Annie: At this time of year many of us like to waterproof our winter boots, and all the commercially available products for this purpose use toxic solvents, most of them petroleum-based. A wool expert introduced me to lanolin as a safe alternative leather waterproofer. Lanolin is the oil in sheep’s wool, and it is a natural water repellent that can be removed with no harm to the sheep. Available in pharmacies as "Anhydrous Lanolin," and in a handy tube, lanolin is a rich, lubricating cream that can easily be rubbed into leather. A one ounce tube costs about $3, but a little dab’l do ya. Health food stores now offer a liquid lanolin used for cosmetic purposes for about $1 an ounce.