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Clay Plaster – The Benefits Therein

By Chet Zebroski

As we created the natural light in our hallway via a built-in cabinet/art niche, we also turned our attention to improving the layout and function of the adjacent bedroom, soon to become Den.  The existing bedroom plan was odd, in that it didn’t provide a resting place for the open door among other issues.  So, we took the opportunity to revise the layout.

den before and after

By eliminating an existing closet we expanded the sense of space in the room.  And, by placing a new smaller closet next to the door opposite the built-in cabinet, we created an area along one side of the room for clothing storage.  This tactic created a larger sense of space within the same footprint.  To soften the atmosphere we introduced elliptical arches into the space.  But, the real joy we discovered was in the finish material of the walls:  American Clay Plaster.

This wall finish is natural, unlike modern paint.  It’s base is clay and natural minerals are used for color.  Odorless?  Well, there are no toxic fumes, but there is a joyful wisp of ionization as the clay interacts with the atmosphere in the environment.  We’re all familiar with this smell, or aroma.  It’s similar to Petrichor, the smell in the air just after a fresh rainfall.  The atmosphere in the rooms finished with clay plasters involve a natural interaction regarding humidity levels.  So, there are many reasons to choose this finish to enhance our indoor air quality and sense of space.

There are contractors out there available to apply this finish.  I’ve read the costs are coming in at around three times the cost of painting for the basic finishes, more for stenciling and other detailing.  The options are vast, so pricing varies depending on complexity.  Being on a tight budget and having more time, experience, and confidence, we decided to apply the finish ourselves.

I won’t bore you with the details of the application.  But, will provide a number of photos to share the process.  It truly transforms the sense of space far beyond simple paint.  You can actually sense it, if you pay attention.  Working with the material is pleasant.  There is no fear of chemicals during prep, application, and clean up.  All natural, water based clay plaster with minerals added as a colorant.  Also, in these photos, we share a technique for softening the sense of space by use of elliptical arches. The use of the arches in this room helped to soften and define the space while keeping it open.

Applying clay plaster
Clay plastered walls
Removing masking tape, exposing trim
Removing masking tape, exposing trim
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More on EMF’s, RF, Radiation, WiFi, etc. and Our Health

By Chet Zebroski

Recently, we heard another interview about the effects of EMF and Radiation on KPFA.  Thank you Your Own Health And Fitness for bringing this to our attention!

Program description: EMF/RF remediation consultant Michael Neuert discusses how to protect yourself at home and work from electromagnetic fields that can create health problems.

Another resource for understanding the impact of EMF’s and means of protection can be found in this book, Overpowered, by Martin Blank.

Overpowered: http://www.randomhouse.com/book/226324/overpowered-by-martin-blank-phd#aboutthebook

“Martin Blank deals with a difficult subject in a scientifically accurate but easily readable fashion. He covers everything from powerlines, to cell phones, to light bulbs, to conflicts of interest, with humor and passion. In this great scientist, we have an unlikely activist and truth teller.”—David O. Carpenter, M.D., Director, Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany

An interview with Martin Blank:  https://kpfa.org/player/?audio=261080

Potential related illnesses:

  • Cellular stress, DNA damage, free radicals, gene damage, leading to 
  • Cancer risk increase
  • Increased male infertility
  • Reproductive health risk via prenatal exposure
  • Increased cases of ADHD
  • In children: Increase in headaches /migraines, hearing loss, ADHD

Cell phone radiation is currently a hot topic and this interview emphasizes the impact of the entire EMF range, including light bulbs and their effect on the wiring in our homes.  In his book “Overpowered” he provides a remedy for our homes and beyond.

While both Laurie and I have purchased the Pong case (referenced earlier) for our cell phones, I sent an email to Safe Space Protection to inquire about their alternate method of creating a harmonizing field. Current thinking is that it may be wise to use both, for now.

We’ll share more as we dig in deeper on this important subject.  We’re very interested in the technology that is said to balance the radiation field, rendering it harmless.  The Pong case redirects the radiation, towards the backside of the phone.  One can actually feel the heat building on the backside of the phone when in use.  So, it’s advised to use ear buds, or some other device to keep the phone away from our bodies.

Our long term goal in this research is to discover the issues faced in the home and how to reduce or eliminate the potential hazard in our residential design work.

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Electromagnetic Field and Its Potential Effect

SmartMeter PGE

By Chet Zebroski

In a recent radio interview, host Layna Berman interviewed Dave Stetzer about the effects of electro magnetic fields in our buildings and how it effects our health.  …and what we can do about it!  It really attracted our attention as home designers so we wanted to learn more and share.

Layna’s website holds a vast library of interviews and research regarding alternate means of health maintenance.    She and her partner are critical independent voices on the politics and practice of health with Layna Berman and Jeffry Fawcett, PhD.

If interested, follow this link to learn more. The download is free. But, use the search button to find the interview with Dave Stetzer:

http://www.yourownhealthandfitness.org

Also, here’s a 3min vid to help our understanding of the effects of EMF’s, from Dave Stetzer on same topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t0qTjB__1Q 

Here’s a link to his information laden website: http://www.stetzerelectric.com/

And a direct link to his products: https://www.stetzerelectric.com/store/stetzerizer-filter/

Another company we’re interested in is SafeSpace, founded by Joyce Culkin:  http://www.safespaceprotection.com/about-safe-space.aspx  Here, too, is a vault of valuable information.

As we learn more about the effects of modern materials and methods it’s best we continue to observe their impact and adjust accordingly for a healthy life.  For now, here are a few links to products we’ve been looking at for EMF shielding:

Cell phone case: http://www.electricsense.com/4843/cell-phone-radiation-protection-do-pong-cases-work/

Phone shielding products: http://www.lessemf.com/cellphon.html

Space clearing device: http://www.safespaceprotection.com/products/emf-protection-home-office-safespace_i.aspx

 Honestly, we are just now becoming aware of these potential health issues and have a lot to learn and understand before we’ll be fully satisfied we’ve found a solution.    The best advice we can offer is to be aware, research and come up to speed regarding these issues, then apply the appropriate solution for the given situation.  We’ll add more articles here as we learn more.

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