GREEN: grên, /gri:n/, /gri:n/: Environmentally friendly; Green has become the symbolic color of environmentalism, chosen for its association with nature, health, and growth.
NEST: IPA: /nest/: A snug, comfortable or cozy residence or job situation; a retreat, or place of habitual resort; to settle into a home.

Welcome to Green Nest! We'd first like to introduce ourselves, Lisa Beres and Ron Beres, cofounders and and owners of Green Nest LLC. You've made the first step into transforming your health and quality of life by visiting our site. We hope you find the information useful because our number one priority is your health and well-being.

Green Nest began its inception in 2003. Lisa, a former Interior Designer, started feeling run down and tired all of the time. Being well aware of the abundance of toxic materials in homes today, she began a self journey in search of answers. After much research and numerous doctor visits, she came to the conclusion that her house and choice of products were making her sick.

According to the EPA research, on average, the air inside our "Nests" typically contain levels of pollutants 2-5 times higher than the air outside and in extreme cases can be 100 times more contaminated. The average American spends about 90% of their time inside. It is no wonder the EPA ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. The National Academy of Sciences estimated that indoor air pollution costs our country between $15 and $100 billion each year in related health care costs. The materials used to build and furnish our homes contain a variety of synthetic materials from carpets, paint and foam cushions to insulation and chemically treated pressed wood products. These products, known as VOC's (volatile organic compounds), outgas. This means that the chemical compounds they contain break down with age and are slowly released into the air over time in the form of toxic fumes. In one study of VOCs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission found that while outdoor air at sampled sites contained less than 10 VOCs, indoor air at those same sites contained 150 VOCs!

In addition to these staggering facts, Lisa discovered that xenoestrogens (man-made chemicals that mimic estrogen in the human body) were contributing to her hormone imbalance. These chemicals include common pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, industrial chemicals (such as dioxin, mercury, and PCBs), and metals. Many of these chemicals are used in the production of numerous products that we, as consumers, use every day (e.g., plastics, detergents, hormones such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, antibiotics in animal feed as well as lawn and garden chemicals). Many homeowners use a large number of petrochemical cleaners and other toxic products like pesticides, disinfectants, and air deodorizers liberally around the house. These products produce hazardous fumes when used and leave residues behind that then gradually dissolve into the air over time. The constant application of such a wide variety of chemical compounds throughout the average home greatly increases both the number of dangerous indoor air pollutants and their concentration levels. In addition to all of this, we are exposed every day to chemicals in personal care products and cleaning supplies. It is no wonder our bodies become overloaded and may even develop MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) or EI (Environmental Illness).

It was through this research that Lisa decided to become a Certified Baubiologist (Building Biology - a study derived from Germany which encompasses how buildings impact life and the living environment). With her B.A. from Arizona State University already under her belt, she then decided to incorporate her two passions in life - interior design and health. After making the necessary adjustments to their home, her health gradually became better and she and her husband Ron decided to help other people in their endless efforts to attain optimal health. Together, with Ron who earned his B.A. from George Mason University, they chose to seek "greener pastures." In addition, Ron has also continued his education through Bau-biologie focusing on air, water and indoor materials and electromagnetic radiation.

Whether you suffer from allergies, asthma, hormone imbalance or unexplained fatigue, we are confident that by incorporating the necessary steps into your "Nest," you will begin to prolong your life and more importantly enhance the quality of it!

We'd love to hear feedback. Please feel free to share your success stories with us so that we can share them with others.

Be green & be healthy,
Lisa & Ron Beres