Question from Jennifer

How many of you have signed the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics?

Just because something says “ORGANIC” does not mean it is safe. The Bush admistration watered down how much has to be Organic to be called Organic. Only less than half the product has to be organic in my state of California. SO what is the other half then?

Also when you are entering into the Skindeep.com data base look to see which companies have signed the “Campaign forsafecosmetics”.I will tell you that I am very proud of myself for recently calling Neutragena and asking why they pay the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY to have their logo on their product when their product has over twelve different kinds of cancer causing toxins.The ACS does not endorse any specific product. Neutragena could not give me answer. I will not buy there products at all or Trader Joe’s.

I try to buy from local family owned businesses. NOT CORPORATE POISONS. I don’t want lead in make-up or my childs toys anymore China. Thanks girls and Have beautiful day cause we are all beautiful without make-up too! Peace and Awareness Jennifer

Debra’s Answer

Here’s the link: Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

There is TONS of information on this website about the dangerous chemicals in cosmetic products, but no listings of safe products. For the safe products, see Debra’s List: Body Care.

Add Comment

Question from sarah

I have been searching for an affordable eco-friendly sofa and just stumbled upon the website www.greensofas.com. I am impressed with their philosophy and prices, but purchasing furniture online is a little scary. Has anyone purchased a sofa from this company?

Debra’s Answer

I took a look at this site. I would only caution that the soy foam used in the cushions has probably less than 20% soy and the rest is standard polyurethane cushion (you should ask them about this). Also, if you are sensitive at all, the latex cushions might have too much of an odor for you.

The rest of the materials, though, look fine to me.

Add Comment

Question from Wanda K

Hello…

I love reading your Q&As….

I have a question thats been bothering me…

My husband wants to use some kind of weed and feed which I am sure is loaded with chemicals on our lawn. We dont have a large yard, its about 1/2 acre… I explained to him, that its not a good idea because the chemicals seep into the ground and will wind up in our well water and then we drink it. We do have filters in the house but nothing fancy.. Like reverse osmosis or anything like that.

Well imagine my surprise when he told me our neighbors used some company and had their yard chemically treated… I know I cant go around telling my neighbors what to do, but it bugs me.

Does it make sense that we are ‘green’ while our neighbors are not? I am sure we are all tapping from the same underground water source. Any suggestions?

Debra’s Answer

Yes, it makes sense for you to be green even if your neighbors are not. Here’s why: Giant oaks from little acorns grow.

Everything begins with a seed of an idea. And then it’s done in a small way. And then other people look and see and say, “I can do that!” because someone has set an example. And then the whole world is transformed.

Keep being green. And it doesn’t hurt to talk with your neighbors in a friendly way. Often people want to change but don’t know what to do.

Here in Clearwater, Florida, where I live, we have had a group for the last six months focused on getting more backyard local food production going. We share information, visit each other’s gardens, help each other. And now, gardens are really catching on. Lots of people want to grow organic food and are looking to us for information.

So just get started yourself and talk to people you know. You’ll be surprised how interested people will be in green things they can do.

Add Comment

Question from HG

My husband and I moved into a new building 6 months ago and are renting a unit that has primer on the walls but no paint over it (“decorator-ready”). I am pregnant and would rather not get involved in painting the apartment unless necessary. I was wondering if there are any health concerns associated with living in an apartment in which the walls are covered in white primer without paint on top of it?

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

It depends on the type of primer used.

If oil-based, it may still be outgassing. If water-based, it’s probably fine after six months.

Add Comment

Question from Leonard

Hi,

We have developed these plates and bowls made of Areca palm leaves which are completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

To protect their natural state from moist, heat or extreme weather conditions, we will have to coat them with something similar to plastic but not made of chemicals or other toxic agents which is completely natural.

Do you have any suggestions/recommendations that you could offer which we could develop?

Thanks in advance,

Leonard

Debra’s Answer

Something similar to plastic, but all natural….I don’t have an exact answer off the top of my head, but I would go in the direction of finishes used on wood, which usually include some kind of oil and sometimes beeswax. It would, of course, also need to be edible.

Add Comment

Question from stacy d.

Our satallite for our direct tv is positioned right outside of my daughter’s bedroom window- the window that her bed is located. I am concerned about radiation. I contacted the directv provider about this question and they assured me that it was safe. I am skeptical and concerned. I considered positioning her bed on the opposite side of the room but I don’t know if it would make a difference. Please let me know if anyone could give me any info or advice about this.

Debra’s Answer

I’m traveling and all my EMF books are at home.

Readers, what can you fill in about this? Thanks!

Add Comment

Question from Ale

I’m looking for a sunscreen that can be safe for my baby. PLS, recommend me some brands. If possible, one that can be easily found at any retail store. I have no problem with online stores but I think it will be more expensive to pay the shipping charges than the sunscreen itself.

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

Add Comment

Question from Anne HarrisAnneT

Dear Debra,

I would like to know if you or your readers have used Mythic paint, advertised as having no vocs, or Bio-Shield paint, stains,etc, advertised as having low vocs. I would be interested to know if anyone has used these products on furniture as well as walls etc. I have MCS and paint is very hard for me to deal with sometimes even long after it has dried.

Thank you,

AnneT

Debra’s Answer

Readers? Your experience with these paints?

Add Comment

Question from Diana

I am looking for a “safe” non-toxic mini blind or equivalent for my son’s room. I need something VERY DURABLE as my child is autistic and is VERY tough on items (if it lasts for more than a week at my house, then it is truly quality made). I saw some aluminum blinds, and am curious of your opinion on them and/or any other suggestions the readers may have.

Debra’s Answer

I have no problem with aluminum mini-blinds. I’ve used them myself in the past.

Add Comment

Question from Jaime

I have been looking at home drying cleaning products like Dryel and Woolite’s Dry Cleaner’s secret. My main thing is I want fragrance free. Do you have any experience with this? From other reviews it seems Dry Cleaner’s secret has a lighter scent and you don’t have to use the plastic bag. I’m sensitive to smells so I’d love to find a natural product that does this, although many natural products are loaded with ‘natural scents.’

Debra’s Answer

I personally do not have any experience with this product. I just throw everything into the washing machine.

Readers?

Add Comment