There are so many decisions to make when it comes to choosing materials for home building and renovation: color, design, durability, and of course cost. But do we also need to consider whether or not the materials we put in our homes are toxic?
Today’s guest Andrew Pace says yes! As a building materials expert he’s seen the problems in the industry and the effects of these supposedly “safe” materials firsthand.
In response, Andrew founded the Green Design Center, which is now an online hub of the green building industry that offers healthy and sustainable home building products and design services.
Green Design Center: The Healthy Home Resource
A lot of things out there claim to be eco-friendly and “green,” but are they? And what does that even mean, exactly? These are the types of questions Green Design Center makes it their mission to answer.
In 2008 Andrew also launched Degree of Green, a product rating system that’s being used by retailers and manufacturers to inform consumers and protect against false or misleading “greenwashing” claims. One of his projects currently in development is a Formaldehyde Release Attenuation Test which will allow professionals to pinpoint the exact surfaces in a home that are releasing dangerous levels of formaldehyde.
As a mom concerned about the air my children breathe in our home, the carpet they lay on, etc., I knew Andrew would be a great guest to have to the podcast. I’ve got my list of questions ready (especially since we may build a home at some point) and I’m so grateful he made the time to be here today!
In This Episode You’ll Learn

the three biggest toxic offenders in most homes
why “green” and “safe” aren’t always the same thing
how many chemicals are present in building materials (and the shockingly small percentage of them tested for safety)
why the EPA rating for low-VOC may not be the best standard to go by
how the Green Design Center works to protect the consumer
safer paint options for better indoor air quality
the best flooring options for building or remodeling
one caution on tile floors
how to deal with mold and best steps for safe remediation
formaldehyde in plywood (and how to protect your family)
advances in wood-free green home building that may reduce mold, termites, toxins, and other common house problems
some cautions to DIYers working with reclaimed wood
Andrew’s take on the controversy surrounding EMFs
and more!

Resources We Mention

Find Andrew’s recommended products for paint, flooring, furniture, and more at TheGreenDesignCenter.com
Learn more about the Degree of Green (D.O.G.) rating system, the Non-Toxic Environments Podcast, and Andrew’s blog at DegreeofGreen.com
Homebiotic (home probiotic spray I use to protect against mold)
Air Doctor (air filter we use)