Liz Milligan, facilitator
Cheryl G. and her family will be moving soon and she will start painting.  She would like to know if there is a type of paint or brand of paint that does not smell.

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Paints can give off a toxic fume (VOCs), which is the strong, chemical odor you're smelling… These chemicals can remain in the air even after the paint is dry… so look for low or No VOC paints which are a healthier alternative and don't smell as much for as long… You can also use natural paints, such as milk paint, natural lime paint or clay, which won’t have as strong an odor… check out the following companies…

Opera Paints, operapaints.com
Bioshield, bioshieldpaint.com
Lime Paint by Living Green livingreen.com
AFM Safe Coat, afmsafecoat.com
Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company, milkpaint.com
American Clay: americanclay.com

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Next up is a question from Pam S... Her question is about plastic baby bottles. Which brand is safest and is glass the best way to go? Also, she has a microwave steam sterilizer and uses the Medela microwave sterilizer bags. Are these safe to steam bottles, nipples shields and pump accessories?

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Glass is a great option — we like Evenflo (evenflo.com) or weego bottles are glass but come with a plastic sleeve so if the bottle falls it is less likely to break - but if you prefer plastic we like Born Free Bottles which are free from BPA - www.newbornfree.com or Medela products are also BPA-free as well...

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Here's a good one from Margaret H... Her mother was the “queen of clutter” and she doesn’t want to be the princess. What can she do?

Laura Forbes Carlin
Here is something that helps me get rid of it...clutter is really taking up space and blocking all the things we really want from coming into our lives— it is delaying the realization of our dreams...

Alison Forbes Houlihan
First, I would think about why you're accumulating clutter... there are different types of clutter... are you holding on to it because you think you may use it one day? how realistic that?

Laura Forbes Carlin
Before you buy something new ask yourself— do I really have time for this- time to clean, store, organize, dry-clean, tailor, learn how to use?— our possessions really do end up taking so much time and energy that we can't focus on what really matters in life...

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Also getting rid of clutter doesn't have to be a big production... you can start small with one drawer... for more tips on getting rid clutter you can visit our website artofeverydayliving.com

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Sean C. asks, Is it OK to use air-filters in nurseries? We live in a place with poor air quality...Thanks.

Laura Forbes Carlin
The only concern with air filters in a nursery is the electromagnetic fields (EMF’S)  emitted from the filter. The research on EMF’s is inconclusive, but some research indicates that exposure creates a higher risk for certain types of cancer. EMF’s are significantly reduced by keeping any electronic device including the air filter at least four feet away from where your child sleeps.  You can also try running the filter for an hour before bedtime or nap time (keeping the door closed) and then unplugging it before sleep. A company called H3environmental (www.H3environmental.com) carries air filters with a shielded cable to reduce (or maybe even eliminate?) EMF’s.

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Also, if you know you live in an area with poor air quality, make sure your air filter has both a HEPA and carbon filter. The HEPA will only capture dust particles— it is the carbon that captures the VOC’s.

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Ashley L. has a question about rugs... She is looking for a carpet or area rug for a playroom for her 8 month old. She wants it to be free of toxins and durable for spills and lots of foot traffic yet not industrial. Do you have any recommendations in different price ranges (splurge vs. steal)?

Laura Forbes Carlin
Finding a healthy carpet is challenging! Most wool carpets are sprayed with moth repellants and synthetic carpets contain VOC's that can off gas unhealthy fumes...

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Some good resources for carpets are: Earthweave.com Naturescarpet.com Concepts international at Living Green (310) 838.8442  We have also heard a lot about Flor tiles - www.flor.com (but call the company and ask if they are voc-free)

Laura Forbes Carlin
Wall to wall carpets also house dust, mold, bacteria— the best thing is to opt for area rugs...

Look for area rugs made from untreated wool- with no adhesives or cotton area rugs

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Next up is a question from Andrea G. -- Which plastic cups and plates are safe for us to keep, which ones should we throw out and what should replace them?

Laura Forbes Carlin
As general rule, replace any plastic that is worn or scratched as they are more likely to leach chemicals. Avoid plastic # 3,6 and 7 and opt for safer plastics #5. If you can avoid it altogether— kidsstuff.com has stainless steal cutlery and cups for kids. kleankanteen.com has stainless steel water bottles that also are available with sippy cup spouts

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Susan J is wondering what is the best way to dispose of water that was used to scrub down lead paint woodwork (it is powdery and peeling)

Alison Forbes Houlihan
Susan, anytime I have a question about recycling or disposing of anything I go to to earth911.org for more information.... it's a great resource! 

Keep in mind, lead paint should be removed by a professional. Pregnant women in particular SHOULD NOT be exposed to any of the dust or chips created by removing lead paint.

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Linda S. has adopted fluorescent light bulbs throughout her house, and now uses canvas bags when shopping for groceries.  She’s stopped buying disposable plastic bottles of water — and feels these were all pretty easy things to do (although her teenage girls do miss the water bottles). She wonders if you have some other ideas she could look at for going green around her house.

Alison Forbes Houlihan
I think you're on the right track by taking small steps in your home... we're big believers that change begins at home…

Being green is as much about changing your habits as it is about switching to new products. So here's one idea... as you've probably heard many of our appliances are still using energy even when not in use...  so unplug your appliances (and chargers too). For areas where you have lots of plugs use power strips. Plug in all your entertainment center or office equipment into one power strip and then you only have to hit one switch to turn it all off… Or even better you can invest in the Smart Strip, which apparently "senses" when you're not using an appliance and cuts the power.

For more daily tips check out idealbite.com or climatecrisis.net…

Liz Milligan, facilitator
Thank you all for joining us!!  Laura and Alison - GREAT tips!!!!