Question from Gina I am snowed in today and had the chance to look over your site more in-depth. Thanks for the section on how you live! I found it exciting and helpful to see that it can be done in a conventional house! I'm especially excited about the wool bedding...

Question from gayle We recently purchased an older home (built in the 1940's) The bathtub seems to be enclosed by a "liner". It looks/feels like some type of plastic. Since the original tub probably carries lead, does this "liner" make it safe?? How can we tell??...

Question from jal333 Have you heard of Children's Orchard stores? We pay cash or store value added credits for kids clothes, toys, furniture sizes 0 through 10. We encourage parents to recycle back with us. If clothes are worn we donate them or send them to recycling...

Question from kt Hi, Does anyone know of a source of upholsterers that work with natural or organic stuffing and fabric? I have several old pieces I'd like to get redone, but not with the toxic materials normally available. Thanks! kt Debra's Answer I was going to...

Question from Mary I have been reading you for years (bought your book, and read Natural Home mag). I stumbled on your web site today while searching unsuccessfully for info on these questions. Perhaps you would find them interesting enough to answer? I have a...

Yesterday I found a wonderful olive oil that tastes very much like butter. This is the natural flavor of the oil--there are no flavorings added of any kind. I made my scrambled eggs with it this morning and they tasted even better than with butter! Though it's not...

Question from Gina I'm seeking a brand that's durable, energy-efficient, and stainless steel, or other material that won't off-gas. My ancient big stove recently died, and I don't need another big stove. Thanks for any thoughts. Debra's Answer Reader! Any ideas!...

Growing up the San Francisco Bay Area, which has a large Chinese community, I have always been very aware of the Chinese New Year in early spring. Based on an ancient agricultural calendar, the Chinese consider the year to begin when the first plants begin to sprout,...

Question from Donnie I have a small Holmes cool mist humidifier, and it has worked well for me. Unfortunately, my husband used a toxic antibacterial product in it, without my knowledge, and it made me very sick. I want to replace the filter in the humidifier, to see...

Question from Just Wondering I was wondering if anyone had any comments or experience with using the Surround Ewe wool sleep system. It is owned and operated by a woman who has Kerry Hills Farm and she sells wool pillows, mattresses, mattress toppers, etc. They are...