Non Toxic Environments Home Health & Wellness (Andrew Pace)

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

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 

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.

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

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/ 

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. 

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

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!

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

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

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.

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/ 

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!!!

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

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! 

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.  

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 

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.     

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

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 

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. 

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! 

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!

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. 

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

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!  

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.  

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

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.  

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!!!

** 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

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!

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.  

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

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.  

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! 

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.  

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.  

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.  

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!!

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

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.

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!  

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! 

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.  

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.  

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!! 

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.  

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. 

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

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!

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:

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.  

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. 

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.  

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.  

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

Serenbe is an award winning biophilic community that connects people to nature and each other.

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

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.

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.

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!!

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 

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!

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

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.   

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. 

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. 

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

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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

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  

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!!

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

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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

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

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. 

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. 

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.

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 

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.  

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 

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!!

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. 

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.  

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. 

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!

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.  

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!

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/

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!!

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