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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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Question from Liv

I have a 6 months baby. I’m looking for swim diapers. Many of them uses Nylon for the outer. Is it safe for my baby? Does anyone know other materials used for the outer? Can any recommend a swim diaper brand?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

Nylon is a plastic, but it is not toxic.

Readers, what are your recommendations?

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Question from Cynthia

Debra, I know you recommended vegetable glycerine at one time, but withdrew the recommendation because you became suspicious or got some contrary info.

Is there any update on that? I have used veggie glycerine as a sweetener, and liked it because it had a neutral taste (unlike stevia) and did not cause sugar rush and those kinds of phenomena.

But I have always wanted to know more about the safety of this substance–as specifically as possible.

Perhaps you have since done further research? Or perhaps we have some knowledgeable readers who have a full scoop on this substance.

Any data?

Best,

Debra’s Answer

My previous comments on vegetable glycerin are at Sweet Savvy: Vegetable Glycerin.

I haven’t done any further research, but I am even more convinced than before of the importance of eating WHOLE FOODS, which vegetable glycerin is not.

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