By Carol Kwiatkowski In a recently published study, researchers at Harvard University compared the dust of 12 indoor spaces containing conventional furnishings to 12 similar spaces with “healthier” carpets and furniture (reportedly PFAS-free). Dust is a major route for human exposure to PFAS, especially for children who are closer to the ground and have more hand-to-mouth behavior. … Continue reading The proof is in the dust of the home
Information obtained from The Green Science Policy Institute. "Along with the Center for Environmental Health and Health Care without Harm, we recently co-hosted a webinar to educate furniture purchasers on current fire standards and concerns for the future. For nearly 40 years, furniture in the U.S. and Canada contained harmful flame retardant chemicals to meet an ineffective … Continue reading Purchasing Fire-Safe & Healthier Furniture
Information published by The Green Science Policy Institute. "First chlorinated tris was found in children’s pajamas, then removed because it was a mutagen that changed DNA. Then it was used in furniture and children’s products; and removed due to its cancer-causing properties. Frustratingly, it is still used in cars and other vehicles. The carcinogenic and … Continue reading Update on flame retardant chemicals in furniture, cars
This is the first time I am writing a post in full support of any brand of cotton athletic clothing. This is a big deal. I've tried many kinds of all-cotton sweatpants, and none were cut correctly, and none had the quality fabric of yesteryear...until now. If you have a hankering for some cotton sweatpants … Continue reading THE PERFECT COTTON HOODIES AND JOGGERS: TNA
By Carol Kwiatkowski from The Green Science Policy Institute Read why swapping out foam or furniture can lead to a healthier homeMore than 45 years ago, California enacted TB117, a flammability standard that led to large quantities of toxic flame retardants being added to upholstered furniture and children’s products throughout the US and Canada. Since then, … Continue reading How to Have “Clean” Dust
Skip the hours of research on the internet - get the salient info quickly below and go straight to the sources who have already done the work. Step 1: FOCUS ON companies who ARE certified The two most meaningful certifications for mattresses are GOTS and GOLS. Other certifications like OCS 100, Okeo-Tex Standard 100, Eco-INSTITUT, … Continue reading Mattress – healthy & sustainable
Tough words first -- convenience is awesome, and easy things are awesome, but they cost. Dry cleaning is convenient, other than being unaffordable, but the cost is that you bring toxic chemicals home and bury your wife's and kid's heads in them every day when you come home from work and hug them. Let's consider … Continue reading Ironing, starching, healthy and wise
Clothing woven or knit of natural fiber. What is natural fiber? Why do we want it? Why do we care? "...when plastic bottles and bags break down, they don’t disappear: they turn into what is being called “microplastics,” which can persist for hundreds of years and are filling up our air, water, and soil. According … Continue reading I know it’s getting exhausting, but we need to read clothing labels, too
There are so many things and manufacturing processes I took for granted - I just never though to question them! Until a few years ago. One of these things is the foam used in our mattresses and baby products, such as carseats and carriers, as well as in furniture including the seats/chairs in airplanes. Are … Continue reading Toxic Foam in Mattresses, Furniture, and Car Seats – Safe Alternatives
I used to love watching Mr. Rogers shows about how crayons, macaroni, and erasers are made - those episodes are classic! --- but there are so many things and manufacturing processes I wonder about. Are these processes creating safe products? Who is regulating, checking, and enforcing the safety? Who is deciding what IS safe? Our … Continue reading The truth about synthetic vs. natural fabrics – bamboo is sneaky!
Impressions of a Holobiont 