Question from Dianne

Hello,

Thanks for running the great site again.

Are most tents treated with fire retardant and formaldehyde?
Is it possible to buy a non toxic tent and camping gear? Or should we just give up camping? Thanks so much.

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Dalia

I just moved to Houston and Air conditioners are becoming part of my life…How can I getfresh outside air without high electricity bills and not damaging my old central ac? Nights are still somewhat cool here but days are hot and humid…does anybody can help me with that? I do not like the feeling of breathing the same air over and over again…my whole life I slept with open windows …

Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much

Dalia

Debra’s Answer

I’d like to know the answer to this myself.

My understanding is that a certain amount of fresh air comes in and is cooled, and some air is exhausted. These are called “air exchanges”. But there could be a greater amount. I’m not an HVAC expert, so perhaps someone will jump in and answer this one.

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Question from D1

Which is more “green”: To line my kitchen trash can with paper bags from the grocery store, then put them in a large plastic bag until we can haul them to the county trash site, or to line the can with small plastic bags, which won’t have to into a larger bag??

Debra’s Answer

Which is more “green”: To line my kitchen trash can with paper bags from the grocery store, then put them in a large plastic bag until we can haul them to the county trash site, or to line the can with small plastic bags, which won’t have to into a larger bag??

I would take a look at how much plastic is being used for the two options. You could simply measure the bags, and calculate how many small bags would be equivalent to one big bag. And whichever uses the least plastic would be better.

I personally reuse the paper bags from the groceries and then the bag goes right into the garbage can, which is collected by the city. But it sounds like you are taking your garbage to the dump. Is there something you could use other than plastic? Some type of reusable container?

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Question from Teecycle Tim

I was inspired to re-purpose old t-shirts after reading “Let My People Go Surfing” by the founder of Patagonia clothing, who said “The most responsible way for a consumer and a good citizen to buy clothes is to buy used.” They’re the greenest tees.

So I started collecting people’s donated used t-shirts and put them on www.teecycle.org, where I donate $1 from selling each shirt to restoring urban rivers in Milwaukee (where I live). It’s gotten a great response so far.

I’m still collecting old t-shirts, and if anyone is interested you can email me at tim (@) teecycle (dot) org on where to send them. I’d greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Tim

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Question from BB

I am having a difficult time finding fragrance-free garbage bags. Even the seventh generation ones often seem to smell to me. Can anyone suggest anything else? Thanks, BB

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Question from Lily

Has anyone found such a thing? Stainless steel? Glass? Thanks for any help.

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Question from DF

Dear debra

whats the best way to test for bed bugs? can bed bugs be any where else besides your bed? do they make you itch? what else do they do?

if some one other then me has lice how can i avoid it? especially if i live really close to this person. in different places but he uses the washing machine and dryer. can i catch them this way or not? why?

best ways to test for lice? and what to take for it?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know anything about bed bugs and lice is covered in my book Home Safe Home.

Readers, any advice?

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Question from Matt

Hi Debra,

I have browsed your site for great information for about a year now. Thank you for all you do. As a 25 year old who started developing MCS symptoms a couple of years ago, it has been invaluable.

My question concerns dentistry. I believe I am going to need a root canal and a crown very soon, and because of the MCS, I have to look at the materials more closely than most. Especially where it’s preferment.

First, I am wondering about the safety of the “gutta percha” material that they put into the tooth, where the pulp used to be? Is it toxic at all?

Secondly, which type of crown is best? It looks like there are 4 types: Porcelain covering gold (which I guess is durable but can wear the other teeth over time), porcelain covering non-precious metal (which can apparently cause nickel allergy), all-porcelain (not as durable and more expensive than the rest), and all gold.

I don’t know which to choose to keep me the healthiest as I continue to live with MCS into my later years.

Debra’s Answer

I am not an expert on dental materials, but I’m sure we can get you an answer and experience from others with MCS.

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Question from Deanna

Hi! We need to purchase a new bed in the next week or so. I would love to purchase an organic mattress, but we’re balking a little at the price. Is there any feedback on how long an organic mattress lasts? (I’ve heard a rule of thumb to change out regular mattresses every 10 years or so) And since there are no places around the Dallas/Fort Worth area to actually go and sit on an organic mattress, I’m concerned about the comfort. Do you have any suggestions for us?

Many thanks for a great website and service!

Debra’s Answer

I’ve been sleeping on my wool mattress from Shepherd’s Dream for over 10 years and it is just as it was when new. There’s actually a company in Scandanavia I think (don’t remember the name and I’m not at home to look it up) that makes “heirloom” natural beds that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Readers, what is your experience with how long your natural beds last?

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Question from Tiffany Newman

I just finished Karen Logan’s book Clean House, Clean Planet, and made a bunch of very effective cleaners. I immediately tried to use the contact info in the back to purchase her pre labeled bottles. Sadly it seems she is out of business now. I really would like to purchase labels instead of going through the expense of finding the right size of waterproof labels and making them myself. Any idea what became of Logan’s business or if someone else sells bottles with labels/recipes on them of non toxic cleaners? Thanks!

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