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| Headline |
Author |
Published |
Section |
Dust, but Verify
New study finds toxic chemicals in household dust |
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23 Mar 2005 |
Daily Grist |
| Dust, but Verify New study finds toxic chemicals in household dust Samples of household dust from 70 residences in seven U.S. states were found to contain a toxic cocktail of industrial chemicals -- all of which have been shown to harm animals, all of which are legal and commonly used. The study, conducted by consumer-advocate group Clean Production Action, tested the dust for 44 chemicals and found 35 of them. ... |
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| Topics: green living, news, toxics, United States (all these topics) |
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It's Not Watching Cars Go in Circles That Does It
NASCAR race-cars spew lead |
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02 Mar 2005 |
Daily Grist |
| It's Not Watching Cars Go in Circles That Does It NASCAR race-cars spew lead What's the connection between NASCAR racing, diminished mental capacity, and increased criminal behavior? If your answer was "lead," well, we commend your high-mindedness. Indeed, that is the answer: Though leaded gasoline was phased out in the U.S. decades ago, the racing industry (along with aviation) was exempted. Despite years of pleas ... |
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| Topics: green living, news, toxics (all these topics) |
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Mold School
On bathroom mold |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Feb 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Do you have any tips on dealing with the nasty black mold that appears in bathrooms without dousing it in highly toxic chemicals? Kirsten Dearest Kirsten, I read that hydrogen peroxide would work, so I tried it for you in the Grist Test Bathroom. The recommendation was to dilute the solution in a spray bottle, spritz the mold, then return a few hours later to wipe it away. It didn't work. But my control mold is deeply embedded wi ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green cleaning, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Lather, Rinse, Rethink
On making eco-friendly cleaning products |
Umbra Fisk |
24 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I'd like to start making my own environmentally friendly cleaning products for my home. Are there any books or websites you would recommend for cleaning "recipes"? Rachel P.S. -- Thanks ever so much for your mention of the Keeper in one of your columns. Quite possibly the most useful device ever invented. Why aren't more people talking about this? Dearest Rachel, Go, Keeper, go! You'll ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Dirty Pretty Things
Two major cosmetic companies will omit harmful chemicals from products |
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18 Jan 2005 |
Daily Grist |
| Dirty Pretty Things Two major cosmetic companies will omit harmful chemicals from products Revlon Inc. and L'Oreal USA have pledged to follow the European Union's relatively strict new anti-toxics rule in formulating their perfumes, hair dyes, makeup, and other products for sale in the U.S. The two companies were convinced to take the step by San Francisco's Breast Cancer Fund, which wants to shield American ... |
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| Topics: business, green living, toxics, United States (all these topics) |
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Sorry, Wrong Number
On which plastics to avoid |
Umbra Fisk |
13 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, Since you only mention #1 plastics as being safe, I'm assuming I should throw out the #4 I just purchased? Sylvia Ann Arbor, Mich. Dearest Sylvia, I confused and frightened and annoyed many of you on the issues of food and plastic. I'm sorry -- #4 is OK, as are #2 and #5. Honestly, I can hardly keep the numbers straight myself. I thought about a rhyme ("four and two are fine for you"), but I can't com ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Nalgene Therapy
On plastic water bottles, again |
Umbra Fisk |
10 Jan 2005 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, After slurping away from a Nalgene bottle all summer, you struck me with the fear of petrochemicals. So I did some quick research on my own. My conclusion is that your Aug. 2 column is misleading, even though I'm very sympathetic to your argument regarding plastics. Upon inspection, I learned that most of my Nalgene water bottles are made of plastic #2, HDPE, which you suggest is relatively benign. Perhaps you ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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How toxic is your breast milk?
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Lisa Hymas |
09 Jan 2005 |
Gristmill |
| A nice treatment of this topic in today's New York Times Magazine, from Florence Williams. When we nurse our babies, we feed them not only the fats, sugars and proteins that fire their immune systems, metabolisms and cerebral synapses. We also feed them, albeit in minuscule amounts, paint thinners, dry-cleaning fluids, wood preservatives, toilet deodorizers, cosmetic additives, gasoline byproducts, rocket fuel, termite poisons, fungicides and flame retardants. If, as Ci ... |
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| Topics: food, green living, health, parenting, toxics (all these topics) |
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Re-Bay
eBay joins tech companies to launch electronics recycling program |
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07 Jan 2005 |
Daily Grist |
| Re-Bay eBay joins tech companies to launch electronics recycling program Wondering what to do with that old Commodore 64 or Macintosh II gathering dust in your basement? According to an eBay survey, you're not alone -- some 50 percent of American households have unwanted PCs in storage. That's why the online auction giant has launched an electronics recycling program they call Rethink. In a par ... |
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| Topics: business, green living, recycling, toxics, United States (all these topics) |
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Urine Trouble
On cat-pee stains and dry cleaning |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Dec 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am aware of how polluting regular dry cleaners can be and therefore make a point to wash clothes at home. Recently, however, my charming cat peed on my comforter. I was wondering if you knew of any environmentally friendly ways to clean "dry clean only" clothes or, in this case, comforters. Heidi Falls Church, Va. Dearest Heidi, I've seen feather comforters with both dry-cleaning and home-washer o ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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What the Deck?
On protecting decks |
Umbra Fisk |
25 Oct 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Chip, You may remember me; we met most recently at Jenny's parents' house for dinner when you all were here in New Jersey. Anyway, the reason I'm writing you is because I'm looking for some advice. Do you have any recommendations on environmentally conscious ways to protect household decks? Lori and I just bought a house and we need to finish the deck, but we are hesitant to use a bunch of chemicals that will just seep into the gr ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Bottle Racket
On plastic water bottles |
Umbra Fisk |
02 Aug 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Several readers have sent in questions about the dangers of chemical leaching from plastic bottles. A composite version: Dear Umbra, I've read some conflicting things about the risks associated with reusing plastic water bottles. For instance, the generally trustworthy folks at the urban-legends site snopes.com have criticized a widely circulated email that claims regular water bottles are not safe for refilling because the plastic ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, recycling, toxics (all these topics) |
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The Environmentalist's New Clothes
Advice on natural fabrics vs. polyester |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Jul 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I've never appreciated human-made fabrics -- polyester and its cousins invariably feel less comfortable to me than cotton or wool. Until recently, I thought this personal preference also had the happy side effect of making me a greener clothes shopper, since producing natural fibers doesn't involve long chains of polymers. A friend recently claimed otherwise, telling me that the growt ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, fashion, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Tour of Beauty
On makeup |
Umbra Fisk |
24 May 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I haven't been reading Grist for very long, so excuse me if you've already addressed this topic, but what are the environmental impacts of using cosmetics such as lipstick, eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and especially nail polish? Since becoming an environmentally conscious consumer, I have purchased cruelty-free products, but I have only recently begun to consider the environmental impact of the packaging and the products themselve ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, green products, toxics (all these topics) |
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Dye Another Day
On hair dye |
Umbra Fisk |
24 May 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Greetings, O Esteemed Umbra, I decided a while ago that I wouldn't put toxic chemicals down the drain for the sake of vanity. However, I'm a dirty, dirty blond (um, hair color) and was wondering if there is a "safe" way to add some highlights. Besides lemon juice, are there other products or substances that can be used to safely create that sunny look I'd like to have? Dirty Hairy Cincinnati, Ohio Dearest Dirty Hairy, A strand of ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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The In-Law That Broke the Camel's Back
On environmentally oblivious family |
Umbra Fisk |
27 Apr 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I am totally frustrated with my in-laws. They know how important it is for us to raise our infant in the least toxic environment we can manage. However, when we go to their house, I have no control over the situation. We arrived there for Easter vacation only to find out that three rooms had been painted and two newly carpeted -- and not with eco-friendly materials! There was also a n ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Control-Alt-Recycle
Tips on greener computing |
Pam Lundquist, P.W. McRandle, for the Green Guide |
06 Apr 2004 |
Earthly Possessions |
| By Pam Lundquist and P.W. McRandle, for the Green Guide 06 Apr 2004 OK computer. U.S. consumers are being cheated out of the chance to buy the greenest possible computers, according to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition and other environmental groups that have joined forces on the Computer TakeBack Campaign. The campaign's latest report card examined 28 computer manufacturers' practices regarding hazardous materials, worker health and safety, and ... |
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| Topics: green living, recycling, toxics, United States (all these topics) |
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Burn Me Up, Scotty
Super-Hot Trash Zapper May Yield Hydrogen |
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27 Feb 2004 |
Daily Grist |
| Burn Me Up, Scotty Super-Hot Trash Zapper May Yield Hydrogen This just in: The future is now. "Plasma torch technology" is gaining acceptance among corporations and governments, and may soon show up at a waste facility near you. Here's how it works: Trash -- anything from municipal garbage to toxic waste to PCBs -- is zapped (at least we think that's the technical term) with a ... |
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| Topics: green living, recycling, solid waste treatment and disposal, toxics (all these topics) |
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Toxic Cling
On fabric softening |
Umbra Fisk |
12 Feb 2004 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, With winter upon us, I'm thinking about a serious matter: fabric softener. During the summer, I don't use any. However, with snow looming, static cling is on my mind. Long story short, which is better: liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets? Allie Shippensburg, Penn. Dearest Allie, Your home will be a happier, healthier place if no fabric softener darkens your dryer. Both liquid and sheet contain a stunning amount of notoriou ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Irrigation Irritation
Agricultural Water Efficiency May Do More Harm Than Good |
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28 Jan 2004 |
Daily Grist |
| Irrigation Irritation Agricultural Water Efficiency May Do More Harm Than Good Using water more efficiently in farming may ultimately increase long-term water shortages, warn some water experts. Although efficiency efforts -- such as lining irrigation ditches to prevent leaks and delivering water directly to roots rather than flooding fields -- are touted as a solution ... |
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| Topics: climate, food and agriculture, green living, toxics, United Kingdom, water pollution (all these topics) |
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Streaming Media
Judge Bans Pesticide Use Near Northwest Salmon Runs |
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23 Jan 2004 |
Daily Grist |
| Streaming Media Judge Bans Pesticide Use Near Northwest Salmon Runs A federal judge Thursday banned the use of a wide range of pesticides in and around thousands of miles of waterways in the Northwest frequented by endangered salmon, and required stores selling seven of the most dangerous banned pesticides to display signs reading &q ... |
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| Topics: environmental justice, fishing, green living, marine life, Northwest, politics, rivers and watersheds, toxics, US EPA (all these topics) |
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Death Be Not Toxic
Green Burials Catch on Amongst the Eco-Friendly Set |
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12 Jan 2004 |
Daily Grist |
| Death Be Not Toxic Green Burials Catch on Amongst the Eco-Friendly Set It's no longer enough to live an eco-friendly life; now, the greenest of the green are planning for their own eco-friendly deaths. A small but growing number of people are seeking out burial in green cemeteries. Ramsey Creek Preserve in Westminster, S.C., is one such spot, a 35-acre expanse of woodla ... |
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| Topics: green living, pollution and waste, South Carolina, toxics, United Kingdom, wildlife (all these topics) |
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Just Stick to Tofu
Farmed Salmon Contaminated With PCBs, Other Nasties |
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09 Jan 2004 |
Daily Grist |
| Just Stick to Tofu Farmed Salmon Contaminated With PCBs, Other Nasties Consumers, still struggling with the news that bovine spongiform encephalopathy-laden beef will make your brain melt and mercury-laden tuna will make your children stupid, were met today with more bad news: A new study in the journal Science claims that fish-farmed salmon contain enoug ... |
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| Topics: European Union, fishing, green living, health, marine life, South America, toxics, United States (all these topics) |
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Go Fish
On eco-friendly fish consumption |
Umbra Fisk |
17 Nov 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I recently turned 40 and have decided I need to pay more attention to what I eat on a daily basis. My diet has never been horrible, and I've always believed in all things in moderation, but a persistently elevated cholesterol level and my mortality now a smudge on the horizon have helped nudge me in this direction. And everywhere I turn it's fish, fish, and more fish: doctors recommending more omega-3 oils (in the for ... |
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| Topics: advice, aquaculture, Ask Umbra, fishing, food and agriculture, green living, toxics (all these topics) |
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Battery FAQ
On recycling batteries |
Umbra Fisk |
28 Oct 2003 |
Ask Umbra |
| Dear Umbra, I have to humbly admit that for years I've known that one can recycle batteries, but unfortunately, I've never known where or how to do this. I've been living in Seattle and northern Italy for the last year, and I have a pile of old batteries in each place. If you have any insight into how I might go about recycling them in both the U.S. and Europe, I'd so appreciate it! With gratitude, Meg Seattle, Wash., and Ivrea, It ... |
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| Topics: advice, Ask Umbra, green living, Italy, recycling, solid waste treatment and disposal, toxics, waste (all these topics) |
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