Non Toxic Environments Home Health & Wellness

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 k...

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 Maki...

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 wonderfu...

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...

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 g...

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 san...

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 sustainabi...

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...

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 f...

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...

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.