Nourish Your Body
With Fabulous Homemade Food
A Toxic-Free Bed & Breakfast
My guest is Terry Mandel, owner of North Berkeley Hills Homestay. Terry began hosting short-term guests from around the world in 2002. After becoming ill in 2005 from the VOCs in paint, she began a journey of toxic-free renovation that has turned her inn into a refuge for people with MCS and EI, and others who prefer a toxic-free environment. Terry loves to share simple ways people can detox their homes, work spaces, and lives. We’ll be talking about toxic travel, how to choose less-toxic lodging, and what Terry has done to make her home a safe place to stay. www.hillshomestay.com
Toxic Phenol + Toxic Formaldehyde = Nontoxic Bakelite
Question from chemistry Discuss the preparation of bakelite when phenol reacts with formaldehyde? Debra's Answer I am not a chemist, but here is my layperson understanding. Phenol and formaldehyde are two toxic chemicals, but when they react together, they form a...
All About Latex Mattresses
My guest Barry Cik is a co-founder of Naturepedic, the leading brand for organic baby and children’s mattresses…and now also adult mattresses. As an environmental engineer Barry understands toxic chemical issues better than most product manufacturers and has a “no compromise” policy when choosing materials from which to make Naturepedic products. Some of the new Naturepedic adult mattresses are made of latex. We’ll talk about everything that has to do with latex: natural vs synthetic, Dunlop and Talalay, certified organic latex, and more. www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/Naturepedic
Are These Bed Sheets Safe?
Question from gb Bought a set of wamsutta non organic egyptian cotton 750 count sateen sheets, color is chamise which is a light taupe, do u think this product would have formaldehyde or other harmful dyes? The organic set i purchased in the past is no longer...
Is It Dangerous to Live Near Old Coal Mines?
Question from curious We are contemplating purchasing a home and I just found out that the next street over used to be old coal mines a hundred years ago. I believe they refer to them as culm banks. People have been living in the area for hundreds of years, but I was...
Good Scents for Moms, Babies, Toddlers, and Kids
My guest Fran Loudas is the Founder of Belly Buttons & Babies, an organic body and skin care company founded in 2008. Fran has 18 years experience as a Certified Aromatherapist, Aromatherapy & Facial Procedures Specialist, Oriental Diagnostics Consultant, Herbal Remedy Specialist and is certified in the Design & Production of Aromatherapy Skin Care Products. She has also taught Aromatherapy online and writes for various health related websites. And above all, she’s a Mom. We’ll be talking about the difference between toxic fragrance and beneficial essential oils, and about the importance of using natural products before, during and after pregnancy as well as for babies, toddlers and children. www.bellybuttonsandbabies.com
Nontoxic Products at Ikea
Question from Stacey I went to check out Ikea because of the low prices I see advertised. However, I realized some of the prices are low because a lot of the furniture is made with particleboard. I will purchase some curtains, though, which are made of 100% cotton or...
Bonded Marble and Wool Blend Felt
Question from Donna Hi Debra, It seems like I can't buy anything without worrying about it. I'm trying to do a sports themed kid's room and found a light fixture made out of bonded marble. Is bonded marble toxic and would it be more so when the light is on and heating...
How to Find a Lead-Free Lipstick and Other Safe Cosmetics
You’ve probably heard there is lead in lipstick, but do you know how to find a lipstick that is lead-free? Lead is not listed on the label. My guest Kristin Adams is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afterglow Cosmetics and her company now has a special process to make lead-free lipstick, which they sell along with other organic cosmetics. Kristen is also a beauty writer and advocate for stricter cosmetic safety standards. She is actively involved in The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and is an expert on natural/organic and gluten-free cosmetic formulations and ingredients. The Afterglow line was born out of Kristin belief that women shouldn’t sacrifice color, performance or quality when choosing natural and organic make-up. Afterglow Cosmetics is a full line of organic infused, all natural, bio-active make-up. The cleanest line of make-up on the market, Afterglow offers professional coverage and a striking range of shades. Since its inception in 2004, Afterglow Cosmetics has been featured in top media outlets across the country. Thanks to Kristin’s expertise, Afterglow is a prime example that quality can be achieved naturally without the standard, and often toxic ingredients, petrochemicals, parabens gluten, and synthetics found in traditional cosmetics. www.debralynndadd.com/debras-list/afterglow-cosmetics
Choosing Toxic Free Toys
My guest Bethany Gonzalez Moreno is the founder of B. EcoChic and the B. EcoChic Seal of Approval. As a childhood cancer survivor, she knew when she got pregnant with her first child that she needed to find safe, non-toxic products for her little one. She decided to launch B. EcoChic to help other parents in their search. She’s been featured on ABC / NBC affiliate First Coast News and has been interviewed for many websites and magazines like Kiwi, Woman’s World, and E: The Environmental Magazine. We’ll be talking about how Bethany chooses toxic free toys for her Seal of Approval, toxic chemicals in toys you want to watch out for, and where to find the safest toys. www.b-ecochic.com.
