New Twins Inspire a Green Nursery

by Angela Marino Gookin, 10/18/05

When Angela Gookin and her husband, Bob, created a nursery for their twin daughters, they wanted it to be safe and healthy. The Los Angeles couple hired an environmental consultant to guide them in their green remodel.

Project Challenge: Knowing What’s Green
The challenge of determining what materials were safe and researching where to purchase these green products was daunting. We dealt with that by working with Mary Cordaro, an environmental consultant and Bau-Biologist who had all the knowledge and information at her fingertips.

We were fortunate to have her to advise us when looking for contractors and in choosing and purchasing our green products and materials. The contractors we used were trained, experienced green contractors. They did not have to change their methods or materials to accommodate my requirements.

If you are considering a green project, I would recommend a consultant with expertise in Bau-Biologie, building science, and green building. This will not only save you hours of research, it will also guarantee that you get it right.

The Greenest Room for the Least Cost
When planning the room, the priority was to use the healthiest materials. The only constraints were budget and time. We did much of the work ourselves, which kept the project well within budget. We also saved time and money by keeping to a simple and clean design. If we had been married to a traditional-looking nursery, it probably would have been much more expensive to use green materials.

We began one month before my expected delivery date to allow for the ordering and shipping of the furnishings and paint supplies and for the completion of the contracted work.

An Abundance of Green Options
The design of the room was not limited in any way by the decision to make it green. We wanted simple, serene, and healthy, and we were able to accomplish that without compromise.

We used paints and finishes made from plant-based ingredients. The Bioshield paint was purchased directly from the company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The OS Woodwax and OS Hardwood Oil for the cribs and furniture were from Livingreen.

I was surprised by the abundance of choices in green materials, their affordability, and the richness and durability of the products. Working with the safer natural materials is as easy as working with synthetics—and far more pleasant. They emit no odors and have no side effects, such as headaches and sinus and respiratory problems. All of the materials, products, and finishes have held up beautifully.

Before talking to Mary Cordaro, we finished the floors in the entire home with BonaKemi, a water-based polyurethane. She let us know that although it was not her first choice, it’s certainly in the arena of less toxic products.

To reduce dust mites, allergens, and toxic chemicals, we purchased bedding and linens that are organic, natural, unbleached, and chemical free from the Mary Cordaro Collection at H3Environmental. We also chose solid wood furniture, kept the wood floors bare, and purchased a HEPA and carbon air filter equipped with special wiring so it doesn’t emit electric and magnetic fields (EMFs).

Overcoming Simple Challenges
We encountered only two problems. One was finding solid-wood cribs that had not been factory finished. We solved this with elbow grease: my husband and his dad sanded off the original finish and refinished the cribs green. (They also finished the solid wood dresser/changing table, which was purchased unfinished, to match.)

The second problem, finding low-VOC paint, was really just a minor inconvenience. Rather than run down to the nearest paint store, we ordered by phone and had to allow a couple of days for shipping.

The project did require more attention and input that I would have given to a conventional remodel. As a result, the work was done completely to my satisfaction, and on time!

The Result: Warmth, Health, and Comfort
Some of the benefits of the green process are that it has less negative impact on the environment (macro and micro); it is an easy and healthful way to work; and it creates a warm, healthy, and comforting space. The materials are beautiful to look at and wonderful to touch. Without the chemical side effects, my husband and his dad were able to work longer hours, and the house was safe and comfortable for all of us to live in during the remodel. The space stays cleaner, dust mites and allergens are reduced, toxic chemicals are not introduced into the room. The room is mold-free and EMFs are kept to a minimum.

It is satisfying to walk into a room that was lovingly, thoughtfully, and responsibly prepared. It is indeed a restful and restorative place. The girls love their nursery.

Resources

Angela and Bob worked with environmental consultant Mary Cordaro at H3Environmental.

The OS Woodwax and OS Hardwood Oil for the cribs and furniture were purchased from Livingreen.