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Ah, September in Florida...hurricane season. If you've been watching the news, you know that potential hurricanes are now lined up down near the equator. As devastating as they are, did you know that hurricanes have a function in nature? They carry heat from the water near the equator and move it north. They regulate temperature on the planet, so we all can continue to live. We've been getting wind and rain from the edges of the hurricanes as they pass by. Enough to be interesting, but no damage.

This week I tackled the pile of new additions to Debra's List, which have been accumulating while I was traveling earlier this year. So there will me lots more new websites being posted in the coming weeks.

This was a great week on my Green Living Q&A blog. Good stuff!

Debra :-)


HEALTH, HOME & HABITAT #150 ~ 2 September 2008

* NEW ON DEBRA'S LIST
* GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG: new Q&As / new comments on previous Q&As
* CLASSIFIED ADS

If the links don't work on this newsletter, you can view it online at http://www.dld123.com/newsletter/newsletterupdateback.html

Health, Home & Habitat Back Issues (tables of contents)
Search the Back Issues
Other newsletters by Debra


Choose Green Products Confidently

"Really Green taught me what I needed to know to compare products claiming to be "green" or "organic." Now, when I walk into a store looking for green or organic items, I'm confident I'm selecting products that truly meet those definitions and that will benefit my family and me. Thanks, Debra!"

-- Geodie Baxter Padgett
Editor, ParentGuide

Read more about Home Safe Home and order...
Read more about Really Green and order...

Order both books and save $4.00 on shipping

Go Green With Celeste is giving away a FREE copy of Really Green along with a reusable tote bag. Must register before September 9 to win.

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NEW ON DEBRA'S LIST

Amazon Green has chosen almost 2,000 green products from the copious amazon inventory. Choose from electronics and computers, home and garden, home improvement, grocery and household, and baby. Plus, browse green books, movies, magazines, and downloads.

Preserve Everyday has some stylish tableware, kitchenware, and personal care products made from recycled materials.

WaterCrockShop.com sells ceramic water crocks to fit every decor. "All of our crocks are lead-free." Velocity Art and Design has a beautiful, clear-glass dispenser that leaches nothing into water and lets you see just how much water you have in store.

US EPA: You Have Green Options is a guide to choosing the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs. You can look up vehicles by type, year, or "the greenest vehicles." Results show an air pollution score, a greenhouse gasses score, and fuel economy.

Sustainable Table has lots of information on sustainable agriculture, including the Eat Well Guide, where you can look up where to buy sustainable food where you live or where you are going (enter a starting point and destination and it will tell you where to eat sustainably along your route!).

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GREEN LIVING Q&A BLOG

Here are the questions and new comments posted through this morning. Remember, you are welcome to share your own comments and experience in response to any of these questions, and post questions of your own.

To read and comment on more questions posted previously go to Green Living Q&A blog.

I also am available Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 4 pm eastern time to answer your questions immediately and personally with a paid telephone consultation.



NEW COMMENTS ON PAST QUESTIONS:

  • * How to find EMF-safe location to move to has info on "sleeping earthed", a product that connects your body to earth energy
  • * How To Repel Ants So They Don't Come Back
  • * Is Modal® a natural fiber?
  • * Safe Distance From Electrical Transformer
  • * Touching Up No-VOC Paint
  • * Fragrance-free hairspray
  • * Nontoxic nail polish?
  • * Chloramine Reducing Shower Filter
  • * Melaleuca
  • * Pot scuff marks in the sink
  • * natural thyroid medication
  • * Automobile Detailing
  • * Bisphenol A in Canned products
  • * Avoiding EMF
  • * Ammonium Polyproponate in Kids Clothing?
  • * pacifiers
  • * Removing Cigarette Smoke from a Home to be Occupied by People with MCS
  • * Sweetener for yeast diet
  • * Are Crocs shoes safe?
  • * Oatmeal
  • * stainless steel cookware
  • * Baby Toothpaste
  • * Washing clothes with Epsom Salts
  • * handling of higroscopic materials like salt, baking soda
  • * Feminine Hygiene Product Information
  • * Simmons mattress - SIMGARD
  • * Food Dehydrator
  • * Ridding house of plug in air freshener odor
  • * hand made furniture
  • * Bisphenol A (BPA) in our bottles and cans
  • * Bulk non-plastic storage containers
  • * Nut Grass


  • Choosing Organics Affordably?

    In these difficult economic times, I am trying to make healthy choices for my family. I unfortunately, cannot afford to buy everything organic. I have a list of fruits and vegetables that I try and buy organically as well as trying to purchase only the foods that we eat EVERYDAY the same way. However, at the end of the day it seems that all of the food that I purchase ends up being very important to me. So, does anyone have any ideas as to how you are going about choosing your priority list of what to buy organic and what to let slide?

    I also have two daughters approaching the age of cosmetics and I would like for them to get started on the right foot. I am looking at Miessence for this need.

    Difficult decisions in difficult times!

    JG
    Atlanta, GA


    Read the answer...


    Toxics While Traveling

    HI Debra - thanks so much for all the shared information online! I am not sure where to "put" this query, online, so am adding it on here, as it does have to do with exposure to environmental toxins and MCS - although this particular topic is not one I have found addressed - perhaps I am just missing it somewhere!

    I was diagnosed first with MCS about 20 years ago now - have improved alot, but in 1998, was exposed to what my environmental doctor/allergist says was "plane chemicals", ie, pesticides sprayed in cabin - which I learned is routinely done(and perhaps in the hold - he wasn't sure if chemicals from there would migraine into AC system or not); strong and toxic cleaning chemicals used for carpet on floor of cabin, seats/upholstery, etc; migration of that terrible bathroom deodorant-sanitizer product in air/chemical odor always present in the restrooms (and which does go out into cabin every time door is opened and shut); diesel fuel that always seems to seep into cabin after engines are started and before plane takes off; air deodorizers used to keep "air" in cabin smelling clean and fresh; etc etc etc. As a result of the plane ride from SF to Honolulu (didn't happen on the way TO the mainland from Honolulu), I was diagnosed not only with recurring MCS but also, a "bipolar-like disorder resulting from airplane toxic chemical exposure". I am, ten years later, much better, but still remain with a low-grade degree of this same disorder - and have been told not to travel by plane again, nor by ship - because the same kinds of chemicals are also used to keep ships clean and bug-free. People eat, drink, spill things, children have accidents, babies spit up, people get air-sick, etc etc - and so, wherever people travel, there will be problems unless chemically treated for. (Subsequently I have come across two flight attendants who can no longer fly on planes due to chemical exposures through their years of working on planes)...


    Read the rest and the answer...


    Toxic Exposures and Pets

    I just wanted to share this article I wrote for our newsletter.

    Pam :-)

    Nose Deep in Our World

    Cats and dogs engage in many behasviors we do not. They clean themselves, using their tongues as washcloths. They eat off the floor. They are petted by guardians whose hands have been busy all day and immersed in who knows what. Their food may come exclusively from cans or plastic lined pouches. They chew on toys which contain plasticizers, heavy metals, and dyes. They sleep on foam beds soaked in flame retardants and protected with stain proofing chemicals. They walk without shoes on lawns and other surfaces which may harbor all kinds of trace chemicals. Basically-- they are nose deep in the big wooly world, chemicals and all.

    The Price They Pay: Our Pets' Chemical Burden

    Have you ever heard of the Environmental Working Group (EWG)? You can find out much more about them here, But for now just remember they are a not-for-profit research and educational organization concerned about the impact of industrial toxins on the world's health.

    EWG recently completed the most expansive investigation ever published for companion animals. They collected blood and urine from 20 dogs and 37 cats in Virginia and put these through extensive testing looking for chemical contaminants. They tested for 70 industrial chemicals and found 48. Of these 48 chemicals, 43 were at levels greater than those typically found in humans-many far greater...


    Read the rest...


    clothing waste

    HI Debra and Green Living Blog Readers:

    I have several articles of clothing which are no longer useful. They are stained, or ripped, or otherwise inappropriate for donating as used clothing.

    I do not want these articles to end up in the landfill, but they are taking up valuable space in my bedroom. I have already repurposed holey socks into rags, and may cut up a few t-shirts for that use as well, but I don't need many more rags, and I have a pair of unwearable jeans that is plaguing me. Any creative suggestions would be much appreciated.


    Read the answer...


    Descoware

    I have a few descoware pots from the 1970's. The enamel coating is a little scratched on most of them. Are these safe to use? How can I find out if the coatings have lead in them? Thanks for any information you can give me.


    Read the answer...


    PVC pipe in furnace

    I am in the process of replacing my 30 year-old 45% efficient furnace with a 92% efficient furnace. Only problem is that because of condensation PVC piping is used so that there is no question of rust. But PVC is the most toxic plastic out there, to make and to have in my home. Has any one gone through this and found an alternative to PVC? My contractor has yet to find one.


    Read the answer...


    new tire purchase

    I need new tires badly (the vibration bothers my very EMF sensitive son). I'm concerned about the odor of new ones bothering him -he has MCS. Suggestions? Thanks.


    Read the answer...


    Need Air Purifier Advice

    Hello Debra,

    I am in need of Help! For months now I have been searching for an air purifier. There's so many options on your list that I am completely overwhelmed (I have narrowed it down, read below).

    Basically i'm hoping to add on to the family and unfortunately creating an all-natural nursery is quite pricey so I am looking to purchase an air purifier that will help with outgassing of the furniture, pollutants in the air and germs from visitors. I know that you prefer that we just open the windows instead of purchasing purifiers but I also live on a main road so I dont know how much help that would be.

    The two that i'm debating between is the Airzone Ozone which purifies the air with an ozone generator or the Austin Healthmate JR which uses a Hepa Filter.

    Any information you or any readers could provide to help me chose would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks so much for all your hard work and this Great Blog!


    Read the answer...


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    CLASSIFIED ADS

    to place a classified ad in this newsletter...

    REUSABLE BAGS. Eliminate disposable plastic bags and bottles from your life. Bags of all shapes and sizes are made from cotton, organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials. Shopping bags, tote bags, and everything you need to pack a lunch. Reusable produce bags really keep organic food fresh. Reusable aluminum drink bottles. www.ReusableBags.com

    SOAPSTONE COOKWARE IS NATURALLY NONSTICK. Natural stone cookware is beautiful, warms food quickly over low heat, is bacteria-resistant and naturally non-stick, and is so durable it can be handed down for several generations. Food tastes better cooked in soapstone. www.greenfeet.com

    FIX WHOLE, ORGANIC FOODS FAST IN A VITAMIX. Whole food vegetable and fruit juices, creamy soups, frozen treats, whole grain breads, fresh nut butters and more are yours in minutes, made from your own organic ingredients. www.vitamix.com

    GIVE YOUR BODY THE NATURAL SALT IT NEEDS. Revive your energy with natural living salt. Contains 84 minerals essential to human life. Hand-mined to retain original primordial vibration pattern. Delicious taste makes food "come alive". A life-giving, natural, whole food. Email info@himalayanlivingsalt.com for free sample. www.himalayanlivingsalt.com

    SUSTAINABILY-HARVESTED WILD SALMON and other wild fish from the pristine waters of Alaska. Flash frozen, smoked, sausage and burgers, cans and pouches, salmon caviar. www.vitalchoice.com

    CALL FOR A HEALTHY BED CONSULTATION. 100% wool-filled and wool-encased mattress of heirloom quality, placed on a slatted wood frame for optimal airflow. Our wool fill comes from the EcoDomestic Wool Project and Woolgatherer Carding Mill in Montague, California, home of our production company. Available in U.S. and Canada. www.shepherdsdream.com

    SOLUTIONS FOR FLUORIDE HAZARD! Custom made water filters. Removes fluoride, arsenic, chlorine and chloramines without taking out the good minerals that make water wholesome. Whole house systems, under the counter systems, and 100% chlorine-free pool and spa system. Medical grade alkaline water unit. Natural Plus Plus LLC 727-447-2344 www.gobeyondorganic.com

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    Home Safe Home The new, revised, edition of Home Safe Home is now available in bookstores nationwide.

    Home Safe Home tells what toxic chemicals are generally found in specific household products of all types, and safe solutions you can buy or make at home. It's different from other books on toxic chemicals because the focus really is what you can do to protect yourself and your family and create a healthy home. I bring over twenty years of research and personal real-life experience to this book.

    * More information

    * 10 Simple, Inexpensive Things You Can Do To Reduce Household Toxics

    * How Toxic is Your Home? Quiz (excerpt from the book)

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    Debra's List ~ 100s of links to 1000s of nontoxic, natural & earthwise products
    Free Newsletters ~ website update, natural sweetener recipes, words of wisdom
    Debra's Bookstore ~ recommended reading on health and the environment
    MCS Recovery ~ resources for recovery from multiple chemical sensitivities
    Sweet Savvy ~ how to choose and use natural sweetners (lots of recipes)
    Talk With Debra ~ call for a personal consultation

    Map of Debra's Websites



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