ANNOUNCEMENT FROM DEBRA: After 40 years of providing information on toxic-free products, I am moving on to write about the next step beyond nontoxic. To continue my work, I’ve passed the torch to Lisa Powers, who will carry on with great enthusiasm. Learn more about Lisa here
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Mystic Sets

Beautiful, handpicked accessories made in Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, Turkey. “All of the stunning necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings reflect the mysticism of Grand Bazaar and the east. You will also find very contemporary pieces that would make perfect statements. All of the accessories are nickel and lead free, as a result, they are very comfortable to wear for a long time. In addition, they are silver coated and very light weight.”

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Sensitively Yours

Nickel-free earrings in many styles—from simple to fancy. “Made from the most irritant-free metals available to eliminate skin and ear sensitivity and to ensure a comfortable fit. Normal piercing studs are made from 302 surgical steel. Our hypoallergenic earrings for sensitive ears are made from one grade higher, 304 surgical steel. We then use 7 to 10 mil of pure 24K gold overlay on not only every surgical steel post, but all other parts of the earring as well, including the backs. Pure 24K gold and surgical steel are some of the most irritant-free materials available – they are affordable and suitable for jewelry.”

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Are Disposable Polyethylene Gloves Safe?

Question from Bonnie

Hi Debra,

I do not want the nitrile or latex dish gloves. Amazon sells polyethylene disposable gloves. Are these safe? I saw a web site that stated polyurethane gloves are also made. I read the latex gloves can have other additives, are they unsafe?

Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

Both polyethylene and polyurethane gloves are safe. I’m very happy to see this.

Here’s where you can order them online:

polyethylene disposable gloves

polyurethane disposable gloves

 

Blomdahl USA

Skin-friendly earrings, necklaces and bracelets, developed in consultation with a skin specialist. “All of our earrings are made with Medical Plastic or Medical Grade Titanium. These medical grade materials ensure maximum comfort and safety for people who struggle with nickel sensitivity.”  From a toxicity viewpoint, I would choose the titanium over plastic.

 

 

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Naturally Nickel Free

Nickel-free jewelry, handmade by a woman who has a nickel allergy. “My research about nickel allergies began, originally, because I have the allergy. It became really important to me though, when I began to realize how many other people are affected by this painful, but avoidable condition. I began to think that maybe my hours and hours of research, along with years of struggling with the same questions others have, may finally be put to good use. ”

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Glass Food Steamers

A question came to me this week regarding a glass steamer I had suggested back in 2013.

At the time it was the only glass steamer I could find (and it was only available in Canada.

But looking for a glass steamer this week, I found more to choose from. Here’s the list of what I could currently find.

JCPENNY Magic Chef 3-Layer Food Steamer

VIVA TERRA: Borosilicate Glass Steaming Pot

Steaming is my preferred cooking method now for vegetables (along with roasting), but I don’t use a separate steamer. I just put about 1/4 inch of water in the bottom of a skillet and turn the heat on high. When the water is evaporated, the vegetables are perfect.

Health Benefits of Love

 

I received a lovely little article this morning about the health benefits of love.

It made me stop and think if each benefit was true for me. Are they true for you?

1. Enjoy a Happier Life

I definitely am happier when I am with Larry. It’s noticeable to me and to others. A friend just commented on that recently. But not just with Larry. I’m happier when I’m with friends and family and even when I am doing activities that I love. It’s the LOVE you feel that’s important here, I think, not what or who you are loving.

2. Live a Longer Life

I would say this is true for me too. Having spent most of my adult life very happily married, I think that has contributed to my health. At age 61 I have far fewer health problems than other people my age that I know. I attribute that to living a toxic-free life, but also to love.

3. Fewer Colds & Flu

I hardly ever get a cold or flu. It’s been shown that those who have positive emotions are better able to fight off cold and flu viruses. I agree with that.

4. Better Blood Pressure

While I can’t prove this one in my own life, apparently happily married folks have the best blood pressure averages, and unmarried people have the worst.

5. Healthier Eating Habits

Now this one I can verify. It’s much easier for me to stick to good eating habits if Larry and I are eating good food together. It’s also easier to keep those good habits going when you have a partner to help. Those evenings when I need to work and don’t have time to cook, when Larry is with me he can take over the cooking duties and make something simple, delicious and nutritious.

(I trained Larry to cook just for this reason. His cooking used to be pretty funny. Once, many years ago, I was sick so he made “spaghetti with red sauce,” the red sauce being opening the refrigerator and putting alll the red foods in a pot. But now he’s really interested in cooking and is getting pretty good at it. I don’t mind eating his cooking at all.)

Each of these benefits have studies to substantiate them. The studies are all given in the original post:

TOUCHSTONE ESSENTIALS: 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Love

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Cotton Leggings

Question from Bonnie

Hi Debra,

Cotton leggings? Do you wear them and where can they be found?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

Cotton “leggings” are snug-fitting cotton knit pants. They are usually made from cotton plus elastic, but I found some that are 100% cotton.

They are great for exercise and keeping warm in the winter. I don’t wear them because I live in Florida and it’s never cold enough.

I looked for cotton leggings online and found many are blended with synthetic materials—such as Modal and Spandex—in addition to the elastic.

Here are two that contain the most cotton that I could find:

Fair Indigo 100% organic Pima cotton leggings.

PACT GOTS certified organic cotton leggings in black, colors, and patterns (they also have tights)

HUE 95% cotton, 5% spandex

This page online has many “100% cotton leggings” that are much less expensive than those listed above.

“Yoga pants” also came up in my search for “cotton leggings.”

Many years ago when I lived in California in the wintertime I wore what we called “leggings” and are now called “leg warmers.” Ballet dancers wear them to keep their legs warm during practice, and we all wore them in aerobics class. Most are made from synthetics and elastic, but these in the photo are made-to-order hand-knitted from cotton. Hippy Headbands Co.

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