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Residential VOC/toxicity testing in Oregon
Question from kris Greetings Debra, We relocated to Oregon in part to escape heavy pollution in LA as we have a son who has autism and suffers from enhanced allergy attacks. Themove has helped a lot, but I'm learning now of toxins potentially in the home and I'm not...
Someone Who Can’t Read, Can’t Read a Toxics Warning Label
My guest today is Sharon Hillestad, the most passionate advocate I’ve ever met for helping children learn to read. Today we’ll be talking about how important it is to be able to read to protect yourself and your family from toxic chemicals in consumer products, why we need to reform how reading is taught in schools, and what you can do right now to help someone you might know learn to read using the time-tested method of phonics. Sharon is the Director of Tutors at the Community Learning Center in Clearwater, Florida, a literacy organization formed to service children who need more phonics education that they are getting in school. She earned her elementary education degree in 1966 and was a classroom teacher in Wisconsin and Minnesota. From 1977-1986, Sharon was a leader in the Home Schooling Movement. She joined the Reading Reform Foundation in 1980 and was its Minnesota Representative for five years; now she is the Florida State Representative for The National Right to Read Foundation, which continues the work of the earlier foundation. Sharon is “the mother of three wonderful adult children and 12 brilliant grandchildren.” www.communitylearningcentertutoring.com | www.nrrf.org
PCBs Are Still Present in Some Consumer Products
Polychlorinated biphenyls, aka PCBs, have been banned in the United States since 1979. Recent studies, however, have found that one PCB in particular, PCB 11, is still being found in yellow pigments commonly used in paint and for printing clothing and paper. It's...
Safe Glue for Toilet Installation
Question from Angelique The plumbers can fasten almost all the pipes in our bathroom with "no hub bands," which are rubber bands and metal clamps (I assume this is the safest thing for me!) However, the ring where the toilet meets the floor has to be glued, and our...
Designing a Toxic-Free Home
My guest today is Lisa K. Tharp, founder of K. Tharp Design. Lisa caught my attention when she demonstrated her understanding of design practices that are healthy for people the planet in her design of the award-winning Concord Green Healthy Home. We’ll be talking about how she incorporates toxic-free choices in design and how you can too. Plus, Lisa will share her 5 steps for recovery for people with MCS. K. Tharp Design is a full-service, boutique design firm specializing in luxury level interiors—environments thoughtfully designed to satisfy and delight the senses. Whether designing a relaxed beach house, gracious country home or sophisticated city residence, Lisa loves helping each client find and reflect their own personal style in spaces that are inviting, comfortable and functional. Lisa hit the Boston design scene in 2012, when her first project landed on the cover of Design New England magazine and was broadcast by This Old House Productions. Visual skills, honed from years of filming and photography during Lisa’s first career in video production and brand management (Time Life, HBO, Kraft General Foods) inform her sense of composition, lighting and scale. Inspired by each new project’s architecture, local vernacular and setting, Lisa calls upon classical proportions, modern form, fine art and nature itself to produce work described as “a fresh take on classic design”. She collaborates with architects and building teams on new construction and renovations, and often creates bespoke furnishings, lighting and original art for her clients. www.ktharpdesign.com
Are Acrylic Blackout Curtains OK?
Question from D. I have had four polyester curtains with acrylic backing on my bedroom windows for one year. I have noticed no smell and no negative reactions. ( I am not chemically sensitive). I then decided to put up six more curtains,made of the same material so...
Home Environment Bamboo Sheets
Question from woksawi I bought a few sets of bamboo sheets at a store closing sale. They were manufactured in China, by Home Environment. I reacted to the sheets after washing and then whatever it was got stuck in washer. I'm wondering what it is but can't find any...
Marmoleum Adhesive
Question from Allison I'm having Marmoleum installed in a bathroom. I'm concerned about possible long-term health dangers from the Forbo adhesive which contains the antimicrobial agent MicroSept. Another reader had asked you about it, and you advised her to ask the...
Area Rugs
Question from Stacey Hello, My question is about area rugs - can I assume any natural area rugs are safe (jute, sisal, or seagrass)? Some have latex backings, so should I ask if it is natural latex? Do you know of any safe rug pad to use (not sure if I need one)?...
Creating the Perfect Organic Sofa
Today my guest is Aimee Robinson, Founder and Owner of EcoBalanza. They focuse exclusively on creating sofas and upholstered furniture made with organic, certified and natural materials. We’ll be talking about natural upholstered furniture, how it is made, fire retardants, and new regulations in California for upholstered furniture. Ecobalanza is the result of “an”obsessive effort to create the perfect sofa… one that is truly non-toxic: organic materials + true artisan crafted + socially responsible sources + comfortable + beautiful + durable.” Over the past 10 years, Aimee has researched materials and created a vertical supply chain where each material can be easily traced to its origin and producer and, when it comes to textiles, knowledge of all critical third party certifications and origins is key. A background in political science and social change plays a significant role in the commitment to work directly with women, farmers and artisans, and find ways to collaborate towards a more responsible and clean economy. www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/ecobalanza
