Build A Healthier Life Kevin Mullen

Elizabeth Carmichael of Eco House Architecture discusses how her experience has helped shape decisions in design, material selection and integration of natural elements. These natural elements are used in their urban projects to reduce stress and improve the health of adults, children and improve the communities they are located in. By also choosing healthier materials and sustainable building practices, Eco House Architecture is working to protect the environment and the people living in their homes whether they are single family or multi family projects.  

Chris Magwood took his experience from building a more sustainable home for his family in 1988 and turned this new passion into a diverse career as a contractor, teacher, author, speaker, researcher and change maker.   He has spent the last twenty years working on ways to reduce the environmental impact on the environment from construction and educating homeowners through the 7 books he has authored.  In 2012 he founded the Endeavor Center to help educate people on alternatives to traditional building methods.  He was also one of the founding members of Builders for Climate Action.  

Jane Houlihan, an environmental engineer,  describes the three most important things you can do to reduce your babies exposure to hidden chemicals that can impact your childs development in the first 1000 days.  Currently Jane is the Research Director at HBBF.ORG where she now leads programs on biomonitoring, drinking water and healthy food including a study that exposed that over 95% of babies food has elevated chemical content. 

Jane has dedicated most of her career to help people make informed decisions about the hidden chemicals in our everyday lives.  She has served as Senior Vice President of the  Environmental Working Group (EWG.ORG) and pioneered the creation of the Skin Deep cosmetic database.   Jane is also among the founders of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and serves on the science board of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Bill Walsh has spent a lifetime helping people understand the risks in the built environment. Since founding the Healthy Building Network in 2000, it has defined the leading edge of healthy building practices while assisting industry to work towards transparency which helps reduce human exposure to hazardous chemicals. He also works with governments to create market incentives for the industry to enact change.  He explains how we are all tied together, and how our conscious choices can lead to healthier innovations in manufacturing which are ultimately better for the environment. 

Bill explains how the HBN with research, information and education through their Declare, Pharos and Homefree Projects are helping individuals make more informed decisions that effect the indoor air quality of homes and businesses.  

Mattie Mead of Hempitecture explains how his university school project evolved into a company that assists homeowners in integrating the use of Hemp into their built environment.  Listen as we explore the history of Hemp and how Hempcrete and Hempwool is integrated into the design and construction of the home.  A fascinating discussion on how hemp could be an excellent alternative to standard insulation and help make your indoor air quality that much better.   

Jonsara Ruth is an artist, designer, educator and an agitator for healthier futures. She is the Co-Founder and Design Director at Healthy Materials Lab, an Associate Professor and the Founding Director of the progressive MFA Interior Design program at Parsons School of Design. Charged with provoking change in the design field, she shares her vision for the future of design. Jonsara describes how a trip to a factory inspired her to consider more than just the aesthetic of a material but to also consider if they are harmful to you and the environment. She also speaks about the history of lime and hemp and how these ancient natural materials are being reintroduced in modern building practices.