Steve Nygren has concerns about how neighborhoods are being established. He thinks some developers are building shelters rather than communities.

In his new book, “Start In Your Own Backyard, Transforming Where We Live with Radical Common Sense,” he encourages readers to start right where they are. The book aims to provide a blueprint for building sustainable, walkable and nurturing communities through the principles of biophilic living — designing neighborhoods with nature in mind to improve health and well-being.

More than 20 years ago, Nygren and his wife, Marie Lupo Nygren, cofounded Serenbe, a 1,000-acre community located in Chattahoochee Hills. The community is comprised of geothermal, solar and net zero homes, edible landscaping, community gardens, restaurants and more.

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