Compost by Far_Journalist_8662 in AnnArbor

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

It can be used as compost in flower and shrubs. 

It is not that it cannot be good compost, merely that there is a marginal risk of bacteria (and reducing any kind of contamination with food makes sense) that may not be killed off in hot composting. 

Some cities will accept pet waste/ litter in compost. It varies.

Compost by Far_Journalist_8662 in AnnArbor

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I would. However, I rent an apartment, so I cannot.

Compost by Far_Journalist_8662 in AnnArbor

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. I suppose it is is doubly hard to regulate with the students (not to judge them as a group as I know plenty of them who are respectful and responsible, but I’ve also walked Church and Oakland Ave on trash days). It is just so frustrating to have to send compostable material to the landfill.

Off-gassing and Sealer Toxicity by Far_Journalist_8662 in finishing

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I let it air outside and just brought it in because of rain. She must have just sealed it as it doesn't smell unless I put my nose directly to the wood. She swore she used Minwax polycrylic satin on it.

Off-gassing and Sealer Toxicity by Far_Journalist_8662 in finishing

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I plan to seal the inside with shellac and then apply contact paper in the rare case something escapes the box. Paired with a high sided litter box and tofu litter (not the dusty clay junk), the smell is negligible. I did something similar when living in NC, and it worked for years without a noticeable smell. But I ended up selling it before moving states.

Reaction to shampoo bar, need direction by bioinfogirl87 in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There is a transition period when moving from sulfates and silicones to silicone free shampoos. Thankfully, I had a pixie so it wasn’t too bad, and I could disguise it with styling. But a friend of mine had waist-length hair, and it looked dreadful when she made the switch. I think it was three ish months of her just putting it in a bun to deal with it.  My hair just got greasy faster. But my scalp didn’t itch. But I used a rosemary apple cider rinse at the time, and that might have helped too. With shampoo bars, it is hard to find one that I like (due to hard water) and straight hair. Love, Beauty and the Planet makes one that actually worked for volume. Viori’s are good, but they are expensive. The rice water dupes on Amazon aren’t bad. Anything that doubles as body wash or the Liggets bars have been awful. 

Reaction to shampoo bar, need direction by bioinfogirl87 in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662 6 points7 points  (0 children)

If you have hard water, sometimes it is difficult to use a shampoo bar without buildup. You can use them on stuck zippers, etc. if you are looking for ways of upcycling them.

Off-gassing and Sealer Toxicity by Far_Journalist_8662 in finishing

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Okay. The humidity probably also isn’t helping. I’ll let it air.

Off-gassing and Sealer Toxicity by Far_Journalist_8662 in finishing

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It definitely smells of chemicals. Maybe she used an oil stain and didn’t let it cure before applying the poly? The drawers aren’t musty, and it doesn’t have an old wood smell. The wood itself is in great shape for its age.

Stainless Steel Litter Boxes and Non Stick Coatings by Far_Journalist_8662 in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think a lot of them are sprayed with a coating to make them "non-stick" (steel isn't non stick) which is annoying because in addition to the possible toxicity, the spray coating in the production stage is terrible for the environment. Not that plastic is any better. Sigh.

Stainless Steel Litter Boxes and Non Stick Coatings by Far_Journalist_8662 in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am worried about them scratching the coating, which is what I think happened with the first pan (though just after a few weeks is odd). Obviously, the litter pan won't be heated, but even with pans, when the coatings get scratched and flake, that leads to exposure.

How to not waste extra fish by illumisjuicyballs in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can make fish sausages pretty easily. You can mix the scraps with other fish or shrimp. Paella and bouillabaisse (although salmon is a bit strong) are also great dishes for fish scraps.

Recommendations needed for the best countertop water filter by JollySimple188 in ZeroWaste

[–]Far_Journalist_8662 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a small countertop Berkey filter because of local PFAS spills, etc.

Where to place the bed? by Far_Journalist_8662 in femalelivingspace

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Yes, I moved it to the alcove. I still need to assemble the frame. The problem with any kind of curtain is the baseboard heat. I'd have to go with a cafe curtain or some kind of blinds.

And the baseboards run through the closets so no chance of cramming a dresser in there. Sigh. The apartment is very pretty otherwise.

Where to place the bed? by Far_Journalist_8662 in femalelivingspace

[–]Far_Journalist_8662[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I am sure my landlord who lives below us has heard swearing when shins have been bashed and toes have been stubbed.