Nourish Your Body
With Fabulous Homemade Food
Latex Strips on Wood Slat Bed Frame
Question from I have sensitivities to multiple chemicals as well as a latex allergy and petroleum products. We are having to replace our mattress and have settled on a wool bed such as you have described, with topper, wool pillows and a slat frame bed which has been...
Farmhouse Sink Installation
Question from Bonnie Johnson I have always loved farmhouse type sinks. I have an old home and wanted to get one put in when I do the new countertop. I am looking at granit or some sort of stone for that. My understanding from my contracter is that I would not be able...
Fire Retardants in Nap Roll
Question from Erin Hi Debra, My son needs a nap roll or sleeping bag for naptime at preschool. I didn't want to buy a regular one new (I am concerned about fire retardants that might be added). So I was going to send him with a vintage one from the 70's. It is cotton...
Organic Body and Bath Products in Plastic-Free Packaging
My guest Cory Trusty is President of the family owned business Aquarian Bath. She is
an herbalist, organic gardener, and mother of two active girls. Cory and her husband are both concerned about the environment and take care in making their products. Their soaps and other products are free of chemical fragrances, SLS-free, Non-GMO, dye-free, and palm-oil free, with no animal testing. Most products are vegan. Plastic-free shipping materials include paper, starch, and biodegradable cello bags. Cory’s background is in Cell and Molecular Biology study at the University of Washington as well as Masters study at a Traditional Chinese Medicine Institute. Cory and her family enjoy nature biking and the beach in their free time. She is also Vice-President of SolarNetOne Inc, an innovative solar computing company. We’ll be talking about toxic chemicals in bodycare products and why and how they package their products without plastic.www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/aquarian-bath
PLA Fibers in Organic Mattress
Question from Lana Dear Debra. I am researching a mattress for my daughter. I wanted cotton or wool or both, and the most affordable so far for me is Naturepedic organic cotton quilted deluxe. The only problem - it contains PLA fibers somewhere in the mattress. I know...
The First Affordable Natural Sofa
My guest Emily May Bird Kroll is CEO and Founder of Ekla Home, which makes custom natural upholstered furniture. On the day of our interview, she will be launching a new natural sofa “with a design that more people can afford.” Emily has successfully designed, manufactured, and distributed custom furniture since 1992. She has created custom and contract furniture for notable interior designers, celebrities and large corporations. Emily is passionate about changing the way the furniture business works in the United States where production is notoriously wasteful, and many toxic chemicals are used. Determined to make the process of producing furniture safe for her craftsmen and clients, Emily launched EKLA HOME in 2007. The granddaughter of a furniture designer on one side, and an architectural and scrap metal recycler on the other, EKLA HOME’s approach is rooted in Emily’s DNA. A lifelong Southern California resident, Emily is at the nexus of a close beachside community that holds environmentalism as a way of life and a business model. We’ll be talking about toxic chemicals in sofas and how to avoid them by choosing a safa made with natural materials. www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/ekla-home
In addition, Leigh Anne Van Dusen, Co-Founder and General Manager of O Ecotextiles spoke about the textiles used to make Ekla Home upholstered furniture. O Ecotextiles is committed to changing the way textiles are being made by proving that it’s possible to produce luxurious, sensuous fabrics in ways that are non-toxic, ethical and sustainable. Co-founders (and sisters) Patty Grossman and Leigh Anne Van Dusen created O Ecotextiles in 2006 and the collection has garnered accolades and honors since it debuted at Decorex in 2007, where it won Best Merchandise from House & Garden magazine. In 2009, Environmental Building News and BuildingGreen named O Ecotextiles one of the top 10 Green Building Products of 2008. www.oecotextiles.com
Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House
My guest is Carol Venolia, author of Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House, one of my most favorite books about building. This context of integrating your home with nature in the place where you live provides a foundation for all other decisions made regarding design and materials. Natural light from the sun, natural cooling from breezes, natural insulation from earth allows you to eliminate many toxic chemicals as well as aligning with nature. Founder of Come Home to Nature website, Carol is an architect with a passion for reconnecting humans with the rest of life. She wrote the e-book Get Back to Nature without Leaving Home; wrote Healing Environments: Your Guide to Indoor Well-Being; penned the “Design for Life” column in Natural Home Magazine for 9 years; and has designed eco-homes, schools, healing centers, and eco-villages. 
Carol has been honored by The Green Economy Post as one of ten pioneering women in green design, and was named a Green Design Trailblazer by Natural Home Magazine. We’ll be talking about how everyone can become more aware of nature surrounding our homes and use natural flows to our benefit. www.comehometonature.com
Amazingly Natural Toothpaste (It Really Is!)
My guest Darryl Bosshardt developed Earthpaste—”amazingly natural toothpaste”— “because we couldn’t find a natural toothpaste we loved for our families.” He is passionate about healthily living, healthy eating, and life-long learning. After growing up working for his family’s salt and mineral business (Redmond, Inc.) in Utah, he earned a Bachelors of Science degree at Southern Utah University and an MBA at Western Governor’s University before returning as a third generation family member at Redmond. In his spare time Darryl enjoys the outdoors, hiking, fishing, canyoneering, beekeeping, and just about anything else he can get is hands on. We’ll talk about toxic chemicals in toothpaste, good dental hygiene, and the simply healthy ingredients in Earthpaste. www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/earthpaste
Water Filter for College Dorm?
Question from Chris We would like a to find a way to provide safe drinking water for our child who is moving into a college dorm. Any recommendations? Unfortunately, she won't have a sink in her room. There's a big bathroom down the hall. The Brita pitcher would be...
Vegan-friendly Bedding
Question from Lisa Hi Debra, I appreciate all the research you are doing to provide safe alternative products for all. Do you know of organic bedding, matresses and toppers, that are "vegan friendly", that do not use silk or wool? Thank you very much, Lisa Debra's...
