Question from Lisa

Does anyone know if the screen print used on tagless clothing is safe? Many clothes being sold now have screen printing on the inside collar instead of a traditional garment tag for the name brand, washing instructions, and fiber content.

I have noticed that the screen print fades away or breaks down over time, leaving me wondering if it is safe.

Does anyone know?

Debra’s Answer

I don’t know exactly what kind of ink is used, but I have never noticed any odor or had any skin reaction. Readers?

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Question from Lisa

Does anyone know if there are any safety concerns when machine drying a garment that says “dry flat only” in the care instructions?

I know garments can pill or shrink, but I’m wondering if there are any other concerns related to health or safety. Thank you.

Debra’s Answer

I’m not aware of any safety issues. Readers?

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Question from Lucy Hemmendinger

Dear Debra,

I just can’t figure it out. My arthtritic hips are calling out for more padding under my body. My organic cotton futon is too firm despite the latex core. I have tried putting an old polyster quilt under the mattress cover for an additional layer but it is not sufficient. I am sensitive to “natural latex”. My allergy tests from my doctor show me being sensitive to wool though I wear it all day every day. I don’t know what material to use in my bed that will be safe and provide some cushioning. Is there a homemade solution that could work? I think my wool blankets are too dense and I am not sure about sleeping with wool due to the allergy tests. I have not found a silk topper that would provide real cushioning. I have been comfortable when camping and sleeping on an inexpensive inflatable. I hate to put plastic on top of my organic cotton futon.

Any thoughts?

Lucy in Montageu

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Rose

I recently purchased 2 Chantelle Bras. When I got them home , I realized the “nude” color one had an odd chemical odor to it, something I associated with a bug spray type smell.Being chemically sensitive,I sent it back to the store, keeping the black one, as it didnt seem to have the same problem.After washing the black one , it developed the smell after washing. I seem to get a headache from handling it. I have washed it repeatedly in fragrance free detergent and vinegar.Anyone else have this problem with this product, or can offer solutions? I also havent been able to buy the old fashioned cotton panties from Jockey the last 3-4 years.They seem to have some type of chemical scent put in -similar to some of the shoes that are made with the antimicrobial chemicals.

Debra’s Answer

Readers?

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Question from Grandma Kay

What can you tell me about emu oil? My massage therapist swears it helps arthritis pain and when I search the internet it sounds like it is also great as a skin lotion. Is there anything to it? It seems expensive on line and I haven’t found it locally yet.

Debra’s Answer

I probably can’t tell you anything you haven’t already read on the internet.

Emu oil is made from the refined fat of the Emu, a bird native to Australia. It has been used for thousands of years by the Australian aborigines for the treatment of burns, wounds, bruises, and as a pain reliever for bone, muscle, and joint disorders. It is frequently used to soften skin and found in ointments for dry cracked heels. Studies have shown that Emu oil aids in reducing scar formation in healed burn wounds, can help muscle sprains, and can relieve arthritis due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Readers, anyone have any experience with this?

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Question from GG

I am trying to determine if the plastic used in my son’s water jugs (they are large-igloo and coleman type…not a water bottle)is safe or made of the type of plastic that is leaching chemicals. There is no number on the bottom and I have looked at various websites to see. Can anyone advise?

thanks,

Debra’s Answer

Call the manufacturers if the information isn’t on their website. They should be able to tell you.

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Question from Nancy Grundahl

Greening Elections. From Waste Age, December 2007

Post-Election Collection

After the ballots are cast and the winners declared, what happens to those dense forests of campaign signs that blight the November landscape? If Altogether Recycling in Denver has its way, candidates – victorious or otherwise – will deposit their unwanted signs in recycling bins. Besides benefiting the environment, the program is a pretty good indicator of which candidates adhere to the environmental plank of their platform.

According to the company, more than 85,000 campaign yard signs were erected in Denver for this political season. Most are made of highly recyclable Coraplast, a hollow-core plastic material that resembles cardboard. Many of the signs can be reused in future campaigns, but for those exiting the political stage, Altogether has set up collection sites around the city.

Political careers, alas, are not so easily salvaged.

Source: Altogether Recycling

Debra’s Answer

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Question from LW

I had been using Clearly Natural Unscented Soap (glycerin based) without any problem for a year. Then there was a change in the product that has been denied by the company, but it is definitely a different product.

What kind of gentle, unscented soaps are out there? What are others using?

Thanks.

Debra’s Answer

I personally can and like to use handmade soaps with natural fragrances, so I can’t recommend an unscented soap I use, but I’m sure you’ll get many responses!

My general recommendation is to check out the websites that sell handmade soaps at Debra’s List: BodyCare: Skin: Handmade Soap. Many of them sell unscented soaps and since they are all handmade, you can talk with the people who are making them and find out what’s in them.

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