Question from Gary White

Everything that I read says do NOT use softened water (salt) for watering orchids. I realize that I could spend money and change the whole system. However, my question is: Can I draw a large container of water and add a common household liquid, such as vinegar or anything else, that would make it safe to use on orchids?

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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There was a story in the news on March 10, saying that tap water contains pharmaceuticals pollution.

The original story from Environmental Working Group said,

“A wide range of pharmaceuticals that include antibiotics, sex hormones, and drugs used to treat epilepsy and depression, contaminate drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, according to a 5-month investigation by the Associated Press National Investigation Team.”

These are “low-level mixtures of pharmaceuticals.”

“Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range.”

“Environmental Working Group analysis shows that of the top 200 drugs in the U.S., 13 percent list serious side effects at levels less than 100 parts-per-billion (ppb) in human blood, with some causing potential health risks in the parts-per-trillion range.”

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Question from Dana

My 3-year-old toaster oven has recently died on me. Any suggestions for a good quality toaster oven or toaster that will last? From the research I’ve done, it seems that toasters these days are pretty much disposable. Any suggestions for a sturdy model so I can reduce waste in this respect? Also, what can I do with the old one?

Debra’s Answer

I haven’t shopped for a toaster or toaster oven in a while, and I don’t own either one (gave up toast a while back), but from my experience shopping for other things…

You can get something cheap and flimsy or you can pay more and get something that is better built and will last. I’ve seen good quality cooking appliances at places such as Macy’s, Williams-Sonoma, and Sur La Table.

Readers, your suggestions?

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Question from Laurie

Are there any safe bottled water products on the market? Is the only answer (besides the reusable products you suggest)–glass bottled water? Do you have a preference in brands if you were to purchase one? Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

The best bottled water I know of is Mountain Valley Spring Water, which can be delivered to your home (almost anywhere in America) in glass bottles.

There is a website called Fine Waters, which reviews and discusses the bottled waters of the world, but this is for “bottled water connoisseurs and their accompanying lifestyle”. You can learn a lot about water, and particularly bottled water, from this site, but these bottled waters are more expensive than you would probably want for everyday use.

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Question from Mary

Dear Debra,

I’m considering Marmoleum Click flooring for my kitchen and am researching its toxicity. I first saw it at a green building supply who said it was nontoxie. Then I found the ingredients listed on the manufacturer’s MSDS:

“Composition/Information on ingredients

Composition: Linoleum floor covering laminated to HDF board on a backing of granulated cork sheet

Ingredients:

Linoleum: Linoleum based on a binder composed of linseed oil and (natural) rosin, mixed with woodflour and limestones pressed on a jute backing.

Debra’s Answer

[Sigh] I wish that companies making good nontoxic products would not take them and combine them with toxic materials.

Marmoleum sheets and tiles are nontoxic and made from renewable ingredients (see readers’ comments at Q&A: Marmoleum Flooring). I personally have never installed it, but have seen many samples and installations. It looks great and little or no odor (what little odor there may be would only be from the natural materials themselves).

I’d say go with the real Marmoleum and forget about their click floors.

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Question from Eva

What do you know about the new frozen vegetables that come in a bag that you can microwave to steam? Is this safe?

Debra’s Answer

Heat releases plasticizers, so I wouldn’t cook any food in any type of plastic bag exposed to heat.

The best way to eat vegetables is raw, or steamed using a bamboo or metal steamer basket, or stir-fried, or in soup (where you eat the cooking water). But raw is best.

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Question from Betsy

I spilled a little commercial glass cleaner on my beige carpet about the size of a nickel. I tried a 10-1 solution of vinegar to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.

Debra’s Answer

This should dissipate and dry on it’s own.

The bigger question is, why are you using commercial glass cleaner in the first place. Just use half and half vinegar and water to clean your windows.

Debra 🙂

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Question from KMA

I’m considering purchasing FLOR modular carpeting for my son’s play area. I’ve been very impressed with the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, but I just realized that the carpet tiles’ backing is made out of a composite vinyl called Glas-Bac. It’s nice that the backing uses recycled materials, but I’ve been concerned about purchasing vinyl products for my home for health reasons. Does anyone have any experience with FLOR? Any sensitivities? Any information about how much this product might off-gas? I have some samples of the tiles, and they seem to have very little odor (unlike normal carpeting), but I know a larger area of this floor covering might be a different story.

Debra’s Answer

You are correct to question the toxicity of a recycled plastic product, and how the low toxicity of sample might multiply over a large area,

I have no personal experience with FLOR tiles, but I can tell you this. There are other vinyl “composite” products that I do have experience with and the “composite” part greatly reduces the toxicity. I have a hard vinyl composite floor in my office and it has no odor and never has. (I needed to put down something cheap at the time.) So it may be fine.

Let’s see what others have to say…

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Question from gvs

Can you recommend a hardwood floor cleaner that doesn’t contain alcohol or citrus?

My husband brought home a Scotch Brite hardwood floor cleaner that claims to be “gentle a vinegar and water yet more effective?” Ingredient is chlorallyl methanamine chloride w/skin and eye warnings. Are you familiar w/it? I did try it, reminds me of Pledge in the 60’s-70’s.

Thank you!

Debra’s Answer

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Question from Kristen

Hi Debra,

Indulging chocolates and chocolate ice creams while watching movies has become our stress-free Saturday evening routine. However, since I read your article stating that 68% of chocolate contain lead, we were not able to carry out our routine. I looked into your food list and found organic chocolates, but they are expensive and delivery time is lengthy. Can you help me find lead-free cholocates I can purchase at the local supermarkets?

Kristen

Debra’s Answer

Lead in chocolate is primarily found in chocolates that contain pesticides and Dutch-process cocoa. So as long as you choose an organic chocolate, and avoid products containing Dutch-process cocoa, you should be fine.

Generally organic chocolate is not sold in supermarkets (but things are changing all the time, I recently saw organic chocolate bars at Walgreen’s!). You can find a good assortment of organic chocolate bars at your local natural food stores and Trader Joe’s also has organic chocolate bars, if you have that store in your area.

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