Non Toxic Environments Home Health & Wellness: Recent Episodes
Andrew Pace
Healthy building expert Andrew Pace uses his 25+ years experience to produce this weekly podcast, dedicated to the discussion and education of home health and human wellness. With over 20,000 satisfied clients all over the world, Andrew has a keen awareness of the issues relating to chemical sensitivity, green building, mold remediation and toxicity reduction. As a healthy home consultant, Andrew continues to be sought after to assist on projects all over the world, but his true passion is to educate as many folks as possible, using this free platform. Andrew's company GDC/Building For Health, continues to be the global leader of healthy home supply and education. Partnering with AFM Safecoat as their Master Distributor for North America, Andrew has opened up the availability for toxin-free paints and coatings through hundreds of retailers. Jay Watts, the VP of AFM Safecoat, is a frequent co-host of the program and brings his years of customer service and trouble shooting skills for all to learn from.
Today we have Stacy Malesiewski, who is the director of marketing with Austin Air Purification Systems. I'm having Stacy on today to talk a little bit about the Austin air purifiers, but more importantly, we're going to be talking about her own personal health journey with mold exposure in a home that led to just debilitating issues for her entire family.
She shares her story with us about her journey and how that led to Stacy creating the Mold Summit that will be available at the end of March 2026. It's a FREE online mold summit that will be open and available forever. These experts are just amazing. The talent that she has brought onto this mold summit is really remarkable. Experts in the medical fields, experts in mold remediation, cleaning. They even brought me in to talk about the rebuild process after the mold remediation is done. :) I'm really excited about this summit and what it has to offer.
I have all the links in the notes below, but you definitely want to listen to this episode and hear Stacy's story. Please do me a favor and hit the like button and the follow down below so you can make sure to see all of my new episodes, which there will be many this year.
CLICK HERE to purchase a new Austin Air Purifier and use the code MOLD15 for an exclusive 15% discount, only through Green Design Center. https://thegreendesigncenter.com/?s=Austin+air&post_type=product
Sign up for the FREE Mold Summit https://austinairsystems.com/pages/mold-solutions-summit
Welcome back my friends to the 2026 spring season of the Non Toxic Environments show. This is actually our 200th episode of the show, so Im feeling a litle proud of that right now. In the last eight years, I've averaged two episodes a month. Not bad. But in the last year or so its has not been nearly that frequent and I intend on fixing that this year!
This first episode of the season is a good one. Seth Jones tells us all about his health journey that lead to the creation of a set of products to tackle the nightmare of mold mycotoxin exposure in the home. Superstratum is the leading manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products that have been specifically created to eliminate mold mycotoxins. However we are finding some really exciting new uses for these products that will help eliminate the problem BEFORE it occurs.
This is a must watch/tell the friends episode.
Get your mycotoxin eliminating materials through this link: SUPERSTRATUM
Type the code NOMYCO at checkout claim a 10% discount!
It's been a while since I've been in front of the microphone and recorded an episode of the show. I'm really excited to get back into it now that the cooler months have come to us. Summer is over, unfortunately, at least for us here in the upper Midwest. But I want to bring to you another wonderful interview with a friend of mine in the industry. You may know her, I'm sure most of you do.PJ Harlow.
PJ is a holistic indoor environmental consultant. She really got into this because of her own unbelievably tragic situation in her own space. And it's funny how so many folks that I talked to kind of came into this because of that. This is not something that you study in school. You don't go to college and say, I'm going to be a mold inspector. It's usually something that happens in your house, something that triggers serious health concerns with family. And so PJ is going to talk to us today about how this came about in her household and why she decided that she needed to do something about this for others and gives us a great group of tips and tricks, things to look for, items that she can help with. And like I say, I really consider her a friend, a colleague in this space, and I am sure you're going to enjoy our conversation.
PJ Harlow's Guides can be found here
On today's episode, I'm talking with Brian Johnson, the founder and CEO of Senergy 360. Senergy 360 is a pioneer in the building science and healthy home construction space. Brian got started in the industry as a lumber grader over 20 years ago, working for a large lumber producer, and he got to see firsthand what happens with mold on lumber and how we build our homes and what happens from a health standpoint to those exposed to mold and other building toxins. Brian is also a world-class athlete, Iron Man triathlete…really top 1% in that program around the world. Brian is a perfect person to talk to us about healthy homes, about the exposure of toxins in the home, and now how do we build our homes to eliminate these toxins.
Brian and his team have put together a comprehensive buyers guide for new building and remodeling materials, available through the Green Design Center. CLICK HERE.
I went live the other day in response to a consulting call to speak out to the industry about the ridiculous need for perfection. What started out as a quick 30 second live hit turned into 20 minutes of pleading to medical professionals to tone down the fear mongering and allow people to celebrate the small wins.
In my 30+ year career, I've helped over 30,000 chemically sensitive and mold damaged individuals to put their homes and their lives back together. With that experience, I can tell you without a doubt that about 10% of my clients would be considered extremely health compromised. Out of that small group, very few have the financial wherewithal to be able to afford to do whatever it takes to make their home as perfect as possible. Thats about 1% in 30 years. So this rant is really for the 99% of folks who aren't in that situation. Its also for the building professionals who are promoting high-priced "fixes" as well as the medical professionals who are telling their patients that they need a perfect environment to heal in.
Mold damaged homes and chemical intolerances are only getting worse and pushing this "all or nothing" attitude is eliminating hope and prolonging the path to healing. We need a serious conversation about this, my friends and there are many people much smarter than I that should be involved. But I guess I'll do what Ive done my entire career and start sounding the alarm, hoping that these smart folks hear it and engage.
Please leave your comments!!
On today's episode, I'm talking with Ryan Riedy, president of Square One Restorations in Arizona. Ryan is a mold, asbestos remediation contractor, fire and water damage cleanup contractor. But Ryan actually got his start in doing remodeling, house flips, investment properties, an interesting story. Ryan actually developed chronic inflammatory response syndrome himself from everything he's been exposed to in his career. And so we have a great conversation today talking about traditional mold remediation projects and what is now called MIR, medically important remediation specifically for people who have extreme chronic health issues and how the processes are different between just traditional mold remediation and then the medically important remediation. So I think we'll enjoy today's conversation. It's very eyeopening. It's a lot to take in, a lot to learn, but I think you'll very much appreciate it. Thanks for joining. Now, before you watch the video, please hit the like button and subscribe to this channel to make sure you can see every episode of the Non-Toxic Environment Show as it comes out.
Learn all about MIR at Ryan's website: https://squareonerestore.com/medically-important-remediation/
Welcome back to season 10 of the NTE Live show. I spent about five days at a conference in Arizona called CIRSx/Surviving Mold. CIRS stands for Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This is the annual conference for both medical professionals, industry professionals, as well as those suffering from CIRS themselves, to learn all about the latest research and techniques into healing from CIRS, as well as preventing it to begin with. So we talked a lot about building materials, remodeling projects, ways to avoid water and mold in homes. At this conference, I met a number of just amazingly intelligent people who know so much about this topic, so I wanted to share a lot of these stories here on the show. The next several episodes of this show, you're going to be hearing from some of these wonderful people that I met down there. On today's show, I'm talking to Ariana Thacker, who started a company called Mold Co.
Mold Co provides the prescriptions for the Shoemaker protocol directly to your door, so you don't have to have a Shoemaker trained MD directly in your area to be able to receive the prescriptions necessary for healing. And so this is why it's so exciting, it's that they're bringing this directly to you instead of you having to drive sometimes hundreds miles or longer to get to that physician. Ariana has a great story of how she developed this is and extremely knowledgeable on the subject. We had a great conversation about it and what it's doing for folks.
Access the MoldCo Lab Portal here
Enter the code NTELIVE150 for $150 off the MoldCo complete lab panel
Backed by 30+ years of research, our lab panels reveal the patterns Mold Toxicity leaves behind. You’ll receive a clear, educational guide to help you understand what your lab results mean. Available in all US states except NY, NJ, RI, HI.
I'm sure you are going to appreciate the conversation that I'm having with Brantley May with Enviro Health. Brantley and I have known each other for several years. We've worked together on projects and he refers to a lot of the information I talk about. I certainly refer clients to Brantley and his services. Brantley is a building scientist. He's an indoor environmental professional. He's not just a mold inspector, but Brantley truly is somebody who can help with the built environment, the health of the occupants, and of course the energy efficiency and sustainability of the space. He's based down in Florida, but I know he works a large area of the country. I'm having Brantley on the show today, not only to talk about him and his business, but he's got a very interesting nightmare of a project that we’ll be discussing.
Brantley reached out to me recently wanting to know what to do next, and this is going to probably hit close to home for a lot of you. I've been talking about the dangers of spray foam insulation for years. The building industry is starting to really adopt because spray foam because it heals a lot of the wounds of construction…not so good lumber, poor building practices…spray foam fills in all those little gaps to make sure that our homes are more energy efficient. Here are the downside though… it's not a safe product. I've always known it to be very dangerous, but what Brantley is experiencing, this is something that has happened to other clients before, but I think it's the first time it's actually happened to somebody who is an actual building scientist himself, and the absolute horrible situation is own home. So I think you're going to really appreciate today's conversation. Hopefully you'll make a better decision if you're in the middle of a project on your own to maybe go in a different direction, and that's really the goal of this episode. So please listen and pass along to your family, friends, you're building community members. Everybody needs to hear this one.
https://www.envirohealth.co
This week's episode deals with the epidemic of obesity in our society, and not just from the foods we eat, but also the buildings that we surround ourselves with, the homes we live in. Dr. Stewart Lonky is a pioneer in the field of excess weight and the health effects that we are experiencing. We talk a lot about our diet and sedentary lifestyle, but really the discussion goes into this avenue of epigenetics and what are called obesogens, which are chemicals used in our built environment that actually can cause weight retention, weight gain, and these are passed on to the next, at least two to three generations. I think you'll really enjoy today's conversation. I want you to go to his website and sign up for his weekly newsletter and get a copy of his latest book called Outsmarting Obesity. Also, be on the lookout for a new book he's working on specifically regarding our built environment, the Obesogens that are being released into the air, which we are now breathing in, absorbing into our bodies. And this is how it really ties into the healthy home. So please enjoy today's show. Sign up for his weekly newsletter! DrLonky.com
I know I'm getting old when I start "looking back" at my career and remembering the old days. That said, one of the most asked questions I get is "how did you ever get in this business" so I thought Id finally address that.
This episode is my story about starting Green Design Center and Non Toxic Environments. Who were the pioneers in the healthy home space? Why are our homes getting so dangerous? Where do I go for real information and an real education? I cover this all, straight from my heart. Thank you for following my show!
In keeping with the theme of this season of the show...talking about specific health issues related to our built environment, related to the foods we eat, the materials we cover ourselves with, we are going to talk about a topic that I have never really discussed before in the show ADHD in children. I'm really excited to share this episode with you because it's truly amazing to me how so many of the reasons why you can attribute ADHD in children and why they develop it. You could take away the term ADHD and throw in the term PANS/PANDAS or some other health issue related to mold exposure, chemical exposure, or EMF exposure. It's all similar. It's all in the same platform.
And it's a fantastic discussion because I bring in Dana Kay with the ADHD Thrive Institute. Dana authored the book, Thriving with ADHD, and she talks a lot about her own child going through it. She's a board certified nutritionist. She's a coach for those who have children with ADHD. And she works one-on-one. She does her own podcast, writes a blog...it's really a great discussion. Talking with her before the show, we kind of joked like, is this a topic for a healthy home show? Is ADHD anywhere related to a healthy home? And undoubtedly 100% it is, and you'll find that out rather quickly. We spend a great deal of time discussing the pros and cons of the traditional medication route vs natural options and how the two can even work well together.
Please share with your family and friends, and especially if you yourself have a child with ADHD. If you have family members or friends that have children with ADHD, please share this episode. It was eye-opening and I'm really excited and honored to have her on the show and to talk about this with us.
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com
Embarking on a new build is always exciting but will also bring its share of stressful situations. For instance, you've got two young kids at home, your general contractor just backed out and you happen to be a touring musical artist, and things sure do get a bit complicated.
Country music star John King joins us today to talk all about the grueling life on the road and why he and his wife decided to move forward on their new healthy home in the hills of Georgia. I've been working with John for the last several months and its easy for me to see why he's such a popular artist and why he and I have fast become friends. John shares a lot about the reasons why they truly need this home to be healthy and how its actually helping him as a writer and musician. Oh yes, we'll also talk about some nuts and bolts issues of the home they are building and why he has now taken on the role as the general contractor. This one is fun!
https://www.johnkingcountry.com
If you have listened to this show for a while, you know that I focus on the built environment from a materials and systems approach. The nuts and bolts, the wood and glue that our homes are made of, thats my expertise. But what happens after the home built? How do we live a healthier life beyond the building process? The clothing we wear, the food we eat, the pots and pans we cook with…these topics require a more expert approach. So today I asked my friend Lara Adler to join us to talk about this and tell us where we need to concentrate our efforts and maybe when we need to step back a bit and reduce our anxiety.
Lara Adler is an environmental toxins expert who has become a trusted resource to thousands of health care practitioners all over the world, educating them about the links between the toxins in our everyday lives and the chronic health conditions their clients face. She also is extremely active on social media where she shares her knowledge with anyone who is concerned about potential health hazards in the home.
https://www.laraadler.com/about/
There is a lot of technical information out there about the inspection and remediation of homes that have been damaged by water intrusion and mold. Most of it, however, comes from a position of an already established high knowledge base. Essentially, it’s a bunch of smart people trying to sound smarter than the others. While it all sounds impressive, those who are just dipping in to these topics can become instantly overwhelmed. In this episode, I try to break down the acronyms and pull away the curtain a bit so that the newbies, the neophytes, will stick around to listen and get some real-life recommendations on where to start your journey.
Should you pay for the full ERMI panel or is the HERTSMI good enough? How about air testing instead of dust testing? My friend Bill Weber with AVELAR comes back on the show today to discuss these topics and many more. If you are a seasoned veteran in this space, this will good refreshed. But if you’re a newbie, this show is for YOU!
https://avelar.net/articles_publications/team/bill-weber/
https://iseai.org
I have several clients around the country that just cannot take the first step in building a new home. Sure, budget is always a big factor, and so is timing. But for many, the hesitation comes down to the fear of possibly making the wrong decision. Its absolutely terrifying. I get it, believe me. See, I'm one of the lucky ones that doesn't have many sensitivities to chemicals, mold, etc. But my clients sure do. And since they have been living this nightmare for many years, they are expecting to react to new environments, new materials and other "unknown" aromas. But as I've learned, in many situations, you dont need a change of venue to heal. There are other ways.
Several years ago, I did a podcast about chemical sensitivity being partially a psychosomatic issue. And right on queue, I started receiving nasty emails and threatening phone calls. I struck a nerve, no pun intended. But if you actually listened to the entire episode, you heard that I believed very strongly that these sensitivities were real and cause real reactions. Our brains, however, are always trying to protect us, so if it senses a potential threat, it will put you into fight or flight, causing the exact same physical reactions as if it truly WAS a threat and not just an unknown smell or chemical release thats completely harmless.
In hindsight, maybe it was a bit premature in my learning process to publish that episode. I mean, I was literally just blurting out stream of consciousness with only my own thoughts and my own experiences. In this episode, I have some professional backup to my thoughts and ideas.
Dr Cathleen King started an online community called Primal Trust, specifically to help those with CIRS, MCAS, MCS and all other health issues. Her community and courses consist of brain retraining, holistic nervous system regulation, somatic practices, vagus nerve healing, and true self-discovery.
I was blown away by this interview; it literally brought me to tears. While we were talking, images of past and present clients of mine kept racing through my mind. It was overwhelming. So many wonderful people Ive met over the last 30 years and so many who could have been helped by Cathleen's program. Even while living in the space that has caused propblems.
Please listen, like and share this episode.
Then, PLEASE follow this link to receive:
Your FREE online starter course >>>>>>>>>>>
HOW HEALING HAPPENS
Cathleen has been so generous to make this free to all of us through this link. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Im sure for many of you, the following scenario isnt just made up...its reality. You or someone in your family suffers from CIRS, MCAS, MCS. Years of trauma from exposure to mold, bacteria and toxic chemicals is a weight on the body and the brain. So much so, that it makes doing some of the simplest tasks virtually impossible. Now imagine you're trying to find a home to move into. Something safe thats in your area and in your price range. This is the reality for many of my clients.
Dr. Cowger is a board certified adult psychiatrist who works at the Amen Clinic near Seattle, Washington. She competed her undergraduate degree at Portland State University, then attended medical school at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest, and then completed her general Psychiatry residency through the University of Hawaii. She feels passionate about viewing mental wellness through a holistic lens and identifying organic factors that contribute to psychiatric symptoms, and is working on completing a fellowship in functional Psychiatry from Psychiatry Redefined.
On the show today, Dr Cowger and I discuss the challenges we all face with our health struggles and how we get beck on the right path of healing. This is a 'must listen'
https://www.amenclinics.com
To launch the new season of Non Toxic Environments, I inveted my good friend Eric Goranson to give us his expert opinions on how the home building industry is adopting healthy home options. Eric is the Host of "Around the House with Eric” nationally syndicated Home Improvment, Construction, Design, and Heathy Home radio show and podcast. Eric also has over 30 years in the kitchen and bath industry, so we spend some time talking about cabinetry and how manufacturers have been trying to clean up their own industry.
https://www.aroundthehouseonline.com/
I'll let the engineers and the environmentalists argue the fine points of how we are supposed to eliminate fossil fuels and go electric, yet not rely on those same fossil fuels to create that electricity. Solar, wind and hydroelectric power have its place and is increasing in output, but it could be decades before we figure this all out. In the meantime, the health issues related to the EMF fields caused by electricity will never go away, no matter the source of the power. Couple that with the radiation from cell and wi-fi and its becoming increasingly clear that more research needs to be done quickly before its too late.
I know enough to be dangerous when it comes to these important issues. I can help folks who are building from scratch to minimize exposure, but I am NOT who you bring in to hunt out the problems in your existing home. For that, I bring in my friend Mieke Jacobs. Mieke is a building biologist in the Chicago area that has taken a keen interest in EMF mitigation and made it the focus of her career. We had a great conversation about this and Im sure you will feel energized...in a good way...to make some changes in your home.
https://miekejacobs.com
Its a common occurance througout the land. Something has gone wrong in our homes and now we're dealing with the health effects. Sure, everyone can see that water spot on the ceiling. But what about the entirety of the attic itself? Is the crawlspace damp? What about the inside of our ductwork? We have to figure this out before things really get out of hand.
We need a detective.
We need.... Sherlock Homes.
Let me introduce you to Bill Weber, he's a Forensic Building Consultant based in Walnut Creek California. I like to refer to Bill as Sherlock Homes, as he literally has the ability to sleuth out the problems in your home that are making you sick. Bill is involved in all types and sizes of construction and building related environmental issues. As an expert in his field, he specializes and testifies in Trade Standard Deviation, Construction Defect, Mold, and Moisture related building failures. His daily tasks include site visits, consultation, conference video, phone calls and writing reports.
While he most commonly works in the areas around him, he certainly can assist remotely on your project wherever you are.
Contact: 510-557-5992 or BWeber@RAvelar.com Website: www.RAvelar.com
I’m well aware of my skepticism; it’s one of my many flaws. One does not enter into their profession already skeptical. It’s something that builds over time as sort of a defense mechanism. In my particular case, my immediate jump to calling out BS is due to years of protecting my clients from the sea of so-called green and eco friendly building materials that only caused them more personal harm. So when I hear about a hospital-grade disinfectant made from the same herb I use in my kitchen, I was quick to state my belief. I was wrong. On today’s show, I’ll talk with Kelly Macmillan, National Sales Director for Benefect and she really takes me to school about their amazing invention. Timing is perfect because right now, millions of folks living in South East US are dealing with their own nightmares because of the hurricanes. Water damage cleanup and mold remediation are front and center here.
More about Benefect here
A few months ago, I started an ad hoc committee for the Change the Air Foundation, to put together the framework on how to design and build homes that are safe for those who suffer from mold and chemical sensitivities. This committee is made up of myself, Brian Tinker from Tinker Homes and Amanda Klecker from Healthy House on the Block. The three of us bring decades of experience, both personal and professional, in the world of building related health issues, and offer our unique perspectives. Today, we peel back the curtain and invite you all to listen to one of our regular meetings so you can hear for yourself the discussions we have about doing our part to fix our broken building industry.
Just imagine, you and your family are trying to buy or build a new home and someone in your family has CIRS or MCAS or something related. The home building process is stressful enough for anyone, but the added worry about how the new materials may adversely affect your family is sometimes overwhelming. Most of my client interactions deal with building materials and systems, but inevitably, the discussion takes off about how stressful the situation is.
To be clear, there is no such thing as the perfect healthy home. We need to recognize this and to set proper expectations about what can be achieved within our budget and timeframe. But while I almost feel like a therapist of sorts, I also know where my knowledge expertise is limited. So, I decided to call in the experts.
Renee Belz & Lauren Sambataro are sisters that grew up in a family that really prioritized health and wellness. Among their many achievements in life (you can read more about it here) Renee is a Certified Nutritional Consultant and Holistic Lifestyle Coach and Lauren is a Corrective Exercise specialist and Functional Health Coach. Together, they are known as the Biohacker Babes and have a wonderful podcast and social following. In this episode, Im going let them do most of the talking because they have so much important information to share about stress relief and sleep management that will ultimately improve how you and your family can power through your projects and live your healthiest life.
https://thebiohackerbabes.com
Every single day, I get calls and emails asking if I have a recommendation for a home builder in their area that can build healthy. Unfortunately, I dont have such a list to refer to. I certainly have many builders around the country that Ive worked with and do trust, but the building industry as a whole is not keeping up with the demands consumers have. So my typical recommendation is to identify a few high quality custom home builders in their area and start to interview them. Any good builder can do a healthy home, if they take the time to find a good healthy home consultant, ask the right questions, and ALWAYS have the home owners best intentions in mind for every decision they make. Its not rocket science...its common sense.
As one such healthy home consultant, I can tell you that consumer demand for healthy homes is exploding and finding another in my space that I feel 100% confident in refering folks to has been amazing. Christine Cimabue is a licenced general contractor, holistic construction consultant and the creator of the massively popular Holistic Homes podcast and social accounts. She was so kind to have me on an Instagram Live event a while back and I knew then she would be a hit with my listeners. On today's show, Christine and I talk about the building process, how to enlist the right team and even spend some time discussing the legal ramifications of not embracing healthy building practices.
Meet Andra McHugh, the matcha-sipping, veggie-loving mom who turned her family's eczema nightmare into a mission for healthier, happier childhoods. Host of a popular podcast and mom to four vibrant kids, Andra knows the agony of sleepless nights spent soothing itchy, bleeding skin. Frustrated by conventional medicine and overwhelmed by conflicting dietary advice, she took matters into her own hands.
I was very fortunate to be on Andra's podcast a while back and it was a complete eye-opening experience for me. Ive been helping folks with allergies, asthma, chemical and mold sensitivities for decades, but this was a topic Ive never really dug into. Andra helped me see how our most vulnerable tiny humans are truly the canaries in the mineshaft, telling us all that our food, clothing and our living environments are a cause of deep concern for us all.
To learn more about eczema and how Andra can help, please visit https://eczemakids.com/
The first rule in real estate is that you should NEVER waive your right to an inspection before closing the deal. The second rule is, make sure your inspector understands building biology, as well as the typical home systems and materials. Your inspector needs to understand moisture, mold, chemical emissions and electro magnetic fields, in addition to structural concerns, windows, HVAC, etc. Amanda Klecker joins us today to discuss what's all entailed in doing a substantial and truly informative home inspection and how we can avoid costly and unhealthy mistakes. Amanda is a Certified Building Biology Practitioner through the International Institute for Building Biology where she has learned the holistic approach to keeping a home healthy, free of moisture intrusion and free of toxins. Amanda has trained with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and received their national certification. Amanda is also trained with the Water Quality Standards Academy, learning the important components of healthy drinking water.
Amanda's website Healthy House on the Block
Starting on April 22, I will be speaking at a wonderful online summit called My Healthy Home. Hosted by Caroline Blazovsky, there will be over 40 experts in the multi-faceted "healthy home" space, to discuss all aspects of this incredibly important topic. Caroline is my guest on this episode of NTE live to tell us more about the summit and to discuss why this is so important to her and should be to all of us. Caroline Blazovsky has over 20 years experience with specialized training in residential homes. She has CMR certification (Certified Microbial Remediatior) and CIE (Certified Indoor Environmentalist) training through the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). Ms. Blazovsky has completed a Sustainable Design education from Boston Architectural College. Ms. Blazovsky's work has been featured by Martha Stewart, Jenny McCarthy, Ronald Hoffman M.D., SiriusXM, Shape and Reader's Digest, as well as hundreds of podcasts, radio, and print interviews. She is also certified as a Healthy Home Specialist through the National Environmental Health Association. In her spare time, Caroline studies public health at the University of Southern California.
My Healthy Home Summit
Sign up here for FREE
As the President and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), Rachel is leading a movement to advance human health through healthier buildings, more vibrant communities and stronger, more equitable organizations. Her motto is “Always be winning for good,” and she’s put that to work at IWBI, developing research-backed tools to help organizations create places where people can thrive. Today, these people-first places extend across 5 billion square feet of space in 130 countries and growing. Prior to joining IWBI, Rachel spent nearly a decade at the intersection of sustainability and human health, helping the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) make LEED the world’s most widely used green building rating system. At USGBC, she founded the Center for Green Schools, which mobilized $275B+ investments in LEED-certified educational facilities and deployed over 750,000 volunteers to transform schools on every continent. Rachel serves on numerous boards and advisories for organizations including Second Nature and the Real Estate Pride Council. A graduate of Tufts University, she is a sought-after media voice, inspirational speaker and frequent guest lecturer and instructor at the Harvard School of Public Health’s Center for Health and the Global Environment, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government, the University of Connecticut School of Business and Tufts. Works With WELL Standard https://healthybuilding.net
Kendra Seymour is a Co-Founder and Executive Director of Change the Air Foundation and a passionate advocate for improving health by improving indoor air quality. She oversees foundation initiatives, with a special focus on raising awareness, outreach, and fundraising. As a mother of two, Kendra discovered hidden mold and water damage in her home were harming her family’s health. After years of research into mold and indoor toxins, and a lot of hard lessons-learned, she became dedicated to helping others by building awareness in online communities and collaborating with fellow advocates to educate the public around the importance of indoor air quality. Donate to CTA Change The Air Foundation, Watch Aria's story
I am confident in saying that most of us have been exposed to cork flooring and wall coverings many times throughout our lives. Cork board panels used behind a desk for notes and photos have been a fixture of corporate America for decades. Flooring materials that sort of look like wood but softer with exotic patterns have been used in our libraries, schools, churches and homes since the 1900’s. So why do I think this is the future of flooring when it's clear it's already well established? The recent release of Amorim's Wood Bionatural XL is 100% natural and fossil plastic free. The core is made from cork, sugar cane waste and other natural materials, and is completely recyclable. The wood and stone surface treatments are actually made from a cutting-edge digital printing and 3D embossing technology, which is again, plastic free. This is an INDUSTRY DISRUPTING technology. Kelly Downes, the US General Manager for Amorim is joining us to discuss this and other exciting developments in the world of cork. With a foundation in Interior Design, Kelly transitioned into the flooring industry as a sales representative for a sustainable commercial flooring manufacturer out of LA. Switching to the retail side, as the Vice President of a locally owned Baltimore, MD flooring company, she stood up a Kitchen and Bath Division while running six showrooms. Three years ago, Kelly returned to manufacturing and now run the US division of Amorim Cork Flooring. Amorim is the largest manufacturer of cork in the world and is committed to not only preservation, but sustainability in all divisions of the company.
WiseWood Cork flooring
Healthy flooring has become one of the most asked about topics with my clients. Corinne, founder of My Chemical Free House, has written several articles on this subject and will share her findings with us and educate us on how she does her own personal research. Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner and founder of My Chemical-Free House where she tests and writes about green building materials. She is also a guest contributor at Green Building Advisor and course creator for the Building Biology Institute. She has 8 years of experience as a Green Materials Specifier, for new builds and renovations, often working with highly chemically sensitive clients.
R Blank is an entrepreneur, technologist & author. He is the CEO of Shield Your Body, where it is our mission to make technology safer for you to use and enjoy. R also hosts "The Healthier Tech Podcast" covering issues to help people have a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology, and, along with his father, Dr. Martin Blank, he co-authored "Overpowered" (from Seven Stories Press) about the health effects of EMF radiation. This follows a 20-year career in software development for bluechip firms including Apple, NBC, Disney, Microsoft, the NFL, IKEA and Mattel. R also co-founded Wildform where he co-created the first video encoder for Flash (sold to Google). He has served on the affiliate faculty at the University of California, Santa Cruz in the Digital Arts and New Media (DANM) program, and previously on the faculty of the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering. Additionally, R has authored numerous articles, videos, courses and books in technology and software development. R has an MBA in Entrepreneurship from UCLA Anderson School of Management and an undergraduate degree from Columbia University. SYB Website: https://www.shieldyourbody.com
Have you ever dreamed of living in community that focuses on OUR health and well being above all else? Serenbe is an award winning biophilic community that connects people to nature and each other. Each of Serenbe’s hamlets have complementary commercial centers focused on the elements of a well-lived life: arts for inspiration, agriculture for nourishment, health for wellbeing, play for a joy-filled life, and education for awareness. Fresh food is another of Serenbe’s natural assets, with a 25-acre organic farm, seasonal Saturday Farmer’s Market, thriving CSA program and edible landscaping, including blueberry bushes along paths and sidewalks. Year-round cultural events include outdoor performances from Terminus Modern Ballet, regional theatre, film series, culinary workshops and festivals, music events, and lectures, boutique shopping, art galleries, wellness services and trail riding, plus visiting artists in residence with classes, dinners and talks. In 2004, Steve & Marie Nygren’s began the development of Serenbe, interlacing agriculture with a range of housing choices mixed with shops, galleries, restaurants and a full-service Inn. The result is reminiscent of century-old communities where many of your needs are within a walkable distance and neighbors know each other. Today, Steve serves as the CEO of Serenbe and lives in the community full-time. https://www.serenbe.com
Today's episode is all about moisture mitigation in our homes. We all know that excess moisture can lead to mold, but its also responsible for increased chemical offgassing. This show for everyone, even if you think you live in a dry climate and dont have anything to worry about.
Nikki Krueger is the Director of Marketing & Business Development Manager for Santa Fe freestanding and whole house ventilating dehumidifiers. She has been involved in the indoor air quality industry for over 20 years. She is a RESNET certified home energy rater, a member of the ACCA Manual Low Load Homes (LLH) Advisory Committee, sits on the building envelope committee for the Spray Polyurethane Foam Association, has completed the ACCA Residential Design for Quality Installation Certification, and is serving on the 2024 National Green Building Standard update committee.
She educates homeowner, builders, HVAC contractors, architects, engineers, crawl space contractors, and other professionals in the industry on the building science of ventilation and moisture control in buildings.
Dr. Gautam Gulati (commonly referred to as Dr.G) is a health artist, physician entrepreneur,
award-winning producer, and world-renowned keynote speaker who uses unconventional and
contrarian methods to drive innovation in health.
He’s currently on a mission to make chronic disease optional by applying the science of healthy
design to our homes.
By being a "sponge to the world", Dr.G has an uncanny ability to identify problems, spot trends,
ical leaders looking to transform organizations into innovative powerhouses call on Dr. G to help think
differently, escape the trap of mediocrity, and unleash creativity.
Currently, Dr. G is the Founder of The Well Home, where he designs luxury interiors focused on health, longevity, and well-being; and also the founder of Well Played, a storytelling studio prescribing stories as a form of medicine.
He has over 20 years of hands-on experience as an award-winning innovation executive for a number of globally recognized brands and products. He’s a serial entrepreneur, advises numerous companies, and teaches the art of innovation at Johns Hopkins, Duke, and Singularity Universities. He has been invited to deliver hundreds of keynotes to help change the way leaders think at Marriott, SxSW, American Express, Roche, Merck, LG, TEDx and many more globally recognized brands.
Dr.G received his MD and MPH from The George Washington University, an MBA from Johns Hopkins University, and is a certified Interior Designer from the New York Institute of Art and Design.
To learn more about his new venture called The Well Home, visit: https://www.thewellho.me
and uncover patterns that most others often miss. As a sought-after expert, rad
To learn more about Dr.G's work or to book him as a motivational speaker, visit:
www.iamdrg.com.
To listen to his award-winning storytelling audio docuseries on human resiliency, visit:
www.superhumans.health
Connect with Dr.G on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/gautamgulati, and follow him on X
@drgautamgulati
Jeff and I have a similar history. Besides the fact that we've personally known each other for probably 30 years, we both grew up in businesses that were involved in the contruction industry. That always gave us a lot to talk about when we saw each other at family functions. When I started healthy home consulting several years ago, he and I began talking about the possibility of working together on some projects. Jeff is a custom home builder and finish carpenter, so his attention to detail is superb. He's also very confident in the materials and systems he normally uses, so when the opportunity came recently to collaborate on a healthy home build, we both were excited to see the end results.
On today's show, of course we'll talk a little bit about that project and how it has already positively impacted how Jeff is building all of his homes. But what we really get into detail on is the general process for planning, designing and constructing a custom home. Whether you need to go deep into material selection and IAQ details because of health concerns, or you just want to do the best you can, this discussion will be extremely informative.
Please visit Jeff's website: https://jfkdesignbuild.com/about/
Jenny Johnson joins today to discuss chemical and mold sensitivities, therapies and treatments, and her extensive work within the CIRS community.
CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. CIRS is a multi-symptom, multi-system illness resulting from a faulty immune response to environmental toxins and inflammagens (most commonly, those in water-damaged buildings). It occurs primarily in genetically-susceptible individuals, which includes roughly 24% of the population.
Please follow this link to join her group:
https://simplifiedwellnessdesigns.com/cirs-healing-collective
The CIRS Healing Collective is an encouraging and educational community for people navigating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) who are looking to share their journey to whole-person wellness in solidarity and hope, with others who understand.
Imagine painting the exterior of your home and not having to think about it for at least the next 20 years. No fading, no peeling. Maybe think about painting the inside of your new home with no worries of trapped moisture or the smells of unhealthy latex paints. This is what mineral paints can do for you. What is a mineral paint? Why do we want to use them? How do we make the switch from latex to mineral? All these issues will be discussed in this episode with Roy Suttles, the manging director of Keim USA. Keim is the world's leading manufacturer of mineral paints and I think you're going to love what you hear about them.
Brian Libby is a Portland based architectural and design writer and critic who is a contributing writer to prestigious media outlets such as Dwell, Metropolis, Elemental Green, Architectural Digest, Architect, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Brian is also the architecture critic for the Portland Tribune newspaper.
Brian joins us today to discuss the trends he is seeing in healthy and sustainable home design as Portland is known for being a hub and innovator of healthy and green living. As a contributing writer to the popular magazine Dwell, Brian has his finger on the pulse of the most creative spaces that including nature and other healthy home amenities. He shares some of his favorite articles, architects and healthy architecture ideas with us today.
Elemental Green – Sustainable and Inexpensive Homes https://elemental.green/18-inexpensive-sustainable-homes-almost-anyone-can-afford/
Portland Tribune – award winning architects and new designs for award-winning restaurants, historical building and more…..https://www.portlandtribune.com/columns/portland_architecture/award-winning-portland-firm-linden-brown-s-buildings-balance-bold-sculptural-forms-and-an-open/article_8a699494-b8c8-52c0-b35a-38243c0737b1.html
Dwell: affordable and creative healthy homes - ADU's - work sheds - incorporating nature into healthy home builds https://www.dwell.com/@brian_libby/articles
Whenever Im working with a new client who is trying to figure out an IAQ issue in their home, I'll suggest the use of a Home Air Check test kit. Able to measure VOC's, formaldehyde and active mold, these kits are an invaluable asset, giving us quick and accurate numbers at a very affordable price. We have been working with Sarah Mack and her team for many years and Im excited to discuss their process, how they developed these kits and whats on the testing horizon for Enthalpy.
Order your test kit here: HOME AIR TEST KITS
Join our FREE online community NON TOXIC ENVIRONMENTS
Allison Evans will be joining us to tell us all about the wonderful products her companies produces as how it all got started. Spoiler alert: Allison's Aunt, Marilee Nelson, is not only one of the founders of the company, but she and I go way back and used to have many of the same clients. Its really exciting to see how well this company is doing.
We'll also chat about the mold remediaion and remodeling done in her own home that I was a part of. Healthy flooring and finishes for sure!
Sign up for Allison's "Toss the Toxins" course here
My friends, this is going to be an extremely emotional, hard-hitting conversation that I know you dont want to miss. Ash and Sam Brockington have a story to tell about how their dream house turned into a nightmare. But through the grace of God, some helpful people and their own hard work, they are managing their way.
I've had countless clients over the years find out the hard way that the home they bought was toxic from mold and chemical offgassing. But Ash and Sam's project is unique due to the extensive nature of the damage, both in the home and the occupants. So much to be learned from this about how we remodel and test. Please join us.
Michelle Ifversen is the founder and Environmental Wellness Design Director of Design Well Studios in Portland, OR. Michelle specializes in biophilic design, building biology and project management. DWS offers education, creative design solutions, products and services to help remedy homes and workplaces so people can thrive and be well. She joins us on the show today to discuss her background, career and what motivates her to keep her on her quest of improving the lives of others.
Design Well Studios
Join the Non Toxic Environments Circle Community for FREE!!!
I had Sophia on my podcast earlier this year and we had such a great conversation. She really is one of the kindest, most thoughtful and intelligent guests Ive ever had on the show. Really looking forward to having her back on. Bring your healthy living questions and ideas! Inspired by her family, Sophia published A to Z of D-Toxing: The Ultimate Guide to Reducing Our Toxic Exposures in October 2015. Essential for those who want to create a healthy Home, the bestselling A to Z of D-Toxing has been critically-acclaimed by some of the world's leading physicians, researchers, and professors as well as conscious consumers.
Heidi joins me on the show this week to talk about her story of recovery from toxic poisoning and how she's using that experience to help others through her consulting, marketing and educational classes. Shes a wonderful guest that I could talk with for hours, so I'm sure she'll be back on sometime soon. We spend a good deal of the show talking abotu one of her most passionate subjects, healthy clothing. PLEASE make sure to purchase her clothing E-book to learn so much more. Link below.
Heidi's Non-Toxic Clothing E-book
Join the Non Toxic Environments Circle Community for FREE!!!
Amanda is a Certified Building Biology Practitioner through the International Institute for Building Biology where she learned the holistic approach to keeping a home healthy, free of moisture intrusion and free of toxins. She trained with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and received their national certification. Amanda has also trained with the Water Quality Standards Academy, learning the important components of healthy drinking water. Over the past few years, Amanda has become a green living expert in terms of keeping a healthy house. Join our Circle Community for free! Amanda's Healthy House on the Block
What is WELLNESS REAL ESTATE? What is a wellness lifestyle community? Sheila and I will share what developers have been building like agrihoods, naturehoods etc. And since everyone deserves to live in a healthy home, Sheila will share how real estate agents across the country are trying to help their clients with more than just the sales transaction. They are networking and connecting with healthy home professionals so they can provide more value to their clients.
Healthy Home Media
Join our Circle Community!
Michael joins me on NTE Live! this week to share his insights into the mold epidemic that is happening around the world. As a healthy home consultant myself, I can tell you that well over 50% of the consulting calls I get these days will relate to either mold remediation, mold exposure or designing a home to avoid mold. Michael has a deep passion for helping an healing and you can hear it in his voice. I feel honored to have been on his show before and its absolutly my pleasure to host him here on NTE Live!
Michael Rubino - HomeCleanse
This is an exciting episode for me today. After 4+ years and 150 episodes of the podcast, Im now producing a weekly live stream video show in the NTE Circle Community. Link below. This first episode of the live show features my old podcasting co-host, Jay Watts. I finally get a chance to ask Jay all about the history of AFM and how the compnay has been so successful with helping folks around the world with their healthy home projects.
Join our Circle Community for free!
After a 5+ year run and 150 episodes of the podcast, its time to make a change. But dont worry...its a change in the right direction. Starting on Feb 22nd, my new video show called NTE Live! will be available to you. Each week, I will have a guest on to discuss some aspect of healthy building or healthy living, then allow for some time for Q&A from the audience. But here's the catch... you must join my new online comminity to have access to the show right away and to interact. This community is absoluetly free to join. All it requires is a name and email address. Once you're in, you'll be invited to share as much or as little as you want to the rest of the community so that other will be able to learn from your personal journey. Sure, we could get more eyeballs on the show if it were on YouTube, but to me, its much more important to get YOUR eyeballs on it. The NTE listener...the GDC customer...those who really want to learn more about making our homes a healthier space. Please join us!!
Click here to join for free: Non Toxic Environments Circle Community
What a great way to start the new year! Sophia is an absolute pleasure to speak with and I am quite sure you'll appreciate the conversation as much as I did. Sophia's work can be found here: https://www.ruanliving.com
The pandemic has made raw material supply very very challenging this year. So many of the new product offereings that we would normally launch in the beginning of the year have been pushed back. Today, Im focusing attention on a few new offerings at The Green Design Center and how these can make your home healthier. Thanks for listening!
Ive started recording a show like this several times in the last few months, but could never muster up the courage to publish. But this week I just couldn't take it anymore. I pride myself on the decades of experience in the healthy building field and the things I've learned over those years. Even going on more than a 30 year career, Im still learning every day. But, my inbox has been flooded lately by clients asking why so many Instagram influencers are giving healthy home advice, without having any actual training or experience to back up their opinions. I couldn't help myself...I had to run to the microphone and all you know what I think of this. Enjoy ;)
Latest podcast shows to catch Andy on:
Low Tox Life - Building a Healthy Home with Andrew Pace Part 2: 9/4:
Lara Adler Live IG TV Chat on 8/19 @environmentaltoxinsnerd
Let’s Talk Home Repair with Amy and Alicia 8/18:
uHoo How to Create a Toxic Free Home 8/9:
Crushing it With Kitchen Remodeling with Mike Goldstein – LIVE! 11 am CT/12 ET 8/9:
HEALTHY INDOORS LIVE HEALTHY VS GREEN WITH ANDY PACE 8/4:
It has been quite a white since Jay and I had a chance to answer some listener questions, so we finally got together and hit the record button. THANK YOU to everyone who submits these questions. Most are answered "off the air" via email, but we do like to focus on a few right here so everyone has a chance to learn. Enjoy the show.
Its been a long time a comin' but Jay and I are finally back at it this weekend with a great interview we did with the legendary Paula Baker-Laporte. Her hit book, Prescriptions for a Healthy House is now in its 4th edition, so we talked about the new edition, along with her general philosophies of building and design.
Find her book online at EcoNest Architecture
It's amazing for me to think about when I started GDC way back in 1992 and what we would have accomplished by now. Im so lucky to have such wonderful customers, listeners and friends and family who have supported me and my dream all these years. For today's show, I spend spme time reflecting on these past 30 years and why I'm so excited about the next 30.
We've spent countless hours on this show talking about building and remodeling, but now that you have a healthier home (hopefully), how do you keep it that way? Today, Jay and I discuss some tips and tricks to keep your home healthy by eliminating mold sources, maintaining equipment and reducing exposures to EMF's and other ideas.
Jay and I take calls all the time from nervous homeowners as well as interested commercial clients who are desperately trying to fix a problem on a jobsite or a similar situation. When this crisis occurs, we end up being part detective and part counselor. Find the problem, fix it, then calm the situation so the project can move forward. Here are a few of our stories...
Jay and I did a wonderful 2 part show a couple years ago on the true costs of healthy building. Now that we've been in and pretty much out of a global pandemic, how has the landscape changed? We dive into that today, and while some of the news is a litle scary, there are also many reasons to be optimistic about the future of healthy building.
Feel free to go back to our October 2019 shows for additinal information.
Cost of Building a Healthy home Pt1
Cost of Building a Healthy home Pt2
Jay took the keys to the NTE recording studio this week to interview Dr Neil Nathan, a Board-Certified Family Physician, and also a Founding Diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine (now called the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine). Dr Nathan's practice specialzes in Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities & Other Environmental Illness. What he coined as " Complex Medical Problem Solving" has turned into several continuing education courses for his colleagues, as well as a half dozen books on these subjects.
About Dr Neil Nathan
Mike Bender is an author, screenwriter, website founder, husband and father. He also happens to be very sensitve, as he puts it. Got bitten by a deer tick as a young boy, which blossomed into MCAS, chemical and EMR sensitivities and a limbic system disorder. With love and support from his family and a team of dedicated building professionals, Mike is now living in what he calls a "quiet" home that is allowing him to heal and get back to his love of writing. Ironically, his recent article about his journey in Men's Health magazine is making a lot of noise, but in a very good way. Make sure to check it out.
Men's Health March 2022
Every year around this time, paint companies and interior design firms start to promote what they call their yearly color and design trends. I've done these myself over the years, but this particular year is special. Call me optimistic, but I truly believe we are able to start looking at life post pamdemic. So in this episode, I'll give you my top home design trends that really reflect what we've learned the past two years. I even talk a little about my own healthy home project in the works.
That right folks, season 5 is starting off this week. Time really flies when you enjoy what you do. Jay and I are discussing indoor air quality testing, cabinet finishing and a little bit of this and that. Welcome back!
This holiday season, we are still struggling with the pandemic, shipping issues all over the world and now horrific damage and the loss of lives from the storms across America's heartland. But for most of us, we'll never have to worry about where we are sleeping tonight. However, there are many Americans who have no home, no shelter. This is a truly heart-warming episode you need to share with others. We are so happy that Jay was able to land this interview and have Peter share his vision with us all.
Peter Samuelson from Everyone Deserves A Roof
Every once in a while, we'll be on a project where we need to come up with a creative fix. Using a product in a new way...one which the manufacturer never really intended it to be used. We call these 'off-label uses'. There are many we developed over the years and Jay and I had a chance to discuss a few of them today.
Sure, we've got plenty to complain about. Material shortages, price increases, yada yada. But as we say every year, we just have so much more to be thankful for. Jay and I are back in the saddle today to discus that, as well as why 2022 is shaping up to be the best, healthiest year yet!!
We preach all about healthy building and making the bedrooms the healthiest rooms in the home. So its time to talk about mattresses. Tim Masters, owner of My Green Mattress in Illinois, has been in the mattress making business his entire life. While they have always used high quality materials, the switch to organic and chemical free was the result of a personal family crises. I met with Tim at his manufacturing facility recently to discuss his story and how now it benefits all of his customers.
Building a home is a massive challenge for most. Now, adding to this that you want to build it healthy and the challenge just increased by double. But is it really that difficult? It certainly doesn't have to be. On today's show, Andy speaks with one of his past consulting clients to get her take on how the healthy building process went and whether or not she believes that it was worth the commitment.
While I normally leave the nutrition-related podcasting to my friends Robyn Openshaw, Ashley James and Katie Wells, this was one episode that Jay and I HAD to do. Tim James has an eye-opening story to tell and beyond that, an incredible gift to share with everyone. The gift of personal health. Tim does private and group session health coaching, and has created his own line of personal supplements and detox products that lend themselves perfectly to those of us trying to get rid of the toxins we are exposed to every day. Plus, he's like Mr Energy. Just listen!!
Tim's Website ChemicalFreeBody.com Use code 'NTE' for 5% off
Tim's podcast, Health Hero
Oh boy do I love this time of year. You can feel the cooler weather starting to make its way in. Leaves are beginning to change. What stays consistent, however, is the amount of calls and emails we get asking us questions about healthy home projects. Today, we're tackling some of those questions and I'm pretty sure at least one of two of them will be regarding subjects on your mind as well. Thanks for listening!
Even though I'm a trusted healthy home consultant and materials expert, I could never say that I know it all. When I'm stumped on a project, Caroline is one of my go-to experts. We've had the pleasure of working together on projects over the years and it's about time we had the chance to put one of our conversations on record and share it with the world. Today we'll hear about her successful testing and mitigation business, along with some exciting new air purification equipment she is pioneering. Enjoy the show!
My Healthy Home website
IVP - Integrated Viral Protection
A few years back when we started the podcast, Jay and I both did an intro episode to give you all a little background. In these last years, we've gained thousands of new listeners and I get several emails a week asking about how I ended up in this business. So, this may be a refresher course to some, but it should be enlightening to all. The history of healthy home building with Andrew Pace.
One of the most frequent calls we get. My walls, my carpet, my cabinetry is off gassing...what do I do??? Today, Jay and I tackle that question and discuss what off gassing really is and how to deal with it. Plus, I take a little time to talk about why I LOVE doing what I do and helping people with their healthy home dreams.
Jay and I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with Jen and Rusty Stout from JS2 Partners about their business. On this episode, we'll find out how the pandemic has affected construction times, as well as helped their clients focus on what's most important. Lots of exciting news from them, so please enjoy the show!
Seems a whole lot different than a year ago, thats for sure! As the word starts to open up again, Id like to take a few minutes to let you know what's happening with material availability and pricing. Also an exciting new offering in the world of spray foam insulation.
Many years ago, our local builders association constructed a model "green" home that achieved LEED Platinum status. I walked in to inspect it and had to walk out minutes later due to the offgassing coming primarily from the closet shelving systems. Since then, I've been on a quest to find the perfect system. Well, here it is!! Today I talk with Rob Norden, CEO of Lundia USA, who has developed the healthiest system I've ever seen.
To receive free shipping and a 5% rebate on your purchase http://www.lundiausa.com/andy.htm
Stick frame, ICF, rammed earth, net zero..... what does it all amount to when you are building a new home or doing a major remodel.... one that has to be healthy, sustainable and light on the earth?
In today's episode of NTE, Jay Watts interviews architect Michael Frerking of Living Systems Architecture. Michael has perfected the construction technique know as poured earth. If you aren't familiar with earthen construction and its many benefits, this episode will literally "ground" you in the basics.
Take it away Jay
https://formfreebuilding.com/
and
https://livingsystemsarchitecture.com/about-us/
Woo boy it has been a while since Jay and I have been behind the NTE microphones. So glad to be back! Today we discuss some project updates, material pricing and take a few listener questions. Thanks for joining us!!
Im a huge fan of ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction... have been for years. It can be the single best way to avoid mold in a new home project, but I've steered away from it because of the cost. With the rising prices of traditional lumber, is now a good time to rethink ICF for our new projects? I'll talk about that, along with some early spring project tips and tricks.
Its been few weeks since Jay and I sat down together to talk about what's rambling through our minds. Sure, the high cost of building and material shortages are putting a stranglehold on parts of our industry right now, but there are silver linings and great deals to be had. We'll talk about this and several more timely topics on today's show.
Jay steps up to the plate this week to knock out a great interview with another sustainability expert and thought leader, Ian Johnson. Ian talks about the broad picture of sustainable building, but also shares his extensive knowledge and experience with healthy materials research.
Signature Sustainability
Reducing Emissions of VOC's...
Thrive Collaborative
Linnean Solutions
One of the hottest topics in our email and phone messages these days is the idea of refinishing furniture. Let's face it, the cost of buying new seems overwhelming, so why not just freshen up what we already have? I wish I could say its an easy task, but in order to do it right and make it look good, it requires a lot of patience, skill, the correct tools and high quality products. Do you even know if your table will take a new finish? Are you sure you still want to try? Then, here's your episode!
Oh boy, this is a hot, hot topic right now. People are stuck inside their homes because of weather and the pandemic, so how do you know if the product you're using to refinish those cabinets is safe or not? Ah yes, check the safety data sheets, right?? Not so fast people...this really wont help you at all. Uh oh. Now what? Let Andy and Jay fill you in.
Today we take some time to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ozone generation for air purification and why you shouldn't be afraid of it. We also take a few questions from our listeners to help then with their home projects.
Well, its finally cold here in Wisconsin, so there's no better time to stay inside and work on small home projects. Today, Jay and I answer a number of listener questions to help with those projects. I also get to announce a bit of exciting news!
The holidays are over and the new year is upon us. Jay and I have come up with a list of New Year's resolutions for us and the entire NTE community. This is the year for growing the bonds between us all and sharing our successes. Folks, 2021 is going to be the best year yet for NTE. We are so glad you can join us!!
2020 was a challenge, of course. But here at NTE we were still able to produce over 30 quality episodes of the show. So with that, Jay and I decided to produce a 'Best of 2020' for you all to enjoy. It is OUR distinct honor to be able to enter your home, car or headphones throughout the year, and we thank you so so much for listening. Bring on 2021 !!
Strengthening our Homes Immune System
Making Lemonade out of Lemons
Whole House Air Purification Methods
Using Zeolites for Natural Odor Reduction
Confessions of a Healthy Home Builder
Beautiful Healthy Design
Convincing the Skeptics
Natural vs Un-Natural
Jay and I take some excellent listener questions this week. Crawlspace moisture issues, tiling questions and a discussion about what to look for when buying an existing home. Keep these questions coming folks! We love the interaction with our listeners and really appreciate the opportunity to provide assistance to you all.
Just can't believe how fast Thanksgiving is upon us this year, but with how strange 2020 has been for all of us, I guess I can't be surprised. Jay and I do this episode every year...talking about what we are thankful for. Of course, our families, employees, friends and neighbors who have been so supportive this year. But from a Non Toxic Environments perspective, this really has been a wonderful year.
If I'm building a home, should I be choosing natural building materials or man-made, synthetic ones? The answer is really not as easy as you think. Remember this...just because something is natural, it doesn't automatically make it safe for you and your family. Just ask anyone who used to work in the asbestos industry. Jay and I have a great one on one discussion about natural ingredients and natural aromas vs synthetic and odor-less ingredients. Thanks for listening!
Great to be back after a week of hiking the Appalachian Trial. So beautiful and relaxing. This week I'm sharing a few listener calls with you so I can answer their questions on air. Hopefully, these will resonate with things you're thinking about as well. New home building costs, sealing wood smells, etc. Thanks for listening!
Jay and I talk about several topics today. Caulking techniques, how-to and how not to "cut-in" a painted wall, and most important, a frank discussion about the state of the retail home improvement industry. I know you want your project done right away, but there are many reasons why that may not happen, and none of these reasons are the fault of your retailer. So, put on some Enya, grab a hot green tea and relax. Things will get back to normal soon.
Jay and I hear the same thing every single week... "why does my contractor (or spouse) fight me on my healthy home choices?" Whether its lack of respect, lack of confidence or just a breakdown in communication, some people will just fight the adoption of materials that are new to them. This episode is a very frank on honest conversation about this and how to move forward.
Sarah Walker is a world renowned interior designer, furniture expert, stylist, educator and a Lyme survivor. She uses her own severe chemical sensitivities from her disease as a guide in her design practice in Toronto. She joins us today to discuss her new online detox guide as well as a series of educational events she is producing. The first episode is all about creating a healthy bedroom sanctuary. Links below:
Dwelling Well-Healthy Bedroom Design
Sarah's Detox Guide
In the field of environmental architecture and design, both commercial and residential, Eric Corey Freed is truly a one of a kind. Eric is a visionary design leader in biophilic and regenerative design, and a nationally known expert in deep green buildings. He has authored 11 books with another coming out soon, plus a multitude of articles, presentations and seminars on the subject of sustainability. Jay and I had an opportunity to sit down with Eric and have a casual conversation about what his next ventures are and how it all relates to those of us who are just wanting to live in a healthy home.
About Eric Corey Freed
Hey folks, thanks for tuning in today. Many emails coming to us in the last few weeks, asking about current project conundrums, so I thought it was a good time for a mailbag episode. I'll talk about RV insulation, flooring for a concrete garage floor, cabinet finishes and more. Keep those questions coming!!
If you're remodeling your home, there are many different flooring materials you can use and hundreds of manufacturers to choose from. So you start researching your options and it becomes overwhelming. Let's take wood flooring. Do you want it solid, pre-finished, floating, engineered...folks, the options are many and most home owners aren't aware why you would use one over another. Jay puts on his customer cap today to grill Andy about all these options, then they discuss the possibility of just hiring a pro to do the work.
Well, not really confessions, but its a deep look into the day to day dealings with current clients and potential new projects. Once again, our friends at JS2 Partners in Texas join us on the show and as always, we learn about new things happening for them. Lots of great current data about the building industry and some exciting trends to look out for.
Check out their work!
https://www.js2partners.com
Short episode today. Jay and I have both been so busy with projects that we couldn't connect to record. However, I wanted to make sure I got something out to you to let you know how things are going, not only with us, but in the construction industry in general.
About 25 years ago, I was introduced to a natural mineral product called Deodoroc. This was way back when the green industry was still the Wild West and there were thousands of so-called "green" home goods. But this product was special. This is when I learned all about zeolites and the natural abilities they have to help clean and maintain our homes. Today, we interview Trevor Mullins, who's family created Deodoroc many years ago. I first worked with Trevor's father, Gordon, back in '95 and the things he taught me are still relevant today. I know you'll enjoy this conversation.
Buy some Deodoroc today!
Use the code 'nontoxic' for a 5% discount online
Its been about 6 months since I promised we'd do another episode about healthy home hacks...so here we go! IAQ, staining, wood knots, PVC pipes...lots of quick and easy ideas you can implement right away. For our American listeners, have a happy and healthy Independence Day!!
Air purification is always a hot topic with our clients and even more so these days. Today, we sit down with Steve Mores who is the VP of Sales and Training for Dynamic Air Quality Systems to have an awesome conversation about all the different ways to filter and purify your indoor air. Pleated filters vs polarized media. Why do we want to use carbon? Do UV lights really work?
Full disclosure here... GDC sells the Solace Air brand of systems that Steve's company produces for residential application. We're not trying to make this a 60 minute commercial for them, but I can say, their RS4 system has been a literal life saver for many of our clients.
https://www.thegreendesigncenter.com/product/solaceair-rs4/
Its been about two months since Jay and I dipped into the mailbag, so lets do it! Today, we talk about sealing laminate/engineered floors, we talk about stain proofing marble, and we have a lengthy discussion about consulting on a new modular home build for a very sensitive client.
Sealers, waterproofers, water repellants...so many terms, so many different products! What are they and why do we need all of them? This episodes dives deep into the world of sealers to familiarize you with the terminology and descriptions so that you choose the right one for your job. Concrete driveways, stone showers, stained patios...we talk about them all!
You've all heard me say that no project ever goes perfectly smooth. Mother Nature can drop 10 inches of rain. Sub-contractors ignore your request to use the healthier product. Folks, these things happen all the time. It's not a question of 'what if', its a question of 'when'. So when the time comes, it requires quick action by the homeowner and/or general contractor to make sure things get back on track. Jay and I give some current real examples of this and how they got successfully resolved.
Related Episode: Project Planning to Avoid Frustration
Last week, Jay and I talked about some of the more common myths and misconceptions we deal with regularly. This week, we're focusing on the individuals we would call our influencers...the legends, if you will. You may have heard of some or many of these folks, but we'll talk about why they were so important to us as we molded our careers. There you have it...Myths and Legends. Please let us know who your influencers are!
I know I've harped on the topic of internet research before, but this episode takes it much further. This week, Jay and I discuss many of the myths and fallacies of the green and healthy building process and hopefully, shed some new light on them for you. We'll talk about plumbing, flooring, VOC's and more. This was such a fun episode for us and I trust you'll enjoy it as well.
Roofing and waterproofing. A couple things that Jay and I get asked about regularly, but have yet to address here on the show. Since we're in the throws of a rainy spring, now is a great time to start this discussion. Whats the best roofing material for your home and is it affordable? If I'm planning a lower level in my house that will be a livable space, how do I keep it dry? Great episode for building geeks, for sure!
Mentioned on the show:
AFM DynoSeal
While the nation is on lockdown, work still needs to be done. Today we speak with one of our partner builders in Texas that gives us a ton of useful information about working within this current environment. Jen and Rusty from JS2 Partners specialize in custom healthy home builds, so they are used to working with clients who have serious health issues, so their experience translates perfectly to what we are currently dealing with.
JS2 Partners
UV Light Purifiers
ATTENTION This is the most important podcast we've ever done **
While the world deals with the COVID-19 virus, we asked our friend Dr. Lisa Nagy from the Environmental Health Center of Martha’s Vineyard to come on the show to talk about her experiences and recommendations for protecting ourselves during this pandemic. What we got from Dr Nagy was a massive checklist for us all to be following, complete with links, product names...folks, I'm still stunned at how much information she gave us all. Pass this show around folks. This could make all the difference.
Lisa Lavine Nagy M.D.
Environmental Health Center of Martha's Vineyard
Office Phone: (508) 693-1300
center@nagy1.com http://www.lisanagy.com
We're obviously in the midst of a world wide health crisis and I know dozens of experts in the alt/health community are podcasting and YouTubing all about protecting our personal immune systems. My expertise is in the health of your home, so this episode is all about making your less less susceptible to viruses through the use of healthier materials and better design.
Caliwel Home/Office Paint
RS4 Air Purification System
Ozone Generator I recommend
Hello my friends. Just a quick update to let you all know that the work is still going on here and we are ready to help. Jay and I will be back next week with a full episode of the show, so please be safe and well talk again soon.
GDC/Building For Health
So often we have clients that are stuck spinning their wheels because of the fear of too many toxins and pollutants. They use the phrase "what if" when discussing their homes. What if is has asbestos...what of it has lead...what if it has formaldehyde... Folks, just about every home will has its own set of problems to deal with and these can almost always be remediated and fixed. Jay and Andy talk about these specific subjects of worry and more on today's show.
So many awesome questions being sent into the show these days, so Jay and Andy use this episode to discuss some of them. Piano's and radiators, lingering paint odors, and a followup question to a previous episode about countertops.
Granite or quartz? Laminate or Solid surface? Choosing the best material for your project requires an understanding of the function, costs, aesthetic and of course, the human health impact. In today's podcast, Jay and Andy talk about all the most common, and some less common, countertop options for your home project.
Its that time of year. We're getting antsy. We want to take on a project in our house but it can't be too big, since spring is around the corner and we'll all have yard work to do. So maybe that's why bathroom remodeling projects are always so popular this time of year. In this episode, Jay and Andy discuss some of the more common materials used and the ways to avoid mold and other toxicity issues.
Consultation Services
Amorim Wise Flooring
Inside of every home, there are obvious dangers and toxins that we can address, but what about those that aren't so obvious. Jay and I call those the hidden menaces in our homes and today, we tackle some of those. As the saying goes, "life is a journey". Well, living in a healthy home is a journey and one which has a different destination for everyone. We are not in pursuit of perfection, folks. We are in pursuit of tolerance, comfort and a space healthy enough to allow us to heal.
Well folks, I'll warn you that this episode contains some extremely horrible audio. Between my cold and difficult audio connections, this one might be tough to get through. But we really wanted to get this episode out there for you because its got some excellent information. Thank you for your patience!
Excellent discussion today with Matt Grocoff, an American environmentalist and sustainability advocate, writer, speaker and founder of the THRIVE Collaborative. He is known for his work on net zero energy and net zero water buildings and for the rehabilitation of the oldest home in North America to achieve net zero energy. Matt shares his own personal story about his home, along with the massive development projects he's undertaking in Michigan and elsewhere.
Veridian Development: www.VeridianAtCountyFarm.com
How to Invest: https://localstake.com/businesses/veridian-at-county-farm/preview
Oh its so nice to be back! Well, Im back anyways. Jay is still on hiatus but will be on the air with me next week. Today I'm talking about industry trends for 2020 and beyond, so please have a listen!
We're saying goodbye to 2019 and we just cannot begin to express our gratitude for making this such a wonderful year. Through this show, we've reached so many new people and have been able to assist on hundreds of new builds and remodeling projects around the world. And while this all seems great...2020 is going to be EPIC! I share a little bit about this in today's show.
The year is winding down and the holidays are upon us. Today. Jay and I take some time to give our thanks to those who help us, and help all our listeners. Make sure to listen through the episode, because we also announce a new giveaway! You definitely want to take advantage of this.
We know how temperatures and humidity can affect the home and home projects during the warm humid summer months, but winter poses just as many problems. Jay and I discuss these to help you avoid those pitfalls and keep your sanity while trying to get the house ready for family and friends visiting for the holidays.
Thank you all for listening to the show...Jay and I are on vacation for a couple weeks to recharge. Today's episode is just a short synopsis of the year and what to expect from NTE in 2020. We'll be back to you in a couple weeks!!
By request, Jay and I tackle a few questions from the mailbag this week including, polishing concrete floors, sealing out smoke from the adjacent apartment and paperless drywall usage. Keep those questions coming in folks!
Ask us a question right here: mailto:andy@degreeofgreen.com
You've heard this from your contractor, or maybe read it in an online chat group. "That glue will never work" , "that paint only peeled because its one of those eco-friendly paints"... Today, I'm talking about common misconceptions of the healthy building industry and I try to shed some light on these topics and allow you to breathe easy, knowing you DID make the right decision.
How many time have you heard THAT line...Its not real, its just in your head. Well today, Jay and I are taking on this topic directly and we'll actually prove that this statement is partially true. Just because something smells bad, doesn't mean it IS bad. I expect this episode to get a lot of feedback, so please let us know what YOU think.
In the second part of this topic, Jay and I discuss the costs of the interior furnishings and finishes and how they can add up quickly. Once again, we prove that building healthy does NOT increase the cost of your home. Building with high quality, long-lasting materials does. We discuss drywall, flooring, cabinetry and more.
As long as I can remember, there have been three myths about healthy building that are still believed to this day: Its too expensive, the products and systems don't last as long, and you have very little options to chose from. This episode is part 1 of 2 that will be dealing with the cost myth. Healthy building is not more expensive, folks. Quality is more expensive and most healthy homes are built to a much higher quality standard than the average home is. Jay and I tackle the big ticket items today, like framing systems, HVAC and windows.
Here in Wisconsin, our summers are typically a bit shorter than most of the country. So we embrace the days or warmth and sun and take every advantage of what those days hold for us. Residential construction spikes during this time, so all of us here are working 10-12 hours days just to keep up with demand. But when fall arrives, we finally have a chance to take a deep breath and go through some of new, fresh product ideas that have been presented to us throughout the year. On this episode, Andy gives us a preview of some of those new products and even hints at some major changes on the horizon for him and his company. Its a laid back episode to reflect a more laid back time of year.
We have been SO EXCITED to bring you all an episode all about electropollution and we were finally able to land author Brandon LaGreca, who joins the show today to discuss his story, his new book and most importantly, how we all can protect ourselves with simple changes we all can make in our daily routines. Pass this one along to your friends and family!
PLEASE>>> Follow Brandon's Blog
Purchase a copy of Brandon's book here: Cancer and EMF Radiation
You're investigating noxious, unfamiliar odors in your home and need to hire a professional. Where do you go? Who can you trust? All too often, we get suck in "analysis paralysis" and either get recommendations from too many people or we hire someone who claims they can find the problem, but is woefully ignorant of the best testing methods. Today, Jay and I discussing how to find the right IAQ professionals for troubleshooting your home, and I talk about some current projects that you can probably relate to.
Home Air Check
FRAT Video
If you think about all the items that go into a new home build, most people kind of forget about the glues, adhesives and caulks that are used during the build. Caulking around doors and windows, adhesives under the sub flooring, glues for the cabinetry, etc. While the amount of actual material doesn't add up to the volume of paint you would use, it can certainly make for harmful indoor air if the wrong products gets used.
Jay and Andy get many questions like this on a daily basis, so they thought why not have the discussion on the podcast for all to hear! Do I rip out and replace my cabinets, or can I refinish them? Can I seal the off gassing of my countertop or should I just get something new? Do I remodel my entire home or just start from scratch. There are definitely pros and cons to both side of this topic, so lots of great information in this episode.
I know we spend an exorbitant amount of time discussing things you shouldn't use in your home, so we decided to start talking about the things we do like. First off, Jay and I talk out flooring options for your home. We break down the "green" attributes of various floors like cork, bamboo and wood, we discuss colors and trends, then we top it off with a quick guide to pricing so you can know what to expect as you start your research. So if you're designing a new home or remodeling your existing space, this is definitely an episode you don't want to miss!
Water is essential for life, yet can cause so much destruction. Building a healthy home requires the use of many materials, very few as important as what we'll be discussing today. Etienne Gubler of Siga North America joins us today to discuss how his company's tapes, wraps and membranes can eliminate the destructive element of water intrusion, and allow our well-built homes to last far beyond the typical service life we get here in North America. Plus, we take a few questions from the mailbag.
Siga - https://www.siga.swiss/us_en
Jay and I today take a deep dive into the extremely important topic of chemical offgassing. What is it? Where does it come from? How long will this last? What are my choices for dealing with it? Folks, I know that I believe every episode of NTE is important. But this one it at the top of the 'important' list! In my eyes, the elimination of offgassing of your building materials is the most crucial aspect of healthy home building or remodeling. I expect you'll listen to this episode a few times, as there's lots of information in it that will help your project. Whether you're painting your home, replacing the carpet or just want to keep the indoor air as pristine as can be, this episode is for YOU!
If you've ever wondered what Jay and I do for show prep, this episode is basically just that. We talk, laugh, commiserate and come up with ideas. Jay and I were talking earlier this week about some trends in the healthy building industry, and it occurred to us that we should immediately stop talking and jump on the microphones to continue the discussion. I'll admit, I did talk about one or two scary trends that we're facing (insert spray foam insulation here), but i promise that 90% of the show is positive!
Its a common theme with many of our episodes. Jay and I will always remind you to prepare your surfaces, prepare the area, manage your expectations! Let me be honest, folks. Chip and Joanna dont actually remodel a bathroom over a weekend!! It cant happen. It takes planning and lots of it. I recorded an audio article for a magazine a few months back about this topic and I thought you all would enjoy it. After that, I'll read a question I got from a customer I haven't worked with since 2005. Boy, I'm getting old! I think he actually started buying from my company in 1996. But all that experience I have sure comes in handy for these kinds of questions. Enjoy!
Neither Jay nor I can ever admit to "knowing it all". Far from it, in fact. Both of us need to refer to others on a regular basis and of course, we rely on the internet to help. Sometimes we need contact names for specific professionals. Other times...we just need inspiration to get us through a rough day or a difficult project. So when those times come...and they come often these days...here's some of the sites we go to.
.
.
.
.
.
We spoke about many of these, but some we didn't get to. Enjoy!
https://livingsystemsarchitecture.com/about-us/ https://www.rammedearthworks.com/
https://www.tenfoldengineering.com/ https://www.care2.com/greenliving/healthy-home https://ecorglobal.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsr2Hd7I26dTIlWCCywvC9g/featured IEP Radio. Michael Schrantz is an IAQ expert that I refer people to. He’s got a great Youtube channel of his interviews. https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org Rateitgreen.com https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com http://www.thegreendesigncenter.com 'NONTOXIC' for a 5% discount
This is our monthly episode where Jay and I open up the mailbag and answer listener questions. However, the first half of the show, Jay and I discuss some of the new home projects I'm currently working on and some of the more critical issues that our clients are facing right now. Mold, moisture and more! This is a really good episode and should be quite helpful to anyone who's building now or is planning to build soon.
I know we've done some episodes on our FRAT system before, but there has been quite a bit of activity with formaldehyde testing in the last few weeks and I wanted to share some findings. The average home can have 5,000-15,000 different chemicals in the air at any given time, so I suppose it seems like a drop in the bucket if we eliminated just one. But formaldehyde is a key trigger for allergies, asthma and chemical sensitivity, so that's our main goal here. Its a short episode today (very stormy weather here) but the last few minutes of the show you have to stick around for. I have a special request of all of you.
FRAT video
www.degreeofgreen.com
I imagine you've heard an episode or two of this show, so you may know that we always emphasize surface preparation and testing as keys for a successful project, no matter the task. The surface that a sealer, coating, floor covering, etc, is going on, is called a "substrate" and we will always insist that the substrate is in the proper condition before covering it up. So what exact IS a substrate made of and how should you prepare it? Thats what we tackle today. Its not a sexy show, but its uber important for you and your construction team to be able to speak the same language.
Substrates we discuss:
Earth
Concrete (basement)
Concrete (slab on grade)
Concrete (elevated deck)
Concrete (decorative surface)
Concrete (Vertical)
Drywall
Wood (framing)
Wood (subfloors)
Wood (sheathing)
Wood (cabinetry & millwork)
Wood (flooring)
Wood (exterior decking/fencing)
Wood (exterior siding)
Wood (misc)
Metal (interior)
Metal (exterior)
Vinyl Flooring
Carpeting
Existing Painted Surfaces (interior)
Existing Painted Surfaces (exterior)
Fabric
Absolutely fascinating episode this week, folks. I'll admit...Feng Shui has always been a little too 'woo-woo' for me. And if I had to hear one more TV interior designer say " oh the Feng Shui of this place is horrible...", only to move a chair and say VOILA!.... This topic scared me a but to bring up because I didn't want anyone else to get that same impression that I had, but I was dead wrong. Joining us today is Shivam Kohls, who is not only a Feng Shui practitioner, but she's an author, life coach and an all around EXPERT on personal well-being. I actually feel better myself just from listening to her!
I encourage you all to to go her site and to sign up to download her e-book "Stress Less and Get Your Life Back".
Please remember Shivam's motto: The journey IS the destination
As the saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting different results. By that definition, the home building industry should definitely be deemed insane. So if we know that typical building methods are dangerous, why do we keep allowing it to happen? Probably because of the cost increases...either perceived or real. So lets have that conversation today. Then from this point on, I want you to ask these questions to your contractor or architect. There is a healthier alternative for just about every material used in home building today. We just need to start asking WHY.
We are definitely in the midst of the construction busy season, so Jay and I are getting lots and lots of great questions coming at us. We decided that one episode per month will be dedicated to answering questions that will help all of our listeners with current projects. We're calling it our Monthly Mailbag Bonanza! This week, we deal with epoxy paint, roofing, decking and a few other hot topics. Hope you enjoy!!
The sponsor for this episode is Green Design Center, www.thegreendesigncenter.com and the Caliwel Anti-Microbial paint made with BNA. Make sure to use the coupon code 'NONTOXIC' at checkout and receive 5% off your entire purchase. Just a little thank you for being one of our loyal NTE listeners!
Part 2 of our live event from Zuza's Way in Thiensville Wisconsin. This episode is the Q&A portion of our event. Several great questions from our audience that led into some great conversation with Dagmara Beine PA-C, who does a wonderful job helping us all understand how the home is a critical factor when trying to heal the body.
Oh boy this was a fun event!! So fun, that we had to break up the recording into two parts for you. Part 1 here is an introduction to Dagmara Beine and her practice, Zuza's Way, in Thiensville WI. Dagmara invited us to come record our show in front of a live audience so we could interact and answer questions. This episode, we'll hear all about Dagmara's story and why her approach to medicine fits perfectly within the NTE framework of Mind, Body, Home.
For more information about Dagmara and Zuza's Way, please visit here: http://zuzasway.com
Today's episode is a fun mishmosh of topics related to household projects that are best done as the weather gets nicer. Jay and I virtually walk around your home and discuss areas of the home that you should inspect and repair before winter sets in later this year.
We also reiterate some of the contractor related questions and advice that earlier episodes dealt with. Then finally, a frank discussion about project timing, expectations and what the customer needs to do to alleviate potential stressful situations.
I promise, I do not talk about these issues to alarm you into hiring me or buying the materials I sell. But I know that sometimes it would seem that way. Honestly, when things like this come up, I have no choice than to fire up the podcast machine and record the words that come out of my mouth without a script. Some recent clients have alerted me about language that home builders are using deep in the fine print of their contracts, that basically allows them to use whatever material they wish, no matter the health consequences.
For an appointment directly with Andy Pace, please follow this link: www.degreeofgreen.com/appointment
Jay and I today speak with Michael Borden, who is arguably one of the worlds foremost authorities on the subject of Vastu architecture and construction.
From his website: The principles of Vastu science that have been used in designing India’s great and sacred temples can be applied to any building project. Michael has used these principles in designs from cottages to palaces, in schools and office buildings. The positive influence of the building geometry and layout is an excellent environment for a home or office.
Just an outstanding conversation and something we'll be digging into even deeper at some point.
Michael's website: http://www.vastu-design.com
Buy his book about Vastu Architecture: https://amzn.to/2UTYZPo
Continuing with our theme of healing, today I get the pleasure of speaking with Selina Rose about her life struggles and how those shaped her into the diet and nutrition expert she is. She has developed a number of extremely worthwhile tools that you can access by signing up on her website. Please check her out!!
Main website - www.selinarose.ca Eats & Asana website (to learn about Selina's course)- https://selinarose.info/eats-asana-program Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/Simplestressreduction/
The best thing about being a podcaster is the people I get to meet, both in interviews, and with our listeners. This episode was a long time coming...the first of a series of shows we'll be doing specifically about the healing side of Non Toxic Environments. Today, Jay and I are speaking with Dr. Lisa Nagy of the Environmental Health Center of Martha's Vineyard. Dr. Nagy's story is not only fascinating, but its incredibly encouraging. She has been through it all herself and is now working to heal the world, one patient at a time, as well as in her numerous speaking engagements, written papers and TV/Radio interviews.
For more information about Dr. Nagy, please check out her testimonial videos from clients, as well as her speaking engagements:
https://lisanagy.com/videos/
Today's episode is a conversation I had recently with Debra Lynn Dadd. Debra is inarguably the definitive voice in the arena of toxin-free consumer goods, and is someone I look up to and have a deep respect for. I read her first book, Nontoxic & Natural, and it had profound effect on how I proceeded in my business. Over the years, she has authored several more books on the subject, consulted with thousands of clients, as well as being a radio show host for a long stint. All while continuing to build up her immense collection of technical knowledge, which she chronicles on her website.
Today, Debra will talk about new new endeavor, ZeroToxics.com This is shaping up to be a site you'll need to bookmark and refer to quite often.
You can also check out her main site www.debralynndadd.com to learn about her work, find her product recommendations..even hire her to help with your situation.
If you've been on the fence about building a new home, this is a MUST LISTEN TO episode, folks. Pete Donovan and Rus Ackner from Healthy Home Builders in New York, talk with Jay and I about their experiences as one of the true pioneers of the industry. For them, building healthy isn't a fad or a trend...its all they do. And they do it quite well. In the market they are in, they typically work on some really high-end projects, but the processes and procedures they've developed are transferable to any sized project. This episode is chock-full of excellent information, so pass it along to your family and friends.
Please check them out, and let them know that Jay and Andy sent you!!
Healthy Home Builders, Inc.
https://healthyhomebuilders.com
Jay and I love all the mail we get from our listeners and clients. So many great questions come our way, that its hard to pick just a few to talk about. This week we tackle some questions that seem to be frequently asked. Please excuse the audio, as Jay was coming to us from a remote location this week. But his words come through crystal clear and compelling as they always do!
Before I started this business almost 30 years ago, I enlisted the help of an organization called SCORE. Of course, my mom and dad were the real mentors, as my business was an offshoot of theirs, but the healthy home 'industry' wasn't an industry yet. So I needed some help. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE has helped more than 11 million entrepreneurs through mentoring, workshops and educational resources since 1964.
So the episode today is the presentation that I made at their monthly chapter meeting. I hope that if you're listening and you have an idea about starting a business, you reach out to SCORE for some help. It's free, but its absolutely invaluable. Oh...I answer some good questions at the end, so stick around!
We interviewed Jen Stout from JS2 Partners a while back, just when they got started with their new healthy home construction company. Jay and I thought it would be great idea to get an update from them and learn about their progress and how fast things are taking off for them. Its a casual conversation between friends, but plenty of good information that you can use when you decide to pursue a healthy home build for you and your family.
www.js2partners.com
www.healthyhousedesigns.com
Have you ever used one of our AFM Safecoat products in an unusual application and it worked perfectly? Or maybe someone told you about a strange way to do something around the house that you never would have thought of yourself. We call these little educational nuggets a hack. Just as there are life 'hacks' to make you more productive, there are also product hacks, to help you get things done around the home. Today we'll talk about some of these hacks and hopefully you'll try them out yourself!
As a professional myself that deals with home health and wellness, I'm always excited to hear from other professionals about how they can learn more and help their clients. Today, Jay and I take a call from an IAQ tester who wants to know about taking his business to the next level so that he can help his clients with the IAQ problems he has found. Finding the problem is only half the battle. Now what? We've got some answers for all professionals about what the next steps should be.
I speak at many events throughout the year and this one is definitely going to be a favorite for me. Today, Im interviewing Jen Norris, who is the Co-Leader of the Holistic Mom's Network, Milwaukee Chapter. The HMN has around 100 chapters around the US and advocates for healthy living, holistic parenting and a vibrant community. If you are in the Milwaukee area, Im speaking at their meeting on February 19th, 2019. See the show notes for more information.
Last year I did an episode of NTE where I listed off some of the more common materials used for insulation. Since then, Ive received dozens of emails about brands and versions, etc. So I thought since its currently -25F outside my office right now, this would be a proper time to dig a little deeper into insulation. Ie also been doing a lot of investigative research for clients lately, and figured you'd enjoy learning all about how the manufacturers are so very eager to help me. HA! Just kidding. They avoid me like the plague.