Ranoli's Blog July 30, 2010 The Truth Surrounding Drywall Made in China The EPA reports that mercury and formaldehyde has been found in drywall imported from China. It seems since about 2001 drywall coming into the US and other countries from China not only contains mercury and formaldehyde but also high levels of sulfur. These pollutants out gas into a home or office and can make people and animals sick. Symptoms can include mild to severe respiratory issues, headaches and nosebleeds. We first became aware of issues with China's drywall when new homeowners in Florida complained of unusual odors and their air conditioner coils and electrical wires were corroding. When choosing drywall make sure you ask the following questions: • Where's the product made? • Is it made from synthetic gypsum? Add new comment All fields are required. Name:* Email Address:* Comments* Please enter the phrase as it is shown in the box above.    No Comments July 27, 2010 Drain control without Chemicals Why is it that drains clog over the holidays? What's so magical about tree roots and potatoe peelings? Many drain issues can be prevent with a little common sense. If you do have a clog in your drain, don't reach for the harsh chemicals. Most commercial drain cleaners have lye, trichloroethane and hydrochloric acid, chemicals that can cause injury from splash back and damage your plumbing pipes. Here are some tips to prevent clogging in the first place: • Use a drain strainer in your sink and tub drains, clean the strainer regularly • Be careful of the things you put down the drain - don't empty the bottle of shampoo down the drain or the grease from the hamburger, do not put onions or potatoe skins in the garbage disposal • Use monthly drain maintenance treatments, especially great for older homes which have smaller drain pipes. You can use a natural drain cleaner that uses enzymes or bacteria to clean the drains. Here's a great recipe for natural drain cleaning that will save you money and time. Pour a half-cup of baking soda followed by a half cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it stand and bubble for 15 minutes and pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain to flush the baking soda and vinegar away. Use this treatment once a month and you may make it through the holidays with out the drain man coming to dinner. Add new comment All fields are required. Name:* Email Address:* Comments* Please enter the phrase as it is shown in the box above.    No Comments July 23, 2010 How can I naturally protect myself from mosquitoes? DEET is in most over the counter bug repellents and it's harsh and contains toxic chemicals. DEET can cause skin irritation, dizziness, headaches and trouble concentrating. Some studies even link DEET to changes in behavior or brain cell heath. There are a number of ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes using natural and or herbal insect repellents. Here are a few examples of what Mother Nature provides as an alternative to DEET. • Lemongrass oil is effective in warding off mosquitoes and ticks. • Cedarwood oil wards off mosquitoes, flies and fleas. • Citronella oil mixed with vegetable oil makes a wonderful insect repellent, just mix the two together and spread on you skin. • Patchouli oil is great for repelling mosquitoes and moths. And my favorite and probably the most effective at repelling mosquitoes is Lemon Eucalyptus oil. Some studies show that lemon eucalyptus oil offers as much protection from mosquitoes as products containing low levels of DEET. You might also consider planting these plants that naturally repel mosquitoes: • Citronella grass • Rosemary • Catnip • Marigolds Add new comment All fields are required. Name:* Email Address:* Comments* Please enter the phrase as it is shown in the box above.    No Comments Archives September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010