Well, its finally cold here in Wisconsin, so there's no better time to stay inside and work on small home projects.  Today, Jay and I answer a number of listener questions to help with those projects. I also get to announce a bit of exciting news!

The holidays are over and the new year is upon us.  Jay and I have come up with a list of New Year's resolutions for us and the entire NTE community.  This is the year for growing the bonds between us all and sharing our successes.  Folks, 2021 is going to be the best year yet for NTE.  We are so glad you can join us!!

2020 was a challenge, of course.  But here at NTE we were still able to produce over 30 quality episodes of the show.  So with that, Jay and I decided to produce a 'Best of 2020' for you all to enjoy.  It is OUR distinct honor to be able to enter your home, car or headphones throughout the year, and we thank you so so much for listening. Bring on 2021 !! 

Strengthening our Homes Immune System

Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Whole House Air Purification Methods

Using Zeolites for Natural Odor Reduction

Confessions of a Healthy Home Builder

Beautiful Healthy Design

Convincing the Skeptics

Natural vs Un-Natural

Jay and I take some excellent listener questions this week.  Crawlspace moisture issues, tiling questions and a discussion about what to look for when buying an existing home.  Keep these questions coming folks!  We love the interaction with our listeners and really appreciate the opportunity to provide assistance to you all.  

Just can't believe how fast Thanksgiving is upon us this year, but with how strange 2020 has been for all of us, I guess I can't be surprised.  Jay and I do this episode every year...talking about what we are thankful for.  Of course, our families, employees, friends and neighbors who have been so supportive this year.  But from a Non Toxic Environments perspective, this really has been a wonderful year.  

If I'm building a home, should I be choosing natural building materials or man-made, synthetic ones?  The answer is really not as easy as you think.  Remember this...just because something is natural, it doesn't automatically make it safe for you and your family.  Just ask anyone who used to work in the asbestos industry.  Jay and I have a great one on one discussion about natural ingredients and natural aromas vs synthetic and odor-less ingredients.  Thanks for listening!  

Great to be back after a week of hiking the Appalachian Trial.  So beautiful and relaxing.  This week I'm sharing a few listener calls with you so I can answer their questions on air.  Hopefully, these will resonate with things you're thinking about as well.  New home building costs, sealing wood smells, etc.  Thanks for listening!

Jay and I talk about several topics today.  Caulking techniques, how-to and how not to "cut-in" a painted wall, and most important, a frank discussion about the state of the retail home improvement industry.  I know you want your project done right away, but there are many reasons why that may not happen, and none of these reasons are the fault of your retailer.  So, put on some Enya, grab a hot green tea and relax. Things will get back to normal soon.  

Jay and I hear the same thing every single week... "why does my contractor (or spouse) fight me on my healthy home choices?"  Whether its lack of respect, lack of confidence or just a breakdown in communication, some people will just fight the adoption of materials that are new to them.  This episode is a very frank on honest conversation about this and how to move forward.  

Sarah Walker is a world renowned interior designer, furniture expert, stylist, educator and a Lyme survivor.  She uses her own severe chemical sensitivities from her disease as a guide in her design practice in Toronto.  She joins us today to discuss her new online detox guide as well as a series of educational events she is producing.  The first episode is all about creating a healthy bedroom sanctuary.  Links below:

Dwelling Well-Healthy Bedroom Design

Sarah's Detox Guide