refer to the type of resin used. I found that when it comes to furniture grade plywood, it can be made with either urea-formaldehyde resin or phenol-formaldehyde resin. The only way to know is to contact the manufacturer.
I purchased a sheet of “furniture grade” plywood at Lowe’s and it had no odor at all.
I would suggest that you check to see what resin was used to make the plywood if possible.
In general, plywood is considered to have less outgassing than particleboard.
Formaldehyde Free Plywood For A Subfloor
Question from Brenda S
Hi Debra,
I was wondering also if anyone knows if there is such a thing as formaldehyde free plywood for sub-floors. I know there is a PureBond brand from Home Depot but they said that type of panel wasn’t suitable for sub-floors. I was also wondering if the plywood today is lower in formaldehyde than 30 years ago.
Brenda
Debra’s Answer
There is some info on different types of plywood at Q&A: Particleboard vs Plywood, but no info on which particular brands are suitable for subfloors. Readers, which formaldehyde-free plywoods have you used for subfloors?
The plywood today is lower in formaldehyde than 30 years ago.
Here are some links about formaldehyde-free plywood that might help you make a decision:
Formaldehyde-Free Plywood for Subfloors
FAQ About Formaldehyde-Free Plywood
Anna Sova
Milk paint made "with up to 99% food grade ingredients. Milk casien (as in yogurt), titanium dioxide (as in powdered donuts), food grade emulsifiers and preservatives (as in milkshakes and chocolates…we import our pigments from Germany, now the cutting edge of eco-responsibility in manufacturing." Paint can be custom colormatched to any item or paint colors made by other companies. Cannot be used on walls that will come in direct contact with water (such as kitchens and bathrooms).
Allergy Suffers’ Guide to Spring Cleaning
I was interview for and quoted in this article on allergies and spring cleaning, so I thought I’d post it for you to read:
Dangerous Cosmetics in the News
Here’s an article from the Miami Herald talking about the dangers of toxic ingredients in cosmetic products:
After you read this, go to Debra’s List to see safe, natural and organic bodycare products.
