My New Year’s “Greener” Resolutions
By Byron Belzak

Every year brings the hope of renewal and opportunity for positive change. My list of New Year’s resolutions includes – along with getting more exercise and eating less and not procrastinating (yeah, like that has a chance) – living in a more eco-friendly manner, every day, month after month, in big and little ways. Here’s my 2007 “living greener” plan.

IN JANUARY 2007, my greener resolution is to change out each regular light bulb that needs replacing with a compact fluorescent light bulb. As the year progresses and as I am able to fit it into my budget, I will continue to replace more and more incandescent light bulbs with these energy efficient throughout the house.

IN FEBRUARY 2007, my greener New Year’s Resolution is most ambitious project: Clean out my “I can’t find anything” garage and haul off my prize pack rat possessions to a local charity’s thrift store. This is useful in four ways: 1) Being involved in “recyle and reuse” saves energy by reducing the need to manufacture unnecessary products 2) It’s good to help a good local organization 3) My family will enjoy a little extra tax write-off 4) I’ll personally benefit in so many ways by performing this most sure-fired, spouse-pleasing activity.

IN MARCH 2007, to increase the likelihood of getting more exercise, I resolve to look for and hike around land for sale so I can someday build a new home out of a building material that is used in approximately 40% of all European residential buildings and is now growing in popularity in the U.S. It’s known as autoclaved, aerated concrete block, also referred to as AAC block. The closest manufacturer of AAC block to Western North Carolina is SafeCrete, located in Ringgold, Georgia. For online details, visit: www.SafeCrete.com and www.TaylorTradingCo.com. For WNC real estate information, visit: www.WesternNorthCarolina.com.

IN APRIL 2007, I promise to myself to get involved with one or more Earth Day activities. Most folks will be celebrating on (or around) April 22, as proclaimed on www.EarthDay.org.

IN MAY 2007, I resolve to mulch more of my property so I can mow less – which may be one of my smartest Greener Resolutions of 2007. To give back more of my yard to Mother Nature and attract more birds in the process, I might even get lazy – I mean, industrious – and participate in a certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, as explained at: www.nwf.org/backyard.

IN JUNE 2007, I resolve to make new friends so I’ll have more folks to bum – I mean, share – a ride with in an attempt to carpool and save gas. And if that doesn’t work, I resolve to utilize local city bus service whenever I can. Of course, local governments must build more sidewalks (and bikeways) so getting to the bus is easier and safer to accomplish.

IN JULY 2007, hike and camp more with old and new friends. Nothing is more invigorating than enjoying the great outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

IN AUGUST 2007, visit new car dealers and test-drive some of the cool new hybrids and high-mileage vehicles. Consumer Reports likes the Toyota Prius, the new Camry Hybrid, the redesigned Toyota RAV4, and the Honda Odyssey minivan. For more details, visit www.ConsumerReports.org. Hey, I can dream, although my old Camry just keeps chugging along.

IN SEPTEMBER 2007, I plan on installing foam gaskets over my home’s electrical outlets to reduce infiltration of cold air. It’s easy to do: remove the cover plate, place the foam gasket over the electrical outlet, and replace the cover. Tah-dah.

IN OCTOBER 2007, this will be the year I actually recondition my mountain bike so I’m more apt to bicycle more in one of the most beautiful places to be in the fall season; i.e., WNC. A favorite place for riders in the mountains is the North Carolina Arboretum and the adjacent national forest. For some new fun, I might even “Glide Through Nature” on one of the Arboretum’s Segways (www.ncarboretum.org).

IN NOVEMBER 2007, I resolve to add more insulation in my attic, since over time insulation naturally compacts and becomes less energy efficient. I have to remind myself of the simple fact that adding insulation increases the R-value and saves energy and money.

IN DECEMBER 2007, this is the year I make a Christmas tree ornament made out of recycled materials and donate it to the 3rd annual benefit that supports Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Group (www.SABP.net). The benefit is hosted each year by BlackBird Frame & Art (www.BlackBirdFrame.com).

If you’re feeling creative and motivated, email me (byron@thegreenerhome.com) your 2007 New Year’s resolutions of greener ways to live. I’ll be happy to post them on www.TheGreenerHome.com. Please include in your email subject line: GREENER RESOLUTIONS 2007.

In the meantime, may you and yours have a happier and greener New Year.

Copyright 2006 MediaBear

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