Question from Lyn
Hi Debra,
I am in process of finding an eco-friendly computer and found the website www.GreenMachineShop.com. Are you or any of your readers familiar with this company? I have been debating between a laptop or a pc and the claims that the owner makes regarding computers for those that have chemical sensitivies is quite interesting. Do you have any opinions on this?
I am also looking for an ergonomic office chair and am concerned about the materials used in a new one especially because of my chemical sensitivities. I have looked at the Herman Miller Aeron chair (see www.hermanmiller.com for specs) in a local furniture store and could not detect any fumes. But there were other scents in the store so I can’t be quite sure. The contents of the chair are made up of 62% recycled materials.
Another line of chairs recommended to me is by VITRA, which I haven’t yet tried. I do know that Relax-the-Back had chairs that worked for my body (pre severe chemical sensitivities) but I can barely stay in their store npw for 5 minutes even with a mask on. In addition to chemical sensitivities I have carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes and fibromyalgia.
Thanks in advance for your feeback.
Lyn
Debra’s Answer
I’m not familiar with this computer company and there’s a lot more information on their website than I have time to digest this morning. However, they do have a lot of interesting things to read about the toxic chemicals in computer, so I’ll take a look when I have more time. They seem to be saying they are making a less toxic computer. I need to check that out more thoroughly and welcome any comments from anyone who has experience with them or wants to check it out more.
Re desktop or laptop, what made a difference for me was the flat screen. I have both a laptop and a desktop and both have flat screens.
Re the chairs. Recycled does not mean nontoxic. It’s good you smelled it. Maybe they would let you borrow the chair for a day or two and return it if it doesn’t work for you. Most stores have money-back return policies.
