Green Gab Podcast – Green Homes, Green Living and Green Companies

Wicked problems are significant issues with no single, straightforward answer, and they are everywhere! Transportation is a wicked problem that touches every aspect of our lives, whether we realize it or not. It affects what we have on our dinner tables, the clothes we wear, and everything we have inside our homes. It even affects where we work, how we get there, and how we spend our vacations. Yet, we tend to take it for granted. I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, coming to you live from Shock City Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. I am delighted to have my occasional co-host, Tony Pratte, join me today to discuss the wicked problems surrounding transportation.  The transportation system is undeniably complex and multifaceted. I invite you to listen in as we journey through the evolving world of our transportation system and explore the wicked problems it presents.  Impact of COVID-19  The absence of commuters and students traveling to school during the pandemic highlighted a significant shift in how we perceive transportation. I found it eye-opening to see the streets resembling quiet Sunday mornings when it used to be rush hour. Electric Cars and Infrastructure A noticeable change after the pandemic has been the proliferation of electric cars, even in states like Oklahoma, traditionally associated with fossil fuels. The increasing presence of electric vehicles is encouraging. But we must recognize that the infrastructure to support them is evolving, and supply chains for materials like copper and lithium must grow exponentially to meet the 2035 EV goals.  Mining Mining, especially overseas, raises concerns about environmental and ethical practices. Those considerations are essential as we make the shift to electric transportation. Transparency in the Supply Chain Many pieces get hidden from the average consumer within the supply chain for energy and transportation. With both gasoline for cars and the materials used in the batteries of electric vehicles, transparency remains a challenge. We need better labeling and reporting to know where our products come from, because that awareness allows us to make informed choices, not only for environmental reasons but also to support ethical and responsible sourcing. Public Transportation The lack of robust public transportation networks, especially in the Midwest and Southeastern United States, forces many to rely on personal vehicles. However, expanding and improving public transportation could significantly reduce congestion, pollution, and the need for massive parking lots in urban areas. Achieving a well-balanced transportation system that combines individual and public options remains a challenge yet to be overcome. Walkable Cities The issues with transportation issue also extend to city planning and the use of land. Deciding whether we want to continue sacrificing valuable space for parking lots or promote walkable cities that will reduce our reliance on cars is a balancing act, and the choices we make today will have consequences for future generations. This complexity highlights the need for thoughtful, integrated solutions, considering the environment, society, and economics. Maintaining Existing Infrastructure We often rush into building new infrastructure before adequately maintaining existing systems. We must prioritize maintenance and repair to ensure the longevity of our transportation networks and reduce costs and environmental impact in the long run. In essence, addressing the wicked problem of transportation requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating sustainability, ethical considerations, and urban planning for a better future. Maintenance in Transportation Maintenance for transportation still tends to get overlooked in the planning process, leaving far-reaching implications. It is easier to secure funds for capital budgets than to get funding for ongoing operational expenses. Capital expenditures have the allure of job creation and development, making them more appealing to budget approvers. Unfortunately, maintenance often falls by the wayside despite its critical role in preserving and extending the life of our transportation systems. Unforeseen Consequences The bias towards capital expenditure, driven by political and economic factors, is concerning. When creating impressive new structures gets prioritized, it is easy to lose sight of the need to maintain existing systems. The consequences of this negligence are evident on the roads. A simple blowout caused by the poor condition of a road can lead to severe consequences, from inconvenience to accidents and increased healthcare costs. That is a stark reminder of the vital role of maintenance in ensuring our safety and well-being. Extreme Weather and Infrastructure Challenges Many regions, like St. Louis and Oklahoma City, face extreme weather conditions that wreak havoc on their transportation infrastructure. Asphalts expand and contract under temperature extremes, creating fissures and potholes. These constant shifts necessitate research into more resilient road materials that can withstand the stresses.  Shifting Transportation Modes  Considering the most efficient modes for moving goods is crucial. Shifting from road transportation to rail can reduce the number of trucks on the road and the associated pollution. Trains are known for their economical and environmentally friendly tonnage transportation, as they can carry a considerable load with minimal fuel consumption. Exploring the potential for rail transportation can significantly impact the overall efficiency of our transportation systems. Collaborative Planning Transportation decisions should prioritize the greater good, not the preferences of the few. Fostering collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including federal and local governments, businesses, and the general public, remains a challenge. Those stakeholders often vie for their share of the transportation budget, further complicating the decision-making process. Budget allocation is influenced by political interests, so the focus must shift from individual gains to what is best for the collective community. We need a comprehensive master plan that does not cater to personal preferences or political influence.  The Complexity of Transportation Transportation is a wicked problem that is more intricate than housing and buildings. The many parties involved, from government agencies to private industries, and the relentless battle for funding require a multifaceted approach.  Collaboration The wicked problem of transportation demands our unwavering attention and collaboration to ensure a safer, more efficient future for all. Have a great green day! Links and resources Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  How do All Electric Cars Work Building the electric-vehicle charging infrastructure America needs The EV Battery Supply Chain Explained - RMI Transportation Trends 2022-2023  Bureau of Transportation Statistics 

It is hard to talk about how our homes impact our health, well-being, and climate when so many people still struggle to afford the cost of buying their own homes. Today, I bring you a solution cultivated by Kerry Langley, an industry colleague I have known for quite some time.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I invite you to lean in and pay attention as you discover how his financial modeling tools and software can help you unlock the doors to a brighter financial future and lead you to the home you deserve! I am so excited to have Kerry share his insights today! They will allow you to approach your housing journey with a fresh perspective and attain outcomes you may never have thought possible. Getting to know Kerry  Kerry Langley is a financial math enthusiast. With a career spanning 38 years in mortgage banking, he used to cater to millionaires with complex financial dealings. However, the 2008 recession took him from thriving to struggling and led him to re-evaluate his approach. After talking to a friend who worked at Merrill Lynch, he felt inspired to explore opportunities that could benefit a broader audience. So he transitioned to high-performance homes and green buildings, even though he had limited knowledge about green and energy-efficient concepts.  Making Green Living Financially Accessible Kerry began a mission to make sustainable, green living financially accessible. He partnered with various organizations to create EarthCraft House, a certification program promoting green homes. That endeavor led to the development of his green mortgage software, Home Bucks, to help consumers identify ways to improve their homes, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce the total cost of ownership. Creating Home Bucks Even though he lacked experience in software development, Kerry still embarked on developing a software tool. The result was a groundbreaking tool called TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), which he later trademarked under the name Home Bucks. This innovative tool aims to empower consumers to live in homes that may seem out of their budget range by optimizing financial aspects.  Making Green Choices affordable  Through Home Bucks, Kerry demonstrated how buyers could incorporate items like solar panels into their mortgage, lower their interest rates, and ultimately reduce their total cost of ownership without straining their initial budget. His practical approach dismantled the misconception that sustainable living was financially out of reach and reinforced the idea that green choices could, in fact, be affordable. The EarthCraft House Certification Program  After being approached by the Atlanta Home Builders Association and the Southface Institute, Kerry partnered with them to develop a green mortgage and got involved with the EarthCraft House certification program.  Enhancing Energy Efficiency Kerry's approach to green homes includes the integration of solar panels, improvements in insulation, installation of energy-efficient appliances, and upgrades to windows. He aims to demonstrate that achieving sustainability and energy efficiency does not necessarily come with a higher price tag.  Addressing Misconceptions About Green Homes One of the challenges Kerry encounters is the prevailing misconception that green homes are expensive and unattainable. Through his meticulous financial modeling and calculations, he debunks that myth.  Creating Long-Term Wealth Kerry helps his clients make informed decisions about their homes, which is their most significant investment. He firmly believes that with careful consideration and a comprehensive understanding of the financial aspects, individuals can build long-term, multi-generational wealth through homeownership. His approach also involves smart financial planning. The Importance of Thoughtful Home Buying Kerry emphasizes the importance of thoughtful consideration when buying a home. He points out that people often spend significant time and effort choosing appliances or home decor, yet they fail to pay the same attention when buying a home. Indoor Air Quality Matters Indoor air quality frequently gets overlooked unless health issues arise. However, as families grow and parents become more concerned about the health of their loved ones, questions about indoor air quality, chemicals, and other factors come to the forefront. Empowering Families Young families, in particular, are challenged in the current housing market due to rising home costs. Kerry believes that by optimizing their budget and considering energy-efficient options, families can make more informed decisions and create a better living space for their loved ones. Maximizing Resources Starting a family tends to trigger a shift in priorities, so parents are more inclined to question the safety of chemicals in the home, off-gassing from cabinets, and other potential hazards. Aware of the lack of resources and guidance for addressing those concerns, Kerry understood how young families navigating the housing crisis could benefit from learning how to maximize their resources. A Wise Investment It is wise to invest in an asset that appreciates over time rather than investing in items that can depreciate. A home is generally the most substantial investment people ever make. Therefore, making thoughtful decisions that provide a comfortable living space and contribute to long-term financial stability is crucial. Exploring the Home Bucks Model The Home Bucks model takes several factors into account, including the price of a home, the commission structure, the current home performance, and potential improvements in energy efficiency and sustainability. It aims to calculate the total cost of ownership while considering all of those elements. Driving Down Interest Rates A key aspect of the Home Bucks model is its ability to lower interest rates, which significantly impacts the overall cost of homeownership. By optimizing various financial factors, Home Bucks can often reduce interest rates by one to one-and-a-half percent, resulting in substantial long-term savings for homeowners. Flexible Financing Options Home Bucks evaluates all possible financing options, not limiting itself to traditional mortgages. It considers point-of-sale financing for home improvements and various strategies. By analyzing their financial picture, Home Bucks helps its clients make the most cost-effective choices for their circumstances. Paying Off the Mortgage Faster A unique feature of the Home Bucks model is how it helps clients pay off their mortgages faster without additional payments. So, some homeowners can save money by shaving off significant years from their mortgage term. A Unique Model The Home Bucks model is unique in that it has the ability to transform people's financial outlooks while also enhancing the feasibility of green and energy-efficient homeownership. Have a great green day! Links and resources: Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  Do You Know Your Total Home Ownership Cost  3 Ways Real Estate Pros Can Be Change Agents  TCO Flex (Total Cost of Ownership)  Connect with Kerry and Homebuck$ HomeBuck$  

In a world of evolving priorities and rapidly changing investment landscapes, three letters have ignited discussions that resonate far beyond the financial realm: ESG. Environmental, Social, and Governance is a trifecta of influence shaping how businesses get scrutinized, evaluated, and ultimately endorsed.  ESG has grown into a juggernaut of consideration, designed ostensibly to gauge a company's commitment to the planet, its people, and its principles. However, as the spotlight has intensified, so have the debates surrounding its genuine impact.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, here to guide you in navigating the labyrinth of ESG with fresh insight and an open mind! I am delighted to have Tony Pratte of the Sound Room, join me to share his viewpoint as we discuss ESG and unravel its meaning. The Meaning and Impact of ESG  ESG is not just a buzzword but a framework that evaluates how a company performs in areas beyond financial metrics. ESG is a lens through which companies get scrutinized for their environmental practices, social responsibility, and corporate governance. It is significant for investors seeking to align their portfolios with ethical and sustainable values. However, much complexity and subjectivity are still involved in measuring those factors accurately. Navigating the Challenges  The challenges inherent in implementing ESG criteria include the potential pitfall of greenwashing, where companies manipulate or exaggerate their ESG efforts to appear more environmentally and socially conscious than they are. The lack of standardized reporting and varying interpretations of ESG metrics can make it difficult for investors to make informed decisions. Furthermore, the skepticism that ESG can evoke makes one wonder whether some corporations genuinely embrace these principles or are merely jumping on the bandwagon. Balancing Profit and Purpose  Balancing profit with purpose is a central theme when addressing the tension between financial success and ESG commitments because companies can indeed be both financially successful and socially responsible, and companies with strong ESG practices often have a competitive edge, attracting consumers, investors, and even talented employees who align with their values.  A Paradigm Shift in Business ESG considerations drive companies to adopt sustainable practices, create social impact, and enhance governance structures. There are many real-world examples of companies embracing ESG principles and reaping benefits like reputation, customer loyalty, and innovation. ESG has catalyzed a shift towards purpose-driven business models, redefining success beyond monetary gains. ESG on a Personal Level Individuals can contribute to the ESG movement in their personal lives with conscious consumption, ethical investment choices, and supporting companies aligned with their values. Education and awareness are essential to inform consumers because informed consumers can drive demand for responsible products and services. We need to understand that ESG is not solely a corporate endeavor. It is a collective effort that begins with small, intentional actions. A Call to Embrace the Potential of ESG The potential of ESG is crucial for positive change. Despite its complexities and controversies, ESG allows for a more sustainable and equitable future. So it is essential to engage with ESG discussions, ask critical questions, and support companies genuinely committed to making a difference.  Diverse Board Composition and Qualifications When examining the composition of a company board concerning ESG, some instances prompt the consideration of whether the lack of banking expertise could impact board decisions. That raises questions about the percentage of board members with banking experience and the potential implications for decision-making. Risk Management and Consequences Tony points out a scenario where poor risk management led to the approval of loans that could not get repaid, exposing an oversight in the ESG efforts of the company. That highlights the importance of evaluating the actual practices and consequences linked to ESG strategies because potential unintended outcomes can arise, even with well-intentioned ESG initiatives. Direct and Indirect Links in ESG Impact Various indirect links and unintended consequences could emerge when exploring the nuanced connections between ESG and outcomes. Those unintended consequences can arise when companies prioritize meeting ESG criteria over qualifications or expertise. That underscores the complexity of measuring the impact of ESG and how different motivations behind ESG integration can lead to contrasting outcomes. ESG and Energy Policy Considerations ESG discussions often intersect with debates about fossil fuels and renewable energy. That is why we need comprehensive energy policies to consider environmental and economic factors. ESG and Green Building Integration Certified green buildings align with ESG goals and contribute to sustainability and societal well-being. Green buildings lower risk, offer quality assurance and positively impact energy consumption and occupant comfort.  Balancing Perspectives and Encouraging Dialogue Individuals need to have a balanced perspective and open dialogues in the ESG discourse. Tony and I are willing to engage in productive conversations despite our differing viewpoints, and we encourage listeners to seek understanding, ask questions, and communicate the benefits of ESG efforts to foster positive change.  Have a great green day! Links and resources:  What AI and IoT can do for smart homes  Why Are AI-Enabled Smart Home Products the Next Big Thing?  The Sound Room (where Tony works)  Smart Home, Connected Home with Tony Pratte  Gift of a No-Touch Home with Tony Pratte  No Touch Home Control with Tony Pratte  The Future of Green Design and Home Technology   

In a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of sustainability and community well-being, the rise of B Corps is emerging as a beacon of hope for a more conscious and responsible business approach. I was recently captivated by a charming shop called Plenty Mercantile, nestled in the heart of Automobile Alley in Oklahoma City. It is a delightful store that embodies the principles of sustainability and ethical entrepreneurship, and I was thrilled to meet Traci Walton, one of the owners! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I invite you to join me in exploring the incredible achievements of Plenty Mercantile and learn how they charted their course toward becoming a B Corp.  So, fasten your seatbelts for a heart-warming and inspiring tale of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the pursuit of a better world! The Origin of Plenty Mercantile Plenty Mercantile came into being due to Traci and her daughter Brittany's passion for sustainability and desire to bring sustainable practices to mainstream retail. Traci was raised by her Native American grandmother, who instilled the values of respecting the environment, which further influenced their vision for the shop. The idea to create a store resembling their home and promoting sustainability took root, and they embarked on their journey of starting Plenty Mercantile in 2012. Becoming a Leader in Sustainability in Oklahoma City Plenty Mercantile has played a pioneering role in promoting sustainability in Oklahoma City. They aim to create a safe and welcoming space for customers to shop while making informed choices to support sustainable practices. Becoming a B Corp A B Corp certification is a voluntary designation for businesses and organizations committed to positively impacting people, the planet, and profitability. Traci explains that they aspired to become a B Corp from the start, aligning their business practices with sustainability on every level. However, achieving the B Corp certification was challenging. After years of following the B Corp structure and seeking improvement, they finally enlisted the help of a consultant, which proved to be a game-changer in guiding them toward their B Corp certification. The Importance of B Corp Certification The significance of a B Corp certification goes way beyond just marketing a company as sustainable. It involves a deep dive into financials, governance, impact, and various aspects of business operations, providing third-party verification of their sustainable practices.  The Power of Making Sustainable Choices Sustainability does not necessarily mean higher costs. It means there are cost-effective and sustainable alternatives available in the market. Making sustainability choices sends powerful messages through purchasing power and contributes to long-term positive change. People-Centric Sustainability Sustainability is people-centric because it focuses on how sustainable choices positively impact individuals, their health, and future generations. Considering the health implications of products and practices is crucial for everyone- especially those who are cancer survivors! Building a Sustainable and Equitable Business Sustainability is integral to the business values of Plenty Mercantile, and it gets reflected in every aspect of their operations. Traci points out that sustainability extends beyond the products they carry in the store. It also encompasses how they treat their employees, community engagement, and overall business practices.  Encouraging Others to Pursue Sustainability Traci aims to inspire others to pursue sustainability and B Corp certification. Sustainability is a journey that requires continuous effort and improvement, and she hopes to see more businesses in Oklahoma and beyond adopting sustainable practices and becoming B Corps because it will positively impact communities, the environment, and future generations. Celebrating Sustainable Products Traci and I love sustainable products! We also enjoy educating consumers about the benefits and values of using sustainable products and explaining why they should choose products that align with their values and contribute to a sustainable future.  The Role of Plenty Mercantile in Promoting Sustainability Plenty Mercantile is a leader in promoting sustainability in the retail industry and creating a positive impact on the planet and the lives of individuals. Its commitment to sustainability has shaped its unique identity as a sustainable lifestyle store, offering products that meet the needs of consumers and align with their values. Navigating the Challenges of COVID-19  Despite the challenges of COVID-19, Plenty Mercantile managed to stay afloat. They used the opportunity to expand their online presence and went from offering 400 products on their website to an impressive 4900, making their online platform robust and thriving! The expansion allowed them to delve even deeper into understanding the ethos behind each product and the companies they work with, reigniting their passion for sustainability. Showcasing Sustainable Home Goods and Eco-Friendly Products  Plenty Mercantile proudly offers an array of sustainable and eco-friendly home goods and products. From direct imports from Nepal to toys and baby products that prioritize health and sustainability, the store has been dedicated to curating products that align with its vision of responsible and ethical consumption.  The Positive Impact of Making Sustainable Choices Sustainable choices need not be expensive, and consumers can positively impact the environment by choosing products that align with their values. The Sustainability Summit  Sustainability efforts get amplified through collaboration and partnerships. To foster a sense of community and bring like-minded individuals and companies together, Traci and I are co-hosting the Oklahoma Sustainability Summit. The event will serve as a platform for businesses, organizations, municipalities, and individuals interested in sustainability to connect, share ideas, and collectively drive positive change. We hope the summit will inspire people to demand more sustainable choices and support local businesses prioritizing sustainability! Expanding Sustainability Efforts and Future Endeavors  Plenty Mercantile continues to expand its sustainability efforts by actively seeking ways to incorporate environmentally friendly practices into its operations. They are excited about their upcoming store at the airport, where they can introduce travelers to sustainable choices and showcase local businesses that align with their values. They are also actively exploring electric vehicles and renewable energy as part of their commitment to a greener future. Creating Healthier and Happier Communities Traci and I believe that sustainable choices are not only beneficial for the environment but also contribute to healthier, happier communities. Through collaboration, education, and the Oklahoma Sustainability Summit, we hope to inspire others to make informed choices that promote positive change and create a more sustainable world for future generations! Have a great green day! Links Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  Plenty Mercantile  Plenty Mercantile on Becoming a B Corporation  Plenty Mercantile B Corporation Certification B Corporation - Make Business a Force for Good  Ok Sustainability Summit

Artificial intelligence has become the buzzword of the century, permeating news headlines, chat platforms, and even our everyday browsing experiences. Its presence in our lives is undeniable, revolutionizing the world of computing and enhancing human existence in ways we could have only dreamed of!  Amidst this AI revolution, another concept has been capturing our collective imagination for years- Smart Homes.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I am excited to delve into the realm of smart and connected homes with a true expert in the field! I have Tony Pratt from the Sound Room joining me in the studio to explain how to tie smart home technology together with AI. Tony's insights will undoubtedly leave you captivated as we embark on an enlightening journey into the world of artificial intelligence and smart homes! Artificial intelligence and connected homes There are two parts to getting to grips with artificial intelligence and connected homes. The first is getting to understand all the different smart home devices. The second is learning how to tie them all together. (Companies like the Sound Room have the experience to know which features you can use to integrate and interact with your devices.) Still a work in progress Currently, the integration of artificial intelligence into smart home devices is still a work in progress. While AI has not fully permeated the realm of smart homes yet, it is undoubtedly the direction in which the technology is heading. Soon, AI algorithms will be capable of learning your preferences, such as the desired temperature for your thermostat, by analyzing data from various sources. This includes comparing it with external factors like outdoor temperature, humidity, and wind conditions. Through this correlation of information, AI will enable smart homes to provide a more personalized and optimized living experience. Privacy and Data Collection There are concerns surrounding data collection and privacy in smart home systems. Tony explains that while some systems collect data, it is kept within the house and not accessible externally. He points out the trade-off between inexpensive devices like Google and Alexa, which mine user data to offer cheaper products, versus systems that prioritize privacy and charge higher prices. Artificial Intelligence and Home Automation AI is transforming home automation by enabling more advanced data processing and analysis. AI allows systems to understand users' habits and preferences, leading to more personalized and efficient control of devices. Tony highlights the importance of planning and having multiple trigger points in an AI-powered smart home.  Challenges in Implementing Smart Home Systems There are several challenges in implementing smart home systems, particularly the shortage of computer chips and reduced quality control due to external factors like COVID-19. That has resulted in higher device failure rates, which can impact the user experience. Home Automation Start Points and Wifi Networks Tony suggests two starting points for home automation: environmental control (lights, locks, thermostats) and entertainment (audio-video systems). He explains that while entertainment systems are more appealing, environmental control is easier to implement initially. He stresses the significance of having a robust wifi network in smart homes, as that forms the backbone for connecting various devices and ensures smooth functioning, especially as AI becomes more integral to home automation. Lock and Leave By connecting additional devices to their smart home network, homeowners can ensure that all their devices interact seamlessly and respond to voice commands through platforms like Alexa or Google. That integration allows for convenient control over different aspects of the home, such as triggering routines like "good morning" or "good night," as well as indicating when the homeowner is leaving or arriving.  Future Trends in Smart Home Technology Future trends in smart home technology include low-voltage backlighting, integrated LED cans, and the need for compatibility between different smart devices.  The Internet of Things With the Internet of Things (IoT) and the connected city, everything relies on sensors. However, there is a significant challenge in the form of a shortage of computer chips, which are essential for these interconnected systems. The supply of computer chips has become extremely limited, and even the available ones suffer from a lack of quality control, particularly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote diagnostics Remote diagnostics for HVAC systems will enable technicians to diagnose and even fix issues remotely. That will reduce the need for physical visits, speed up repairs, and enhance the overall user experience. Exciting opportunities and challenges The ongoing technological advancements bring exciting opportunities while also posing challenges that must be addressed for a seamless and secure smart home experience. The Power of Monitoring Internet Performance  New systems allow users to log in and monitor their internet performance. That real-time insight into a service provider or equipment issues is a game-changer for both consumers and service providers. While cable companies have offered similar monitoring capabilities for some time, recent advancements offer greater convenience and efficiency. Technology as a Solution to Labor Shortages With the labor shortages in the trade industry, there is a need for both skilled workers and advanced technology to meet the growing demands of the modern world. Tony points out that technology can be a powerful tool to augment that workforce.  Remote Troubleshooting with AI and Smart Home Technology  Tony had an experience where he used remote access and AI to troubleshoot a client's wifi system. He points out that technology can save us a lot of time and resources by diagnosing issues remotely and allowing technicians to be more efficient and effective. AI and Smart Home Technology Optimization Tony explains that to achieve true optimization, all devices must be interconnected and capable of learning from user habits. While that vision is still a work in progress, it promises greater automation and convenience in our daily lives. Smart Appliances Require a Robust WiFi Network A robust wifi network is crucial for the functionality of smart homes, especially as they advance to the AI level. In the future, smart homes will not only consist of individual devices like door locks, garage door openers, and light switches but will also include essential appliances like refrigerators and other power-dependent equipment. As the scope of smart home technology expands, the reliance on a strong and stable wifi network becomes even more critical to ensure seamless connectivity and communication between various smart devices and appliances. The Role of AI in Automation and Beyond  The role of AI is increasing in various fields, such as writing emails and creating content. We can anticipate continued growth and the integration of AI into our daily lives. The Future of AI and Smart Home Integration  When considering the future of AI and smart home integration, Tony suggests seeking advice from system integrators or automation specialists to navigate this evolving landscape. The Exciting Potential of AI and Smart Home Technology  Tony and I are excited about the potential of AI and smart home technology to improve our lives. We plan to explore this topic further in upcoming episodes and encourage listeners to stay updated on the latest developments in this exciting field! Have a great green day! Links and resources: Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  What AI And IoT Can Do For Smart Homes Why Are AI-Enabled Smart Home Products the Next Big Thing? The Sound Room - where Tony works Smart Home, Connected Home with Tony Pratte  Gift of a No-Touch Home with Tony Pratte No Touch Home Control with Tony Pratte  The Future of Green Design and Home Technology  

Do you ever think about home inspection? Most people only ever think about home inspection when buying or selling a property. However, the truth is that you will benefit from a proper home inspection because it will allow you to live in a healthier and more comfortable home environment. I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I'm excited to introduce a remarkable Oklahoma City lady I recently had the pleasure of meeting. Stacey Page is a home inspector who brings a unique perspective to the field. She joins me on the show to discuss the importance of home inspection for our daily lives. Becoming a Home Inspector Stacey started home inspecting about two years ago, working with her husband in the company he started five years ago. She initially helped with the administrative side of the business, but her passion for homes and woodworking led her to shadow her husband and eventually become a home inspector herself. She did the necessary nine months of training, passed the state test, and has been doing inspections with her husband for two years. Women in home inspection Stacey believes that many women feel intimidated by home inspection due to the male-dominated construction industry and the perception that women have less knowledge about home maintenance and functioning. However, she emphasizes that women have the capability to learn and can bring a different insight and perspective to the job.  Hazards Stacey acknowledges that home inspection can be dirty and uncomfortable, with hazards such as spiders and unpleasant environments. However, she assures that there are ways to protect oneself, such as wearing coveralls, booties, and gloves. Despite encountering some dirty and unpleasant situations, Stacey has also inspected immaculate houses. Why regular home inspections are important Regular home inspections are essential to catch issues early on before they become major problems. Inspections can reveal problems like moisture build-up between window panes, overflowing condensate lines, and active leaks. Those issues can lead to wood rot, termites, mold, and other expensive problems if not caught early enough. Even if a homeowner is already aware of an issue and has attempted to fix it, it is still necessary for inspectors to thoroughly check the area to ensure there are no remaining issues. The biggest reason for people to have a home inspection The most important reason is the health and safety of your family and having a healthy home. A home is one of the biggest investments in people's lives. Issues can arise with new builds due to contractors cutting corners. Home inspections and maintenance are essential for ensuring the home is safe and efficient.  The long-term costs of maintaining a home  We must consider the long-term costs of maintaining a home and not just the initial cost. Homeowners need to be educated on how to maintain their homes because small issues, like failing caulking, can lead to larger problems like flooding.  The unique thing about Stacey's company One thing that sets Stacey and her husband's company apart from others is that after something they point out gets repaired, they go back and re-inspect the home for free to check that the job was properly done. A wellness check for your home Having your home inspected every few years is a bit like going to the doctor for a wellness check. Potential issues and safety It is essential to address potential issues in a house, such as roof problems, moisture, mold, termites, mildew, and electrical hazards, and to have safety measures such as smoke detectors in place to avoid potentially life-threatening situations. A clear understanding Stacey's company aims to provide clients with a clear understanding of the condition of their homes without using scare tactics. They categorize issues into normal, minor, and major, so their clients can prioritize their concerns. The goal is to help clients feel safe, comfortable and informed about purchasing a home. Selecting a home inspection company Real estate agents may recommend home inspectors they are loyal to or have a habit of using, but it does not always mean they are the best. Homebuyers should do their research and ask questions before blindly trusting the recommendation. Look up the company and read reviews to ensure a quality inspection. Some inspectors have hidden fees, so be aware of what services are included and what the total price will be. It is important to educate yourself and not blindly trust or choose based on price alone. Have a great green day! Links and resources: Atlas Home Inspections  International Association of Home Inspectors  Oklahoma Construction Industries Board Infrared Certified Why You Should Always Get a Home Inspection Can My Home Be Green?

Real estate is a massive part of our lives!  We live in homes, buy homes, sell them, fix them up, and rent them, and real estate is at the heart of all that! Much about real estate has been in the news lately, with home prices being turbulent during the pandemic and people moving to different places.  The side of real estate that has recently been taking hold is one that I love working with most. It's the side that brings better, healthier, and more sustainable homes to the forefront, and there is a whole group of people out there trained to work with it. They know how to talk to you as a buyer, seller, or renter and can help you find a home that works best for you and everyone living with you! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, I'm excited to have Kari Klaus from Realty Sage, and Ashley Rose Gonzalez from Ashley Rose Sacred Spaces, joining me on the show! About Ashley Rose Gonzalez Ashley is a NAR Green-certified realtor located in Boca Raton, Florida, and does surveys on most of South Florida. She has been a green realtor for the last two years. Her green journey began about ten years ago when she had a tumor in her stomach. Fortunately, she caught it before it became cancerous. At the time, she had been living in a toxic environment and was in a toxic relationship. So she had to learn how to take charge of her life and health, and it became her passion! Ashley's life is now a sacred ritual for herself and the earth. She believes she is here to assist and educate her clients.  Small steps Ashley believes it is her dharma to save the earth and help people live in the healthiest way possible! She started with small steps, changing the products she was using. She used to be a fashion stylist in New York, working with eco and hemp designers, and had no idea that her journey would lead her to where she is now!  Customized service Ashley learns about her clients and customizes her services to suit their specific needs. About Kari Klaus Kari is the Founder of Realty Sage and its sister site, Realty Sage Pros. Realty Sage started as Beaver Green Homes, which was based on Kari's struggle to sell her property after making it as green as possible. Realty Sage is a different kind of real estate market that uses a sage score system based on features like solar systems, energy efficiency, and certifications to help market properties. It gives buyers a better understanding of a home's features and helps sellers market more accurately. It also gives real estate agents like Ashley a platform to work from and showcase their skills. Realty Sage Pro  Realty Sage Pro is a site for green real estate agents to list and market properties. It has more than 120,000 real estate agents across the country on its database. They are preparing to expand into other professionals like architects, interior designers, and landscapers.    Women in green homes There is a growing group of women working and collaborating in the green home space.  Taking care of ourselves Women are starting to understand that caring for the earth begins with ourselves. That means we must also take care of our physical homes because everything is connected, and they are an extension of who we are. Ashley believes it is our collective and individual duty to care for and preserve our environment. Economics of green building Building a green home today makes financial sense because doing so now is way more affordable than before.   Understanding the difference It can be hard to understand the difference between different eco-friendly homes. Realty Sage allows real estate agents to help people understand the finer differences, apart from price, like quality and certifications. Feng shui principles  Designing a home with feng shui principles makes it feel better! Ashley Rose is delighted to have connected with Kari and loves having a place to showcase her feng shui skills and help people find eco-friendly homes! Biophilic design A global expansion of eco-real estate and a global eco-friendly movement is happening. Kari was in Singapore several years ago and got inspired by the biophilic designs she saw there. Inflation reduction Healthier homes do NOT have to be more expensive! The Inflation Reduction Act is coming this year. It offers financial assistance to upgrade and help make low-income homes more eco-friendly.  Staying true to herself Ashley was inspired to become a NAR Green designee and an eco-real estate agent because it helped her stay true to herself and keep doing what she loved when she had to pivot her business during Covid. So she started incorporating the green journey she had been on in fashion in homes. Selling homes with heart Ashley lets her heart guide her in the work she does. Kari created Realty Sage specifically for the real estate agents like Ashley, driven to go the extra mile to understand the environmental aspects of properties and the lifestyle requirements of the people they work with when selling a home.  Global energy-efficiency Eco-friendly homes are being promoted all over the world! In Mexico, people are getting pushed to go solar, Singapore is doing amazing things in terms of architecture and biophilic design, and some places in Europe are even more advanced than the US in ensuring that homes getting sold are more energy-efficient.  Have a great green day! Links and resources: Workshop - Sell Value of Green Homes and Features: https://greenhomecoach.com/how-to-sell-the-value-of-green-homes-and-features/ Realty Sage  Realty Sage Pros  Ashley Rose Sacred Spaces  Eco E-book from Ashley Rose  This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself.

Have you read about the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the news over the last six to eight months? The Inflation Reduction Act was passed to help combat climate change, upgrade electrification, and move people toward new technologies in their homes and businesses. It is a big piece of work that applies to almost all of us because a large part has to do with our homes. So, what can we do to improve our homes, and how can we be assisted in paying for them? I have two wonderful guests with me to walk us through their experiences and help answer those questions! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, Brett Vredevoogd from Eco Equity Real Estate and Pamela Brookstein from Elevate Energy join me on the podcast to talk about the Inflation Reduction Act and how we can use certifications and energy efficiency to improve the homes we buy and sell. Brett Vredevoogd Brett is a realtor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He focuses on helping eco-conscious homeowners increase energy efficiency and maximize their home equity. Pamela Brookstein Pamela works for Elevate, a non-profit based in Chicago. They work nationally, designing and implementing energy efficiency programs. They focus on reaching anyone who could benefit from energy efficiency and cleaner home upgrades. Assistance for low to moderate-income housing Pamela believes that the Inflation Reduction Act will rectify many of the wrongs that have happened in the past. It will provide assistance for all homeowners to improve the experience they have in their homes and reap the benefits of energy efficiency, cleaner indoor air, and lower utility costs. The value of energy efficiency Brett works primarily with existing homes. At this point, he focuses on getting as much data as possible on the MLS about the energy-efficient aspects of homes and educating all the players in the industry about the value of energy efficiency. Understanding how people feel about energy certification Brett and Pamela work together to understand how people feel about energy certification and its effect on market value. Brett has had favorable responses from sellers and buyers after seeing what homeowners have done to make their houses healthier and more energy efficient. Pamela's classes Pamela teaches two classes. One is on solar, and the other is on high-performing homes. An entire module focuses on setting agents and sellers up for a good appraisal. Appraisers Appraisers have started going to Pamela's classes. They have been asking her to meet them at the houses to tell the story of what makes those houses so special. Having all that data upfront makes things much easier for them when an appraisal gets contested. A checklist Brett feels that a checklist will make it much easier to prove that a house is more energy-efficient than all the other stock in a particular neighborhood. Pearl Certification Pearl Certification has a practical and light-hearted approach to explaining things to professionals and home buyers. Brett found them about four years ago. He has been using them because they do an excellent job of providing potential buyers with a client-facing report that quickly lays down all the logistics of why a house is more efficient than most other stock in a given area. The magic of certification Home buyers appreciate the third-party certification because most people don't fully understand the range of benefits of an energy-efficient house. So they want a third-party certification to prove that the house is truly energy-efficient. An overview of the Inflation Reduction Act 4.3 billion dollars will come in over the next ten years, by way of tax rebates and programs to improve the existing housing stock. That money will go a long way in helping to change people's lives and their experiences in their homes. There is a strong emphasis on upgrading electrification. Money has been allocated for training energy assessors, and there is a tax incentive for having an energy assessment done. The idea is to remove all gas appliances from homes, so there will also be rebates for everything electric. Rewiring America Rewiring America has a website that lays out the available tax rebates and incentives. Reducing costs The Inflation Reduction Act will reduce or eliminate costs for low and moderate-income homeowners. The benefits of certified energy-efficient homes They are well-built They are well-maintained They are resilient They have many high-performing assets They get a good return on investment when sold Resources Green Home Coach Workshop - How to Sell the Value of Green Homes and Features  Eco Equity Real Estate Elevate Energy Value for High Performing Homes Elevate Energy Education for Real Estate Agents  Rewiring America - more details on IRA 2022 Tax Rebates  Pearl Certification IRA Information  Home Performance Counts  GHC Trusted Partners

Many different aspects of our homes may impact our health and well-being and the ease with which we can maintain our homes.  Something I learned to take in hand during the pandemic was the filtration in my home. Filtration systems may vary, but they all serve the same purpose: To filter the air moving through the heating and cooling systems, making it cleaner and better to breathe.   I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, Gay Harris of Superior Air Quality and Green Screen Air Filters joins me to discuss better air quality for our homes.   Taking over the Green Screen Air Filter company Gay and her husband worked in construction on and off for years until seven years ago when they took over the Green Screen Air Filter company. After that, they continued doing home and garden shows as the original owners had done. They liked the product because it creates better airflow for filtration units and saves electricity.  Green Screen Air Filters The Green Screen Air Filter is a commercial-grade filter. It has been around since the 1950s, although not in the residential form. The main difference between Green Screen Air Filters and others is that all pleated filters collect dirt particles predominantly on one surface, so they quickly start restricting the airflow. Whereas the Green Screen is a one-inch fabric that layers the dirt according to the size of each particle. The Green Screen has hundreds of surfaces to collect the dirt particles, so it does not restrict the airflow. Allergies Gay and her husband suffered from severe allergies when they first heard about the Green Screen Air Filters. When they started using them in their home, they began getting better and better each year and using fewer and fewer allergy medications. They no longer need to use allergy medications, so they know it works!  Cabin air filters Most cars have odors, so Superior Air Quality supplies cabin air filters cut to specific sizes for different types of vehicles.  Setting up and replacing air filters Gay and her husband help their customers figure out all they need to know about setting their air filters up and how often they should get replaced.  RV filters Those living in RVs want to make sure that less dust gets inside. Green Screen Air Filters keep the dust out of RVs and ensure the air conditioning units stay clean. Custom All Green Screen filters, frames, and grids are customized and cut to fit any specific size. No risk The Green Screen Air Filter technology and design ensures there is no risk of slowing air conditioning systems down or causing them to burn out. The importance of air quality  Air quality is extremely important because it directly impacts our health and well-being. According to the EPA, indoor air quality could be up to seventy times worse than the outside air. That's why good filtration is essential to ensure optimum indoor air quality. Purifiers Purifiers are an important addition to indoor air filters. Different options are available, many of which are inferior, so Gay is happy to talk to anyone looking to find out more about them. MERV rating The home building and home maintenance industries are fraught with variables. So they tend to cling to products that work. Many heating and cooling companies are unfamiliar with Green Screen Air Filters, and that's why Gay has a MERV rating equivalency on the Green Screen Air Filters.  The ASHRAE Test The MERV rating helps in general. However, it only shows the number of particles collected and says nothing about the airflow. The ASHRAE Test has taught Gay about airflow, so that's how she knows that the Green Screen Air Filters are amazing and provide way better airflow than any other filter! A tip Turn the thermostat fan from auto to on between dinner and bedtime and back to automatic again when you go to bed to filter the evening air and keep all the pollens out. Have a great green day! Links and resources: www.GreenScreenAirFilter.com COUPON CODE GreenHomeCoach The Green Screen Air Filter (MERV 11) Marla and Scott use in their home  What Makes the Green Screen Different? Green Screen, GHC Trusted Brand  Past EGH Episode Green Screen Air Filters with Gay Harris  Learn more in my book, Living Green Effortlessly, Simple Choices for a Better Home  Ask your questions on the Love Your Everyday Green Home Private Facebook Group   

What is the green home industry? If you'd like to learn more about it, find out how to connect with people within it, and get to know about all the new things coming out in it, you're in the right place because you will hear all of that today!  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I am excited to have Allison Friedman from Rate It Green with me today to talk about all the wonderful work she is doing! I love what Allison has built by tying her product, company, and service together!  Rate It Green Rate It Green is an open directory network for the green building industry or anyone interested in green building, from beginners to experts, including trade professionals, consumers, and advanced DIY-ers. They are both residential and commercial and have individual members, as well as organizational and company members. The aim is to get people together to shorten the learning curve by engaging, collaborating, sharing information online, and talking about their experiences building sustainable and healthier places to live. It's all connected People are finally beginning to understand that health, sustainability, and living better lives are all connected. It is a learning process, and we all need to know that we are not alone and can help each other. Where it all started for Allison It all started in 2006 when Allison decided to renovate her home. It did not start out as a green project, and she made several mistakes along the way. She learned that it is hard to renovate sustainably while learning on the job- particularly back when it was hard to find any information on sustainable building practices. A learning process  Renovating her home was a learning process for Allison. If she had known when she started the project what she now knows, she would not have done it. However, she hopes all she has done and is still doing make her the best steward for building green homes. The future Allison is optimistic about everyone living healthier and more sustainably in the future, but moving the needle has been more difficult than was predicted. Sharing information    Allison would like to make the experience of sharing information online more human. However, she still prefers to engage with people and share information in person whenever possible. Sharing her journey Allison would like to use her resource to share her journey with others. She would like to talk more about improving indoor air quality, reducing the energy load, having clean water, and the things we are unaware of that could endanger us or cause health problems. Health and energy assessments The Inflation Reduction Act requires energy audits and assessments for some rebates. Unfortunately, there are very few companies doing those assessments. Free energy audits are available in Massachusetts.  Tighter homes and indoor air quality People have been getting excited about energy efficiency over the last few decades. Many have been tightening up their homes and learning to make do using less energy. As a result, better indoor air quality management is necessary to avoid any health risks associated with air pollutants getting trapped inside tighter homes.  Advancing indoor air quality systems Advancing indoor air quality systems happens on a level above the regular kind of energy audit, and Allison is working toward finding that. Initial energy assessments For an initial assessment, find someone with either a BPI or a HERS certification. Many utilities also offer some type of energy assessment, but they tend to vary from municipality to municipality or state to state. You can also go to www.energystar.gov  and www.energy.gov to learn more and find resources. Content Rate It Green has five key types of content: Discussions Groups Articles News Open Events Calendar Feedback and member content Rate It Green is a member-driven community that depends on member content and questions to thrive. So they like to know which features, information, and resources the members want.  How to get started on Rate It Green To get started on Rate It Green, go to www.rateitgreen.com and click “Join the Community”. Have a great green day! Links: Rate It Green website  Email Allison at afriedman@rateitgreen.com Rate It Green on Twitter @rateitgreen (Twitter) Rate It Green on Facebook  Rate It Green on LinkedIn  Email Allison at afriedman@rateitgreen.com    Allison on LinkedIn

Plastic is a wicked problem! We are finding bits of it everywhere! Plastic was a great invention. It has become an integral part of our convenience lifestyle, so we can't seem to do without it. But it is filling our landfills and oceans, and we even find it in our food and water!  It was exciting when plastic soda bottles came out because they were light and did not break. Since then, however, plastic has gone in unanticipated directions.  So what can we do now? I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today I am super excited to have my son, Trent, joining me on the podcast to explain how he uses recycled plastic to make filament for 3-D printing and talk about recycling different types of plastic. Circular solutions Trent is the co-founder of a St. Louis-based company called Printerior Designs. They focus on creating circular solutions for the industry by turning recycled plastics into 3-D printing filaments that can get used for creating new objects. They have developed three types of materials that have impacted the waste created in the industry, and they hope to continue reducing the enormous amount of waste the industry creates.  Plastic lasts  Plastic lasts for a long time. It does not deteriorate, and it does not biodegrade. We find it everywhere because it is lightweight and convenient. It does not break. It can easily be formed into any shape, and it costs much less than many other materials.   Versatility Plastic is versatile and useful. So billion-dollar corporations continue researching and finding innovative ways to create new types of it.  Single-use items  Items like plastic grocery bags, water bottles, and straws are all wasteful because they only get used once before we throw them away. Then they last an extremely long time in a landfill! There are two main kinds of plastics: Thermoset Plastics – They never break down Thermoplastics – They break down and can be recycled Thermoset plastics The use of thermoset plastics has decreased drastically over the last twenty years or so. There is something in them that can get reused, but we still need to figure out how to do it.  Recycling different types of plastic Five of the seven most commonly-used plastics are easy to recycle. However, there are many different ways that each type of plastic gets formulated for specific applications. That makes it very hard for recyclers because each formulation within the same category of plastic has to be recycled separately.  Polypropylene plastics (PP Plastics) Hundreds of different types of polypropylene get manufactured because companies require different formulations to fit their specific applications.  A vast array of different plastics There is a vast array of different plastics. That causes problems for companies like Printerior because their machines can recycle some formulations but not others.  TerraCycle  TerraCycle is a company that has been researching hard-to-recycle materials. It is one of the few companies in the US that tries to recycle 3-D print filament. You can pay them to send you recycling boxes for specific categories of materials, like candy wrappers or lipstick tubes. Some vendors may even sponsor recycling boxes for their products! Pay attention We need to pay attention when recycling. If we put all our plastics together in one bag before putting them in a recycling bin, those items will likely end up in a landfill since the plastic, a film rather than a solid, cannot get processed by most single stream recyclers. Making it easier for recyclers Only about 9% of all the items intended for recycling get recycled. Certain municipalities still allow items for recycling to get sorted and separated. That makes things a lot easier for recyclers and increases the amount of recycling! The future In the future, recycling may get done chemically rather than mechanically. Recycling plants Some recycling plants use high-end robotics to do their sorting. But many still use basic machines and rely on people to sort things by hand. Single-use plastic Many people prefer to buy items with less packaging because a lot of single-use plastic gets used for packaging that just goes to waste. From industrial waste to high-value products Industry produces a lot of plastic waste! At Printerior, they use clean industrial waste PLA and PETG plastics to produce their 3-D print filaments. That helps them know what they are working with, have a clean stream, and create a high-value product!  Post-consumer plastic They are moving toward using post-consumer plastic and turning it into new items. They are currently doing some tests and preparing to launch their new material.  Who Printerior work with Printerior works with consumer waste. They collect waste from hobbyists, school districts, universities, and maker spaces, process it, and turn it into high-quality 3-D filament. A first  When their new product comes out, Printerior will be the first company in the 3-D printing world to bring filament made from recycled post-consumer plastics to market. They are also about to launch several other first-to-market post-industrial materials. PLA Most people use PLA filament for their 3-D printers. PLA is a recyclable bioplastic that is usually made from corn. Most compostable single-use utensils and food trays get made from PLA. Printerior currently uses industrial waste from the companies producing those items. They are working towards using post-consumer items as well.  What you can do to help with the plastic problem Use less single-use packaging Use more reusable items Recycle what you can Buy items made from recycled materials Something to look out for  Don't fall for marketing schemes that say items are “recyclable” rather than “recycled”.  Ways to recycle Go to the website of your local municipality and look up the best ways to recycle for their facilities. Many municipalities also have drop-off locations. Those locations are usually where most recycling happens. Have a great green day!   Links About Printerior Designs   https://printeriordesigns.com/ Use code GreenHomeCoach for 10% off your first order. Recycling plastic is practically impossible — and the problem is getting worse  Recycling 101 from Waste Management What is Plastic Recycling and How to Recycle Plastic  7 Types of Plastic That Are Most Common  Addressing the (sic Waste) Problem  Managing Waste from GreenBiz

We are facing so many challenges in the labor and workforce and the construction industry right now, and people want to know why there aren't more women employed in construction, the home-building industry, and the skilled trades.  I am a huge advocate for workforce development, women in construction, and women in the skilled trades, and I have come up with a solution! It's a phenomenal project called The House That She Built. I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! I have Natalie Miles joining me today to discuss The House That She Built project and why it is so important, and explain how you can learn more about it. Professional Women in Building Natalie is a member of Professional Women in Building (PWB) and part of the council in Utah. She jumped on board after being invited to a kick-off event and meeting all the amazing women who worked in different areas of construction. About Natalie Natalie grew up in construction. After having her kids, she started a home staging company. Her customers often asked for her advice on various aspects of their homes. That motivated her to become a new construction designer. So she sold her home staging business about ten years ago and went into designing new construction full-time. Now, she works exclusively for a builder, doing their designs and managing their projects. Last spring, she became a general contractor. Learning on-site Natalie did not learn anything about the work she does at school. She took it upon herself to learn everything while she was working on-site. The House That She Built The goal of Utah Professional Women in Building was to get more women into construction. So they decided to start a scholarship fund to encourage girls to get into construction work. As a fundraiser, they decided to have a house built entirely by girls. That was how the concept for The House That She Built was born.  A non-profit Natalie went all-in, volunteered to be the materials coordinator, and managed to get almost all the materials for the project donated! They operated as a non-profit, and the money they made from The House That She Built project got used to create their scholarship fund. An incredible experience It was an incredible experience for all the Utah members of PWB to be involved in the House That She Built project and learn all the new skills that the project required! About 100 women worked on the house. They had skilled women from all over the US joining them. By the end of the project, they had all formed a lasting bond as a sisterhood!  The time-frame It took about two years to coordinate the project before they started breaking ground. Then it took them less than a year to complete the construction. It was a challenging project, but they were successful! Designers Many designers were working on the house, so they divided the home into various spaces and allocated each area to a different designer. In the end, all the design aspects flowed together beautifully! Healthy practices They built the house using many practices required for healthier and better homes! Impressive women In the garage, they created a collage of all the photos of the women working on the house. That impressed the younger generation who came to see the house after the construction had been completed! A children's book Mollie Elkman was so impressed after seeing the house that she wrote a children's picture book called The House That She Built! Girl Scouts Natalie and another designer went to a Girl Scouts troop meeting to read The House That She Built picture book, speak about construction, and help the girls build some birdhouses. Afterward, the girls posted pictures on social media, and the next day, Natalie had about 30 Girl Scout troops asking her to do the same thing!  Girl Scouts can now earn a patch for The House That She Built! Changing the face of construction The Utah PWB successfully created a significant scholarship fund that will expose many women to the skilled trades. They hope to inspire other PWBs to start similar projects across the nation. In doing that, they hope to change the face of construction!  Have a great green day!   Links and resources: The House That She Built - Utah PWB  The House That She Built Book  Meet the Real-Life Women from The House That She Built  The House That She Built Girl Scout Patch  The House That She Built on Instagram

Wicked problems have been a huge part of our lives! Most of us know that the housing market has been a little crazy for the past few years. Some of that has been due to wicked problems like labor shortages, supply chain issues, and even land shortages in many parts of the country.   The labor shortage has been of interest to many people, me and my guest co-host for today included. So, we decided to do something about it!  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today I am joined by Will Blake, of Vesta Foundation Solutions in Oklahoma City. Will and I have worked together on several projects.  Today, we are talking about workforce development, particularly in the building industry and skilled trades.  Plumbers Lately, it could take weeks or even months to get a plumber to come out unless it's an emergency, and you are willing to pay double.  A cascading labor shortage The labor shortage in the new build and remodeling industry is cascading! That's because there aren't enough people in the trades, especially the licensed trades.  Licensed trades  We are greying out in the licensed trades. That means that those who have been trained to become the backbone of the industry are retiring. So, why are there no people behind them as they choose to move on with their lives? A shrinking workforce Will's construction company specializes in an unlicenced trade, and even so, they are still experiencing issues with supplies, rising costs, and a shrinking workforce.  Three categories Most people we converse with fit into one of three categories: Nobody wants to work in this category. (This is the largest category.) People in this category are trying to identify generational workplace inequalities or issues with safety, diversity, and inclusion.  People in this category want to know what we are going to do about the situation. (This is the smallest category. Will and I fit in here.) 2025 Almost 20% of our workforce will be aging out by 2025. Many of them will be taking all their knowledge, wisdom, hard skills, operational knowledge, and understanding of vendor relationships with them. Nearly 12% will come in to replace them, but that will be spread across all industries. Additional issues We did not get the population increase we were hoping for after Covid. Closing the borders and slowing down the movement of migrant workers into the country has also added to the problem of not being able to build enough houses. Technology Technology can provide some innovative new housing solutions, but there are still many missing pieces, and technology will not solve the hands-on labor problem. A difficult business Construction is a difficult business. 50% of businesses go out of business in the first five years. But in construction, it happens with 75% of businesses. Purpose Will's company does foundation repair, concrete lifting, wood floor system repair, crawl spaces, and drainage. As a company, they tie its purpose back to the concept of the broken window theory, which is all about caring for infrastructure. So even if their efforts do not directly help the company, they are meant to indirectly support the industry and fix the problem with staffing, supply chain issues, etc. No one to do repairs If no people are available to do the necessary repairs to our homes and businesses, it means that either they won't get done, or the homeowner will have to DIY them. What is the problem? The message for getting people into the construction trade has either been lost or skewed dramatically. Schoolchildren are encouraged to go to college rather than explore careers in the trades even though many people in the trades are earning a lot more than their college counterparts. Build My Future Build My Future OKC is an event put on by the Central OKlahoma Association of Home Builders and it's Professional Women in Building Council. It is a one-day hands-on interactive construction career fair. When I moved back to Oklahoma City from St. Louis, and we got Professional Women in Building going again after being dormant, I told the other members about Build My Future and suggested we make it our signature project. They all agreed. Currently, there are between 25 and 30 Build My Futures taking place across the country to help young people learn about careers in the skilled trades and building industry. Build My Future Build My Future is an event put on by the National Association of Homebuilders. The events are one-day hands-on interactive construction career fairs. When I moved back to Oklahoma City from St. Louis, and we got Professional Women in Building going again after being dormant, I told the other members about Build My Future and suggested we make it our signature project. They all agreed. Currently, there are between 25 and 30 Build My Futures taking place across the country to help young people learn about careers in the skilled trades and building industry.  Interesting career opportunities There are some exciting and fulfilling career opportunities within the skilled trades, from marketing to sales to administrative to the production side to manufacturing, that provide a great living above the national average without any student debt loans. Go younger One thing that has come up is that we need to go younger because high school students pick a track to follow in the eighth grade. A week-long camp A group of like-minded construction business owners suggested doing a week-long free camp, Construct My Future, to allow kids to learn about various things they can do in the trades. Although they had good intentions and good support initially, things only worked out when they started focusing on seventh and eighth graders rather than high school students. The seventh and eighth graders were very engaged, and their parents also got involved.  Great possibilities A big part of our mission with the Build My Future and Construct My Future programs is to help more people- especially teachers and parents, understand the great possibilities in the skilled trades industry. Will's advice The world is full of opportunities. Will suggests that young people keep an open mind to learning a specialty skill that will be useful everywhere and give a lot of value.   Have a wonderful October and Careers in Construction Month!   Resources Careers in Construction Trades  Careers in Construction Month Toolkit  Build My Future OKC  Build My Future - Get Involved  Build My Future Trainings and Resources  Construct My Future Camp  3 Reasons Workforce Development is Now a (Big) Part of My Work   

Eco-renovate is a term a business friend coined while doing a project on a historical building in Chicago, Illinois.  We all have the opportunity to up-level our home, a home we are buying, or homes we are selling. There is so much we can do to improve our health and that of the world while we make our homes a whole lot better! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! I'm thrilled to have Sheridan Foster joining me today to talk about the cool eco-renovation project she and her team did in the historic Chicago building!  Starting EcoRenovate Starting EcoRenovate was a big deal for Elemental Green because it was the first renovation they ever took on from start to finish. It involved a lot of learning and many interesting insights. It allowed them to expand their focus and look beyond the materials used for the building and the furnishings they brought in. The historical Chicago building The striking historic modernist building is near the Chicago University campus in the Hyde Park neighborhood. I.M. Pei and Araldo Cossutta designed it, and it was built in 1961. It was built as apartments and is now condominiums. The building has curtain walls and big, beautiful windows with delicate arches. It has been registered on the national register of historic places.  An opportunity During Covid, Sheridan saw an opportunity to renovate one of the top-floor corner units in the building. So she decided to jump in with EcoRenovate and see what she could do with the space. Staying true to the design Sheridan wanted to stay true to the original design. So she and her team decided to keep existing architectural elements and update and modernize the condominium. The kitchen They decided to start with the tiny, closed-off kitchen and tie it in with the rest of the condo. They took down part of two of the walls to connect the kitchen with the main living area.  The bathroom The bathroom still had all the original quirky and charming fixtures. They had to change the wall tiles because they were plain and not very nice. But the floor tiles were lovely, so they retained them.   Color Color affects our moods and energy levels, so Sheridan and her team deliberately added pops of color to the space. The view of Lake Michigan inspired them, so they brought lots of blue into the interior space. Eco-friendly building practices To ensure they were not compromising the eco-friendly building practices, they judged everything they brought in, from building materials to furnishings, against the standards of what makes a good and sustainable product.  Mindful and eco-friendly building practices Refusing to compromise enabled them to identify some great companies to work with that used eco-friendly products, treated their employees fairly, and used mindful and eco-friendly building practices. Circularity They evaluated everything they did against the concept of circularity and focused on assessing the impact of all the materials used to ensure that they were making things better rather than worse for the planet. Making the connection   People are starting to make the connection between their personal health and the health of the world at large. Paint Sheridan repainted everything in the condo using paint from a company called Recolor. Recolor is a woman-led company looking to solve the problem of waste paint because paint is toxic, so it cannot get thrown away in the garbage. Recolor filters and reprocesses leftover paint so that it can be reused. As a result of the reprocessing, Recolor's paint is lower in VOCs than regular paint. It is available from Amazon or through Habitat for Humanity stores in a range of colors.  Sheridan's favorite part The part of the renovation Sheridan enjoyed most was re-doing the kitchen with hand-made and hand-painted tiles from Fireclay Tile! They also put in bamboo plywood fronted cabinets and a large island workspace. Indoor air To improve indoor air quality, they put filters over all the vents. They also put Molekule air filters in all the rooms. (The Molekule is not just a filter. It uses electricity to destroy unwanted air particles.) Taking on a renovation Taking on a renovation may seem overwhelming, but it will feel great once you have accomplished your goal! Sheridan points out that it is vital to keep your goals for the project in mind when looking for the right products.  Have a great green day!   Links and resources: EGH Earlier Episode with Sheridan  Elemental Green  Affordable Green Homes Hub  Video Interview Buy stuff for your home curated by Marla  #ECORENOVATE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO AN ARCHITECTURAL ICON  #ECORENOVATE GUIDE TO SELECTING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS  #ECORENOVATE REVEAL: AN ECO-FRIENDLY BEDROOM DREAM #ECORENOVATE REVEAL: A SUSTAINABLE LIVING ROOM COMES TO LIFE  #ECORENOVATE REVEAL: SUSTAINABLE UPDATES TO A 1960S KITCHEN  #ECORENOVATE REVEAL: TWO BATHROOMS UNDERGO A GREEN MAKEOVER 

The term wicked problems describes some of today's most challenging social issues. Wicked problems require a reframing of success because they might never be fully solved. Success with wicked problems means having an impact on or making a difference toward improved outcomes and reduced risk. Today, we dive into the wicked problem of people-ism. I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! I am recording live at Shock City Studios with my co-host, Tony Pratte, today! People-ism  I recently found a book on Amazon called PEOPLEism: A Re-emergence in the Belief in People, A Chance to Humanize Ourselves Again. The notion of people-ism is central to many of the wicked problems we have been discussing on the show. Everything in nature is interconnected  As I learned more about nature, I discovered that all natural systems are interconnected. If, for example, I help save polar bears, it will also help save me and others.  Human welfare We all tend to be concerned about our welfare, how we will continue to thrive, and how we will survive any particular occurrence. Unfortunately, something that tends to get lost in that conversation is me caring about what is in it for you as well as for me.  Surviving and thriving as a collective It can be challenging for individuals or small groups of people to survive in our modern-day world. To thrive and survive as individuals, we need everyone to survive and thrive.  Our natural world affects us Our natural world affects us. Everything in nature is tied together, yet we tend not to talk much about the people aspect.  It's all about the people I realized that having a green or sustainable home that promotes better health and a better life is all about people. A home is really just a place to enhance people's living experience. Building a house When a house gets built, it is not just about the builder and the homeowner. There are also suppliers, neighbors, people in the subdivision, and others you may not even realize are stakeholders who have to consent to the project. Studies  There are studies on how people assess the companies with which they do business. A key indicator is how well the people within a company get treated. Fair wages and social justice get considered nowadays before people engage with a company. A shift The shift started with groups of people looking to companies to represent their values. As we began to experience the great resignation, companies' values became an even sharper area of focus. Why are people leaving companies? People feel comfortable now because money got pumped into the economy. People want flexibility. People prefer working from home. People who kept working during the pandemic saved money because there was nothing to spend it on. They can now afford to leave their positions. Some people feel it is just not worth working anymore. The younger generation is getting into a freelance mindset. So if something does not work out, they leave and go elsewhere. Fewer companies are offering benefits like pension schemes to anchor their people. Experience Lately, attracting employees has become more about the experience and less about money. Mental health Mental health has become part of the public conversation. People are paying more attention to their work-life balance and happiness quotient lately. Home The way people view their homes and what they require for their homes has shifted during the pandemic. Struggling to find workers Some of the places struggling to find workers include restaurants, retail, and essential services where people do not have the option to work from home. Many people in those industries jeopardize their health and safety to provide their services, so they feel it is not worth working there anymore. A new normal People must understand that the old normal does not align with the new normal. Grace and patience We need to practice patience and grace when dealing with people.  Thinking about others We need to think about others. Things that we think will affect just us do not. If, for example, we buy something unhealthy for us, the chances are that it was also unhealthy for those involved in producing it. Putting people first The notion of putting people first is hard. Putting people first has become even more challenging as our society has become more divisive, but we all need to do it anyway. A bigger conversation It can be harder to listen and be part of a larger conversation than to be right or have your way.  Acts of people-ism Putting your problems in front of you rather than between you and others is an act of people-ism. Another one would be to understand that there are many different points of view, and there are no absolutes.   Temper tantrums Lately, having public displays of temper tantrums has become normalized in places like restaurants. That is because people are focused on themselves and do not take the time to seek to understand the bigger picture related to the situation. Those tantrums also affect those to who they are directed and those who witness them. That is how the notion of people-ism came about for me. Empathy I am grateful for the empathy I developed during the pandemic because it enabled me to come from a gentler place when dealing with others. As a result, I have become a better mentor and coach. I sincerely hope that more of us will experience that too! Change Change is afoot! Change in the workplace usually starts with the new generation entering the workforce and then filters its way into the older generations. That is a good thing because everyone needs to learn to talk about things that make them feel uncomfortable.    How common purpose relates to people-ism We all have a purpose. When people who work together understand their purpose and understand how they can contribute to the overall purpose, that's people-ism! Have a great green day! Links and resources: What Makes a Green Home Green Audio Program Wicked Problem Definition  Helping People: The Living Well Toolkit with Tony Pratte  What Are We Afraid Of and What that Means for Corporate America, Blog from Shelton Group  A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World Science Moms On Climate Change — Now It's Personal! by Katharine Hayhoe

It can be hard to find good products that also have great packaging.  Several years ago, I started using a great set of products with amazing packaging that gets specially delivered.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I have Lindsey McCoy from Plaine Products joining me today! Plaine Products is a company with a unique delivery system for sustainably packaged vegan bath and body products! Plaine Products  Lindsey and her sister started Plaine Products in 2017.   About Lindsey Growing up, Lindsey wanted to save the planet. Back then, business was not the way to do it, so she joined the non-profit world and spent the next twenty years working at various non-profits.  Environmental education Her last non-profit position was doing environmental education in the Bahamas. She was not an environmental expert at that point. She only knew what recycling was, and she had heard the term zero-waste before.  Plastic Lindsey spent time with many scientists and environmental experts on the island. While showing them around, she kept on seeing plastic piling up everywhere. She did not want to add to it. So she started using reusable bags and water bottles and tried to buy less.  Starting a company In May 2015, when she and her husband moved back to the US, Lindsey asked her sister to help her start a company to help people accumulate fewer plastic bottles. They launched their business in February of 2017. A subscription system Lindsey and her sister created a subscription system where they send out bottles of bath and body products with pumps. When their customers run low, they send out refill bottles. They pay for the return of the empty bottles, which they then wash and reuse. Finding the right manufacturer Lindsey's sister is picky, so she made Lindsey go through several manufacturers before they found one they both liked.  Ingredients They had to learn a lot about ingredients! They settled on using only clean vegan beauty ingredients in all their products. Before that, Lindsey had no idea how bad most of the bath and body products she used were or what was in them.   Connection Many people tend to miss the connection between their health and the health of our world. Poor communities The plastic problem is worse than we realize. Most plastic gets recycled in places with poor communities. The people living there have to breathe toxic air and plastic fumes.  We have a choice Many people know that plastic can be bad for their health. Yet they continue to use it because it is so convenient. Fortunately, we have a choice. Even though millions of dollars have been spent convincing us that we should value convenience above all else, we can still decide how we want to live. Reducing waste  There are many solutions out there for reducing the amount of waste that gets produced. Word of mouth Hearing from someone you trust has been proven to be the best recommendation for trying new products. Hopefully, people will also learn from others how to make more mindful decisions. Why is there so much plastic? Plastic is a by-product of fossil fuels and is very cheap to produce. In the US, fossil fuels are subsidized. That makes plastic even less costly to produce.  Plastic has many good qualities. It is indestructible, durable, and can get molded into any shape. Still, it does not make sense to use something that lasts for hundreds of years for five minutes and then throw it away.  Cancer Plastic is one of the first things most people with cancer eliminate from their lives because there are too many health questions surrounding it that are just not worth asking. Recycling plastic Plastics can get recycled, but the process is complicated. One of the biggest problems is that most cities do not have the facilities to recycle more complex types of plastic. Metal Metals are infinitely recyclable. That means that the aluminum bottles used by Plaine Products never need to be thrown away.  The Plaine Products system Plaine Products has a circular approach. They try to create as little waste as possible in every aspect. After making something, they send it out to be used. Then the packaging gets returned to be washed, refilled, and reused. Even their cardboard boxes were designed to be reused many times over.  No perfect solution There is no perfect solution to the plastic problem. Lindsey gets frustrated with organizational nit-picking and finds the term zero waste a little intimidating. She prefers to simply do the best she can with whatever comes up each day. Their products  Plaine Products strives to make fewer products that can do lots of different things. All their products are chemical-free, so they are safe for everyone to use, including children. The products are all aloe-based and super-thick. You only need to use very little, so they last for ages! New products At Plaine Products, they do their best to respond to whatever people ask for without creating any extra items to be thrown away. Lately, they have been embracing more hair products. Their newest products are a deep hair conditioner and a styling gel, and they will soon be adding a scented handwash. Environmentally friendly products Environmentally friendly products have come a long way! There are some excellent products available today. Remember that by supporting businesses that support your values, you are helping support our planet for the future!  Have a great green day!   Links and resources:   Links and resources: Plaine Products COUPON CODE GreenHomeCoach Plaine Products - GHC Trusted Brand  Sustainable Products and Packaging  Circular Economy, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Designing Out Plastic Pollution  Hear Lindsey's first podcast episode on the Green Coach Show   Recommended book: Cancer as a Wake-Up Call by M. Laura Nasi

The term “wicked problems” describes some of the most challenging social issues of this time. Those problems require a reassessment of success because being successful with wicked problems means making a difference toward them or influencing improved results and diminished risk, even though the problem may never be fully solved. Consumerism, or focusing on economic improvement based on things people buy, could be another wicked problem.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! My co-host Tony Pratte and I are recording live today at Shock City Studios in downtown St. Louis Missouri! Challenges Many challenges and issues are tied to the topic of consumerism. Consumerism and waste  One reason consumerism is problematic is that our focus on buying things leads to large amounts of waste. Creating those products also speeds up the use of our natural resources. Retail in Oklahoma City I recently read an article about the glory of retail in Oklahoma City, a city dependent on the sales tax generated by the sale of goods. That made me wonder if the same thing happens in other places too, and whether that drives the push for people to keep on buying things.   Municipalities Each municipality has its source of income that gets written into the by-laws, and the local city governments determine how those funds get used. Property tax Part of the property tax charged by municipalities goes to the fire and police districts, and some of it goes to the county for infrastructures like parks, forests, and museums.   Stuff People tend to use a lot more stuff today than they did in my mother and grandmother's time.  My parents and grandparents My grandmother grew up in the depression, so she had a waste not, want not mentality. My parents grew up during World War 2 and were teenagers in the 1950s. So they went from a scarcity of materials to a booming economy in the next decade where money and products were abundantly available.  The economy The economy was put back on track in the 1950s by pumping money into manufacturing goods and creating jobs for the soldiers returning from the war.  Plastic We were excited when soda came out in plastic bottles because they did not break. At the time, we had no idea of the impact it would have, and how that convenience would later merge with consumerism.  Two kinds of companies A marketing theory asserts that two kinds of companies exist. One notices a need and develops a product or service to solve it. The other develops a product or service and then creates a need for it. Convenience In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a growing feeling of coming of age because of all the new products and innovations that were coming out, and people thought they needed those things to have a good life. As life began to speed up in the following decades, people thought they needed more convenience items. Innovations It takes time for society to evolve. Most of the innovations between the 19th and 20th centuries showed up toward the end of the 20th century. Today, innovations are happening all the time.  Overload There are so many more product choices available today than we need. I prefer smaller local grocery stores with fewer items to choose from. Costs Many unseen costs are associated with everything we buy. Circle  Today, companies should use a circular rather than a linear way of thinking when looking at the things they produce.  Responsibility We are slowly changing from a linear economy to a circular economy. A circular economy means you remain responsible for the products you have produced throughout the life cycle. Nature Everything in nature is used. Nothing gets wasted. We can use a similar life-cycle assessment for things we produce. Generations  It's interesting to see how differently younger generations look at things. There seems to be less emphasis on stuff with younger people.  The experience There currently seems to be less emphasis on things and more on the experience. A simpler life Living a simpler life with fewer things to maintain leaves you with much more time to do the things you want. Flaws in the system The toilet paper shortage during the pandemic exposed some major flaws in our system. Psychology Consumerism was built on psychology and the understanding of human behavior. The psychology behind buying things is immense!  Economic wellbeing The amount of stuff people buy is a measure of our economic wellbeing. That will need to change going forward.  A solution We need a solution that does not rely on things being produced, sold, and disposed of but still encourages economic growth. Things changed In the 50s and 60s, things were produced locally and built to last. Jobs got produced around the repair and maintenance of those things. In the 70s and 80s, more imported goods became available that were cheaper, did not last as long, and could not be repaired. Even though those goods cost to buy in the short term, they ended up costing more in the long term because they had to be replaced- often several times. A shift Many wicked problems stem from short-term thinking. We need to shift from short-term thinking to long-term thinking. We also need to understand the unintended consequences and trade-offs of every decision. A new normal During the pandemic, when things were in short supply, people were happy to substitute one thing for another. Now, many people have gone back to wanting what they want again without understanding that they are not in alignment with the new normal.  Be mindful I urge you to be mindful about the things you use and buy and only use what you need.  Have a great green day!   Links and resources: EGH Shop  Trusted Partners  The 4th R - Refuse  Shop Your Values  Right to Repair  Good Better Best: Cutting Your Consumer Carbon Footprint  Right to Repair Revisited Flushing Trees Down the Toilet  Study.com

There are so many different products to choose from for our homes, well-being, and personal care that it is often really hard to figure out which products are better for our health and wellness, are longer lasting, more durable, and do what they are meant to do.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I'm doing a solo episode to share my thoughts on selecting the best products and materials to bring into your home. Much of the work I do involves helping people understand the specifications for products and materials, find what will work best for them, and provide them with the necessary health and wellness benefits when they do a design, remodel, or big build project.  A health and wellness remodel in our kitchen My husband and I recently did a small remodel in our kitchen. We called it a health and wellness remodel because the kitchen was small, and we wanted to make it spacious enough for us to cook together. Home repairs We also had some significant cracks in our dry walls, so we called in several professionals to take a look. One of them thought there might be a crack in the concrete slab under the floor too- and he was right! So, we had that fixed and replaced floor. Materials  Our designer was Christy Howell from CRH Design Build in Oklahoma City. After she set out how everything would look, we had to select the materials.  Limitations We ran into some limitations with supply chain shortages and had to make some trade-offs. Going through that process helped me understand things from the client's perspective! Green labels Green labels give an independent third-party verification for products that have been researched and tested. I advocate for using trusted green labels when selecting materials or products for your home or the homes you are building or remodeling.  Goals Start your remodel by considering your goals and laying out what works.  Choosing materials that worked for us For our home remodel, we wanted to use durable materials that would work well together and did not off-gas. We chose quartz countertops, and even though we had to do some trade-offs, we eventually found a flooring product we felt good about that worked for us. We also used tiles made with a lead-free glaze and zero-VOC paint for the walls and cabinets. (Unfortunately, we had to use a high-VOC primer to make the cabinets more durable.) We learned a lot from the process! The Everyday Green Home Shop The shop on Everyday Green Home is divided into many different categories. Most of us have an established relationship with Amazon, so all the products in the shop are sourced from Amazon. There is even a go-green edition of the Monopoly game available there! Affiliate programs and brands We have had direct affiliate relationships with several companies, and those affiliate programs are all still there. We are excited to have added some new affiliate partners too, and we hope to add a few more by the end of the year. We will also add the products we like to use ourselves, in our homes and daily lives, to the trusted partners and brands category. Imperfect Foods Imperfect Foods is a company that helps people avoid and fight food waste by repackaging and selling ugly produce and surplus foods at affordable prices. Most of their food is sourced sustainably. All the packaging is recyclable, and the food gets delivered right to your door. Rothy's shoes  Rothy's shoes are made from recycled plastic bottles. They are super comfortable and have arch support! They are also washable.  Oka-B Shoes Oka-B shoes are manufactured by a woman-owned company in Georgia. They are made from plant-based plastic and are recyclable. They are very comfortable with arch support.   Inventive ways to use resources I love seeing the inventive ways in which people use the resources we already have in a new way! My son and his business partner have a company in St. Louis, Missouri, called Printerior Designs. They make filaments for 3-D printers from recycled plastic, and they also have a print farm that is growing steadily. I am super proud of him! Small businesses Many of us own small businesses, and we like to help one another out. I love finding products that support the cause and help other small businesses!  Trusted partners and brands Partners are vital for reaching enough people, so I started building a network of businesses with which I had previously collaborated or shared content. I created a trusted partners and brands page on the Green Home Coach website so that we could all share our audiences and knowledge and make the network more official. I am very excited to finally get it off the ground and have the opportunity to share the word and pay things forward with the trusted partners and brands page!  I encourage all listeners to try some of the new companies, products, and new ways of thinking! Have a great green day!    Links Green Home Coach Trusted Partners and Brands Everyday Green Home Shop  The Truth About Green Product Labels Who Gives a Crap TP  Imperfect Foods Ask your questions on the Love Your Everyday Green Home Private Facebook Group

We have some tremendous wicked problems in our society right now! Wicked problems are how we describe some of today's most challenging social issues. They call for us to reframe our notion of success because they may never get fully solved. Being successful with wicked problems means making a difference toward them, improving the outcomes, or reducing the risk.  Today, we are diving into the wicked problem of infrastructure.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! My co-host, Tony Pratte, and I are recording live at Shock City Studios in St. Louis, Missouri! Infrastructure Infrastructure is critical to our growth and progress as a society and how we transport water, people, and things. Newer cities in the US tend to have fewer problems with their infrastructure than some of the older cities in the eastern part of the country. Old cities St. Louis is one of the oldest cities in the United States. In most of the world's older cities, we find bits and pieces that show us aspects of what the infrastructure used to be like in the past.  St. Louis  Many things come into play in St. Louis. It was founded in 1764, so it was around even before the United States of America. It is situated where east meets west in the United States and still holds that heritage. It also has different weather and cultural patterns. The infrastructure of St. Louis Parts of the infrastructure of St. Louis date back to 1764, and we don't even know where much of it is. Several years ago, the foundation for a new high-rise got dug in the central-west end of the city, and they had to stop when they came across a hundred-plus-year-old water shoreline that nobody knew anything about. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act  The infrastructure needed to run our country and the built environment are very tightly linked. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is being looked at right now. There has been a lot of discussion about what infrastructure entails. Some interpretations are that infrastructure includes roads, buildings, the electric grid, and the services that enable people to connect and cities to work.  The infrastructure for a house The infrastructure required for a house is immense! It includes sewers, storm-water systems, the electrical grid, internet, cable, gas, roads, fire hydrants, water, and more. The entire home infrastructure gets attached to a regional infrastructure provided by a company or organization, and then that gets tied into the national infrastructure.  Three electric grids There are three electric grids in the United States. They are west of the Rockies, east of the Rockies, and in Texas. A lot of management goes on in the different power pools that most of us know nothing about!  Energy transitions Energy transitions need to happen slowly to avoid losing any potential generation.   Physical infrastructure Many discussions lately have been about how money gets allocated for building new physical infrastructure. Yet the existing infrastructure has not necessarily been well maintained. An example is the hundreds of bridges throughout the country that need repairs.  Political leaders One of the reasons our infrastructure has reached a point where so much is in disrepair is that our political leaders seem to find it better to build new infrastructure instead of repairing what we already have.  Revitalizing Oklahoma City Oklahoma City has a project to revitalize the city called the Maps Project. It is now in its fourth round.  Budget We need the budget to maintain everything that gets built in our cities. Campaigns to raise capital funds are possible, but not for operating expenses. How we fund projects, and stock prices, are both parts of the problem. Municipal meetings One solution is to go to municipal meetings and speak out about any repairs or maintenance that needs to get done. There are also open forums where citizens can hear about the plans, how the money gets allocated, and voice their opinions. Representatives  We have a strong we versus us mentality in this country, and we tend to see our government as separate from ourselves. We should realize that the people running our country are our representatives, not our leaders. Taking responsibility   We need to tie our personal experience into the responsibility of asking our government representatives to be accountable for the way our infrastructure gets maintained. That means we have to be persistent when we ask them to do something and let them know that we will only vote for them if they take full responsibility for everything that has to get done. Sustainability Sustainability means that we can move into the future.  Controlling the infrastructure Municipalities control much of our infrastructure daily, and organizations and companies control much of the infrastructure on a regional or national basis. Both of those matter, so they need to be addressed. They also need to connect. A master plan St. Louis municipalities need a master plan to speed up the creation of infrastructure for new developments and upgrade the existing infrastructure.  Three prominent issues We have three prominent issues with our infrastructure: Fixing what we already have. New structures need to get built better. We must think ahead about the additional infrastructure that we need to grow. Maintenance Maintenance is a crucial part of keeping anything built in the best possible shape. It is the same with infrastructure.  Get involved It can sometimes be hard to get involved with bigger issues. For many of us, it is easier to get involved locally, so show up at a city planning meeting. It will be worth showing up because your community and future may be affected. Have a great green day!   Links: What Makes a Green Home Green Audio Program Wicked Problem Definition  Delivering on the Promise of Federal Infrastructure Funds in States  Infrastructure Topics on GreenBiz  Strong Towns 101  EPA Green Infrastructure  

Lately, I've been talking about health and wellness and how much it impacts our living environment. That means how we design, build or remodel a house or building, how we live in it, and how we interact with it.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! For the last few months, I have hosted one of my business partners on the podcast. It has been exciting to build a group of people who care about how people live in their homes!  Today, I am happy to have Christy Howell of CRH Design Build back on the show! Christy has been on The Everyday Green Home podcast several times before. I have enjoyed connecting with her and watching how she has progressed with transforming her business and how she shows up in Oklahoma and Oklahoma City as she learns more! Mainstream culture I moved back to Oklahoma City six years ago after living in St. Louis, where I got deeply involved with the sustainability culture. In St. Louis, the green culture eventually became part of the mainstream culture through work with the regional Chamber of Commerce. I loved being part of that evolution! People care about their health Christy and I have discovered a fair amount of interest in the green and sustainability culture because people care about their health. That is important because people's health and how they live their lives blend. Crafting the story Oklahoma is very conservative. That sometimes closes people off from hearing the whole story. So we have learned to craft the story in a more meaningful way.  Professional Women in Building   Professional Women in Building is a council of the Homebuilders Association and a national council with the National Association of Homebuilders. It is all about supporting women in the building industry, trades, and the ancillary industries around the building industry.  Like-minded go-getters It was fun and inspiring bringing Professional Women in Building back to Oklahoma City because it brought together a group of like-minded go-getters who were all parts of the building industry! Some great personal and professional relationships have emerged from that group.  Build My Future Professional Women in Building was the genesis of, Build My Future, a construction career day for high school students. The Construct My Future camp for middle school students also came about after that. Christy's background Christy started her career in interior design about twenty years ago. She was working for a homebuilder when she decided to spread her wings and open a design firm. After that, she moved on to her current design form, CRH Design Build. Christy is gradually educating herself as she educates others about her type of build. A healthy home With a wellness-inspired design aspect, a home built with a solid envelope creates a healthy home. Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Insulated Concrete Forms are well-insulated life-sized Lego blocks used to create the envelope for solid, energy-efficient, health-oriented, air-tight, comfortable homes. Mechanical ventilation ICF homes are air-tight, so they require mechanical ventilation. (Affordable options are readily available.) Remodels Remodels tend to be more expensive than new construction.  My home remodel We brought Christy in to do our home remodel. (Before that, she consulted with me about remodeling her parents' home.) Being each other's clients has been insightful for both of us! Our rebuild was green-oriented, and we also brought in some sustainability factors. Fortunately, we managed to salvage many of the old materials and donated them to be reused by those who needed them. Why did we remodel? Our main driver for remodeling our home was health and wellness because we spend a lot of time there. Another reason for our remodel was that during Covid, my husband and I started cooking together, but we soon discovered that our kitchen was too small. Challenges Some things were challenging to do. We had to work with supply chain issues, and we also had to educate our workforce about certain things and motivate them to learn some new habits. We also had to remove some click-and-lock flooring that was glued down. Using products to their fullest capabilities Christy likes to educate herself about the products she uses to ensure that the products she implements for her clients get used to their fullest capabilities. Real wood floors  Real wood floors are natural and reasonably sustainable. They are also beautiful!  Trade-offs There are always trade-offs because anything we touch on this planet will have an impact. So we need to accept that, be flexible, and adapt. We also need to understand how any given trade-off will impact us. Dealing with issues When an issue arises, Christy addresses it immediately. She communicates with the contractor and the client and does everything she can to rectify it. Bringing our skills together Christy and I are finding a way to bring our skills together when we work on a project. That allows us to create something better than we would have managed before.  A video series Our goal is to put a video series of our entire project together, from start to finish, along with some commentary on things that others may be able to use in their home remodels. We hope to have it done by August or September. Christy and I plan to put it out on our respective channels at different times. You can learn more about it on Green Home Coach, Instagram, and Facebook.  Contractors When we push contractors into the green and sustainable world, they tend to feel overwhelmed and want to keep on doing things how they did them before. Giving them information upfront helps them feel more comfortable with making a change.  Have a great green day!   Links: What Makes a Green Home Green Audio Program  CRH Design Build  Building in Wellness  Pursuing Green Home Certification  Sherwin Williams paint used in remodel  Ask your questions on the Love Your Everyday Green Home Private Facebook Group  Follow CRHDB on Instagram to see photos Follow Green Home Coach on Instagram 

  Global challenges are abounding, and working in the world of sustainability, health, and wellness has brought many wicked problems to light.  We can describe some of the most challenging social issues we face today as wicked problems. With those problems, we have to re-frame our notion of success. Although they will never get entirely solved, success with wicked problems is about impacting or improving outcomes and mitigating risks.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach! I am excited to be back in the studio today with my co-host, Tony Pratte, who is joining me to talk about the wicked problem of changing weather.  Stay tuned for more! Crazy weather There has been some crazy weather in St. Louis for the last couple of months! It has been raining a lot, and the driving downpours have caused many problems for land developers.  Lots of rain  Over the last decade or so, we have seen an increase in rainfall in the Oklahoma area. There has been unusual rainfall between March and November- and sometimes even December!  Changing weather patterns Weather patterns appear to be changing everywhere. Even though some of it could be cycles, the changing weather over the last few years has been partially due to the increasing drought in the western part of the United States.  What is rain? When the moisture in the air reacts with water in the ground, it rains. Currently, the ground out west lacks water, so rain is not getting triggered in that area. The moisture that should be causing rain in the west (in California, Arizona, and Nevada) is moving eastwards. Extreme weather patterns Lately, the extreme global weather patterns have become more extreme! You cannot compare Oklahoma with St. Louis You cannot compare Oklahoma with St. Louis because St. Louis is a meteorological anomaly. Most cities have two weather patterns. They are either affected by the Arctic or the Gulf of Mexico. St. Louis gets affected by both, so it has three weather patterns. For weather forecasting, two mathematical equations get combined. In St. Louis, there is a third equation that throws everything off. A river effect St. Louis is at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the second-largest freshwater flow in North America. So the state is surrounded by water. That causes a river effect, much like the lake effect at the Great Lakes, which amplifies many weather patterns. That matters because it helps us gauge the changes we see in the weather patterns. Climate shift Things that do not usually occur in certain parts of the country are happening a lot more, and strong weather patterns have been reported in the news. Scientific data shows that the weather is changing, and people are starting to accept it.  Water usage Many large cities are in the desert. Air conditioning makes the heat bearable, but where does the water come from? A limited amount of fresh water exists on the planet that constantly gets recycled through the water cycle. A billion people have problems accessing clean water every day. Yet we keep building big cities in areas with no water (like Las Vegas), and more and more people keep moving to those locations.  Subsidized water The water pumped to the desert cities gets subsidized, so people aren't aware of the real cost. If it was not subsidized, fewer people and businesses might move to those cities. That could relieve some of the strain on the natural resources of those locations and help stabilize the weather patterns. Water rights In the west and in California Central Valley, where a lot of food is grown, water prices are soaring. As the drought in that area worsens, people are buying up water rights. That has created a challenge for small farmers who are unable to compete with the huge conglomerates that own the water rights. Is water an inalienable right? The corporations that own the big farms can use their resources, create hedging strategies, and buy options on commodities like water. So people are talking about whether water is an inalienable right, and if it should be commoditized and purchased.  A perpetual cycle Changing weather affects water patterns, and water patterns affect the weather. It is a perpetual cycle, so it is hard to know where to start if we want to change things. Natural patterns The natural patterns that exist will continue. If there is mismanagement, however, things get thrown out of whack, and problems tend to get amplified.  A wicked problem The water issue is a wicked problem because it requires many different solutions. If we want to continue as a society, we need to figure out how to deal with the effects of the weather changes. Change Change is here, and it is unavoidable. No matter what, we will have to adapt, mitigate, and suffer.  The real cost of water Mitigating and adapting will not solve this problem. If people were charged the actual cost of water in desert cities rather than subsidizing, it could prevent some future suffering.  Thinking differently We have to start thinking differently about water and the changing weather patterns. Some people recognize that, so they use water wisely and consider ways to conserve it when building. Figuring out how to obtain water  Although the agricultural community has probably adapted better than most by coming up with more efficient irrigation systems and using technology tools, we still have to figure out how to capture water and recharge the aquifers. Because thousands of acres of farmland and millions of people are affected by the weather changes.  Wasted water The water from the heavy rains in Oklahoma City over the past weeks has been running through the storm-water systems and into the Gulf of Mexico. That water gets wasted because it mixes with salt water. It would be a much better idea to figure out a way to keep that water fresh and re-introduce it to the water cycle.  Using strategies to overcome the feast or famine effect We can all do something for ourselves to overcome the feast or famine effect resulting from changing weather patterns. Small steps add up.  Gutters in Oklahoma Gutters are not automatically fitted on houses in Oklahoma City because there is usually not enough rain to make them worthwhile. With the climate becoming wetter, more people are putting gutters onto their houses and installing rain barrels and rain gardens to capture the water. No simple answers There is no simple answer to the wicked problem of obtaining enough water for everyone with changing weather patterns. We need to have open and realistic discussions about what is changing weather and the water patterns. It does not matter who caused the problem. What does matter is that we have to fix it. Some simple tips for becoming part of the solution: Use rain barrels (if they are legal in your state) Install a rain garden Buy local produce  Use native plants for landscaping Stand up and speak out about the need for change Have a great green day!   Links and resources: What Makes a Green Home Green Audio Program:  Green Home Coach Study.com video: wicked problems definitions EPA.gov climate indicators Scienceline on how weather affects the way we live EPA.gov Weather.com - weather changes National Geographic - climate change CDC Climate Effects on Health Psychiatry.org

We're hearing a lot about health and wellness right now!  Since the start of the pandemic, conversations about how we feel, sickness, wellness, and even cancer have blown up everywhere! We are starting to realize that our health and wellness, how we feel, our mental well-being, and what is going on inside our walls have converged, and they all matter!  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. I'd like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine, Jillian Prichard Cooke, the Founder of Wellness Within Your Walls. Jillian is joining me today to tell her story and talk about her journey. Stay tuned for more! About Jillian  Jillian is a champion of wellness. She helps people connect wellness and health in their homes and buildings. She was recently appointed by the Global Wellness Institute as a Global Wellness Ambassador. A compelling reason Jillian had a very compelling reason for starting Wellness Within Your Walls: Sixteen years ago, she got involved with the very first Leed-certified home in the United States, in Atlanta Georgia, together with Laura and Rutherford Seydel. Laura and Rutherford approached the home from an angle of sustainability and systems. They explored greywater, water purification, solar, and smart home technology.  Points system  Laura and Rutherford were ahead of their time and were able to experience the Leed certification through the points system. A health challenge  The Seydels and Jillian were consultants on the project, and Jillian experienced a massive physical and mental health challenge related to a cancer diagnosis. Her immediate concern was about where it came from and how it had happened.  Environmental  It was not genetic, so it had to be environmental, but it was hard to pinpoint exactly where it came from. The only constant in Jillian's life had been her career in interior design, where she had been exposed to toxins regularly for forty years.  The birth of Wellness Within Your Walls While she was working with Laura and Rutherford, Jillian decided to bring to their home a step beyond what their Leed program was about. That was the birth of Wellness Within Your Walls. They were asked to write a class for ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and IIDA CEU Credit. That eventually turned into a certification. After that, they made a concerted effort to understand how energy efficiency relates to houses. A holistic approach Many health and wellness benefits lie between energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. Jillian and I both support a holistic approach to the design-build process. Everything is related Everything is related, so when planning for energy efficiency, it is vital to put strategies in place that align with high performance and sustainability in the home and speak directly to health. My involvement Jillian and I met at a National Association of Home Builders meeting. (I am involved with the National Association of Homebuilders and the National Green Building Standard, the green certification endorsed by the National Association of Homebuilders.) Soon after meeting Jillian, I realized the wellness aspect of Wellness Within Your Walls would complement the National Green Building Standard- or any other green certification program. Bridging Wellness Within Your Walls bridges everything that is trade-related and bestows knowledge on consumers to assist them with their decision-making processes and advocating for themselves. The Healthy Living System The Healthy Living System is a holistic approach to health and wellness in the building and design industry. It is a ten-point strategy system that adopts everything that relates to health and wellness with other systems within the home and takes it beyond the physical build-out of the home. It starts with clean air, clean water, and natural light, and it includes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness and conscious and mindful consumption on the part of the consumer. Food science Another point within the Healthy Living System is food science. Food science is about more than nutrition. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) lays out what consumers should be doing regarding food science in the laundry room and kitchen, and strategies for buying food.  Behavior strategies The last and most important point of the Healthy Living System, as it relates to the consumer, is about behavior strategies and the way consumers conduct themselves inside their homes. HVAC systems Air strategies in the home are vital because they can either spread or prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in the home. Jillian has a partnership with Aprilaire. They were prepared for the pandemic and shipped out personal ventilation units to purify the air in people's homes and offices. Their 4-inch cassettes capture 99.5% of all airborne viral and bacterial particulates. 2020 2020 was disruptive, but it was also a paradigm shift- especially around health and wellness within the home. Wellness Within Your Walls Wellness Within Your Walls offers natural, sustainable, and responsible options for the things we use inside our homes. What sets them apart is they are not afraid to talk about chemicals and off-gassing strategies. They support consumers with healthy products and assist them with education and certification around their four Ps:  People Places Programs Products They are always willing to take on new projects outside of the normal wheelhouse of residential design and application. They recently got involved with social equity in less-served communities. Mothers & Others for Clean Air Mothers & Others for Clean Air is a non-profit group that advocates for clean air. They have put out a free Healthy Home Clean Air toolkit.  The three categories of the Healthy Living System: Natural options Sustainable options  Responsible options The ten Healthy Living System strategies: Clean Air Clean Water (Go to The Environmental Working Group and use your zip code to look up what is in your water.) Natural Light Chemical Control Physical Wellness Mental Wellness Spiritual Wellness Conscious Consumption Food Science Behavioral Strategies Healthy Home Take Control Jillian and I invite you to listen to the podcast series we started a while back called Healthy Home Take Control. Have a great green day!   Links and resources: Connect with Jillian: Email Jillian - Jillian@wellnessinyourwalls.com Wellness With Your Walls We're hearing a lot about health and wellness right now!  Since the start of the pandemic, conversations about how we feel, sickness, wellness, and even cancer have blown up everywhere! We are starting to realize that our health and wellness, how we feel, our mental wellbeing, and what is going on inside our walls have converged, and they all matter!  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. I'd like to introduce you to a dear friend of mine, Jillian Prichard Cooke, the Founder of Wellness Within Your Walls. Jillian is joining me today to tell her story and talk about her journey. Stay tuned for more! About Jillian  Jillian is a champion of wellness. She helps people connect wellness and health in their homes and buildings. She was recently appointed by the Global Wellness Institute as a Global Wellness Ambassador. A compelling reason Jillian had a very compelling reason for starting Wellness Within Your Walls: Sixteen years ago, she got involved with the very first Leed-certified home in the United States, in Atlanta Georgia, together with Laura and Rutherford Seydel. Laura and Rutherford approached the home from an angle of sustainability and systems. They explored greywater, water purification, solar, and smart home technology.  Points system  Laura and Rutherford were ahead of their time and were able to experience the Leed certification through the points system. A health challenge  The Seydels and Jillian were consultants on the project, and Jillian experienced a massive physical and mental health challenge related to a cancer diagnosis. Her immediate concern was about where it came from and how it had happened.  Environmental  It was not genetic, so it had to be environmental, but it was hard to pinpoint exactly where it came from. The only constant in Jillian's life had been her career in interior design, where she had been exposed to toxins regularly for forty years.  The birth of Wellness Within Your Walls While she was working with Laura and Rutherford, Jillian decided to bring to their home a step beyond what their Leed program was about. That was the birth of Wellness Within Your Walls. They were asked to write a class for ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) and IIDA CEU Credit. That eventually turned into a certification. After that, they made a concerted effort to understand how energy efficiency relates to houses. A holistic approach Many health and wellness benefits lie between energy efficiency and indoor environment quality. Jillian and I both support a holistic approach to the design-build process. Everything is related Everything is related, so when planning for energy efficiency, it is vital to put strategies in place that align with high performance and sustainability in the home and speak directly to health. My involvement Jillian and I met at a National Association of Home Builders meeting. (I am involved with the National Association of Homebuilders and the National Green Building Standard, the green certification endorsed by the National Association of Homebuilders.) Soon after meeting Jillian, I realized the wellness aspect of Wellness Within Your Walls would complement the National Green Building Standard- or any other green certification program. Bridging Wellness Within Your Walls bridges everything that is trade-related and bestows knowledge on consumers to assist them with their decision-making processes and advocating for themselves. The Healthy Living System The Healthy Living System is a holistic approach to health and wellness in the building and design industry. It is a ten-point strategy system that adopts everything that relates to health and wellness with other systems within the home and takes it beyond the physical build-out of the home. It starts with clean air, clean water, and natural light, and it includes physical, mental, and spiritual wellness and conscious and mindful consumption on the part of the consumer. Food science Another point within the Healthy Living System is food science. Food science is about more than nutrition. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) lays out what consumers should be doing regarding food science in the laundry room and kitchen, and strategies for buying food.  Behavior strategies The last and most important point of the Healthy Living System, as it relates to the consumer, is about behavior strategies and the way consumers conduct themselves inside their homes. HVAC systems Air strategies in the home are vital because they can either spread or prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses in the home. Jillian has a partnership with Aprilaire. They were prepared for the pandemic and shipped out personal ventilation units to purify the air in people's homes and offices. Their 4-inch cassettes capture 99.5% of all airborne viral and bacterial particulates. 2020 2020 was disruptive, but it was also a paradigm shift- especially around health and wellness within the home. Wellness Within Your Walls Wellness Within Your Walls offers natural, sustainable, and responsible options for the things we use inside our homes. What sets them apart is they are not afraid to talk about chemicals and off-gassing strategies. They support consumers with healthy products and assist them with education and certification around their four Ps:  People Places Programs Products They are always willing to take on new projects outside of the normal wheelhouse of residential design and application. They recently got involved with social equity in less-served communities. Mothers & Others for Clean Air Mothers & Others for Clean Air is a non-profit group that advocates for clean air. They have put out a free Healthy Home Clean Air toolkit.  The three categories of the Healthy Living System: Natural options Sustainable options  Responsible options The ten Healthy Living System strategies: Clean Air Clean Water (Go to The Environmental Working Group and use your zip code to look up what is in your water.) Natural Light Chemical Control Physical Wellness Mental Wellness Spiritual Wellness Conscious Consumption Food Science Behavioral Strategies Healthy Home Take Control Jillian and I invite you to listen to the podcast series we started a while back called Healthy Home Take Control. Have a great green day!   Links and resources: Connect with Jillian:   Email Jillian - Jillian@wellnessinyourwalls.com Wellness With Your Walls https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/ Healthy Living System from WWYW  https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/10-step-approach/  Healthy Home | Take Control™ Podcast https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pritchard-cooke-7ba8bb140/   Connect with Marla: Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and healthier products Healthy Living System from WWYW  https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/10-step-approach/  Healthy Home | Take Control™ Podcast https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/podcast/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-pritchard-cooke-7ba8bb140/   Connect with Marla: https://wellnesswithinyourwalls.com/ Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and healthier products  

Wicked Problems: Trade-offs of electric vehicles with Tony Pratte  The topic of wicked problems has been inspiring some interesting conversations lately!  Driving electric vehicles rather than those powered by internal combustion engines is fascinating for Tony and me! Recently, Tony sent me an article explaining that what we need right now is an honest and comprehensive evaluation of the entire life cycle of clean energy- from raw materials through disposition. Up to now, we have only heard about the benefits of clean energy, so we need to understand the real cost of clean energy, including the negatives and the environmental impact.   In reality, there is a trade-off for everything we do, and if we fail to look at both sides, we have no way of knowing whether or not we are making the right decision.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, my co-host, Tony the Green Guy, is joining me to talk about various aspects of electric vehicles and the vehicles we know. We will also dive into the decision-making processes and the life-cycle analysis. Energy independence During a recent special election for a new Senior Senator for Oklahoma, a previously conservative candidate sent out a flyer saying that we need to restore our energy independence. He was referring to fossil fuels because Oklahoma is an oil and gas state. But energy is not the fuel, and ironically, Oklahoma has made a big investment in alternative energy sources.  Trade-offs There are certain things we need to transition away from, but they have to remain part of the process until we find an infrastructure that can handle the alternative. There are trade-offs for everything, so it is vital for us to know if the alternatives are better than what we currently have.  Solar Most of us think solar is a good idea. But nobody talks about how solar affects wildlife or where the materials used to make the solar panels come from. Honest discussions We need to be willing to have honest discussions about alternative energy sources. We need to listen and be open to hearing things that might make us uncomfortable. Those conversations can be challenging, so when we have them, we need to put the problem in front of us, not between us!  Electric vehicles  The number of electric vehicles in Oklahoma is increasing almost daily! Electric vehicles have many advantages. There is no waiting in line for gas, and they require less maintenance. On the flip side, motor mechanics will have to find new ways to use their skills, and fuel stations will have to diversify over time. Internal combustion engines  Internal combustion engines will still be around for quite some time because the infrastructure for EVs still has to be created.  No one answer It might help if we have more options to ease us into things as they change. A solution might be a combination of several ideas or possibly a hybrid approach. Hybrid Hybrid vehicles could be a good option because they will allow people to drive electric in the city or for short trips and use the internal combustion engine for longer trips. BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) Many people use BATNA to look at everything they do because if something does not work out, it means they will already have the next best thing in mind.  Budgets and affordability Budgets can influence people's decisions when choosing a vehicle. Apart from the budget, there are also many other things that can influence their choices. Creating a grid to compare the affordability, the various options, and the trade-offs can help a lot! Sustainability The manufacture of any electric item, batteries, in particular, requires a lot of rare earth minerals. Unfortunately, rare earth minerals are not a sustainable resource because they are mined. We need to understand that our natural resources are limited, and mining has a massive impact on the environment. In some countries, mining even infringes on human rights. Life cycle analysis As consumers, we should have transparency around the origin of everything we buy. That falls into the life cycle analysis of products, which has been a big push in sustainability reporting. Electric vehicles have big batteries, so the life cycle analysis of those batteries is important to consider. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting Much of the transparency we are seeing right now in various industries is a result of ESG reporting. Asking questions It is vital that we ask questions to ensure that the products we buy align with our values. We need to know the trade-offs, where the materials used to manufacture the products come from, and whether the materials were resourced in a responsible and sustainable way.  Recycling and reusing It is in our best interest to recycle and reuse electronic components because they are made of hazardous materials- often rare earth, and therefore cannot be placed in landfills. We will have to reuse those materials in the future because we are sure to run into a serious supply chain issue when no internal combustion engines and only EVs are manufactured within the next eight to thirteen years. In Oklahoma City, there is a place for recycling, reconditioning, and repurposing electric vehicle batteries.   Better solutions As a society, we need to look for better solutions for everyone! To get from a fossil fuel-based society to an alternative energy-based society, we will initially have to marry the two together. The percentages will change over time as fossil fuel gets phased out and the infrastructure for alternative energy grows and improves. Mining is not sustainable We will have to recycle electronic materials in the future because mine developments and the mining of many of the necessary minerals are not sustainable. Wicked problems Wicked problems are here to stay, so having these conversations is vital! We hope you will put some of your thoughts and energy into helping to solve some of these problems! Have a great green day!   Resources: What Makes a Green Home Green - Audio Program https://greenhomecoach.ac-page.com/wmaghg-direct Environmental downside of EVs https://fee.org/articles/the-environmental-downside-of-electric-vehicles/ Pros and cons of EVs (based on driving, fuel input, maintenance, etc) https://earth911.com/eco-tech/pros-cons-electric-vehicles/ EVs are not "zero emissions"  https://youmatter.world/en/are-electric-cars-eco-friendly-and-zero-emission-vehicles-26440/ Battery remanufacturing, reuse, and recycling - company here in OKC Spiers Technology https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/okc-based-spiers-new-technologies-keeps-electric-vehicles-on-road-with-pioneering-battery-remanufacturing-services/  and https://www.spiersnewtechnologies.com/ EV myths https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths Fuels Institute weighs in on life cycle analysis https://www.fuelsinstitute.org/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=8e633fd7-0153-43ad-b9a5-7cb795b22f93 A research overview of life-cycle assessments for gas-powered and electric vehicles https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-09/documents/awalker.pdf  

What is wellness real estate? We hear a lot about wellness real estate lately. Sheila Alston knew nothing about it until she started thinking of ways to bring health and home together. After doing some research, she discovered that wellness real estate had already become a 134-billion dollar industry two years earlier! The very first wellness lifestyle community was built near Atlanta, Georgia. It has been a great success, and people love living there!  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach! I am super excited to introduce you to my guest, Sheila Alston, the creator of WellnessRE Magazine! She is joining me today to talk about wellness real estate and how to make the connection between a healthy home and a healthy life. Stay tuned for more! Wellness real estate Forward-thinking developers are building wellness-based communities and creating neighborhoods that support a healthy lifestyle. Rather than just building a suburban area with a community pool, they have been thinking more about the design. Wellness neighborhoods include green features and amenities centered around a community farm or some other aspect of wellness to benefit those living there and bring them together.  Growing in leaps and bounds Wellness real estate has grown in leaps and bounds over the last two years. Last November, it was said to be worth 275 billion dollars!  How Sheila got into wellness real estate When her kids went off to college Sheila became a real estate agent. She also got a health coaching certification, but being a health coach did not feel like her calling. She wanted to find a way to bring health and home together, so she researched wellness real estate and found that it sparked her interest. WellnessRE Magazine When Sheila got her real estate license, she wanted to stand out from the other real estate agents and provide value. She also wanted to educate people on creating a healthier home environment. So, she started a podcast to interview experts in the field. She met wellness architects, home biologists, and other businesspeople doing amazing things in the industry. After a few months, she decided to create a digital magazine as a tool to position herself differently within real estate, forge deeper connections with people, and help people live better in their homes.  Green homes versus wellness Green homes have been around for some time, but many think that they focus only on energy efficiency. (note from Marla - This is a common misconception, yet certified green homes are built or remodeled holistically with many health and wellness benefits in addition to efficiencies.) Sheila understands that wellness is more than just green. It is about people living well and thriving in their homes. Making the connection Sheila went to the Integrated Institute of Nutrition (IIN) and learned that health and wellness are more than just diet and exercise. Toxins in your home environment could be detrimental to your health and manifest as chronic pain or discomfort. Yet many people fail to make the connection between their health and their homes. Driving change People- professionals, in particular, need to understand the “why”, the value, and the benefits of people living better in their homes. Both Sheila and I want to help people with solutions and drive change. Real estate professionals are in a perfect position to be change agents because they are at the intersection between people and their homes. Helping people Many real estate agents want to help people, but they end up sharing and educating on the transaction rather than sharing information about the home environment. Or helping people love their homes and feel more comfortable in them. Surrounding themselves with green and healthy home experts, and having a toolkit of healthy resources, is a good way for agents to help people live better and more comfortably in their homes. Mindset Real estate agents need to educate people about the benefits of homes because most people don't really care about the features of a home, but they do care about the benefits. It will help if agents adopt a mindset of guiding people rather than trying to sell to them.  Healthy homes Most people want healthier homes that are easier to maintain. Since Covid, more people are starting to understand that health and homes go hand-in-hand. Home town or home base Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group said homes had become hometowns instead of home bases during the pandemic. A hometown is where you find schools, stores, work, and play. During the lockdowns, all of that happened within our homes.  How well your home takes care of you  It is vital to consider how well your home takes care of you.  A Wellness Kitchen Many couples enjoy cooking together. A Wellness Kitchen is laid out and set up to have enough space for two people to cook comfortably together.  Where to start with making your home healthier  Sheila recommends that people start by de-cluttering their homes. Clutter is overwhelming for the brain and nervous system. When a home is clean and tidy, it is a lot less stressful when walking into it or waking up in it. Another thing would be to regularly change the air filters on the ventilation system because clean air is vital in any home. It would also be helpful to install a water filtration system, so you always have good clean water to drink.  Color Color is like medicine. Many people don't realize how important it is to surround themselves with colors they enjoy. Use calming colors in calm spaces. Ask a color specialist if you need some help. Remember to use only use low or no VOC paint. Sheila's book Sheila recently wrote a book to inspire real estate professionals to learn about wellness real estate. Her book will also help real estate professionals talk about wellness real estate more easily, and deepen their relationships with their clients. The book is intentionally short, so it is a quick read.    Upgrade You can upgrade to a wellness house by adding spa amenities like an exercise room, an infrared sauna, a pool, or sports courts. Those amenities will help you lead a healthier lifestyle.  Have a great green day!   Links: Join WellnessRE Pro WellnessRE Magazine Sheila's Book The Wellness Real Estate Podcast Sheila's podcast Blooming - A Healthy Home by Design, and I got to be on! Wellness Agents on Instagram WellnessRE Magazine on Instagram

We face so many challenges in our world today! That is why we need to connect the dots between our homes, and the health of our communities.  Many of us don't make the connection between our health, our homes, and the health of the world at large. Yet sometimes, without us even knowing it, the products in our homes make us sick. Or they impact our safety and comfort.  It all starts with us. Even though it might feel overwhelming, we need to understand that each one of us holds the world in our hands, and it is OUR challenge to take care of it.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and my co-host and partner in podcasting, Tony Pratte, aka The Green Guy, from The Sound Room, is with me! We are kicking off a new series today called Wicked Problems! Stay tuned for more! What is a wicked problem? Wicked problems are social or cultural problems that are difficult or almost impossible to solve. They are deeply complex problems that are broad in scope and large in scale. Most people have a hard time wrapping their heads around wicked problems.  The characteristics of wicked problems They are all unique They have multiple uncertain root causes There is a vast and open-ended source of possible solutions They involve numerous and varied stakeholders They can be improved but never really solved Solving wicked problems  All solutions for wicked problems involve large-scale changes in behavior, structure, and technology. Those solutions will probably create new problems and have unintended consequences. The deal There are many wicked problems in our world today. We are all about creating better health for people and society. But we understand that that could bring about even more wicked problems.  Super-wicked problems There is a sub-category of wicked problems called Super-Wicked Problems. They are characterized by time running out, having no decision-maker in charge, and those seeking to solve the problem also causing problems. Many of the complex problems we face today fit this description. And the tough part is that we all likely contribute to the wicked problems, and we all have the power to be part of the solution.  Trade-offs There are trade-offs for everything we do in our everyday lives. Personal health Although there is a lot of emphasis on personal health right now, people don't understand all the factors that may impact their health. There are also many different stakeholders in personal health, and they all many have competing viewpoints. Trust  We are reaching a point where people are starting to tune out of all the information because they don't know who to trust. A disconnected world I am all about the connectedness we feel inside us because even with all the technology available today, we still live in a disconnected world. A growing number of people are anesthetized today and tend to separate their feelings from whatever is happening in the world around them. Connectedness People need to understand that there is a connectedness between the various parts of where we function as humans and our health. Covid has helped with that understanding because it changed our appreciation for our personal space, relationships, and daily routines.  Maslow's hierarchy of needs Since the start of the pandemic, survival mode (in terms of Maslow's hierarchy of needs) has become more prevalent in most people's lives, and health has come to the fore for most of us. The global economy Many of our daily habits (like drinking coffee or sending our plastic waste overseas for developing countries to deal with) involve the global economy. During Covid, many things became unobtainable. Since then, we have become more accepting of everything available to us.  Thinking differently about our homes Spending all our time at home during Covid made us think about our homes differently, and we started noticing things that we were too busy to see before.  Healthier habits Many of us adopted healthier habits during the lockdown period. We started walking regularly or gardening because we had the time to do so. Doing those things also helped us connect with nature. Connecting our health to the world health Knowing how to connect our health to world health could be classified as a wicked problem. A statement made by John Holdren, a Professor of Environmental Science and Policy at Harvard during the Obama administration, helps us put that into perspective. He said we have three choices: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. We will do some of each, but the question is what the next will be. The more mitigation we do, the less adaptation will be needed and the less suffering there will be. Addressing wicked problems When addressing wicked problems, we need to define what success looks like for that problem. Usually, success becomes improved outcomes, acceptable behavior, and reduced risk.  The common good There is great value in making the common good equal to our own. We need to understand that everything we buy, or use in our homes and daily lives, has an impact. Changing some of those can be a way of mitigating the health effects on ourselves, our communities, and the planet. Natural products No chemicals or synthetic fertilizers are used in the production of organic food. That benefits us, the farmers, and those manufacturing organic or more natural products. Using more natural products in our homes will have a similar benefit for us, those involved in producing the products, and the planet. Dealing with wicked problems To succeed when dealing with wicked problems, it helps to start small and get to a place where you have adapted and mitigated, and you are dealing with less suffering. Remember that small wins will breed momentum. Three ways to get started with dealing with the wicked problem of connecting our health, home, and world: Swap out two or three products you use every day for better (healthier and more natural/ethical) products. Only support companies that make products and offer services in line with your values and make concerted efforts to improve the world and people's lives. Speak up. Have conversations with people about using healthier products, developing their values, and forming better habits. Taking action These are not always easy things to think about, but taking small steps is easy, and that is where it starts! Remember, you don't have to solve the problem- you only need to make an impact! Earth Day Most people, women, in particular, tend to wear many different hats! Having a home that works for you rather than against you can make a critical difference in your day-to-day living. As women, we play a vital role in connecting the dots between our homes, our health, and the health of those for whom we care. As mothers, we like to stand up for our families, friends, and communities because we want our children, grandchildren, and future generations to have a good, safe, and healthy life.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach. Join me on Earth Day for a micro workshop where you will discover the connection between your home, your health, and the health of the larger world! You will have the chance to do a Dream Your Home exercise to uncover how you want your home to feel and perform for everyone living there! We will wrap up with some simple steps to improve your well-being via the connection between your home and your health.  Find us on Facebook Live on the Green Home Coach page at 11 am central time, on Friday, April 22nd, 2022. RSVP on the Green Home page to get your Dream Your Home worksheet! See you there on Earth Day! Links: Earth Day Webinar (complimentary) https://www.facebook.com/events/723921088968810?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D EGH Podcast Your Comfort, Health and Safety: Start Where You Live https://greenhomecoach.com/your-comfort-health-and-safety-start-where-you-live/ EGH Podcast Just for the Health of It https://greenhomecoach.com/maintaining-a-healthy-home/ https://porch.com/resource/climate-change-home-ownership IAQ is the next Big Deal, Shelton Group https://sheltongrp.com/IAQ-Is-the-Next-Big-Deal Two Things Maslow Can Teach Us About What is Happening Right Now, Shelton Group https://sheltongrp.com/two-things-maslow-can-teach-us-about-whats-happening-right-now/

You know what they say, “ Reduce, reuse and recycle.” Well, there are now four Rs. The first is REFUSE, which gives us the power to stop things from happening by simply refusing them. If we follow the 4 Rs to a T, then our world will be better for all those who come after us. Even though I'm sure you can think of plenty of examples of how society bearded itself over time with excessive production rates (I'm looking at YOU plastic bag!) and disposable containers, all hope is not lost! There is always a little room to improve our mindsets to be more cognizant of the 4 Rs, including minimizing what we purchase. Tony's bio Tony is the Director of Builder/Contractor Relations at The Sound Room in St. Louis, Missouri, where he is responsible for building relationships between home builders and The Sound Room System designers to help create the ultimate home experience. Tony has been working in the construction industry for more than eighteen years. During that time, he has been building relationships, and he has become a valued part of the construction team, assisting his builder clients with delivering their customers' dreams. He is currently a member of the Home Builders Association of St. Louis and Eastern Missouri, where he also served as a member of the Board of Directors from 2007 to 2011. His specialties are builder development, industry networking, and interior design. Is buying disposable worth it? In our current world, the general mindset is one of a “disposable society.” And as such, people believe everything should be replaced when it gets old or worn out - even if this means they're constantly spending money to keep up appearances or to save themselves a bit of time. Another important R The fourth R stands for Refuse. You can simply all-out refuse to buy or use things that you don't need, like straws, plastic water bottles, plastic bags; it's an easy way of reducing your environmental footprint without compromising on convenience! For example, if you buy a new appliance, you must do something with the old one. Look for someone who is in need of it, or try selling it to help recover part of the costs of the new one. Repairability; yet another R Repairability is very important because it conserves resources, and extends the reusability of items. We don't need to make more piles in landfills with items that could be repaired and used. Plastics The plastic problem has been around for a long time, but it's only recently that we have started to truly comprehend just how bad of an impact it is having. We constantly hear about the harm done by single-use plastics and what needs to happen in order to resolve these problems once and for all - yet nothing seems to be taken seriously enough! Refuse! The solution may lie within us though. Can you imagine your life without coffee cups or straws? Refuse to buy things you don't need. It seems like a small price to pay for the greater good.   Links and resources: The Sound Room Alternatives to Single-Use Plastic Bags from Everday Green Home Single-Use Plastics 101 Electronics Donation and Recycling  Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and green products Earth 911 - living/well-being Earth 911 - garden/air conditioning

What if you could run your business in such a way that it was actually good for society? A Force For Good! That's what Gail Garey, founder of Impact 360 Strategies says she wants to do. Her love of the outdoors and corporate background set up this work with B Corporations- those companies who are pledging themselves as forces against social isolation through innovation or environmentalism or some other positive cause -and not just making money off people's needs.   Gail's mission is to guide and empower business professionals around the world with her expertise in environmentally friendly, socially responsible sustainable practices. She provides tips for individuals looking at greening their company while also sharing information about how we can all make an impact on this important issue ourselves!   Gail's bio Gail is the founder of Impact 360 Strategies. Her mission is to guide and empower business professionals to accelerate environmentally friendly and socially responsible sustainable business practices that improve the bottom line and create positive social change.   Gail's background Gail's background is in corporate work. She left her job a few years ago to pursue an exciting new opportunity that's better aligned with what she loves.   Natural therapy Nature has always been a source of therapy for Gail. Whether it's running outside or going hiking with her dogs, skiing cross-country in winter, and garden work during summer - the natural world provides peace that she can't find anywhere else.   Interview When Gail interviewed Marla some time back for a video series that she was hosting, the idea for sending a  bi-monthly email newsletter emerged. The email contains tips about what all individuals can do as part of individual efforts to empower themselves while also protecting our planet.   Important work taking place There are a lot of really great things happening in environmental space these days, from fighting climate change to researching new solutions and taking actions on the corporate level, and especially at the individual level!   Consulting business Gail, a seasoned management professional, and environmentalist, is excited to launch her consulting business, Impact 360. Strategies shared will provide guidance in taking environmentally-friendly practices from concept through implementation with the goal of improving bottom lines as well creating positive social change.   Health We all have the opportunity to make a difference in our health and in that of the planet. By making mindful choices, we can improve what it means for us now as well as influence future generations.   B corporations One of the reasons Gail loves the B Corporation movement is because it allows us, as consumers and investors, to make informed decisions about which companies we support.   B corporation awareness Part of what Gail's consulting firm focuses on is increasing the awareness of people about the B Corporation movement and working with purpose-driven companies that want to become certified as B Corporations.    What is a b corporation? B Corporation is the certification of a company. B Corporations are companies that marry profits with purpose. They are committed to working for environmental and social benefits, as well as making a profit.  A rigorous, independent, third-party verification process with the non-profit entity, B Lab ensures that those companies meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, legal accountability, and transparency. The successful companies get a logo to inform people that they are, indeed, B Corporations.   Links and resources: Gail's Website Impact 360 Strategies - Gail's Company B Corporation - A New Kind of Business That Balances Purpose and Profit B The Change - The Stories of People Using Business as a Force for Good Find a B Corp Everyday Green Home Shop Everyday Green Home's Products From B Corp 

Today's show topic is very exciting to me. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for improving eco-friendly living spaces.  Everything varies according to your needs, style, and budget!. Today, Tony Pratte joins us and discusses how we can “green up” our homes! He reminds us of exciting opportunities we all have to reuse or reconstruct previously discarded materials and incorporate them into useful things for our homes; while feeling good about keeping discarded items out of the landfills! Incremental green This is incremental green! As you care for, maintain and upgrade your home one step at a time - like painting or replacing do-hickeys with Volatile Organic Compound free paints & products--you'll be providing an enhanced experience for everyone living in the house by making it healthier, safer (and more comfortable). Marla's point-of-view There are many parts to a home, and lots of things inside every house, so breaking everything down into five different categories is a helpful way to avoid feeling overwhelmed when you're thinking about all you need to do, to green your home. The five different categories are: The place where your home sits on the land. All the materials and the different products that are brought into the house to make it a home. Energy Water Breathing Everything that happens outside of your home fits category 1, like windows and natural light, trees for shade, rain barrels, and garden plants and flowers. Category 2 could be as simple as using reused, recycled, bio-based or wood-based materials in your home, and sourcing your materials locally. For category 3, make sure that any new appliance you buy has Energy Star, repair whatever you can, upgrade your lighting to LEDs, and buy the kind of plugs that you can turn on and off remotely. For category 4, you need to do whatever you can to conserve water. Don't leave the water running when you're brushing your teeth, shaving, or doing the dishes. Breathing, in category 5, is all about the indoor air quality in your home. This category is most closely tied to your health and wellness. A good place to start is with the air filters in your heating and cooling units.   Marla's top 3 green tips: Use LED lightbulbs Use only green cleaning products Use only recycled or non-tree toilet paper so that you don't end up flushing a forest down the toilet.   Links and resources: Go to the Green Home Coach website and click on the “consult with me” link for a 20-minute consult with Marla about the product swaps you can do in your home. Go to the Green Home Coach website and click on the “consult with me” link for a 20-minute consult with Marla about the product swaps you can do in your home. Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and green products (link words "Everyday Green Home Shop") Incremental Green article, County Living Magazine Green As You Go - Paint by Numbers  

What does it mean to buy green? There are no standard definitions for the words used to describe green products, so we sometimes tend to confuse products that sound green or claim to be green with those that truly are sustainable and environmentally friendly.  Some companies intentionally use words like natural or eco-friendly as a marketing ploy to imply that their products are better for you and the environment than they may actually be. That is known as greenwashing. Unfortunately, many companies that greenwash their products spend a lot more time and money on marketing than on becoming more sustainable and ecologically friendly.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, I am pulling a podcast out of the archives in which Tony Pratte, my regular co-host, and I dive into the concept of greenwashing. In our conversation, we explain what you can do get above and beyond greenwashing, take action, and do better. We focus on green labels for the home and explain how they can work for you. Green labels for the home cover everything from energy efficiency to water efficiency to resource efficiency to toxin-free products and recycled materials. Stay tuned for more! Green Guides Greenwashing has been going on for a couple of decades now. Lately, people have been getting more concerned about it. Due to the current uncertainty surrounding the environmental and eco-friendly claims that companies have been making, the Federal Trade Commission has created green guides to help ensure that marketing claims regarding the environmental attributes of products are substantiated and truthful.  Wise up to greenwashing We all need to wise up to greenwashing and realize that we vote with our dollars. Many of us base our purchasing decisions on the performance, sustainability, and culture of the companies we buy from. So we are usually willing to pay a moderate premium for products made by people and companies authentically committed to being better environmental and health stewards. Green labels A lot of research goes into figuring out if products are what they claim to be. Green labels prove that research has been done on products by a green label-certified independent third party. Green labels give us guidelines to ensure that the products we buy will protect us, our families, and our fellow human beings. If the third party did not exist, anyone would be able to do or say whatever they wanted about any product. Green labels give us the peace of mind that comes from knowing we are using something better. Greenwashing The term greenwashing got coined about ten years ago. It gets used when someone thinks or hopes, rather than knows, that a product is green. It is nothing more than marketing hype or the misdirection of consumers because, although something gets claimed to be good for the environment, in reality, that may or may not be so.   The FCC and greenwashing The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has put out rules about what you may say and claims you may make about a product. There is also a standard code of ethics for marketers, and the American Marketing Association has specific rules that forbid marketers from making any unsubstantiated claims. Using 'green' terms Many people- even those in the home-building industry, do not understand fully what green terms mean. Nor do they understand their value. And they often do not even know how to use the terms correctly. So they tend to throw them around loosely, without understanding the consequences or the ramifications that are sure to follow. For example, a home that has Energy Star-certified, energy-efficient windows cannot be described as an energy-efficient home simply because it has an energy-efficient feature in it. No real meaning Some terms have no real meaning to the FCC, like natural, which is often used to describe food and personal care products.  Specific rules There are some specific rules for using the word 'organic' to describe products.  The goal of green labels  Green labels exist to give people something tangible, and reliable parameters around a particular characteristic. They help us to understand more about what we are buying.  Having peace-of-mind around energy-efficiency  Lately, many companies are doing things that are more sustainably-minded. There are multiple levels on which we can choose to engage with the companies that are doing things better.  Guidelines Green labels give us all the necessary guidelines to ensure that we are doing something impactful that will protect our families, ourselves, and fellow human beings without doing all the research.  Everyday Green Home Shop To help you, I have started putting a lot of products in my Everyday Green Home shop that have green labels. For the products that do not have green labels, I go through the vetting process I learned from the Green Building Standard to ensure that they meet the requirements needed for a Green Home Certification. For the personal care products in my shop, I refer to the Environmental Working Group. Taking small steps You can green your entire home, taking one small step at a time. Some steps to take in that direction are: Energy Star - It covers 1000s of quality products including complete home certification. Choose these products when you decide to upgrade or change anything electrical in your home. Water Sense - It covers, for water, much the same as Energy Star does for energy. Choose these products when it is time to upgrade or replace your washing machine, dishwasher, faucets, showerheads, or plumbing fixtures. Green Guard - This certification tells you that a product, usually for woodwork or cleaning, has fewer toxins in it, and it meets California's requirements for air quality. Start taking control of the quality of the air you let into the house.  Cradle To Cradle is a new energy-saving concept for both products and processes. It is an efficient way to use resources.    How green labels apply in other parts of our life and for homes The US Green Building Council has LEED (Leadership, Energy, and Environmental Design). It is available for homes. There is also the National Green Building Standard, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and local and regional green building standards, like Green Build Texas, Green Build Washington, and Earthcraft Homes in the South-East. There are also energy-efficient only certifications, like Energy Star, for homes and new homes. Home Energy Ratings Score (HERS) is a home energy ratings score index or a scale of energy efficiency which assesses the energy usage and relates it to an existing home.  Sustainability is about more than just the products Sustainability is about society and living standards. It is about how people get treated and the wages they are paid.    Referral links: My website Green Home Coach 1-https://greenhomecoach.com/shop/  Everyday Green Home shop for curated better and green products (link words "Everyday Green Home Shop") 2-Green Guard products on Amazon (needs my affiliate added in) https://www.amazon.com/s?k=greenguard&rh=p_n_cpf_eligible%3A21512497011&dc&crid=DO9J421RCZB3&qid=1644108145&rnid=21512496011&sprefix=green+guard%2Caps%2C257&ref=a9_sc_1 3-Signposts for Better Product Choices with Green Labels https://greenhomecoach.com/the-truth-about-green-product-labels/ 4-The Truth About Green Product Labels https://greenhomecoach.com/the-truth-about-green-product-labels/ 5-EPA Buying Green for Consumers https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/buying-green-consumers 6-A Guide to Greenwashing and How to Spot it from EcoWatch https://www.ecowatch.com/greenwashing-guide-2655331542.html 7-FTC Green Guides https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/federal_register_notices/guides-use-environmental-marketing-claims-green-guides/greenguidesfrn.pdf 8- Energy Star  www.energystar.gov  9-The Environmental Working Group - https://www.ewg.org/   "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Can business be a force for good?  There is a huge transition taking place within our culture and society right now. We are seeing some fascinating changes, many of which are being integrated from the younger generations up to the older generations. Whether we realize it or not, most of us vote with our pocketbooks. Today's younger generations only support the companies that uphold the values they want to encourage. My generation tends to buy from companies we believe in. Those companies share our values and do things that we feel are important. We also like to get involved and make things happen.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. I am pulling an episode out of the archives today with Suzanne Shelton of the Shelton Group. In our conversation, Suzanne and I dive into the notion of companies being a force for good.  Suzanne is an optimistic and inspiring individual with a wealth of relevant information! She founded The Shelton Group, which has done a lot of research and focuses on sustainability, social justice, and the emerging idea of ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) within the mainstream. Suzanne is a huge believer in business! She understands that when companies benefit from their actions, it inspires them to do more. She and I agree that businesses can be an agent of change and help us wrestle with some of the big immoral problems that exist out there today. Stay tuned for more! The Shelton Group The Shelton Group is the country's leading marketing communications firm that focuses exclusively on the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) space. It is there to help companies gain a market advantage as a result of what they do to create a sustainable and socially just world. Suzanne founded the company twenty-nine years ago, and they have focused on the ESG space for the last fifteen years. How The Shelton Group achieves its aim The Shelton Group achieves its aim by creating ongoing insights gatherings to discuss the thinking and the expectations of the market and how people's thoughts and expectations translate into the brands they prefer and the products they buy.  Those insights then get applied as marketing communication strategies and communication platforms which the company then amplifies out, over time, on behalf of their clients. The bias of the Shelton Group The Shelton Group believes in the power of organizations and entrepreneurialism. It fundamentally trusts in the strength and intensity of business and competition. Suzanne thinks she is also wired that way! A force for good Businesses can be a force for good if everything they do benefits the business in terms of money or profit. Solving problems in the world Business can be utilized as a force for good to help with solving some of the many problems in the world. Realistically, however, the only way that any business can work as a force for good is if there is some monetary value in it for that business. A pragmatic approach Suzanne believes that businesses need to explain pragmatically how they can read and measure their market advantage and how they intend to execute against that. An optimistic view Suzanne is an optimist. She is sure that we will weather the storm of the global pandemic and come out stronger and better than before on the other side. She also feels optimistic that businesses will solve some of the world's greatest challenges. The good news Over the last couple of years, Wall Street has been asking questions that they were not asking five years ago. Investors are also asking questions on investor calls with Fortune 500 companies about diversion and inclusion policies or greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, if a company does not have its environmental and social acts together, it will not be in a position to answer those questions. Corporate America Now that Wall Street has started asking those questions, Suzanne finally feels that financials are a part of the environment and part of the work-streams within our society. She also believes that Corporate America is now motivated in a new way. The best thing that's happened For Suzanne, the best thing that has ever happened to move everyone towards creating a sustainable future is that Wall Street has started asking some vital questions that they were not asking before. The ESG framework The ESG framework is a framework through which rating agencies measure and rate the performance of companies based on a host of metrics under the environmental, social, and governance categories. Those scores get reported to fund managers and investors on Wall Street. Part of the ESG framework is to obtain metrics on social issues, including gender equity, racial equity, and even pay equity. Where business needs to go to create meaningful solutions Although what has been happening in America over the last couple of years is generally not good for business in the long run, Suzanne points out that there is no business case for global warming or societal unrest either. Suzanne's advice for business people Suzanne advises business people to embrace stakeholder capital and a triple-bottom-line approach to move forward, make sense of the world, and help create world peace. She believes that that will ultimately be the best approach for businesses, the world, and the planet because they are all connected. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Instagram & Facebook: @greenhomecoach Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and green products  The Good Company Report, Shelton Group  Sustainalytics Just Capital  Change the World - Fortune  Pearl Certification "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

We all care about the health of our family and friends and want them to live in a safe and healthy environment. A few years ago, The US Green Building Council created a movement, campaign, and toolkit called the Living Well Standard, which published a message that still stands true today. It spells out how much it matters that the places we live, work, and play should not hurt us but protect us and enrich our lives in a sustainable way. That should be a standard that we can all expect and enjoy, rather than a luxury or a privilege.  Environmentalism is all about people and living well. But that tends to get lost amid all the advocating, politics, and policies. That is why I am all about action because words do not mean much until we get in there and do something! I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, I am pulling a show out of the archives in which I have a great conversation with my co-host, Tony Pratte, and we share a lot more detail about the Living Well Standard and toolkit. We discuss how the Living Well Standard helps people help themselves, each other, and the environment. We also talk about the action we can take, as individuals, to make a difference.  What we do matters, and every little bit adds up! Stay tuned for more! The Living Standard The Living Standard, released by the US Green Building Council, is all about people. It is a dialogue to help people understand more about green living and sustainability.  The Living Standard is a toolkit  The Living Standard is a toolkit designed to help us improve our conversations about what we can do to live a green and sustainable lifestyle. Small things count If you can picture a billion people making small changes, you will see that it ultimately adds up to a billion small changes happening all over the planet. So, if you make even a small and incremental change in your life, you will not have to worry about the big environmental problem. A big conversation Talking about the environment is a big conversation because there is a lot that we need to understand. Unfortunately, many people tend to have problems when they talk about the environment because they become consumed with the big picture. What we need to understand We need to realize that everyone looks at things a little differently, and there are certain things about which we will not always agree. That, however, will make no difference to the kinds of small, common-sense changes that we all can make.   There is always something you can do. There is always something you can do to be part of the solution and change things for the better. Sometimes, we can become overwhelmed with everything we need to do to green our homes. It helps to know that whatever we do on a small scale will ultimately also work on a bigger scale because, even if it is something small, it will still move the needle.  The US Green Building Advocacy Committee A while ago, the Missouri Gateway Chapter of the US Green Building Council asked Tony to be on their advocacy committee. Why the Living Standard was released The Living Standard was created to move the environmental conversation away from jargonized, scientific, builder-speak towards a more common language that can easily be understood by everyone.  A non-confrontational conversation A conversation about sustainability and greening the environment does not have to be confrontational.   The goal of this podcast The goal of this podcast is to have heartfelt conversations and keep politics out of the way.  How to have the right kind of conversation and take it to even more people We need to speak to more people who live outside of our community. We also need to use inclusive language and powerful images to help everyone feel that they can take the action that is needed daily to create a sustainable environment for all.  It's all about a choice It's all about the choice you make. You can choose to take a small, incremental step now that will make a big impact later on. The top three things you can do to make meaningful small changes in your home Use only LED lightbulbs Use green cleaning products Use recycled toilet paper Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home Facebook group Instagram & Facebook: @greenhomecoach Everyday Green Home Shop for curated better and green products The Living Standard Tool Kit The Living Standard Campaign The Standard Issue Report Are you interested in making your next home a healthy, eco-friendly one? We have partnered with RealtySagePros.com to help match you to expert agents who are matched, based on your unique real estate needs. It's free, has no obligations, and takes less than 5 minutes. "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

There seems to be an app for everything right now!  Could you imagine downloading an app for your house? Or even a whole bunch of apps? Well, that is what you need to do if you have a smart home! But how do you go about connecting everything in this time when technology is constantly moving and things keep on changing?   I am Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I am happy to have my co-host and resident expert, Tony Pratte from The Sound Room, joining me to have an in-depth conversation about the latest technological developments for smart homes.  In this episode, Tony and I talk about the intersection between home and tech, and we discuss the digital revolution that we are going through right now. Tony sheds some light on the technology you need for your smart home and explains how to connect and control everything to make your home easier to live in and more comfortable than ever before. We also offer some great tips for having a smarter and more connected home. Things are moving fast Technology is moving so fast right now we can barely keep up! Between the 1960s and the 1910s, technology did not change much. Now, the average homeowner seems to feel like a deer in headlights with all the technological changes happening! A proprietary system Our internet and cable provider also provides systems for security and home automation. So in my home, we have a proprietary app for security and our home automation system. Having a proprietary system means that the provider is the only one who can work on it. Adding a system If you already have a proprietary system and would like to add another DIY system, you will need to have a separate system for that. You will also have to have different apps for each system. Thermostats and HVAC warranties I have to use the thermostat supplied by my service provider, even though I liked the one I had before, better. If I have a problem with the thermostat and bring in an outside party to change it, it would result in the warranty on my HVAC system being voided immediately. Key entry points  There are key entry points for smart homes. The HVAC system is one key entry point, and security is another.  Environmental control Environmental control takes care of your home infrastructure. That includes your security, HVAC system, and door lock.   Entertainment The entertainment side controls the audio and video in your home. It can also control the home security side. Security cameras  Both the environmental controls and the entertainment controls can control security cameras. Video The environmental side might handle some small light audio, but it will not cope with video.  A digital revolution We are now experiencing a digital revolution known as the Fourth Revolution. Although it is a technological and digital revolution, it is how our lives are evolving. It is no different from the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s and early 1900s.  Science fiction Our current technology is like science fiction. Tony points out that science fiction is rooted in what is to come in terms of technology.  Affordable technology Technology is expensive initially. But as it advances, people find ways to make it more accessible and affordable. Smart homes Smart homes have individual components that can be controlled remotely by a third-party device, like an app on a smart device or with voice control. The idea behind smart homes is to make our lives more convenient and comfortable and save time and energy. Connected homes In a connected home, everything is connected to the internet. All the items in the home are also connected via the same app or third-party device. A connected home absorbs and transmits data by working through the internet.  Maintenance In a connected home, the appliances transmit data to the manufacturers to inform them when parts start to fail. That makes home maintenance easier and allows the appliances to last longer. Setting scenes In connected homes, you can set scenes. For example, if you set up a “good morning” scene and turn it on by pushing a single button, the shades will go up, the door will unlock, the security system will disarm, the coffee pot will start making coffee, and music and the TV will switch on.  Systems and apps You can have several systems within a single app. You can also have a few single items, like voice-controlled Delta Faucets, that do not reside inside that app but can be tied into the overall system and controlled with a third-party voice-controlled trigger. Crossing systems Alexa and Google are the primary platforms for voice control. At The Sound Room , they also have more basic environmental systems that will operate well with Alexa and Google. The Sound Room provides a more custom DIY initial install experience and support. A growing awareness There is a growing awareness of the possible impact of having wifi-based electronics in our homes or on our bodies.  Crowded homes The term crowded home was coined because people's homes are so crowded with technology right now.  Infrastructure In the future, every electric item in our homes will be on wifi, so we will need the proper home infrastructure to support those devices. A hard-wired data jack  Having a hard-wired data jack on your smart TV will ensure that you have a continuous stream of the internet going to the TV, regardless of the number of people using the wifi in your home. Lighting The lighting in smart homes can be controlled remotely by a third-party device. Most lighting controls involve replacing the switches, not the light-bulbs. Lighting is more complicated, especially when it comes to dimmers and LED light-bulbs.    Remodeling When remodeling a home, if you would like to have someone like Tony install a DIY home-control system, rather than having a professional system installed, the people living in the home need to be smart and experienced enough to manage and support their items and equipment.  CEDIA CEDIA is an association to help people find integrator companies, like The Sound Room, in their cities. They handle all the accreditations and certifications and put on an annual show for custom electronics installation companies. Three tips Three tips for having a smarter and more connected home: Put in the best wifi system that your budget and home can handle. (This is vital because it is the backbone of a smart home.) Get a video doorbell. Find one item that would improve your life, like smart light-bulbs, a Sonos music system, or a learning thermostat, install it, and test-drive it.

Most of us do not realize how often our beliefs, values, and traditions play out in our lives because they are so deeply entrenched.  Working with sustainability and green over the years has taught me a lot about people. I have learned how much our beliefs, values, and even our traditions impact the way we live our lives and how the way we live connects with climate change and sustainability.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, I will be focusing on beliefs, values, and the traditions we tend to adopt. I will offer you some alternative perspectives for looking at your home and living in it. I will also explain how the way you think impacts the way you live.  Thinking is changing Mainstream thinking is changing. Ideas around what people consider green, eco-friendly, and environmentally friendly have advanced over the last decade. Raising awareness Climate change, social injustice, and wastage affect all of us. Chemicals, toxicity, and polluted air impact our health, and when things in our homes are off-gassing, that can make us sick. That is why I have become more and more committed, over the years, to raising awareness around those issues. Writing about what matters Over the last ten or twelve years, I have written many articles about what matters to me, like committing to using sustainable building practices and making sure we have comfortable and healthy homes in which to live. Recently, I felt honored when the National Association of Home Builders asked me to write a piece for their blog.  Living green Living green involves our common sense, making mindful choices, and using whatever we have wisely. We need to remember that our choices influence everyone around us and the environment in which we live.  Getting your beliefs and values to work for you Getting your beliefs and values to work for you starts with a personal evaluation. For your home, the first step is to understand that your home influences not only you but your entire community.  Give yourself some grace You cannot do everything right all the time, and none of us are perfect. So learn to be okay with doing whatever you can as much as you can. I do my best to follow how I want to do things 80% of the time and give myself grace for the other 20%. Remember that you also need to give grace to others. A good example I strive to be a good example. I have worked hard to be an example to my children and others in my family. Get to know what you believe in and value Get to know your beliefs and your three most important values. Then, take action and do whatever you can to live up to what you believe and value. Helping people  Helping people has always been part of my life. Part of the reason I became the Green Home Coach was to help people like you learn how to help yourself so that you can help others do the same.  Sharing your superpowers Sharing your superpowers is helpful to others and very rewarding!  A better way Become aware of better ways to do things so that you can live a healthier and more comfortable life in your home. Waste I have worked hard to come up with ways to reduce the amount of waste in my home. I am still working towards finding out how to waste less time, however! My book A few years ago, I wrote a book called Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home. I loved having the opportunity to put my beliefs into action! None of the basic concepts in the book have changed since I wrote it. You can ask to join my Facebook group to see a video synopsis of each chapter. Things you bring into your home Everything you bring into your home should be made from natural, sustainable (renewable), or responsible materials. Start small When you decide to take action, start small. Pick three things that you can do better, and stick with them. (I chose to use only LED lightbulbs, green cleaning products, and tree-free toilet paper in my home.) Stay in line with what you believe    Make sure that every decision you make for your home stays in line with what you believe and value.  Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Instagram & Facebook: @greenhomecoach Does Greener Living Support Your Values?  Women Want Sustainable & Healthy Homes — How 4 Female Members Deliver  What does it mean to “be green” anymore?  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."      

Did you know that reusing stuff is back in vogue again?  People reuse things for many different reasons. When they do, it always reminds me of my grandmother because that is her legacy. She was one of the biggest motivators for me getting involved in the green and sustainable world. I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, my occasional co-host, Tony Pratte, The Green Guy, is joining me to have a conversation about my grandmother's legacy of reusing almost everything.  In this episode, Tony and I discuss how different generations relate to the notion of reusing things, and we also talk about what we can learn from how our grandparents and great-grandparents did things.   My grandmother My grandmother was born in 1909 in a small town in South Texas. She was a young woman during the Depression. Back then, most communities were small, rural, and self-sustaining. So things were scarce and had to be reused. I remember her telling my sisters and me when we were little to use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.  My mother's generation My mother grew up simply and frugally. Even though she learned to do without many things during World War 2, it was her generation that brought in the mass manufacturing of convenience and luxury items.  The next generation People from each generation usually want to ensure that those in the next generation will be in a better position than they were. Most parents are willing to work hard so that their children do not have to work as hard. They want to know that their children are well provided for, well-educated, and in a position to make more money than they did.  Resources We need to learn to use all our resources wisely if we want them to be available for the next generation to use. Creating a culture of reducing, reusing, recycling, and refusing The culture of reducing, reusing, recycling, and refusing is becoming more fashionable lately. Especially amongst the younger people. Tony's family Tony grew up in a working-class family. They lived comfortably but not ostentatiously. They budgeted, planned, and only spent money on necessary things.  Education My parents sacrificed a lot to give my sisters and me a private school education. They saw a good education as a foundation for us to be in a position to do whatever we wanted for the rest of our lives. My sisters and I are very grateful for their sacrifice! Reusing things My grandmother used to reuse things like foil, rubber bands, paper clips, and nails. Some of that rubbed off on me. So when I get a plastic take-out container, I either reuse it or throw it away in the recycling bin. I do not buy zip-lock bags anymore. But if I get one, I wash it out and reuse it. I also save and reuse glass jars.  The younger generation Some younger people do not think they will have the opportunity to live the same lifestyle as their parents did, or to retire, because they have high college debts and do not have high-paying jobs. Prices also keep rising, and they do not budget, so they struggle to put any money aside.  Easing the financial burden There are things they can do to ease their financial burden. Many of them are learning to hold onto things and reuse them. They are also learning to stretch their budgets more. Buying used items I buy as many used items as I can. Used furniture is safer because it has already off-gassed.  Changing our lifestyle My husband had brain surgery a few years ago, and that changed everything for us. Although we live comfortably, we have a simpler lifestyle now and use fewer resources than ever before. Apart from saving money, we now also save time and energy. A fine line There is a fine line between hoarding and keeping everything and being wise about keeping the things you will need.  Neighborhood swaps  Neighborhood swaps are a great way to get what you need when you need it, without having to buy things you only use once in a while, like trailers and gardening equipment. Follow the four Rs Refuse: If you do not need something, do not get it. Reduce: You will use a lot less if you take only what you need. (Like unnecessary packaging.) Reuse: Wash and reuse items like plastic or glass containers. We reuse straw bales that people have used for Christmas decorations in our garden. Recycle: Recycling something will change its form. (Newspapers can be recycled into writing paper.) Packaging has changed Many people have changed their attitudes about reuse because packaging materials have changed so much over the years. Learning to refuse unnecessary packaging, and reusing whatever you can to store things in, is a great way to tackle two problems at once in a sustainable way. Getting only what you need Focus on getting only what you need. Then, when you occasionally splurge on something you want it will feel so much more special!   Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  My fav reusable bags...for everything! (and search "bags") Uncluttering Life "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Has a New Sibling…Refuse! with Tony Pratte Recycled Crafts: Crafts Made Using Recycled Materials "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."  

Houses and buildings are moving like crazy, but supply chains are still nuts! Remodeling has been affected by all the craziness that is going on with homes and homebuilding. However, when we decide to do a remodel, we have the opportunity to do some amazing things to make our homes even better! I am Marla, the Green Home Coach, and today, my occasional co-host, Tony Pratte, is joining me to have a conversation about remodeling and building. We will cover the building envelope, systems, and changing fixtures and finishes. Build My Future Build My Future is a one-day construction event. It is an interactive job fair designed to give high school students a hands-on opportunity to experience how things get done in the construction industry and skilled trades. I assisted in bringing a Build My Future event to Oklahoma City in 2019. We hosted another event in Oklahoma on October 26th, 2021, and I was both honored and excited to be part of it! Labor shortage The labor shortage keeps on getting worse, but we need people to build houses. That is why events like Build My Future are vital.   People power There appears to be a trend towards making things more and more efficient, but we still need people-power on building sites and behind the brains to make it all work. Commercial building versus home building The commercial environment has done a much better job of adopting healthier, greener, and more sustainable building principles than the home building environment has done. That is so because the homebuilding environment is based on repeatability, while commercial building is based on one-and-done plans. So, with commercial building, everything gets re-engineered, and with home building, there is a set of plans.  The goal The goal of homebuilding is to build as efficiently as possible, using the same plan but with some tweaks. Bridging the gap There are tremendous opportunities in the home industry for adopting greener and more sustainable building principles. People who do what I do help bridge the gap between the home industry and the commercial industry. A labor of love When remodeling a home, we often take products built in a repeatable fashion and tailor them to our specific needs and desires. Remodeling a home is usually a labor of love because it tends to be quite a challenging undertaking! Unforeseen situations Whenever you remodel or redecorate a home, you have to make provision for unforeseen situations. The building envelope The building envelope is what protects the inside of a home from the outside. It includes the walls, the windows, the doors, the roof, the basement, and the foundation slab. That is the best place to start with a remodel or an upgrade if it involves tearing out or removing walls or building an addition to the house.  Some key things to do for the building envelope Do an air-sealing package. That should include the exterior walls, the base or floors, and the ceiling and roof. Caulk the joints if you see any light shining in from the outside. Seal everything up properly. Particularly around the windows, doors, and openings for electrical wires, plumbing fixtures, or anything else that has to go through the walls. When buying sealants, ask the salespeople for advice about the best products to use for each different area of the house. Put in healthier and better insulation than there was before. (You can get a low VOC insulation that will not off-gas as much as others. There is a certification called Green Guard Gold that independently verifies products that do not off-gas much.) Have a conversation with your contractors and sub-contractors about using greener and healthier products. If they don't want to do things your way, find another contractor. Windows and doors  Buy the best windows and doors that your budget will allow. Remember that windows are harder to replace than to install. Also, make sure that you put in windows and doors with the best insulation rating. It helps to work with an experienced home professional. Roofs Replacing the roof shingles on your house will allow you to choose the best and healthiest options, even if that only means choosing the color. Use your common sense when making that choice. Pay attention to your region, and remember that dark colors absorb light and heat, while light colors reflect light and heat. The choices you make not only need to look good, but they also need to perform well. Renovation loans If you get a renovation loan when buying a home, it will add all your renovation expenses to your mortgage. That means you can get all your renovations done before moving in. Look on www.desireusa.org for incentives and rebates to help you make your home just the way you want it. Systems Modern homes rely on systems for heating, cooling, and ventilation. Remodeling your home will provide an excellent opportunity for you to add a fresh air intake to your heating, cooling, and ventilation system.   Moisture You want to get the moisture out of your house because it could cause mold. So, you need a system that ventilates as well as heating and cooling your home. In some climates, you might also need a humidifier or a dehumidifier. Professionals It is worth spending some extra money on a professional because that will ensure that things get done in the right way. Zoning your system A properly sized and zoned heating… system is achieved by carefully calculating the loads for the home and its occupants. Then it will not have to work as hard to achieve comfort and control. Properly sizing and zoning any system is key to achieving good outcomes and works even better with a high energy system. Water heaters There are various options for water heaters. You could select a tankless water heater, a high-efficiency tank, or even a solar water heater. Remember to look for the Energy Star label! Maintaining your system If you maintain your heating, cooling, and ventilation system it will last much longer. Use the best filters you can and don't forget to change the filters regularly.  Fixtures and fittings Replace your lightbulbs with LEDs, and whenever you replace your plumbing fixtures, get low-flow fixtures. (Unless you have an automated lighting system where the type of lightbulb you use matters.)  Better options There are better options for flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops, and paint. Always choose low or no VOC paint. You can use sustainable, low or no VOC, or recycled flooring, and use solid wood cabinetry. Always check your sources when using recycled items, and make sure that none of your building products contain formaldehyde.  Remodeling is a labor of love and we're here to inspire you to make your home everything you want it to be! Referral Links: For some of my fav products for remodeling and redecorating, go to Everyday Green Home and search "paint", "lights", etc. Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  4 Benefits of Green Remodeling A Green Certified Remodel! Lessons Learned From My Own Remodel  The Top 10 Myths About Green Home Remodeling Explaining High-Performance Building  Benefits of Green Remodeling Book: Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies by Eric Corey Freed BONUS for RENTERS Build My Future OKC  DSIRE "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."      

Recycling has gone awry, and there is plastic everywhere! Do you sometimes forget to put recyclable items, like plastic soda bottles, pill containers, and the little plastic takeout cups and lids from takeout food, in the right place and end up throwing them out with the trash? Or have you ever had something that you would like to recycle, but you do not know what to do with it?  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, I am excited to have my occasional co-host, Tony Pratte, AKA Tony, the Green Guy, joining me in my virtual studio for another episode in our series on the climate crisis, where we discuss convenience, where our plastic products come from, and tips you can use for better and wiser recycling! Creative solutions Even though Tony and I do not always see eye-to-eye on everything, we are not afraid of having difficult conversations. We are just as willing to talk about things we disagree on as we are about things we agree, to find creative solutions. Katharine Hayhoe Katharine Hayhoe is a well-known Texas-based climate scientist. She is encouraging people everywhere to open up the conversation about the climate crisis. Back in the day When Tony and I were growing up, we had to pay a deposit for the glass bottles the soda came in. We would get the deposit back again when we returned the empty bottles. We also had regular recycling drives in our neighborhoods. What has changed? Convenience, or taking the easy way out, has taken precedence over everything else, and many people do not think twice about throwing away single-use containers or packaging materials.  Impatience Our lives have become more complicated. Most people are used to getting whatever they want immediately or getting instant responses from others whenever they try to contact them, so they have become impatient. As a result, they are unwilling to make a plan to recycle something and would rather throw it into the trash immediately. The unintended consequences of convenience There was an explosion of fast food in the 1980s. Since then, it became all about convenience, and we never stopped to think about the unintended consequences of what was happening. Plastic Plastic has had more unintended consequences than we ever imagined.   Behavioral inertia As a result of getting used to doing things very easily, many of us now suffer from behavioral inertia when we need to change our habits. In a book I read, the author explains that it is far easier to change an existing habit than it is to start a new one. Swaps Get into the habit of swapping single-use or unrecyclable plastic items for items that can be reused or recycled sustainably. The numbers  In the United States, in 2017, we produced 35,400,000 metric tons of plastic. Of that, only 11% got recycled.  You cannot mix plastics that are to be recycled More than 70% of recyclable materials land up in landfills. That can happen because people throw items that are not recyclable into recycling bins, which could contaminate an entire batch of recycling. Another problem is that many municipalities have not been able to keep their recycling programs going or going as robustly as before. New types of plastic also complicate things by adding to the vast assortment of plastic products that we still need to figure out what to do with. What recycling means Recycling something means rescuing and processing the material it is made from to make something new. Driving the market We need to drive the recycling market by demanding more recycled products. That will motivate companies to provide more vibrant, sustainable, and financially rewarding recycling services. Virgin plastic The bulk of our virgin plastic gets made from petroleum. By recycling that plastic, we recycle the inherent value of those products.  Where do our products come from? Supply chains have become globalized and very complex, so many of us do not know where our plastic products come from. We need to pay more attention to that and learn more about it. Cut out the waste There are many good uses for plastic. To get the best use out of plastic, we need to cut out all the wasteful ways it gets used. Recycling labels Only one in five Americans always look for the recycling labels on items before throwing them away. Brands could help by making more of their packaging materials recyclable and making the labels on their packaging easier to see. A fast-growing number of solutions A fast-growing number of solutions are coming up for recycling. Many new companies are using less or no packaging. Solutions are also being provided by businesses like my son's company, Printerior, which makes 3D printing filaments out of recycled plastic. Some tips for better and wiser recycling: Try to use non-disposable items at least 80% of the time. Ask yourself if you truly need an item before purchasing it. If an item does not need to be packaged after you have bought it, accept the receipt and carry it out of the store. If you have to choose something disposable, choose something reusable or easily recyclable. Develop the habit of always doing whatever you need to, to dispose of items responsibly. Read the labels, and put whatever you are throwing away into the right place.   Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  One way to chip away at our mountains of plastic waste is to re-use it. Printerior Designs is doing just that! SHOP Recycled 3D Printer Filament https://printeriordesigns.com - 15% discount with coupon code GREENHOMECOACH For some of my fav recycled products go to Everyday Green Home and search "recycled" Earth 911 Recycling Guides The How2Recycle label needs a massive campaign - and brands should make it happen, from the Shelton Group blog The Challenge of Recycling, National Geographic Products made from petroleum Terracycle "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."  

So many people have been buying and selling houses over the past year!  Lately, people have been much more concerned about their health and wellness, both in their lives and in their homes. Fortunately, we now get to take our health and wellness into account when looking for a new home or fixing up the house we are living in.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I am excited to bring you another teach-talk! Today I will be doing Part 2 of an episode I did a couple of weeks ago with Tee (Therese Forton-Barnes) of The Green Living Gurus. In that episode, Tee and I had a fantastic conversation about different ways to make your home better and how to clean up your house to make it less toxic, safer, and healthier for everyone living in it.  In this episode, I will be talking about what you, as a new home buyer, need to look for to find a new home that works for you and has all the elements you need. I will help you formulate a plan and share some of the things I learned from my experience of buying a home about five years ago. Specific things When buying a new home, there are specific things to look out for that will give you a good starting point for having health, wellness, and comfort in your home. You also need to notice the things that are missing so that you can build them in and improve your home. Upgrading If your home has a very old furnace or air-conditioning system, it could be a perfect opportunity to upgrade to something energy-efficient with healthy ventilation. Possibly an air-purification system, too. Financial assistance Many options are available for loans or financial assistance for energy-efficient home upgrades, either through the FHA or privately.  A plan You need to know what you are looking for when buying a new home, and you also need a plan to know where to start. I will help you formulate a plan using a hand-out I helped create for a mini-workshop for new home buyers that was put on several months ago by a mortgage company in Oklahoma City.  Lists Make a list of your top three non-negotiable priorities. (These are the things you must have.) Make a list of your top three “nice-to-haves”. (These are things you would like to have but could do without if they were not there. Make a list of the top three things that you will not accept under any circumstances. (If you are working with a realtor, share those things with them.) Finding things you want that will meet your health, safety, and comfort requirements Look at the neighborhood where the house is to make sure that you will be happy living there. Communities and neighborhoods can differ a lot. Check to see if the home has enough insulation and that it will perform. (Energy assessments are available in most communities across the US if you want to be sure.) Check for ventilation. Make sure that there are operable bath fans and a kitchen range hood that vents to the outdoors. Check for any spots, and notice any musty or suspicious smells. If you find any wet spots, have them inspected to know why they are there. Look for durable and easy-to-maintain finishes and materials, like hardwood floors and scrub-able paint. (Use low or no VOC paint if you need to repaint.) Look at the countertop materials in the bathrooms and kitchen. Make sure that they are durable and meet your lifestyle. Find out what the operating and maintenance costs are. It is vital to know what you are getting yourself into and how much it will cost to run your home. (Set aside between one and three percent of the purchase price of the house for your annual maintenance.) Take the hassle factor into account. Make sure that the house is as easy as possible to run and maintain.  Book I recommend reading Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies by Eric Corey Freed. Although it is a little dated, it covers all the basics, and I learned a lot from it! Have a happy, healthy day! Did You Miss Part 1 with Tee? Health, Happiness, and Homes with Tee of the Green Living with Tee Podcast Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Health Happiness and Home - How to Pick A Home that Truly Works FOR You Book: Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies, by Eric Corey Freed BONUS for RENTERS "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."    

Finding a new home is not easy. We all want to live in a comfortable place that keeps us in good health and wellness, but many of us do not even know where to start because there are so many factors to consider.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and today I am sharing the podcast with Tee (Therese Forton-Barnes), the host of the Green Living with Tee Podcast. Both Tee and I have a strong desire to help people make their homes healthier, so we decided to introduce our two audiences to each other by co-hosting this show. In this episode, we will be diving into some simple and straightforward ways to ensure that your home is safe, healthy, and comfortable for you, your family, and the whole community. About Tee Tee lives in Buffalo, New York. She has the Green Living with Tee Podcast, a business called The Green Living Gurus, and a product line called Tee's Organics, which will launch soon.  Tee came out of college as a party planner. She ran a party and wedding planning business for thirty-five years. When the pandemic started, it was the perfect time for her to start helping people get toxic chemicals out of their homes and introduce them to a new and healthier product line.  Why should you have a greener home? The air inside your home could be between five times and a hundred times more polluted than the outdoor air. To live your best and healthiest life, you need to control what you bring into your home. Take everything you use in your home, like cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, and even air fresheners and candles into account because the chemicals in those could weaken your immune system and potentially cause cancer or other illnesses. One thing at a time  Talking about toxic chemicals can be scary for some people when they realize that there could be toxic items in every room.  One thing at a time The only way to tackle the task is to do just one thing at a time and do the best you can. Baby steps Buying a new house is the perfect time to do a healthy detox inside the house. If you feel overwhelmed, start with baby steps, and have fun while you are doing it! Doing it better Having a greener home means doing things better! Regardless of where you live- if it is in a small apartment in the city or a large house in the country, there will always be things you can do to clean the air, lower the toxicity, and make your home safer and healthier for yourself and your community. Every little bit counts! Regulations There are currently no strict regulations for the chemicals that get used in our homes. Understanding your home Green homes can be certified by the National Green Building Standard, endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders. The requirements for that certification include homeowner education and homeowner documentation to prove that the people living in the home know how to operate it and keep it at its best. Location If your home is near factories that produce pesticides, you could find some of those toxins venting into your home. Toxins (like those found in dryer sheets) could also be venting out into the environment, and your home, from other homes nearby.  Structure There could be toxic chemicals in the products used to construct the walls and roof assemblies of your home.  Moisture Ensure that your home was built to keep the moisture out. That will prevent poisonous molds from growing inside the house. When buying a house, look out for any wet spots on the walls, ceilings, and floors. Also, look out for wood rot around the windows and doors. The Hayward Score The Hayward Score can be used to assess the overall toxicity in your home. Ventilation Having good ventilation in your home is essential. It is vital to have fresh air circulating in your home, especially if it is air-tight. Opening a window just a crack will improve the overall air quality of your home.  Systems  Have a fresh air intake put onto your HVAC system, and use the best filters that you can. A great trick I learned is to turn on the blower fans when I dust and vacuum to suck the dust out of the air. Remember to replace the filters regularly to ensure that the heating and cooling system keeps on working efficiently.  Air purifiers Air purifiers can catch some of the chemicals that you cannot prevent from entering your home. How to make things better and reduce the risk of getting sick If you buy a new house, give it some time to off-gas before you move in. Leave dry-cleaned clothes or any new items outside for a while to off-gas before bringing them inside. Choose interior surfaces that are easy to clean and durable. That will prevent having to use chemicals to clean them. Paint your walls with low or no VOC paint. Tee's top three tips for healthier homes: Ditch the dryer sheets and change your laundry detergent for a chemical-free option. Use only chemical-free cleaning supplies or make your own. Filter your water and stop buying bottled water. Light bulbs Use LED light bulbs. They are recyclable, last for years, and use less energy. Toilet paper Use tree-free toilet paper so that you do no longer flush trees down the toilet. Labels Read your labels and get to know the ingredients in everything you buy.  Remember- it all starts with clean air, clean water, and natural light. Referral Links: FREE Download - Health, Happiness, and Home: How to Pick a Home that Truly Works FOR You My website Green Home Coach Green Living Gurus Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Green Living Gurus Do You Think Your Home is Healthy? Book: Living Green Effortlessly What is a Healthy Home? BONUS for RENTERS Award-Winning Spec Home Healthier Healthy Home Buying from Wellness Mama "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."    

The topic of unintended consequences is huge! Just thinking about it is enough to make my head spin! There are so many different aspects to consider in that regard, particularly when you think of unintended consequences in terms of their impact on the environment, climate change, and the day-to-day way we live our lives.   I am Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today, I am excited to have my favorite co-host, Tony Pratte, joining me live in-studio to tackle the tremendous topic of unintended consequences.  In this episode, Tony and I talk about how we need to think a little more about everything we do because there will always be some other effect or consequence to any of our actions. Leaping to conclusions So often, people leap to the conclusion that a certain solution is the only solution. I do not think that there is only one solution for anything.  It will take many solutions I feel it will take many solutions to improve our health, safety, comfort, and this planet on which we live.  A systemic approach Often, when looking for a solution, people fail to look any further than the next step. That is why we need to look at things systemically. A catchy phrase A catchy phrase or trending meme will not suspend the law of physics, the law of gravity, or the law of mathematics. Just because something sounds good, it does not mean that it is the right way to do it. Nor does it mean that there will be no consequences for that action.  Introducing a biological organism into a different environment If we want to prevent something from getting out of balance, and we introduce a biological organism into an environment in which it is not naturally found, we are merely treating the symptom. To find a solution, we need to look at what caused the imbalance in the first place.  Tradeoffs The departments of natural resources in the different states have programs that trade certain species to find out if they can exist in different environments. They do that for research purposes and also to increase biodiversity.  An example An example of that happened in Missouri, where there was an overpopulation of white-tailed deer. A little more than ten years ago, some of the white-tailed deer got placed in a different location, and in return, the state of Missouri got given some armadillos. As a result, and as an unintended consequence, Missouri now has a growing population of armadillos. An unintended consequence with wolves We can see a similar unintended consequence where endangered wolves got reintroduced into places with a lot of ranching. Unintended consequences can also be good An example of a positive unintended consequence happened in Illinois when bald eagles got reintroduced. Illinois is one of the favorite migratory spots for the bald eagle to breed. So the unintended consequence is a lot of extra tourism in the area. Fully understanding the unintended consequences If people fully understood the unintended consequences of their proposals, they would be less likely to go forward with risky ventures. Out of control It has often happened that species brought in from other places to solve short-term problems have blossomed out of control in a new location. That unintended consequence is that the artificially introduced species then has to be controlled. Native plants It is always best to use native plants for your landscaping to avoid using extra resources to keep your plants alive. Building science Everything you do to protect yourself from the environment has a tradeoff. Building science looks at everything from a systemic perspective. It helps to control the tradeoffs and minimize the things that you do not want to happen. Building tighter homes In the 1970s, we started building tighter homes to save energy. However, we did that without considering what we were putting into our homes. The unintended consequences emerged about fifteen years later with mold issues in those homes and a generation of kids with more asthma cases than had ever been seen before.  Healthy homes The materials used in your home need to be permeable. Your home needs to breathe and allow the air to circulate to let water vapor through so that the interior can dry out.  Be prepared Be prepared for future unintended consequences that could pop up in unexpected ways when you least expect them. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home Easily find stylish, energy-efficient options for your home. Enter "energy" in the search bar on the Shop page! Green Living - Saving Ourselves Does Greener Living Support Your Values? Taking on Climate Change at Home...from NPR How to Fight Climate Change at Home  

The approach of fall presents a wonderful opportunity for us to speak about the outdoors!  I really appreciate the cooler weather and love being able to spend time outside without getting too hot! Also, when August rolls around each year, I cannot help thinking about the harvests that will soon be coming in from the farmer's markets- and even from my garden!  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach, and today I am excited to bring you another Everyday Green Home Podcast Teach Talk! In this episode, I will be talking about the harvest, the garden and outdoors, maintenance, and what you need to do to get ready for the cooler weather. I will also share some fun ways to get outside and enjoy the milder weather.  Our garden We have the craziest garden, and it is producing right now.  My first harvest Although we are, at best, experimental gardeners, our very first harvest for this year was a massive Armenian cucumber!   Sustainable and chemical-free experimental gardeners Being experimental gardeners, we have been trying out many different things. Everything we do gets done as sustainably and chemical-free as possible.  Farmer's market We love our farmer's market! There is a farmer we buy from there who grows the most beautiful chemical-free produce.  Straw bale gardening Last summer, we started gardening with straw bales. We did it because Oklahoma has very clay-ey soil, so it takes a lot of compost and augmentation to prepare the soil for growing vegetables. A raised-bed garden Using straw bales creates a raised-bed garden, which is a lot easier on the back and knees.  How we got our used straw bales I placed a notice on our local neighborhood Facebook group just after Halloween last year and once again after Thanksgiving where I offered to collect the straw bales that people had been using as decorations. By doing that, we managed to acquire fifteen straw bales that people would otherwise have thrown away.  Reusing resources Collecting used straw bales gave us an ideal opportunity to reuse some resources that were already out there. We also saved a lot of money because we did not have to pay for them. Conditioning the straw Before planting, the straw needs to be conditioned to break it down into compost. We left our bales to sit over the winter, and in early spring my husband treated them with natural fertilizer and water for a few weeks.  Fun Straw bale gardening has been lots of fun, and my husband and I have learned a lot from doing it! Seedlings We also grew our own seedlings this year. Unfortunately, the tags I made faded in the sun, so we were not entirely sure what we were planting. Next time, we will find a better way of noting what the different seedlings are. A drip system My husband put in a drip system with a timer to water the garden. That allowed us the freedom to spend some time away from home, and still keep our garden growing. Harvesting Last year, we heard that an ice storm was coming at the end of October, so we went out into our garden with flashlights the night before the storm and harvested everything.  Preparing This year, we plan to be more prepared for the harvest. We also plan to have our garden well-prepared for the winter. Saving seeds We managed to save some of the seeds from what we planted, and what we bought from the farmer's market, last year. Some of the plants we have this year come from those saved seeds. We dried them and kept them in the refrigerator to preserve them. Keeping notes We plan on keeping notes of the things that work best in our garden. A good time to plant Fall is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs and to seed new lawns or turf. Look for sustainable turf if possible because it requires less water and maintenance.  Outside maintenance For us, outside maintenance includes cleaning up in the garden. I have also been collecting seeds from the wildflowers in our garden.  Inspect your home Inspect the outside of your home to make sure that everything is in order, for the winter. Remember to do the little things like changing your heating and cooling filters and your water filters. It is a good idea to make a list of all the things that are critical to do to make sure that your home is safe and sound for the cold winter months. Maintenance checklist Use a maintenance checklist to make sure that you do everything that needs to be done. A checklist will help you to figure out what you can do yourself, and what you will need professional help with. Declutter This is a good time to declutter. A garage sale is a good way to get rid of any items that you no longer need.  Reuse or recycle Always try to find ways to reuse or recycle whatever you can. Try to make use of ‘junk services' wherever possible. Day trips are fun Day trips are a good intermediate at this time of year if you are not quite ready or do not have the time to take a long trip. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Grab our FREEBIE - Landscaping for Energy Efficiency! Stuff for Your Garden  Stuff for Your Outdoors Landscaping for Beauty, Energy Efficiency, and Comfort  Maintain and Document So You Can Rely on Your Home  Our Garden photos  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."​    

I have seen some crazy things happening lately in the homebuilding industry! There is turmoil with both new and existing homes as a result of shortages and supply-chain disruptions in many different areas.  In this episode, we will look at the problems we are facing and discuss why they are happening. We will break everything down into the three parts of a house: the land, the materials, and the labor. They are all connected, and we are having challenges with all of them.  Welcome to another episode of the Everyday Green Home Podcast! I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I am happy to have my ever-popular co-host, Tony Pratte, joining me face-to-face in the studio today! Huge impacts The markets for real estate, new builds, and remodeling of existing homes are connected, and they are all having problems now. The impacts of that are huge. They are affecting building costs, timing, and even how people are moving around. The rising cost of lumber Houses are now being sold, sight unseen, to the highest bidder, and new homes are currently averaging between twenty and forty thousand dollars more due to the rising price of lumber.  A challenge There are not enough people working in the construction and skilled trades. Even finding someone to come in and do a simple home repair has become challenging right now.  Sawmills Sawmills got shut down during the pandemic. We have fewer sawmills online now than we did ten or twenty years ago because many of them shut down during the great recession and never got going again.  Border and lumber issues The turnaround time for lumber shipments from Canada is way too long because it has to cross the border and quarantine. The transportation of the materials is also an issue because the transport drivers are having problems with being locked up.   Alternative materials The producers and salespeople of alternative materials are finally making sure that their voices get heard.  Cabinets There is a massive issue with kitchen cabinets being unavailable.  Windows and doors Even windows and doors have become hard to find because factories in which they are made were shut down. Now, they are unable to catch up with the demand. Appliances There is a six-month wait for many appliances, even though many warehouses are full of appliances that have already been paid for. The warehouses are full because the pipeline got stuck due to new houses not being completed or reaching a point where the appliances can get delivered. Copper Electricians are running out of wire, and the price of raw copper is shooting through the roof! That affects plumbers and electricians and also inadvertently HVAC heating and cooling. Resin There is a shortage of the resin that makes the plastic for electric cover-plates, light switches, wall plates for cable or data connections, speakers, ceiling-mounted speaker brackets, and more. It is all connected If the openings in the dry walls for the electric wires do not get covered, the house cannot get inspected. Without the inspection, the sale of the house cannot close. That creates even more demand in the already-tight existing home market.  Home inspections Homebuyers and sellers are now becoming willing to waive their home inspections. If you buy a house without a home inspection, you have no recourse, and you will never know what you are dealing with in terms of termites, water issues, or components that do not work. Demand is outstretching supply Currently, the demand for materials is outstretching the supply. That has caused a surge in pricing.  A shortage of land Many people want to move into single-family homes. That requires land, but there is a shortage close to the cities. New areas As a result of more people working more flexibly or working from home, new areas are starting to open up for people to live.  The basics of land The land to build homes on is finite and scarce. Ten years ago, it took about six months to get through all the permit requirements for developing a new piece of land. Now it takes two to three years, and that leads to increased costs. Labor There has been a shortage of labor in the skilled trades and homebuilding industry for many years. Because, as a nation, we were encouraged to aspire to higher education. As a result, we lost almost two generations of tradespeople. Many people do not realize that the trades are higher education.  No debt With most skilled trades you could make between sixty and a hundred thousand dollars a year, with zero debt. Women in the construction industry More and more women have been joining the construction world. We need women to be doing that kind of work, so I am excited to be joining a project in Utah next week, called The House that She Built. It is hosted by women in various trades, to bring awareness to women in the building industry. Professional Women in Building My part in the Professional Women in Building organization was to help bring an event, Build My Future, to Oklahoma City in 2019.   Construction sites Construction sites are fun! There is music going, people making fun of each other, and people working hard as a team. Individuals from the various trades can be found on-site, all with the same end in mind- to produce the home.  What we can do about the labor shortage We can encourage young people to learn more about opportunities in the trades and hopefully connect more with those coming into the trades- particularly with more women.  Jobs in construction There are jobs in construction for everybody! So, if you want a job, you will find one there because the unions are actively looking for people.   Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Why Builders Stick with Lumber Despite High Prices, NAHB Now Steel Prices Have Tripled Supply Issues Linger from NAHB Now NAHB Supply Chain Summit "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

The idea of 3-D printing is exploding right now in almost every sector! Today, I am happy to introduce you, the listeners, to my son, Trent Esser. Trent and his friend are starting a 3-D printing company in St Louis, called Printerior. The company is currently in the beta testing phase, and they are getting ready to have their first product launch within the next two to four weeks. Trent is joining me on the show today to talk about his exciting new venture and explain how 3-D printing works. For this episode, I get the chance to do something cool that I have never done before! I will be working with my son for the very first time!  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach, and I have my dedicated co-host, Tony Pratte, joining me in the studio today. Be sure to stay tuned to hear what 3-D printing is all about and find out how Trent aims to use 3-D printers to solve the world's plastic waste problem. Production facility Trent and his team moved into their production facility about a month ago. They are done with the construction phase now and are finally getting everything set up and ready to start production.  About Printerior Printerior is a sustainable additive manufacturing company.  Their goal Their goal is to help solve the world's plastic waste problem by using 3-D printers and waste plastic to create sustainable products.  A new way 3-D printing is a new way of manufacturing almost anything and everything. It has taken a while to get started in the US, but Trent and his team are working on accelerating things.  Using already-existing plastic Trent uses recycled plastic for the feedstock for his 3-D printing, so he is guaranteed to have enough supply for the rest of his life. 100% recycled filament Right now, they are creating 100% recycled filament for 3-D printers.  What the filament for 3-D printing is The filament for 3-D printers is a bit like the ink in an ink-jet printer. It allows the printer to build up layers and create a shape. The filament is the actual plastic that makes every print. Plastic Almost all plastics are made from petroleum products. We are starting to see more and more plastics made from corn and potato starch, however. In the US, corn starch gets used for making PLA plastic. Different variations of plastic 3-D printing uses different variations of plastic. These include the traditional PLA bioplastic, made from plant material rather than petroleum, and many other kinds of plastic ranging from ABS to PETG, depending on the specific requirement for each application. What compostable plastic means  Although compostable plastic was branded as eco-friendly, it is not quite true. Compostable plastic can only be composted in a commercial composting center because it takes a lot of heat and pressure to do it. There are very few commercial composting centers, and most of them will not compost plastic of any kind. A full recycling service Printerior creates filament from plastic waste sources and 3D printing waste collected through the Printerior Recycling Program. This 100% recycled-content filament is then used to make new 3D prints, completing the cycle. Who they work with Printerior works with universities, school districts, maker spaces, and small-scale businesses that use 3-D printing to manufacture their products.  Incentive Sometimes, prints fail, and the product does not come out as intended. Printerior incentivizes businesses, schools and consumers by recycling the scrap that they would normally throw away and then giving them a discount on their next order of feedstock filament based on the amount of plastic they recycle.  A tricky process Although making plastic from recycled plastic sounds easy, once you get down to the finer details, it can be a tricky process. It requires clean feedstock, formed in the right way, that comes out in the right consistency with the correct material quality. The whole process is not cheap, and it takes a lot of effort. Easy to buy Trent's product has to be as easy to buy as new plastic to be competitive. Although it took a lot of time and effort to get established, things will soon start going more smoothly for them. What they make Apart from making 3-D filament, Printerior also has a print farm. They can make almost any product that is approximately a cubic foot in size.  How 3-D printing can spark entrepreneurship 3-D printing allows many different products to be brought to market faster, without the large cash requirements to cover the molding costs for manufacturing plastic products. Cost-competitive  So far, 3-D printing has been cost-competitive, up to about fifty to one-hundred-thousand parts. After that, injection molding is more cost-effective because it is faster. COVID face-shields  The manufacture of COVID face shields took off during the pandemic, and they were in short supply. So, 3-D printer communities from around the country banded together and produced millions of them that went out to hospitals in days rather than months. The building industry 3-D printers are also making their way into the building industry right now. How it started A while back, Trent and his friend, Hayden, now his business partner, got into large-format printing. (That is where their company is heading for the future).  University of Missouri EQ Accelerator They participated in the University of Missouri EQ Accelerator (Entrepreneurship Alliance), from which they received some seed funding. Europe  After that, Trent went to Europe to learn about large-format 3-D printers. He loved what he learned there and came back full of enthusiasm for his new project.  The pandemic Unfortunately, he arrived back home one week before everything shut down due to the pandemic.  Pivoting When things started settling down again, they reached out to their partners, who told them that it would take more than a year to get things going. So Trent and his partner decided to pivot into making filament for the consumer market. Easily recyclable and sustainable They want everything they manufacture to be easily recyclable and sustainably sourced. 3-D printing has taken off 3-D printing has taken off and become cost-effective. The cost of good-quality 3-D printers has dropped drastically.  Schools Some school districts even have entire curricula based around 3-D printing and additive manufacturing. A great team Trent and his business partner, Hayden, are both very artistic and creative. Trent has an entrepreneurial spirit, and Hayden is an engineer and designer. They have also brought a third co-founder, Jordan, on board. Jordan is an expert in computer science and electrical engineering.  Making a dent in the climate crisis Manufacturing has a huge footprint. By using 3-D printers and recycled material for manufacturing, and recycling plastic, Trent and his team are doing their best to put a dent in the climate crisis.    Referral Links: Printerior - recycled 3D printer filament, print farm, and large format printing  SHOP Recycled 3D Printer Filament - 15% discount on your first order with coupon code GREENHOMECOACH See designs on Printerior's Instagram @printerior Printerior on Facebook 3D Printing in the St. Louis area? Learn how to join Printerior's Recycling Program My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Is your home a part of the solution to what is going on with climate change? Or is it a part of the problem? Did you know that every choice you make for how you live in your home and everything you bring into your home impacts your health and the planet as a whole? The climate crisis has shown us that building a life for ourselves and creating modern conveniences have made a big footprint on the earth and our fellow human beings. So, a while back, my co-host and I started a series on climate change as an opportunity for us to discuss what climate change means. We wanted to create a space to talk in-depth about the climate crisis and let people know why we care.  I'm Marla, the Green Home Coach. Today my occasional co-host, Tony Pratte from the Soundroom, is joining me in the studio for a face-to-face conversation about how to make your home a part of the solution to the problem of climate change.   Buildings Buildings, including commercial properties and our homes, are about forty percent of the current load. The impact of the building process There is a lot to deal with when it comes to the climate crisis, and most people do not understand the full impact of the building process. People tend to think only about what goes into the building of a structure without thinking of where the materials come from or how to maintain and power it once the structure is complete. Energy conservation Many of us have been focused for years on our energy and water use, conservation, and efficiency, without ever knowing how much our homes contribute to the problem of climate change. A green or sustainable certification When looking at homes from a green or sustainable certification perspective, we essentially build, remodel, renovate, or reconstruct a structure to become healthier and more comfortable. We also do it to make the use of water and energy more controllable.  Six categories We look at six different categories when it comes to the green or sustainable certification of a structure or home: The land that it sits on. How well it uses resources. How well it uses energy. How well it uses water. Its indoor air and indoor environmental quality. How it gets operated and maintained. Each of the above categories offers us an area of improvement for how we live in our homes, how our homes perform, and the size of the load. Any step, even baby steps, will start to turn the tide. One of the greenest things that you can do Caring about how a home gets operated and maintained is one of the greenest things that you can do that sustains the home or structure into the future and ensures that things do not need to be replaced as soon. Knowing how to operate your home is vital You need to know how to operate your home. If not, you will never reap all the benefits. If you know how to operate your house as it was built, designed, and engineered, you will reap the benefits for the rest of your life. The load Our homes are there to make us comfortable and protect us from the elements. Yet, they are also part of the load that we place on the world, on our communities, and on each other.  A choice We need to choose whether we want to be part of the problem or part of the solution. So, we need to educate ourselves and shift our perspectives to look at what we can do, rather than looking at the things that we are not doing. Saving energy We need to accept that even if we cannot do the big things, we can still do small things in our homes to conserve energy. We can get rid of energy waste, replace old appliances with more energy-efficient ones, replace the light bulbs with LEDs, and be more mindful about the amount of energy we use. It also helps to ensure that the heating and cooling system was properly designed, the house is air-tight for the winter, and the windows are shaded in the summer. Free resources There are many free resources available on the internet to help us understand more about green homes and make better choices. One of my favorite new resources is Home Performance Counts, put out as a joint project between the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders. Water We should never waste any water because water is our scarcest resource. Worldwide, a billion people per day do not have access to clean water. Yet water is vital for manufacturing things and recycling. It also takes water to make electricity.  Buying choices We need to educate ourselves to make the best choices for buying products that have been made from the most sustainable resources. It is always best to choose the items that have the lowest impact. Remember that you cannot be perfect, so give yourself grace and do the best you can.  Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home Easily find stylish, energy-efficient options for your home. Enter "energy" in the search bar on the Shop page Green Living - Saving Ourselves Does Greener Living Support Your Values? Taking on Climate Change at Home...from NPR How to Fight Climate Change at Home "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Have you ever wondered how to go about finding a home that has everything you value? It is vital to have a home that supports your lifestyle, and finding the right one can be pretty hard. Now, more than ever, after spending a year indoors, we have learned to value having a comfortable home with all the features we need.  My husband and I wanted an energy-efficient home, and we wanted it to have a back porch for us to sit on. We also wanted a home that would help us support the family health issues we were dealing with at the time. Even though I am in the industry, I had no clue how to find that home.  I am Marla, the Green Home Coach, and in today's podcast, I will introduce you to my friend, Kari Klaus, who is doing some great work in the area of green real estate. Listen in to learn more about how to find a home that has everything you want, and need. Real estate is fluctuating The real estate market is hot for sellers right now because there are still some very interesting potential fluctuations coming out of the pandemic with people working from home.  Change-agents There is a huge opportunity right now for those in real estate to be change agents. Any home can become a greener home Any home, even an older one, can become a greener home by up-leveling the lighting, systems, and appliances. RealtySage Many years ago, Kari bought a home in Arlington, Virginia. It was old and quaint but super outdated and energy inefficient. Although she renovated and updated all the appliances and electrics, she knew she would have problems marketing the property on some major sites because they do not emphasize or educate buyers about the green features of the home, like solar. That means that sellers may not get their return on investment if the buyers do not understand what is in it. People need to see the houses on the internet to know what they look like and understand how much was invested in making them comfortable and energy-efficient.  That is what they do at RealtySage. RealtySage Pro People also need experts who can help explain everything. That is where the second part, RealtySage Pro, comes in. RealtySage Pro connects buyers and sellers to experience a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands all the features and systems of the home.  The value in green homes There is value in green homes that often gets overlooked. A big investment A home is one of the most important and expensive things in which we invest. Buying a house sight unseen can be a problem for people when they do not have all the information upfront.  Trends California has mandated zero energy-performance homes and solar. That trend will continue until it becomes the norm. A learning curve Consumers need to know where their houses land on the green and smart technology scale. They also need to learn about the different codes and certifications, what they stand for, and what they mean.  Solar Consumers can potentially save hundreds of dollars in energy costs from having solar on their properties. Millennials Millennials are making an impact on our society right now. They are currently the largest group of home buyers. Millennials love automated homes with smart technology, and they also love living close to where they work.  The big unknown The post-pandemic remote work situation is the big unknown that could transform real estate significantly. An exciting time It is an interesting and exciting time right now with lots of potential opportunities. With so many people working from home, many commercial office buildings could convert in the future to become apartments and condos. Have a home that supports you Think about what is important to you. Think about having a home that supports your comfort, health, and well-being. Then, take action to make that happen.  RealtySage Pro has a massive database RealtySage Pro has a database of almost 150,000 real estate agents across the country to help match sellers with the right buyers. Their agents understand the value of off-grid properties and help sellers to market that. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Intelligent Real Estate Search with RealtySage  Get matched with a RealtySage PRO Sage Score Work with Marla to prep for buying or selling a home  Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency®  Home Performance Counts  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Climate change is becoming part of many everyday conversations and many of our children may have questions – spoken or unspoken – about climate change and how it may impact them. How do you talk with them about climate change? Both my kids are grown and work in an industry that focuses on sustainability, so we have some pretty interesting conversations. Tony does not have any kids, so the conversations he has are geared more towards an adult point of view and tend to be more on the academic side. Even though Tony and I live in very different worlds and do not always see eye to eye, we feel our different outlooks bring a balanced perspective to our conversations. Today, we will be talking about our kids collectively as a society. Not an easy decision Many people are having a tough time deciding whether or not it is a good idea to start a family today, with all the political strife, the climate crisis, and everything else that is going on in the world. Yet, many generations of people have most likely been having the same conversation over the ages. Because as Tony points out, society and civilization were always built on strife. A rough year The past year has been rough for the kids. Tony feels bad for them because they have lost out on so much in the classroom, on the sports ground, and especially in their social development. He feels that losing their connections can end up slowing their development.  Screen time Pre-COVID, our kids, as a society, spent a lot of time in front of screens. Right now, with online learning, kids are getting even more screen time. That makes one wonder what the effects some of the things they are getting exposed to will have on their physical health, mental health, and social development.  Humans are impacting the world I found the topic of climate change interesting during the pandemic lockdown because, in many parts of the world, the natural environment cleared up very quickly. That was, in many cases, an indication that humans are impacting the world in which we live. So, I hope we can figure out how to do this and learn to live in symbiosis with the natural world a little better. Emissions We drive many more miles today than we did in the 1980s. Yet, we have fewer emissions today because technology has improved. Even though we are unlikely to stop emissions entirely, there are things that we can do to lessen the impact.  Internal combustion engines Many manufacturers have pledged that after a certain date, they will no longer manufacture internal combustion engines. Electric vehicles If we are going to be driving many more electric vehicles in the future, we need to figure out how to fill the need for electricity without creating any unintended negative consequences. Break the silence We need to lose the fear of upsetting the conversation, break the silence, and start talking about the things that impact climate change. That goes for adults as well as kids.  Talking to young adults and kids When having a conversation with younger adults or children, focus on maintaining a positive attitude about everything. Be transparent with them. Give them all the facts and present issues as challenges rather than problems. Teach them to give each other grace. Help them face their fears, give hope, and show them how to take action when necessary. Mindset We have to get out of a problem-based mindset and start teaching kids more of a solution-based mindset. Outdoors Get the kids to spend time outside on sunny days to connect with nature and become familiar with the bright and cheerful outdoor environment. Positive experiences Watch your language, and give children as many positive messages and experiences as possible. The more positive experiences they have, the more equipped they are to handle any doom and gloom situations. Take a hike Encourage your kids to go hiking with you. You can encourage them to pick up trash along the way. Cleaning up the environment will teach them how to take action while also giving them a positive experience. The health of the planet Teach your kids that their health is tied to the health of the planet. Teach them not to waste, and let them know that recycling is vital. Explain to them that what we do in our homes affects not only them but the whole world, too. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my private Facebook group Love Your Everyday Green Home  Kid's Bamboo Telescope for exploring outside  How to Talk with Kids about the Climate Crisis - Shelton Group How to talk honestly to kids about climate change — and still give them hope How To Talk To Kids About Climate Change - NPR  Project Learning Tree Activities for Families  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Taking the time to do regular home maintenance adds up to a greener lifestyle. By doing a little more research every time you need to replace, repair, redecorate, remodel, or renovate, you can make a difference. All of that is a part of maintenance, which is super important around our homes. Maintaining your home is one of the greenest things that you can do. Maintenance preserves the life of things, so the more routine maintenance you do around the home, the longer things will last. And the longer things last, the fewer things end up in the trash or the recycling bin.  I’m Marla, the Green Home Coach, and today, I would like to talk to you about spring maintenance.  My friend, Tina Gleisner, from Home Tips for Women, is my maintenance go-to. She collaborated with me on the chapter about maintenance in my book, Living Green Effortlessly- Simple Choices for a Better Home. For today, I pulled an episode out of the archives where Tina and I talk about spring maintenance.  Tina knows how to rock out maintenance with her three-tiered approach, so be sure to listen in today and get ready for some super home maintenance! Enjoy the episode! The most important point The most important point to remember about taking care of your home is that you are the chief home organizer. That means that you do not have to do everything yourself. Your number one priority is to see that all the important things get done. Critical jobs Some critical jobs need to get done in a home that we do not have the tools or the experience to do. So we should not even attempt to do these things. Spring maintenance The focus of this podcast is on spring maintenance because spring is a great time to do several things outside of your home. Many of those things will require the assistance of an expert. Organizing your checklist It is always best to start by inspecting things around your home. Then, make a list of all the things that need to be maintained or repaired.  Planning Planning what you intend to do and who you will hire to help you can minimize the costs of your ongoing home maintenance and repairs in the long run. Checking the roof If you are uncomfortable on a ladder or if there is a chance that you could fall, do not go up onto the roof yourself. To check your roof, stand back and take some photos of it with your phone. Then, go to your computer and blow the pics up to see all the details. You can save them so that you can use them again the next year to see if anything on the roof has changed.  New roofs If you do some spot-checking every year, for the first ten years, without actually going up there, that will be sufficient for most new roofs. If you live on the coast or in an area with harsh weather all the time, your roof will not last as long as it would in an inland area with mild weather. National Women In Roofing An organization called National Women In Roofing will help you better understand all the different classes of roof shingles, explain what your roofing insurance will and will not cover, and answer any questions that you might have. Hidden damage If you need a new roof, it is never a good idea to put a second layer of roofing shingles on top of what you already have because there may be hidden damage to the plywood underneath the shingles. A tip for recycling old roof shingles Many communities have a Roof to Roads program where they recycle asphalt shingles to use for building roads. So, if you are removing an old roof, look into recycling the old shingles. Protecting the wood and checking for wood-rot If you can catch a problem early, it could save you a lot of money and effort in the future. So check the wood around your windows and doors, and any decking or other wooden trim around the house, for signs of wood rot that might be starting. If you find anything, it can quite easily be sanded and painted to protect the wood and prevent any deterioration. The two biggest problem areas The two biggest problem areas for wood-rot are the window-sills if the water does not roll off them fast enough, and the vertical piece of wood directly under the exterior doors. The longer the problem remains, the more the repair is likely to cost. Wood rot Tina has an article on her website that goes into the different levels and costs of wood-rot on window frames. She also has a series on her website about all the areas of wood rot in a home. Roof flashing The flashing on the roof usually gets made of thin material, like galvanized steel. It is there to direct water away from the critical roof areas. Spring home-maintenance Doing outside home maintenance in the springtime is vital because you will start spending a lot more time outside at that time of the year. Two main things need to get done in the springtime. Find and deal with any damage that may have occurred during the winter. Look out for the safety of your family while they are spending time outside. That includes checking the walkways, decks, hand-rails, and outside lighting. Tina’s spring check-list Tina has a checklist available on her website to give you many different ways to look for potential problems in your home. Some things to look out for: Concrete is porous, and it sucks water up, so keep a lookout for any rising damp. Push gently on the wood around your doors and windows with your fingers to check for sponginess. That would indicate that there is some wood-rot going on there. If you find any wood-rot, you will need to do something about it quickly. Check to see if the weather-stripping around your windows and doors requires replacing. Check if any of the screens for your windows or doors are torn and need to get replaced. Check your garden hoses and check that the irrigation system is working well. Ensure that your air condition system is working well and that your fans turn in the right direction. Remember that a clean home is easier to maintain. It helps everything to work more efficiently and last longer. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home  Curated collection for you  Spring Home Maintenance Checklist Home Tips for Women (PDF Download) Better Hose Bibs - Use This to Replace Outdoor Hose Bibs  "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."  

Climate change is a big topic! We hear a lot about it lately in the news, in newspapers, and in people’s conversations. Climate change is something that we all need to talk about, and many questions are surrounding it.  People often get lectured about the things they are doing wrong in the world today. So, we would like to use this series to open people up to the idea of having conversations so that we can all work together to find solutions.   I’m Marla, the Green Home Coach, and my favorite co-host, Tony Pratte, is joining me today for another episode in our series on climate change.  In this episode, we talk about human-made climate change. We will talk specifically about the choices that we can make, as humans, to fight the whole people-driven part of climate change.  Tony and I want to help you, the listeners, climb into the details of climate change. We want to encourage you to think about things differently, and we would like to help you dive deeper into the issues that matter and consider a perspective that you might not have thought of before. Everything has become politicized There has been a lot of discourse and disagreement around climate change, and like everything else, the topic of climate change has become politicized. Grace I come from two things - people and grace. I come from caring about everyone, including the people I know and those I don’t. In the past, people have forgiven me for the wrong things I believed in or what I did wrong. That helped me to understand how important it is to give grace to everyone else. Talking about things Tony and I have honest conversations. Although we often disagree about things, we always agree to talk about them. You have to be able to discuss every issue from both sides because that is the only way you will ever find the truth. 600,000,000 Years of Climate Change Climate change is a fact. It is real. Some things have been going on for 600,000,000 years that cause the heating and cooling of the earth naturally. Tony has a chart that he stares at every time we talk about climate change. The name of the chart is 600,000,000 Years of Climate Change. Climate change impacts our lives  Climate change impacts every area of our lives. That includes our food, livelihood, social injustice, the buildings we live and work in, and our transportation. It all matters! Yet, we have run amuck! We have made decisions that are not in our best interests in the long term because there are many unintended consequences to those decisions. There is a winner and a loser When someone is doing what they can to maximize their quality of life, there is always a negative externality that is causing someone else to have less. Everything is balanced If you look at the physical rules of our universe, everything is balanced. That could be happening with human-induced climate change. Human impacts on the environment A National Geographic article highlights that humans impact the physical in many ways. Those include overpopulation, pollution, and deforestation. Those kinds of changes have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. Air quality The air quality improved in many urban centers across the planet during the pandemic. The quality of our lives We need to consider what we are willing to accept for the quality of our lives. Social cost There is often a social cost to the recycling of things, which is not accounted for. A growing movement  There’s a growing movement to buy products from companies that support your values and do things that are in line with you or better. More and more companies are telling us about what they are doing to be accountable for their actions. A better quality of life Some people are willing to spend a little more to buy what they need for a better quality of life that has less impact on the environment.  An impact Almost every activity we engage in to improve our quality of life has an impact that can be negative on our or someone else’s quality of life. Plastic water bottles are made from oil Not many people know that plastic water bottles are made from oil. Understanding the processes We need to learn and get to understand the processes of how things are made and done. It is difficult and takes work, but we need to do it. Things you can do Don’t get overwhelmed. Understand what products are made from what. Recycle. Use your common sense. Avoid single-use plastics. Research the companies you want to support. Encourage companies that are not doing things right to do things better. Create change Your voice is worth using. Use it. Say something to create change. Or you can vote with your pocketbook by not buying something. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Learn how to make your home healthier for you and our world in my Love Your Everyday Green Home FB Group! Products made from petroleum Climate explained: how much of climate change is natural? How much is man-made?  Global Warming Overview (requires an email address to read) Teaching Essential Principle Six Human activities are impacting the climate system "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Here, in the United States, we use more toilet paper per capita than in any other country on the face of the earth. Although things are different in other parts of the world, in our society, we view toilet paper as a necessity because that is how we were trained in our culture, in our economy, and in our lives. Toilet paper was the first thing everyone stocked up on at the start of the pandemic. It is something that we know we need to use, but we think we have no replacement for it. I’m Marla, the Green Home Coach! Today, Tony Pratte, my occasional co-host, joins me on the show once again for another conversation in our series about climate change. Today, Tony and I are talking toilet paper! In this episode, we explain what goes into the toilet paper that we are literally flushing down the toilet. We also discuss what you can use as alternatives and why that matters.   Looking at our country as a whole When we look at our country as a whole, we are the most prosperous country with the largest economy. Yet, we are very wasteful. Use this, not that I got a flyer from my local natural grocery store explaining what we should and should not use. They list many different items, from laundry detergent, to grocery bags to weed killer, and they even list toothbrushes.  Alternatives to single-use products There are many alternatives for us to use rather than single-use products, where we tend to be the most wasteful. Most of us do not think of toilet paper in that category, however. Flushing forests We are literally flushing forests down the toilet so that we can use something a little softer to wipe ourselves. Recycled materials I have used recycled toilet paper for several years now because I feel that any time I can use a recycled material rather than virgin material, it is a good thing. It takes far less energy, water, and chemicals to make something from a recycled product, and you are also expanding the life of that product. Wood pulp All paper gets made from wood pulp. Different kinds of wood pulp get used in making the various types of paper.   Wood mills Wood mills have tons of scrap lying all over. One would assume that those scrap bits of wood get used for making paper, but that is not what happens. Making toilet paper Toilet paper is not only made from leftover bits and pieces of wood, but shockingly, 44% of the wood pulp used to make toilet paper comes from clear-cut native virgin-growth forests.  Planting trees Although many of those involved with forestry claim to plant a tree every time they cut one down, it will take many years for those trees to reach their full forest height. Those trees often get planted within a monoculture instead of in a diverse setting with active microbiomes like a forest. Everything in nature works in systems, including forests. So, when forests get ripped out for our convenience, there is a long-term pay-off. Using recycled paper for toilet paper Many of the resources used to make paper could get offset by using recycled paper to make toilet paper. FSC certified forests Forests that are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified have been deemed to be sustainable and sustainably managed. Toilet paper made from virgin wood Paper made from virgin wood has longer fibers which give it a lot more life. Every time paper or wood gets recycled, the fibers become shorter. So it makes a lot of sense to use recycled paper to make toilet paper because it will get flushed down the toilet. Sewage plants Often, sewage plants make fertilizer from the sludge.  Bamboo Paper made from bamboo feels more like paper made from wood with longer fibers. So toilet paper made from bamboo will feel more comfortable to use. You need to know that the bamboo was responsibly sourced, however. Consumers As consumers, we tend to have a lot more power than we comprehend. We can use that power to vote with our pocketbooks and choose the products that we use with care.  Learning about alternatives Learn more and talk to people about what you have learned. We can all help each other by sharing what we have learned about alternative ways to do things.  Overall impact We need to understand that with every change of materials, there is an overall impact that we need to factor in. An ecosystem The whole globe is a massive system made up of smaller ecosystems. When one of them gets knocked out of balance, the system looks to correct and find balance. But that takes time. Tearing down forests Forests are massive carbon dioxide storage facilities and they play a huge role in balancing the climate of the natural world. All of that gets negatively affected when we tear the forests down. The habitats of many species of animals, birds, and insects get destroyed. Some indigenous people depend on forests for their livelihood. The natural world supports us The natural world matters. Your health, and that of your family and friends, is highly dependent on the health of the planet. So, we need to remember that the earth supports us and take care of it.  You can make a start, one roll of toilet paper at a time! Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Facebook Group: Love Your Everyday Green Home  Book - Toilet Paper on page 72 The Issue with Tissue Toilet Paper on my shop I'm giving Who Gives a Crap bamboo TP a go. Want to try it, too? Toilet Paper Debate video Report Exposes How Sustainable 26 Major Toilet Paper Brands Are — Check Out the Winners and the Losers "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

The climate is changing. Yet, the term “global warming” often gets misunderstood. It all seems to be happening much more visibly and much more intensely lately, which indicates that something is actually going on. In today’s episode, Tony and I discuss how to speak to others about controversial subjects, why we need to see the bigger picture, and we also talk about the importance of coexisting in the best way possible in this beautiful world of ours. I’m Marla, the Green Home Coach! I am back today with another conversation in our series on climate change. Tony Pratte, my sometimes guest, sometimes co-host, is joining me on the show today.  In the last podcast that Tony and I did together, we started a conversation about the emotions that arise in people when climate change, or what I more accurately refer to as “the climate crisis”, comes up. Ground rules In our last conversation, Tony and I set the ground rules for how we, as human beings, can talk about the issue of the current climate crisis. We spoke about how we can still manage to have that conversation even if we do not see eye to eye. We discussed compassion, grace, trust, and transparency, all of which are qualities that most of us would like to have in our lives anyway because they will serve us well in any situation.  The Golden Rule The Golden Rule for having any controversial conversation is to treat people the same way you would want to get treated.  Honoring yourself Many of us tend to think we need to be altruistic and always take care of everybody else. Honoring yourself and your health, wellness, and wellbeing is also very important, so remember yourself, too, when having those conversations.  Challenges We have some big challenges right now in our society. Many of us do not feel that we can change things, even though some know that is not the truth.  The big picture Everything we do and all of our decisions ultimately ties to the big picture and little steps can lead to big changes. So, we need to know what to do and to whom we need to listen. Communication channels The vast number of communication channels that we have today, with all their different points of view, make it hard for us to know who to listen to and what to believe. New possibilities Many people fail to question things. There is a tiny group of people, however, who are willing to take action and challenge the currently accepted narratives. They are willing to be the bridge-builders to open up new possibilities and share new information. Things are changing We are currently seeing impacts that we have never seen before in our lifetime. The climate is changing rapidly and many people desperately need food, medicine, and employment. We need to find a way to supply all of those things without disrupting our precious planet. The way we are living The way we live is impacting the earth faster than it can react positively for us.  What will happen to us? The pandemic has shown us that the earth will be able to correct itself and keep on going. So, the question is, what will happen to us? Time Our concept of time is not the same as how time relates to the earth. The earth works in cycles that can last for millions of years. We, as humans, tend to relate to time in terms of the length of our lifetime, so we do not know what the earth can handle.  What we know We know that a different lifestyle exists relating to three billion people living on the planet versus ten billion people. We need to start thinking about how our lifestyle is impacting the earth.  A new way to live We need to find other ways for so many of us to live on the planet and maintain a similar lifestyle without harming anyone else or the environment. Solar panels Ten square miles of solar panels in the New Mexico desert could power the entire USA commercially. There are some trade-offs to that, however, in terms of resources, so we need to find a way to balance things out. A goal We need to look at everyone on the planet as stakeholders and find a way to put our problem in front of us rather than putting it between us. To help improve things for as many people as possible without taking anything away from others, we need to develop accountability and take responsibility. Tony's goal Tony's goal is to have today's conversation influence someone else.  And for that person to have a similar conversation with their friends. And then for those friends to have the same kind of conversation with some other people. And so on.  If that happens, we may eventually be able to see some positive changes. Also, a conversion from a problem mindset to a solution mindset. Coexisting In many ways, the climate crisis reflects many of the things going on in the world today. There are things that we need to figure out to coexist in the best way possible in this beautiful world of ours. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Facebook Group: Love Your Everyday Green Home  @greenhomecoach on Instagram and Facebook Global Weirding with Dr. Katharine Hayhoe on YouTube  Matt Ridley's "A Lukewarmer's Ten Tests" (PDF Download) "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."

Today, I am doing something a little different. Laryssa Kwoczak, my guest, is also a podcaster, so today, I am her guest, too. We will be releasing this podcast on her platform as well as on mine.  Listen in to our fascinating conversation to learn more about Laryssa, why bees are such an important part of our world, what you need to know before attracting bees to your garden, and so much more. Did I mention resources? We’ll have plenty of those for you, too. About Laryssa Laryssa lives in Hawaii. She has been keeping bees for about ten years. She used to work for a commercial apiary where she was teaching people about bees.  The Buzz About Bees When she stopped doing that, she started doing her podcast called The Buzz About Bees. Laryssa created her podcast to dive a bit deeper into the hive and what bees do, and what the beekeeper does. She tries to make her podcast as friendly to non-beekeepers as possible.  Why bees are so important Bees are important because they make honey, plus they pollinate foods like nuts, fruit, and vegetables, and flowers. They are an integral part of our world, and they are fascinating creatures. Bees are also food for birds, and they help the soil.  Honey Honey has antibacterial properties. It gets used in bandaging for burn victims because it helps pull the moisture out. Never goes bad Honey is the only food that never goes bad. Planting for honey bees Honey bees have an action called flower fidelity, so they like to fill their sacks with just one kind of nectar for months at a time. So, when you are planting for bees, it is good to have more than one plant of one variety to encourage the bees by making it worth their while to stop by.  One of the best pollinators The pollen sticks to the fuzzy bodies of the bees. Then they go to the next flower of the same variety, spread the pollen, and pollinate it. That is why honey bees are one of the best pollinators. Lots of everything Different things attract different pollinators. So, have lots of everything! Herbs are great to plant if you want to attract pollinators to your garden. Natural practices It is healthier for everything in your garden if you use natural practices and trust that the bees know what they are doing. Attracting bees Before you try to attract bees to your garden, make it a healthy environment for them by not using harsh chemicals, like weed killers that could kill them. Do not spray any weed killers, even natural ones, in the garden during the daytime when the bees are around. Sunset is the best time to spray. But it is best not to spray at all because some weeds are food for bees. Planting for the bees Planting some bee-friendly flowers is a great way to attract bees to your garden. Planting flowers like tulips, or goldenrod, that come up in the early spring or late fall is best because that's when the bees are desperate for food.  Butterflies are amazing Butterflies can sniff out their host plant from over a mile away. If you plant something that attracts a certain kind of butterfly, there is a chance that they live in your area that they will find it.  Great places to go for resources The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge is a great place to go for resources. You can also post your garden on that site. There is also Xerces.org, where you can go to your state, and it will tell you what to plant for native pollinators, as well as honey bees. Finding more pollinator-friendly places Laryssa encourages people not just to think about their yard, but also to get involved with their homeowner's association and to talk with their neighbors to find places in the neighborhood that can be made more pollinator-friendly. Potted plants If you are not interested in pulling weeds or dealing with unwanted pests, potted plants are also great for attracting bees. Don’t be afraid You do not have to be afraid of having bees in your garden because bees are unlikely to sting. Honey bees will die if they sting you.  Creating a green environment around your home Many different practices will support you in working with nature and help you create a pollinator-friendly environment around your home. Referral Links: My website Green Home Coach Book: Living Green Effortlessly Facebook Group: Love Your Everyday Green Home  Curated for your yard and garden The Buzz About Bees Podcast Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists Million Pollinator Garden Challenge ID plants  Bees in My Backyard videos "This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. That means that if you make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe in and usually use myself."