Question from MLS I heard recently that IF we are going to drink cow's milk, it is better to drink whole, despite the higher fat, as it is 'less processed' than fat free. Is there really much processing between the whole and fat free stage? Or is most the harmful...

Question from Patricia Hetzler My husband recently bought a new microwave. The only plastic parts are the door. It has a strong plastic smell when it heats up that gives me a headache. What can I do to speed up the outgassing?And no, my husband can't live without his...

Question from Cheryl Hi Debra and everyone, I have been shopping for a new tea kettle. I just want a simple stove top type. All the kettles I see are made in China. For instance, Copco kettles abound at stores in our area. Does anyone know if Copco kettles are non...

Question from Cheryl Hello, I noticed that you prefer wooden cooking utensils, but I was wondering, since wood is porous and would thus absorb any toxins it might have been exposed to in manufacture, how can we be reasonably sure they are free of toxins? Most likely,...

Question from Cheryl Hello Debra and all, Is it safe to assume that any mugs made in the United States and claiming to be lead and cadmimum free are non toxic? If I have been told that the coloring they use on their pottery is colored with "highfired stoneware glazes,...

Question from Jennifer Dear Debra, We have just received a toy made from EVA foam (LDPE) Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer which is, I believe, #4 plastic. It is my impression that it is a relatively safe plastic. This is a bath toy so a water proof nature is...

Question from Jennifer Dear Debra, We have been sent a really great ABS plastic toy. While not a big fan of plastic toys, this one is really cool. It's called ShapeScapeS and I'd like to keep it--as long as it is a safer plastic. I've done research which tells me that...

Question from Julie Burns Hi Debra, I wonder about getting an English bone china teapot - are they safe to drink from and are their any environmental issues with their production? Thanks! Debra's Answer "China" is a common name for porcelain, an ancient ceramic...

Question from Katrina Hello! We just moved into a new house (not new per se, but new for us) and had our first baby this year. We try to live as "green" as we can. I'm looking to fill my house with plants but cannot seem to find "organic" houseplants anywhere in...

Question from RMM Hi Debra: I thought some of your readers may be interested in knowing that the presence of cornstarch powder in latex gloves can greatly increase the likelihood that one will become sensitized to latex. See this link:...