Dear Friends,

Beginning with this issue, I've decided to simplify the graphics presentation for this newsletter. I've become aware that many of you don't even receive the fancy graphics I have been sending through your email programs and this simplification will cut out a lot--not all, but a lot--of the extraneous coding. And it's easier for me to produce. I'm all for easier!

Natural color is the main topic for this issue--natural colors for easter eggs and for foods. Finally natural food colors!

Health, Home & Habitat - 8 March 2005

In this issue:
* Coloring Springtime Eggs With Natural Dyes
* Natural Food Colors
* Eco-friendly Cold Packs
* Household Hint -- Use Up Batteries
* Household Hint -- Remove Sticky Labels with Vinegar
* Q & A - VOC emissions from various types of paints?
* Q & A - What kind of pillow do you sleep on?
* Q & A - Whole-house vs point-of-use water filters--which is better?

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COLORING SPRINGTIME EGGS WITH NATURAL DYES

I've found it very enjoyable to celebrate Spring by coloring eggs with natural dyes. The colors are beautiful--soft and gentle, yet vibrant. Red cabbage produces a blue that looks just like a robin's egg. Each year I try a few more colors and I am always happy with the results.

I've written out how I color eggs with a very simple method, using dyestuffs you'll find right in your kitchen. The article includes a link to a website that shows over 300 natural bird eggs and the birds they hatch into (be sure to click through on this link--it's fascinating!), plus links to other sites that show how to make special artistic effects on eggs using natural dyes. And background on the origins and traditions of coloring Easter eggs.

Read more about coloring eggs with natural dyes

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NATURAL FOOD COLORS

Yes, you read right--food colors from natural plant sources! I was thrilled to find these after years of trying to figure out how to write "Happy Birthday" on a cake in a color other than chocolate brown. The colors are suspended in a corn syrup and glycerin base, so they're not free of refined sugar, but you use so little (1/8 to 1 1/2 teaspoons per cup, depending on color and depth and medium) that they hardly add a calorie or a carb. A great substitute for artificial colors in all kinds of foods.

See my Natural Sweetener Recipe newsletter for more on using these natural food colors...

About Food Colors...

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ECO-FRIENDLY COLD PACKS

While ice is one of the best methods for relieving pain, various methods of applying ice or cold are better for the environment than others. Be prepared for your next sprain, burn or bug bite.

About cold packs...

A resuable cold pack designed with health and the environment in mind...

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HOUSEHOLD HINT -- USE UP BATTERIES

Did you know...when batteries will no longer work in a portable music player or tape recorder or other "high-power" product, they still contain enough power to run "low-power" products--a clock for six months, a doorbell for two years. Get all you can from the resources used to make batteries and the money you spend on them by trying out spent batteries from "high-power" products in your "low-power" products before recycling them.

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HOUSEHOLD HINT -- REMOVE STICKY LABELS WITH VINEGAR

Here's how you can easily remove those sticky labels off glassware and other water-safe products. Mix equal parts white vinegar and lukewarm water in a bowl, pot, or basin, the soak the item for 10 minutes. The acetic acid in the vinegar dissolves the adhesive and the stickers will slip right off.

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Q & A -- VOC EMISSIONS FROM VARIOUS TYPES OF PAINTS?

I reached your website through Google and had what I guess is an elementary question about VOCs [volatile organic chemicals] and paints. Are the VOCs emitted only during the drying time, or are they emitted continuously after that at lower levels? My wife and I are planning to build a house, very well insulated and airtight for energy efficiency. Hence our concern about VOCs.

M. R.
Kyoto, Japan

Read the answer...

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Q & A -- WHAT KIND OF PILLOW DO YOU SLEEP ON?

We are curious - what pillows do you sleep on?

S. M.

Read the answer...

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Q & A -- WHOLE-HOUSE VS POINT-OF-USE WATER FILTERS--WHICH IS BETTER?

I've had a whole house filter in my last 2 houses, and was all set to go with a whole house filter in my current house. But then it was pointed out to me by someone in the water filtration business that after the water has been filtered, the clean unchlorinated water then sits in pipes, water heater, etc., allowing all kinds of microbes to breed prior to being dispensed at the faucet. Even though he could have easily sold me a whole house filter on the spot, he recommended that I install point of use filters.

Although I can't say that I noticed a problem with the whole house filter before, this is my first house in Florida (ie. high heat and humidity all year).

Have you ever heard this issue addressed? What do you think?

J. K.
Jupiter FL

Read the answer...

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MORE Q & A...

By popular demand, I will continue answer your questions in this newsletter. If you have a question you would like to submit, please send me an email with your question. It may take two to four weeks or longer for your question to appear in the newsletter. Usually I send an immediate short answer to email questions, but then give a more detailed answer in the newsletter.

Want a quick, personal answer to your question? Call me for a paid telephone consultation during normal business hours, Eastern Time.

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