The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates March as National Nutrition Month, with 2013 marking the 40thanniversary of this educational campaign. As a long standing promoter of healthy living and wellness, spas are focusing on the healthful benefits of utilizing local and sustainable foods within their facilities. “The number one reason globally that men and women go to a spa is to learn how to manage their stress. We know that in order to lead a life of wellness, one must incorporate a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, so it only makes sense that spas are encouraging a more … Continue reading →

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) have recognized the Florida Green Building Coalition’s Green Home Certification Standard as a “Promising Program” honorable mention in the Exemplary Water-Energy Program award competition, which recognizes exemplary efficiency programs that save both water and energy. The FGBC Green Home Standard is the most successful residential certification program in Florida. The program has certified over 5,400 homes to date. Because the program is affordable and has an easy to implement process for the construction industry, it has broad acceptance and large scale impacts. The FGBC standard … Continue reading →

Federal tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements are back. Reinstatement of the popular credits was a little-noticed part of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, the last-minute legislation that kept America from tumbling over the fiscal cliff at the start of the year. The law allows homeowners to claim tax credits of varying amounts on improvements such as insulation, energy-smart windows and highly efficient HVAC systems. The law also contains incentives for appliance manufacturers to produce efficient clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators, and for home builders to construct energy-efficient homes. And there’s more good news: Congress made those credits retroactive, meaning … Continue reading →

You can’t see, smell, or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home.  Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 20,000 Americans each year.  In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools, and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can help prevent unnecessary exposure.  If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can … Continue reading →