Dear Sun Spots: Please help. This is very important to a lot of people who would like to see this. Robyn Osborn-Freed will debut with Emeril Green, channel 194 on Sept. 5, the Green Channel. We are looking for someone to please tape the show on VHS or DVD. If you are able to do this please let me know. It will air Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. Show No. 129 titled Meet me Halfway. Thank you so very much. Contact me at 225-3555, ask for Donna. We need two copies, one for Mom, one for daughter. Willing to pay a fair amount. – Donna, Turner.

Answer: Congratulations! For those who may be able to help Donna, Planet Green, the first and only 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network is seen on Time Warner channel 103, DirectTV channel 286 and DISH network channel 194.

We contacted the Discovery Channel store to see if this episode will be available for purchase, and unfortunately it is not. We hope someone will be able to record the episode for you.

“Emeril Green” stars celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and is shot on location at Whole Foods Market. According to Planet Green, Lagasse shares how the best meals start with high quality produce, seafood and meats, and helps families get inspired by using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Lagasse works with everyday cooks with real culinary challenges, enlisting the help of the knowledgeable team at Whole Foods Market and other experts to hand pick the best ingredients for every recipe, turning ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Dear Sun Spots: Is it harmful to place used empty water bottles in the dishwasher, then refill them to be used again? Does placing a bottle in the dishwasher eliminate all bacteria? Thank you! Keep up the good work. You provide a useful service to the community. – Lover of bottled water, Lewiston.


Answer: According to a study from Environmental Nutrition, commercial water bottles are made with plastic designed and intended for one-time use. If you refill a commercial water bottle or any container for that matter, washing it every day is critical to prevent bacteria from contaminating this healthy beverage. They recommend washing the bottle with hot soapy water and rinsing well. Use a bottle brush to clean in and around the neck of the bottle. Scrub the lids with a brush. Allow the water bottle and cap to air dry completely between uses.

They also noted that because of the narrow neck of most commercial water bottles, sanitizing your water bottle in the dishwasher isn’t the best option because water can’t get up into the bottle for a thorough cleaning.

A spokesperson from the The Plastics Division of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) told us that the Food and Drug Administration allows the use of many types of plastics in repeated-use food applications. The FDA carefully reviews food and beverage packaging materials, such as plastics used to make water bottles, before allowing them on the market. FDA has evaluated data that simulate long-term storage and support the repeated use of many types of plastics.

Plastic containers are often marked with a resin ID code, usually a number or a letter abbreviation, which indicates a particular type of plastic. In general, FDA permits plastics 1 through 7 for both single-use and repeated-use in food and beverage packaging.

Of course, consumers should be aware of any limitations specified by the manufacturer. If a product or packaging label indicates that a plastic container should not be reused, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The ACC also reminds you when you choose to refill and reuse a plastic water bottle, remember that it is best to clean any drinking container with hot soapy water and to dry thoroughly before refilling. A dishwasher with temperatures under 140 degrees is safe to use for cleaning, but be sure it is cleaned and rinsed thoroughly.

You can purchase a bottle brush at most stores that carry baby bottles.

Dear Sun Spots: For the person requesting round clothes pins, the “iron clad” pins are best. If interested contact me at talltimber99@excite.com or write to Sun Spots with contact info so I may make contact. Thank you. – D.L., No Town.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be posted at www.sunjournal.com in the Advice section under Opinion on the left-hand corner of your computer screen. In addition, you can e-mail your inquiries to sunspots@sunjournal.com.


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