Question from Brad Carroll Hi. I use a "natural" herbicide called Matran EC. The main active ingredient is clove oil, while the inerts are wintergreen oil, butyl lactate, and lecithin. I like this product, but I do have a question. While I think 3 out 4 known natural...

Question from TZ How long does a carpet outgas? I have had mine for over 2 years and am wondering if I need to use a product like AFM Carpet Seal. Debra's Answer Well, that's a good question. The Carpet and Rug Institute says, "New carpet's emission level will drop...

Question from Nancy Unable to find any information on what this ingredient is. Or whether it is safe? Also does it contain gluten? It is in the canned coconut milk I use and it is the only canned coconut I have found that does not contain guar gum. Any help will be...

Question from Lea Hello, I was wondering if there are any good nontoxic products available for washing and waxing my car. Thanks in advance for your help! Debra's Answer Well, we take our cars to be washed at a self-service car wash. We use whatever comes out of the...

Question from Stephanie Hi. I just moved to a new apartment in a new city. Since I've gotten here I've had debilitating headaches everyday. Before we moved in, the landlords cleaned the apartment, including the carpeting (1/2 the apartment is carpeted) with strong...

Question from Lisa Hello! I just wanted to write in response to the post regarding Costco's lamb. I called Costco and asked about the beef and other meat. I was told they follow regular FDA rules (which signals a red flag to me) and their suppliers do use antibiotics,...

Question from Mark Please tell me the environmental health benefits (if any) of having a "no shoes" policy in the house. Debra's Answer When we walk around out in the world, we step into all kinds of things: bacteria, pesticdes, asphalt, etc. If we walk across a lawn,...

Question from Ellie Gioumousis I remember reading a suggestion to use a mix of baking soda, borax and vinegar to clear slow running drains. I also recall reading that borax is toxic and not to use it. Could yu comment on this please? Thank you Debra's Answer The...

Question from Lisa J. Hi Debra, Recently found your site and thought I'd solicit your advice. I purchased an all wool rug from Company C in December, 2006. After the first 6 weeks or so, I noticed a strong "weird" odor coming from the rug. I thought it was just the...

Question from Darci Franklin Ii was wondering if I can use vinegar in my laundry instead of bleach to disinfect. If so, how do I go about this? Debra's Answer Yes! An article on the Reader's Digest website RD Living says, "A single cup of vinegar will kill off any...