Green Living Now — home of The Elegant Rebellion
When you cook with gas, you’re literally bringing a fire into your home—and the byproducts stay in your air.
In this eye-opening episode of Green Living Now, architect Bill McClay (early pioneer in environmental and net-zero design) breaks down what’s quietly harming our health indoors—and how to fix it without blowing your budget.
What you’ll learn • Why gas stoves and “tight” homes can spike indoor pollutants (NO₂, CO) • How insulation + air-sealing beat trendy “green” materials for real health gains • Net-zero basics: heat pumps, HRV/ERV, and solar (even in cloudy climates) • Induction vs. gas: chef-level control and cleaner indoor air • Smart reno strategy: smaller, better, and cash-flow positive from day one
Chapters
00:00 The Hidden Dangers of Cooking with Gas
00:39 Introduction to Green Living Now Podcast
00:54 Meet Bill McClay: Pioneer in Environmental Architecture
01:51 Early Innovations in Co-Housing and Solar Design
03:44 Advancements in Insulation and Air Movement
05:13 Net Zero Building and Renewable Energy
06:29 Financial Benefits of Energy Conservation
08:45 Solar Energy Myths and Realities
13:34 Building for Comfort and Health
19:54 Seasonal Benefits of Sunlight in Homes
20:22 Importance of Heat Recovery Ventilation
20:58 Building Strategies for Different Climates
22:49 Insulation and Energy Efficiency Tips
24:16 Environmental Impact of Insulation Materials
27:30 Designing Smaller, Efficient Homes
29:33 Site Considerations for Building in Vermont
31:37 Health Risks of Gas Appliances
33:09 Induction vs. Gas Stoves
34:45 Safety Concerns with Exhaust Fans and Boilers
36:53 Concluding Thoughts on Green Architecture
Bill Maclay's website, where you can find his book: https://www.maclayarchitects.com/team-bill-maclay.php
I’m Amy Todisco Hartshorn—green living mentor, upcoming TEDx speaker, and your guide to building a nontoxic life that actually works in the real world. We don’t chase perfection—we wake up and get active making positive change.
Expect simple, science-aware steps, smart swaps, and systems that stick. From pantry to garden, products to pets, and healing tools to daily habits, we question what’s “normal,” clear the noise, and choose what enters our homes, kitchens, and bodies—eyes open.
What you’ll find here:
Clean eating and real-world label literacy • non-toxic home upgrades (air, water, materials, cleaning, safer beauty/body) • organic gardening (backyard to containers) • plastic-free, low-waste living • holistic healing tools (Lifewave patches, red light & laser therapy, acupuncture, targeted herbs, brain-entrainment tools) • non-toxic pet care • and conversations with chefs, farmers, green-living experts, holistic healers—and everyday rebels who turned “no answers” into healing.
Start Here — Free Resources:
👉 The Conscious Woman’s Guide: 5 Steps to a Toxin-Free Home & Lifestylehttps://8c02-amy.systeme.io/2ee1189e
Explore current offerings & coaching:
https://www.greenlivingnow.com
🌎 Website: https://www.greenlivingnow.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amytodisco/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amytodisco/
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amy.d.todisco
About Amy:- Upcoming TEDx speaker (topic: elegant, practical paths to living clean)- Technical Editor, Green Living For Dummies (Wiley)- Household toxins educator for 30+ years: speaking, workshops, and on-farm learning in Vermont- Organic farmer & community educator; featured in national media -Frequent podcast guest on wellness, sustainability, and toxin-free living
DisclaimerThe views expressed are personal opinions and not medical advice. This content is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health. Some links may be affiliate; using them supports the channel at no extra cost.