Another Kind of Pollution to Have on Your ‘Radar’

Just last week, I spent the day in a local hospital’s ER with one of my employees. The good news is that she received excellent care in a facility equipped with amazing, state-of-the-art electronic equipment that made diagnosis and monitoring her condition fast, efficient, and accurate. The bad news is that all of this wonderful equipment is also creating  an ‘invisible pollution’ affecting the indoor environment in the hospital. The healthcare professionals and the patients may not realize the effects of this hidden pollution, or that it even exists.

This kind of pollution has crossed my personal ‘radar’, and I’ve become more concerned about the affects on our families’ health and wellbeing. This is the invisible EMF and EMR pollution present in increasingly high levels both indoors and outdoors, everywhere in the world. EMF (electromagnetic frequency) and EMR (electromagnetic radiation) is generated by the technology that is enhancing our work, entertainment, and home environment – created by computers, cell phones, cordless phones, WiFi, flat screen T.V.s, microwaves and Smart Grid technology – all of the wonderful technology that we just can’t seem to live without.

You may have seen the articles recently in Prevention Magazine or GQ Magazine and Devra Davis, Phd’s post last May in the Huffington Post. This, to me, is a cause for concern. We definitely need our technology, but we need to also be aware of what it may be doing to us, and find ways to protect ourselves, and our families.

I’ve been researching online, as well as talking to health care professionals who’ve directed me to some very interesting scientific studies, and also shared their own stories of experiences with patients; people with autism, ADD., cancer, immune deficiency disorders, and many other common conditions. Dr. Thomas M. Rau, Medical Director of the Paracelsus Clinic, Switzerland and Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, Director, Klinghardt Academy of Neurobiology who is an expert in the health consequences of electromagnetic fields and a leading educator of physicians, have audio recordings that are very interesting.  http://electromagnetichealth.org/audio-archives-and-more/#patients

So that’s the bad news! Now for the GOOD NEWS!

A couple months ago, my guest, on Good and Green Radio, Asha Stokes, introduced me to Gia Wellness and the product solutions this company has developed to protect people from the EMF/EMR pollution in our environment. I’ve been so impressed by the demonstrated affects of these products, and have equipped my own family’s cell phones and lap tops with Cell Guards and Universal Guards. I’ve also been wearing the GiaLife Pendant, which reinforces my body’s bio-field to help resist the external  & internal stressors of EMF/EMR pollution – and I can actually feel the difference.

The more I learn about this company and these solutions, the more I want to share the information with my family, friends & clients. Something so simple, and inexpensive that can have such profound effects is definitely worth sharing and ‘paying forward’.

Let me know if you are interested in learning more about EMF/EMR pollution, and the Gia Wellness solutions. I’d be happy to share more of the research and information about Gia Wellness.

Ever heard of rubber tree wood? Is it a sustainable material for a cutting board? – Green Home Guide

Ever heard of rubber tree wood? Is it a sustainable material for a cutting board? – Green Home Guide.

Replacing Furnaces & Air Conditioners

This question was posed on a community-networking site in the San Francisco Bay Area. I thought it would make a great topic for my new post, so here goes!

“It looks like we are facing replacement of our furnace and air conditioner soon. I’m sure that a number of residents have done a thorough exploration of what the most energy efficient HVAC systems are available on the market. I would love to tap into the collective wisdom and find out what you have discovered.”

Check out my @constantcontact newsletter

Check out my @constantcontact newsletter.

This is the archived February Newsletter from Spectrum Fine Homes & GreenPoint Coach.

Countertop Concerns

This month the question I answered for the USGBC’s GreenHomeGuide was submitted by Eugenia Michel:

“My daughter and I are considering granite countertops for each of our homes. As a cancer survivor, is this a good choice for us?”

My answer:

Choosing ‘Green’ Finish Materials

Our homes should be our refuge and our sanctuary — comfortable, healthy, livable and beautiful.

Perhaps you are remodeling or updating your home and have been conscientious about energy efficiency and creating a sustainable structure. Now you want to include flooring, counter tops, wall surfaces and furnishings that are “green,” too. These finishes are what will surround you every day, what you will see and will greatly contribute to the livability, health and beauty of your home.

The options for green finish choices seem to be increasing daily and we are bombarded by claims from almost every manufacturer and supplier touting green. How do we make a wise choice with so many options?

What Really Makes a Product Green?
We must think holistically about our choices. Beyond whether the product is made from recycled or renewable materials, we must consider where the product was made, how it was manufactured and what makes up its entire composition. We need to consider the impact on the environment during the manufacturing process, and even how the workers and surrounding community were treated during the entire “chain of custody” of the product.

Manufacturing, Installation and ‘Cradle-to-Cradle’
Knowing the entire composition of the product, as well as the manufacturing process, is important. If a “recycled” or “renewable” material is combined with other toxic materials, or the production process pollutes the natural environment & is dangerous for the workers, or the product off-gases toxins into your home, how green is the end product? Discovering this information is as important as reading the labels on the food products you buy.

What kind of quality control or oversight was present in the manufacturing process? And how about installation? Are the products and methods used to install the material sustainable as well?

What about the end of life of the product? Is it recyclable or will it ultimately end up in the landfill and stay there for generations?

Shop Local
The greenest products will be locally produced, preferably within 500 miles of your home. By “shopping local,” you can substantially reduce the carbon footprint inherent in transporting product from far away. Using locally produced products also supports the local economy and ensures the vibrancy and sustainability of the area in which you have chosen to live. There are abundant local options right here in our own backyard for some absolutely beautiful, sustainable materials.

Carefully Research Your Choices
Researching green products can take lots of time and effort, but there are some guidelines and help out there to make your job easier. Look for respected “eco-labels” or “third-party” certifications of products. An excellent online resource is http://www.greenerchoices.org/eco-labels/eco-good.cfm.

Working with knowledgeable, certified professionals can also save you time and broaden your choices for truly sustainable options. There are many design and building professionals, as well as manufacturers and suppliers who have invested in continuing education and certifications, and their knowledge and advice is helpful and valuable. And paying for their services also supports the local economy, as well as sparing you from making costly mistakes.

And What About the Cost of Green Finish Products?
Everyone is sensitive about “price” these days, but we need to look at “cost” in a more value-oriented way. What is the cost to the environment, to global warming, to sustainability of our local economy and the longevity, health and livability of our homes, if we choose the cheapest materials, manufactured far away with no quality control in place?

The phrase, “penny wise and pound foolish” really does apply to choosing your green finish materials, so choose wisely — and enjoy living in a beautiful, healthy and sustainable home every day!

Good News from Spectrum Fine Homes & GreenPoint Coach!

Our Newsletter will be e-mailed out tomorrow morning, Monday, February 6th. Be on the lookout.

We have lots of Good News, Helpful Tips, and Links – plus the Spectrum Fine Homes’ Winter Stimulus Incentive for having us remodel your home.

If you want to be on our mailing list, just let me know & I’ll add your e-mail.

Have a great Super Bowl  Sunday! Go Saints!  (I’m not a huge Football Fan, but I LOVE NEW ORLEANS! )

Back in the Saddle with USGBC’s GreenHomeGuide.com

I’m writing again for the ‘Ask the Pros’ on GreenHomeGuide .com, so each month will be answering one question. I’ll be posting the answer on the GreenPointCoach Blog, but do go to the website: http://www.GreenHomeGuide.com, too. This is a super resource to know about!

January’s Question: Are there any manufacturers of non-toxic, non-offgassing bathroom vanities?  Are there any non toxic glues for bathroom tiles?

My Answer:

Before looking at where to get a vanity that doesn’t off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), you need to first look at why cabinets off-gas. The culprits are generally the materials used to make the cabinet box and the finish or paint applied to the exposed surfaces.

Cabinet boxes are most commonly made of plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), particle-board or other pressed composite products. The adhesives used in the manufacturing of these sheet-goods often contain urea formaldehyde (UF), which is the VOC most people are concerned about when it comes to off-gassing into your indoor environment. Here are some links to sites that explain why we should be concerned about the formaldehyde levels in our homes:

• http://www.epa.gov/iaq/formalde.html
• http://healthychild.org/issues/chemical-pop/formaldehyde/

Several manufacturers of the materials used in the construction of cabinetry are now using adhesives containing phenol formaldehyde (PF), which are much safer. (Organic matter, like wood, naturally contains phenol formaldehyde, and so any wood product will never be 100% formaldehyde-free.) Columbia Forest Products manufactures the sheet materials used in making cabinets. This company is the innovator of soy-based, formaldehyde free PureBond technology.

Now, where to get your vanity – My first recommendation is always to shop local. By supporting your local cabinetmaker, you are also supporting the local economy and lessening the carbon footprint of the ‘stuff’ you choose to put in your home. This is extremely important when you are thinking about holistic sustainability. Watch The Story of Stuff to get the holistic perspective. You need to ask the supplier or manufacturer of the cabinets to tell you what materials they are using, and preferably show you documentation to assure that UF is not used.

If you are purchasing pre-manufactured cabinets, be sure to learn about the certifications the cabinet industry has put in place regarding manufacturing ‘green’ cabinets.  Their website lists the companies which hold these certifications with links to their websites.

You may also think about recycling, reclaiming, & reusing when you are remodeling your bathroom. Since formaldehyde off-gassing diminishes or stops after several years, the older pieces of cabinetry are safer. Some sources say it takes from five to seven years to reach safe levels. (http://www.nontoxic.com/nontoxicpaints/formaldehyde.html)

Many regions have salvage stores where you can purchase cabinets that have been removed from remodeling projects being ‘de-constructed’, and are available for purchase. You’d be surprised at what you might find, and at incredible prices! With a new countertop, you can give the vanity a new life – or you may find the countertop, too!

You might also think about using an antique dresser or other piece of furniture in place of a cabinet. A few years ago we remodeled a bathroom using a wonderful Chinese cabinet our clients had purchased while living in Hong Kong. We used copper vessel sinks on top of a glass countertop, so you could see the distressed wood through the surface. This vanity was stunning, and the focal point of the Master Bath.

About your choice for non-toxic glues for tile

With adhesives as well as for paints or finishes, you need to know what chemicals are in them, and how they might affect your health. With all products used for building (and even for cleaning), you can use the internet to research the toxicity and the potential effects on your health and safety by putting the name of the product in Google, followed by MSDS. Material Safety Data Sheets, required by law for all products, are a really helpful tool. You can go to your local building supply store, write down the name of the products claiming ‘low VOC’ and then Google the MSDS, before making your choice.

I looked up tile adhesives and came up with a latex-based product that seems pretty safe.  With this link, you can download the MSDS pdf where it lists Mineral Spirits as the ‘hazardous component’ with no health hazard when breathed. It does say to use in well-ventilated areas, and to ‘remove to fresh air’ if an individual is ‘affected’ during use.

Remember while remodeling your bathroom, and after, when you’ve moved in, proper ventilation is extremely important. The effects of humidity on building materials can cause all sorts of problems from mold to increasing the amount of VOC off-gassing. Every bathroom should have mechanical ventilation vented to the outside – even when there is an operable window. Most people don’t open the window in the wintertime, and it’s very important to have fresh air coming in and humid air going out. Consider installing ventilation with automatic humidistats or motion sensors, so it’s not up to the user to remember to turn the fan on or off. Most of these ventilation fans are super-quiet, too.

Tagged In: formaldehyde plywood, green cabinets, reuse, safe glue

What a Year!

It’s hard to believe that only a few days remain in 2009! Yeah! I’m soooo looking forward to 2010!

What a year this has been – and though it’s one I’m glad to be leaving in many ways- wonderful and exciting things have happened, too.

Since January, I’ve been focusing on our  positioning as a paradigm shift happens all around us. Yes, SHIFT HAPPENS! and being part of the new way of doing business and a more positive, sustainable future is really exciting – sometimes terrifying, but exciting!

One of my goals for 2010 is to maintain the GreenPointCoach Blog, and connect it to all the websites associated with our business: Spectrum Fine Homes, Inc. and GreenPoint Coach. I’m hoping that it will be informational AND interactive.

Stay tuned, too, for more information about Good & Green Radio – my new radio show on Conversation Radio at www.MediaOnTap.com. I’m very excited about this super opportunity to introduce a huge global audience to some of my contacts, colleagues, and connections who are living a Sustainable Lifestyle, and who will share their good ideas with you.

Through collaboration, communication, and & community – we will create the most positive Sustainable future for ourselves and for our children.

Happy New Year!

Susan