AltBuild Expo 2008 - Santa Monica, CA

Anyone interested in learning more about green building, material and construction alternatives and living a healthier lifestyle should consider attending the 5th annual AltBuild Expo in Santa Monica, CA. It is presented by the City of Santa Monica and will be located in the Civic Auditorium Friday and Saturday (4/25-4/26) from 10a.m.-5p.m. This event is free to the public and will consist of green building exhibitors, non-profits, guest lecturers, panels, professional classes and other special events. Check out the website at www.altbuildexpo.com and we hope to see you there!

Eco-Home Design

With the continuing growth of environmental-consciousness and the awareness of the effects that global warming and unsustainable development have on human health, people are looking for ways to not only create safe and healthy environments for their families at home, but also work and school. Considering most of a child's lifetime outside of the home is at school, shouldn't the educational environment be a safe, healthy environment and not one where chemcial cleaners, unnatural, unhealthy meals and poor indoor air quality inhibit the quality of their education? Eco-Home Design is broadening its focus from creating healthy environments not just in the home and office, but in the educational arene as well. There are many things that can be done to develop a more sustainable, natural, toxic-free campus and Eco-Home Design is committed to encouraging the development of these schools across the country.

Why Build Greener?

The average person spends 80% of their lives indoors. Public awareness about the health effects of poor Indoor Air Quality has increased demand for building products that do not pollute the air in our home or office.
Conventional paints, finishes, flooring, adhesives, cleaning products and carpeting are known to contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, polybrominated Diphenyl ethers (PBDE), phthalates and many other hazardous chemicals that can result in health problems like allergies and asthma, especially in children.
Using Low- or No-VOC materials, reclaimed or sustainably-harvested wood products, wood alternatives such as bamboo and palm wood, natural flooring, carpets, rugs, and decor can make your house greener.
Building with tested and proved green materials also provides an alternative to products that degrade the environment we want to leave for our children and grandchildren. In buying green building materials, you can cast your economic vote for a better world, personalize your home or office, and make the air you breathe cleaner.