Happy New Year! We begin 2011 full of optimism, hope and new year resolutions.
This year I invite you to make smart decisions, make green resolutions for your health, the planet and your economy.
We all know that one of the most important decisions is to achieve a healthier life, breathe a cleaner air and live in a healthier environment.
One way to protect the health of our loves ones is investigating the presence of Radon in your home, and if is so, remove it completely. Radon is a carcinogenic naturally radioactive gas that you can not see, smell or taste and is of a great danger for your health and your family.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers and is the second leading cause of cancer in United States. The environmental Protection Agency, EPA, has designated January as the National Radon Action Month, the aim is to increase awareness about their danger and promote the necessary test for the detection and reduction of the same.
Another Green resolution that will benefit your health is opting to walk or bike to near places instead of using your car. This resolution will help you to be fit and tone up while you help to reduce the negative footprint of carbon emissions to the atmosphere that contribute to the climate change and also will save you money in gasoline.
Among the most important decisions you should take to improve your economy and help the environment without making a big investment we have the following:
- Turn off the light when you leave the room, the computers and TV when you are not using it.
- Switch to energy efficiency bulbs such as CFL or LED
- Using programmable thermostat will allow to cool or heat the home only when needed which would reflect in savings.
- A small investment in lighting with motion sensors will provide a safe environment at home without wasting energy.
- Another resolution to implement to improve your economy is to seal air leaks in your home. This will have a significant impact on the comfort and reducing utility bills.
- Committing to a preventing maintenance on your AC, changing the filter once a month to avoid accumulation of particles that makes the system to work harder that it needs avoiding unnecessary wear and tear and over use of energy.
- If you are considering buying new appliances, make the best decision purchasing the Energy Star products that are qualified as energy efficient and on the other hand you will receive tax credit.
Remember, it only takes three weeks to create or break a habit, your best resolution for 2011 is to create habits that represent a green footprint in the planet, your health and a positive impact in your economy.
By Maria M Hernandez
H & H Design and Construction
