Nourish Your Body
With Fabulous Homemade Food
Polyurethane Coating On A Bag
Question from Elizabeth M. Hi Debra, Thank you for your informative site. I have a question that i am hoping you can answer. I bought a small metallic bag from old navy about 8 years ago and it has been in storage. I pulled it out and the coating has started to peel....
Toxic Solvents and Vapors
My guest today is toxicologist Steven G. Gilbert, PhD, DABT, He’s a regular guest who is helping us understand the toxicity of common chemicals we may be frequently exposed to. Today we’re going to talking about solvents and vaports. This large class of chemicals includes all the chemicals known as “VOCs” which enter our bodies through breathing or absorbtion through the skin. We’ll explore how you are exposed to solvents and vapors and their health effects. Dr. Gilbert is Director and Founder of 
the Institute of Neurotoxicology and author of A Small Dose of Toxicology- The Health Effects of Common Chemicals. He received his Ph.D. in Toxicology in 1986 from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, is a Diplomat of American Board of Toxicology, and an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington. His research has focused on neurobehavioral effects of low-level exposure to lead and mercury on the developing nervous system. Dr. Gilbert has an extensive website about toxicology called Toxipedia, which includes a suite of sites that put scientific information in the context of history, society, and culture. www.toxipedia.org
Beantrees Gourmet Coffee
One of my readers told me about this website because it's the only coffee she can drink, and it turned out to be the first company to sell only organic coffee. Beantrees started in 1993, at a time when nobody was selling organic coffee and nobody knew about it. And...
All About Organic Coffee
My guest today is Barrie Gromala, Cofounder and President of Beantrees Fine Organic Coffee. We’ll be talking about coffee, why you should drink organic coffee, organic certifications, and more. Beantrees began selling gourmet organic coffee in 1993 through corporate “organic espresso bars,” and now sells beans internationally through specialty markets. They have many celebrity clients and their coffee was even served at the Cannes Film Festival. They have a comprehensive collection of coffees, including mountain water decaf and flavored coffees—all organic. www.beantrees.com
Lead-free Dinnerware
Question from Teresa Venatta Hi Debra, We are in the market for dinnerware and was wondering about the safety of Crate and Barrels Roulette Blue Band dinnerware. We like the look, just want to make sure it's a safer option for families…(it was made in Portugal and is...
Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to Remove Artificial Colors and Flavors
An article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal announces that the fast food chains Taco Bell and Pizza Hut plan to remove artificial colors and flavorings from their food. Taco Bell is aiming to replace the ingredients with natural alternatives by year-end. They are...
Zabada Clean
A water-powered cleaning alternative that gets surfaces cleaner than ordinary cleaning methods. Specially-designed fiber products pick up solids and liquids and hold them until you rinse the cloth. It even picks up grease and 99% of bacteria. Made from toxic free...
Super Cleaning Without Chemicals
My guest today is Damian Pike, Founder and CEO of Zabada Clean Inc, an online retailer of fiber and microfiber cleaning products which eliminate the need for toxics. We’ll be talking about their “simple, water-powered cleaning alternative that’s quicker than home chemical warfare and safe enough for kids to use.” Not only are these products toxic free, they clean better than chemical cleaners—they even kill 99% of bacteria. This Australian company launched their product in the US market in February 2014. Prior to founding Zabada, Damian was co CEO of ENJO Australia Pty Ltd an Australian based direct sales organization for over 10 years. Damian began his career in corporate and international banking, working in Australia, the UK and Asia. He then went on to study acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and worked professionally as an actor for a number of years both in Sydney Australia and Los Angeles. www.zabadaclean.com | watch the 2-minute performance video
Decomposed Granite
Question from Paula Finn Hi Debra, Thanks again for all you do! Would you be concerned about landscaping with decomposed granite? It may contain crystalline silica, which I believe is carcinogenic to breathe. Debra's Answer I wouldn't be concerned about this....
Foam in Stool Seat
Question from Stacey Santoro Hi Debra, I saw a stool in Pottery Barn that I really liked; however, the seat is made of a padded leather seat. I called the main contact number, and of course they did not have detailed information other than that the seat is made of...
