Water | Resources
Copay Hills Orchard
Unpasteurized, raw organic almonds, harvested into tarps that eliminates the soil exposure that requires almonds to be pasteurized. “We devote 100% of our farming time towards our 1400 trees to produce high quality organic almonds for you. We really are a family farm. All eight of us farm the property. We use sustainable, organic farming practices to ensure we are good stewards of our land.”
La Vigne Organics
Biodynamically grown exotic fruits and specialty herbs. “We are a certified biodynamic, organic grove and we lovingly tend to more than 2,000 exotic citrus fruit trees and specialty herbs. Our grove is devoted to less-mainstream produce: Fuyu Persimmons, Nagami Kumquats, Kaffir Limes, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Bearss Limes, Minneolas, Blood Oranges, Meyer Lemons, Satsuma Tangerines, Mexican Guavas, Cara Cara Navels, Cherimoyas, Fremont and Pixie Tangerines, Passion Fruit, Sapotes, Pomegranates and Surinam Cherries.” Also herbs Lemongrass, Rosemary, Bay Leaves, Hoja Santos and Curry Leaves.
Keene Garlic
Heirloom and organic garlic for planting and eating. “All our garlic seed has been grown for generations in the US, are NON-GMO, grown organically, and are all heirloom varieties.”
S and J Mandarin Grove
If you’ve never had a mandarin orange or if you’ve only eaten mandarin oranges out of a can, you are in for a treat. Fresh mandarin oranges are one of my favorite citrus fruits. This small, family owned and operated organic mandarin orchard in the Sierra foothills of California will ship five varieties of mandarin oranges right to your door. They are picked at the peak of their maturity when ready to eat and rushed right to you.you
Antimicrobials in Polyurethane Foam Used in Mattresses and Upholstered Furniture
Often when I am researching one chemical or product I will get clues about other chemicals in products.
And so it was that I came across a mention of “antimicrobials in polyurethane foam” and so of course I had to go find out which antimicrobials are used in polyurethane foam.
And it took me about two minutes to find this:
www.ultra-fresh.com/antimicrobial-applications/foams
It’s the antimicrobial used in polyurethane foams. And they specifically boast they are “a proud supporter of CertiPUR-USA“.
It’s “US EPA registered, BPD compliant and Oeko-Tex listed,”
US EPA registered means it’s a registered pesticide. Here’s their EPA Registration
www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/010466-00028-20050927.pdf
WARNING
UItra-Fresh*DM-50, as received in its concentrated form, is a potentially dangerous material and should be handled with the care and common sense that be accorded to all biologically active • ( Ultra-Fresh”‘DM-50 – IDS Page 4 of4 March 1998 chemicals. Ultra-Fresb*DM-50 is corrosive to eyes and exposure.can cause skin irritation. May be fatal if swallowed. DQ not get in eyes, on skin, ~r on clothing. Wear goggles or faces shield and rubber gloves when handling. Avoid contamination offood. Treated effluent should not be discharged where it will drain into lakes, streams, ponds, or public water.
This is stamped ACCEPTED by the EPA, but nowhere does it say what the chemical is!
BPD compliant means it meets the requirements of the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) which is a European Union directive regarding the placing of biocidal products on the market.
Oeko-Tex listed. It actually is Oeko-Tex listed, right here on this page:
OEKO-TEX Products with Biological Activity
It’s part of a group of active chemical products “which have been inspected by independent toxicologists and assessed as harmless to human health when used as indicated and intended. The safety assessments are based on information, test reports, recipes etc. which have been provided by the manufacturer for the product in question. The test reports taken into consideration for this assessment have been drawn up by accredited toxicological and/or dermatological institutes.”
The active chemicals products approved on the OEKO-TEX® list are in line with the latest European regulations, specifically with the Article 95 list of Biocidal Products Regulation No. 528.
In addition to Products with Biological Activity, other active chemical products are fiber materials with flame retardant properties and a list of accepted polymers without assessment which includes polyvinyl chloride.
I’m not sure this standard means anything at all. If all they are doing is certifying the materials meet government standards, then all products obeying the law would qualify. This isn’t the same standard as their Standard 100 for textiles.
Here’s a specification sheet for the antimicrobial that gives this warning:
Ultra-Fresh* Antimicrobial Additive is flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks and open flame. Use with adequate ventilation. May cause eye and skin irritation. Do not breathe vapour or spray. Wear suitable protective clothing such as gloves and eye and face protection,
And here is the MSDS
The MSDS reports a chemical in the Chemical Family Isothiazolinone and the listed ingredient is
2-N-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one. And it turns out to be an antimicrobial that has very widespread use in a lot of consumer products. One of them being mildewcide in latex paint.
There is much concern about allergic contact dermatitis with this chemicals. Here is a summary of scientific studies about 2-N-Octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one
Another Isothiazolinone, called Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) is known to be allergenic and cytotoxic, which has brought it to the attention of the European Union There the rate of people allergic to it is skyrocketing.
Here’s the Ultra-fresh entry the the Pesticide Action Network Pesticide Database.
Here it’s considered a “bad actor” product and says the active ingredient is Thiabendazole, which they identify as a carcinogen and a developmental or reproductive toxin.
Antimicrobials are designed to kill very tiny organisms. How can this be safe for humans? Our bodies are full of microorganisms.
What we know now is that there are antimicrobials in polyurethane foam and their safety is questionable.
Charlie’s Butter
“A collection of delectable artisan pasture-fed butters made from only the finest ingredients. It all starts with butter from a small herd of cows that graze on the lush California coastal grasses. Wholesome organic spices and herbs are then combined with the butter, culminating in an extraordinary flavor experience.” Flavors like garlic-herb, cinnamon, honey, chili-lime and others all come packaged in glass jars.
Pleasant Valley Ranch California Oranges
“Home of the world’s most delicious oranges!” Since 1909! Award-winning organic navel and valencia oranges, plus organic grapefruits, Minneola tangelos, and lemons.
Avocado Organic
Certified organic California-grown Hass avocados straight from the farm. They are hand-picked, never gassed, and are bigger than other avocados. “Nordeen Organic Farm has produced fresh organic avocados for over 40 years in North County, San Diego. Our guarantee is that you will receive the healthiest, freshest avocados possible from our farm to your table. “ Ships November-July.
Avoganic
“The best avocados in the world! From our trees to your table in as little as 2 days.” Certified organic California Hass avocados and Meyer lemons.
Fillmore Farms
Raw, high quality, organic English Walnuts. grown in Northern California, one of the top English Walnut growing regions in the world. ” the climate, soil and water supply all combine to provide a wonderful growing environment. In addition to being grown with our existing organic farming methods, a portion of our crop is dried at ambient air temperature (ambient air dried) and never frozen. We believe this helps preserve the flavor and nutritional content of the raw walnut.” Certifications posted on website.
