Question from Alison Philip

I would like to ask for more information from anyone regarding the safety of regular use of mineral oil on the skin especially a child’s skin.

I would like to say that I am reading with interst the for and against the use of it. I do like to think I have an open mind on the use of it on the skin.

I would like to say that as a district nurse for 20 years I worked in a village where many patient’s had skin cancer and I did read an medical article some time ago saying that when the village was in full production of using the by products of paraffin and petroleum that this village had one of the highest incidences of skin care in Europe.

Debra’s Answer

I suggest you read Q&A: Mineral Oil–Is It Safe and Natural? and then post any additional questions you have there.

Please keep in mind that whatever we place on our bodies goes directly into the body via the skin. So I wouldn’t put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t eat.

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Question from Carrol

In trying to avoid Stainmaster (Teflon) on my new carpets, I have discovered that all chemicals used for stain resistance are fluoro-chemicals. According to the represenative I spoke with at Shaw, all of these chemicals react the same way. Since this is proprietary information, he could not give me a breakdown of the product they now use (R2X). But he assured me that all anti–stain chemicals are in the same class. He also said that only the cheapest made carpets aren’t treated with stain resistance chemicals. These carpets are meant to be replaced frequently/annually. Of this would cause more outgassing problems and ecological problems.

Do you have any information on this and how to avoid these chemicals? The AFM carpet sealer does not list this as an indication for their product and I am waiting for them to call me. Unfortunately, I can not choose a different flooring.

Thanks,

Carrol

Debra’s Answer

Take a look at Debra’s List: Interior Decorating: Flooring for a start. The natural carpets listed there should be free of these finishes. Also check the link there for The Carpet and Rug Institute Green Label Carpets. These are low-emitting synthetic carpets that would at least be safe-er.

Readers, any suggestions?

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Question from tracey wick

in our home i use as many non chemical cleaners as possible, although with my laundry i have been using Melaleuca products. I think I need to switch laundry products due to my daughters so so sensitive skin. Aubrey Organics makes an all purpose cleaner that doubles as a laundry detergent, how well does it do with the laundry? also i found the “Sun and Earth” brand, are those totally natural and chemical free? thanks…

Debra’s Answer

Readers, what are your recommendations?

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Question from Jennifer

Thanks so much for the information. I learned about Agave from your site. I am a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes and I was using agave daily in moderate amounts. Now I’m depressed and panicy all over again. I have no idea what to do. What sweetener would you recommend to be used in moderation for a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes?

Stevia hasn’t been declared safe for pregnancy and neither has vegetable glycerin.

Honey is out too, as far as I know.

Processed sugar and artificial sweeteners are always bad for you. I know that.

Glucose makes your blood sugar up and fructose is bad for the liver and heart.

Sugar alcohols like Xylitol are laxatives. I am sensitive to those.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from SANDY MOSKOVITZ

I’m wondering if anyone knows if there are health issues involved in using PUL fabric for diaper covers.

Thanks for your help!

Sandy Moskovitz

Princeton, NJ

Debra’s Answer

PUL is short for Polyurethane Laminate, which is an aromatic polyether polyurethane film/sheet. It is used for bibs, diaper covers, and other baby products because of it’s excellent resistance to water and fungus.

This is a plastic, made from petrochemicals. It is made from a nonrenewable resource and is not biodegradable.

I’d opt for bibs and diaper covers made from natural ingredients.

Question from joan coppinger

Hi, I like the mildness of Ivory bar soap but can’t find any ingredients listed on their package. I called the company the representative took so long trying to find the ingredients and from the info she gave me, it seemed all natural. Can you give me more info, any parabens, etc?

Debra’s Answer

I found the list of ingredients for Ivory soap on a handmade soap website. Here’s what they have to say:

I would just add that I have no reason to believe that the fragrance is natural.

I would agree with this writer though, that if you are not going to purchase an all-natural handmade soap, Ivory would be the next best choice.

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Question from Melissa

Hello!

I absolutely LOVE V8 vegetable juice, but would like to avoid the sodium, pasturization, packing waste, and high cost that comes with buying the cans at the store. How would I go about making my own?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I love V8 juice too and just created a way to make a juice that tastes very much like it. I call it “V5” juice. I put all these vegetables in my VitaMix and blend it rather than juicing:

Put everything in the blender, cover with water, and blend until pulverized. This makes two large glasses. My husband and I drink some version of this juice almost every morning. Our bodies love it!

The original V8 juice is made from tomatoes, carrots, celery, beets, parsley, lettuce, watercress, and spinach. You can try blending any of these together or adding more to my mix. Carrots would make it sweeter, watercress more peppery.

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Question from MP

Hi there,

I have been growing oregano, parsely, dill, and basil on my deck and was wondering how I could dry it to replace my store bought herbs in my spice rack?

Thanks!

Debra’s Answer

I just bundle stems together and hang them upside down indoors in a dry place. If it’s too damp they will mold.

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Question from Carol

I read on your blog about using baking soda and white vinegar to clear clogged drains, but now I can’t find the topic on any of your websites. I’d like to know what proportions of each substance to use and in what order. I don’t want to blow up my drains nor do I want to use caustic chemicals. Help?

Debra’s Answer

The post you are looking for is Cleaning Clogged Drains. I found it by entering “baking soda drain” in my onsite search engine at my website’s search engine.

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Question from Melissa

I would love to convert my home to all organic foods (meat included), but the high price is an obstacle I cannot overcome for 100% conversion. I remember seeing a list elsewhere regarding which vegetables retain the most toxins and should be the top priority when choosing organics, but I can’t locate it again.

Can you help me decide which foods should be the most important to me in organic (based on the health of my family)? Fruits, Vegetables, Dairy, or Meats?

Debra’s Answer

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