The materials we choose to build and decorate our homes can impact how we feel physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. The books and building plans listed here are all excellent guides for designing environments that are safe and healthy. Each author takes a somewhat different approach to healthy design, and all offer valuable information for making healthy design decisions.
1. Prescriptions for a Healthy House
With 300+ pages, "Prescriptions for a Healthy House" is the ideal all-purpose home building manual for persons who suffer chemical sensitivities. The authors discuss the construction process, recommend materials to use, and provide guidance for keeping the home free of harmful chemicals.
2. My House Is Killing Me!
Subtitled, "The Home Guide for Families With Allergies and Asthma," this 400-page text is a must-have for anyone with breathing ailments. Author Jeffery May, who is an air quality investigator and president of a home investigation company, presents a detailed description of substances inside and outside the home that cause health problems... and offers simple solutions.
3. The Healthy House : How to buy one, How to build one, How to cure...
Author John Bower, founder of the Healthy House Institute, examines the house from roof to cellar, discussing sources of toxins and ways to avoid them. While some of the information may seem overly alarmist, this hefty 448-page volume is packed with useful information. ISBN: 08184049494. The Healthy Living Space
Subtitled "70 Practical Ways to Detoxify the Body and Home," this 625-page volume covers a wide range of health issues, from drinking water to carpets, and suggests a variety of solutions, including feng shui and other alternative practices. ISBN: 15717420935. Healthy House Building for the New Millennium
Here's another great resource from author John Bower. "Healthy House Building" is a design and construction guide with detailed house plans, step-by-step instructions, and black & white photographs. Once again, Bower tends toward the overly cautious, but his instructions are useful for anyone with severe chemical sensitivities. ISBN: 09637156826. Your Naturally Healthy Home: Stylish, Safe, Simple
Author Alan Berman places an emphasis on environmental health in this short, beautifully illustrated guide to building and remodeling. The colorful photos and detailed sidebars show how to select elements that are both beautiful and bio-friendly. ISBN: 08759693137. The New Natural House Book
Author David Pearson popularized the Green Architecture Movement with "The Natural House Book," published in 1989. "The New Natural House Book," subtitled, "Creating a Healthy, Harmonious and Ecologically Sound Home," offers even more resources to help you build a home that enhances your well-being and protects the environment.Have You Written a Book?
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