How to Create a Healthy Home
Free of Toxins
AVOID the following;Â VOC paints, off-gassing from synthetic carpets, under padding, adhesives, glue, pressed wood cabinets, formaldehyde in particle board and interior plywood, masonite, combustion appliances (gas stoves, oil furnaces), basement mold.....
Build with all natural materials
Straw, hemp, earth, cob, plaster, wood, cork, bamboo, glass, ceramic, metal, stone, organic cotton, hemp, wool...
Use the newest materials & technologies
Maximize energy efficiency to reduce the burden on forests/global climate. Solar energy panels, wind catchers, increase R value, recycle water & waste......
Minimal environmental impact
Building impact on the earth and choice of materials selected. Sensitive to the existing environment. Enhancing & restoring natural elements. Recycle materials as much as possible. Awareness of the environmental impact in an effort to produce or create the building material used.
Location
Proximity to schools, work, shopping, entertainment. Walking & biking vs. driving a car
Size
Small is beautiful vs. bigger, luxury mega homes, cars, appliances & spaces. Learn to live with less, maximize & integrate your lifestyle with work, reduce your expectations.
Durability
Different building materials cost more or less compared to environmental, long term impact costs.
Affordability
Cost of construction AND cost of long term operations; possibility of grants: materials choice in terms of impact of personal long term health costs.
Simplicity
Follow the 'Voluntary Simplicity' & ‘Slow Food’ movements. Change your lifestyle and priorities.
Connection to Nature
Establish direct views to connect to Nature from inside the house, importance of the placement of plants and gardens, spiritual aspects, Feng Shui.
Include Art
Look for ways to include expressions of the hand through art, sculpture, colour, soothing sounds, irregular forms, natural materials - all are forms of building SOUL.