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Articles
A collection of short articles I’ve written about home health, some with videos that incorporate some humor. Browse through for more on what the research actually shows about each topic, what's worth your attention, and what practical steps make a real difference.
Why "Organic" Bedding Labels Don't Mean Much (And What to Look for Instead)
You might assume "organic" bedding is automatically the healthier choice. But, it's not, at least not without the right certification behind it. Fabric processing is surprisingly chemical-intensive, and "organic" only tells you about the starting fiber, not what happens to it afterward. Here's how to actually read a bedding label.
Blackout Curtains That Don’t Off-Gas
Most blackout curtains achieve their light-blocking through PVC or foam backing — materials that off-gas VOCs, especially when heated by sunlight in a window. Given that you're sleeping in the bedroom with them for eight hours a night, the material choice matters. Here's what the healthier options are actually made of.
Are Candles and Incense Toxic? (And How to Make Them Less Harmful)
Most candles release endocrine-disrupting chemicals when burned, and standard incense produces more particulate matter than a cigarette. That doesn't mean you have to throw them all out. There's a spectrum here, and several practical ways to reduce exposure while still enjoying scent and ambience at home.
How to Choose a Non-Toxic Couch
GreenGuard Gold doesn't mean non-toxic. Here's what that label actually measures, and what to look for instead when shopping for a healthier couch.
Why Do Some Sheets Make You Sweaty?
Whether you wake up drenched or sleep fine comes down to fiber structure, not thread count. Linen, wool, cotton, and polyester all behave differently at night — and the mechanisms are more interesting than you'd expect, especially when you see what they look like under a microscope.
What’s the Best Non-Toxic Shower Curtain Material?
PEVA, organic fabric, or polyester — the right shower curtain material depends on your bathroom's airflow and your laundry habits. Plus: the widely-shared 2014 study claiming PEVA is toxic, and why it doesn't hold up.
What’s in Foam?
Polyurethane foam starts as petroleum and gets processed with a long list of chemical additives, some of which migrate out over time. Here's what's actually in it and what that means for your health.
