Last week, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) and the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) issued a joint Fact Sheet regarding the labeling of organic mattresses. In May 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program (NOP) issued a Policy...

Question from RuthAnn Recently Ceramcor has made available silicone collapsible containers for food storage which can go from freezer to stove. Would these be as healthy an option as glass? Currently we try to freeze soups etc. in glass jars, but there is always the...

I just received an article about one of the best treatments for chronic disease that I've seen in a long time—the use of small community support groups where people help each other make lifestyle changes that improve their illnesses. Dr Mark Hyman MD created such a...

Question from 4dyami Hi Debra, I'm about to move into an apartment that has plain particle board on the walls. Will Safecoat safe seal be sufficient for preventing off-gasing into the space? The space has been in this state for the last 10+ years. Thanks! Dyami...

Question from jiwaskow New construction - need to cover nail holes in door trim etc with wood putty. I got wood putty sticks but carpenter says they are too brittle and he wants to use Minwax putty, which has a strong smell for me. Any other ideas, alternatives? Need...

Question from cymering Hi Debra! I have recently recieved a recommendation for this shampoo : http://www.organicexcellence.com/chemical-free-products/mint-shampoo.php I will really appreciate your opinion about the ingredients. THANK YOU! Debra's Answer They look fine...

Question from mammina Hi Debra, I was wondering if you knew this company, and what were your thoughts about their products. I remember somebody told me that they make the best shower filter. What do you think? I am looking for a shower filter, but I am on a budget,...

Question from petercsantoro@yahoo.com I am still confused about plastics. I am not sure which plastics, if any, are safe or recommended. I am trying to slowly weed out the bad plastics in my house and there is a lot. I already asked about the storage containers (#5...

Question from Tycho In terms of formaldehyde emissions, is CDX plywood a safe choice as a subfloor in a residence? I've heard that CDX plywood (also called exterior grade plywood, I believe) only contains phenol-formaldehyde (not the more toxic urea-formaldehyde) and...

I thought this was an interesting article, relevent to our topic of toxics. Science Daily: Why Do Smells Make Some People Sick? It seems that people who do not do well with odors have a different pattern of brain activity and blood flow through the brain that those...