Energy and sustainability fuel many facets of live in Colorado. A catalyst for homes, industries, schools, universities and business, the incredible diversity of enterprises is driven by a common bound to move to a green lifestyle.
While we all use energy to power us through our daily lives, many people take renewable and sustainable methods for granted. With beautiful mountains, scenery, skiing, snowboarding, thriving businesses and a hub for the arts, what homeowner would not want to call Colorado their home?
The path to owning a home will be one of the greatest investments in your life, but it will bring many additional responsibilities. Newly bought homes are often remodeled and repairs are always needed. Having the assistance of an honest and reliable Durango, Colorado real estate agent can make all the difference during this process. Potential home buyers or those remodeling homes should be aware that many older homes may still contain asbestos and other obsolete building materials. Exposure to asbestos is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.
Due to its resistance to heat and electrical conductivity, asbestos was used throughout the world as prominent a form of insulation and piping. If any suspected asbestos is located, do not touch or disturb it as this can break its fibers down and make it become airborne. A professional home inspector can determine the validity of danger and determine the best course of action to take. Many green and healthy alternatives exist that replace the need for asbestos entirely.
Long term exposure to asbestos may lead to the development of a rare, but sevre lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma causes are as a result of inhaling asbestos fibers that become ingested in the inner linings of your lung. There are a number of factors that can impact mesothelioma survival rate. These factors include latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking.

Going GREEN!

 
If you are interested in saving money, remodeling and improving your carbon footprint, here is some information to get you on the right track. A citizen based agency, Environment Colorado, is an advocacy organization whose goals are to protect the environment and public health by instituting compliance with mandates. In the state, construction practices are upgrading methods to suit better lighting, heating, cooling systems and environmentally habitable insulation.
Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners. The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 include incentives for upgrading to more eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation. The move to a greener lifestyle will build on the change to healthier methods of building products, home remodeling and renovation.
Some alternatives to insulation include: cellulose, which is becoming a popular new green insulation material. It is chemically treated to reduce levels of mold. Cotton fiber is made from recycled batted material and is then treated to be fireproof. These options have been shown to reduce annual energy costs in the home by 25 percent. These asbestos alternatives allow for a clean, healthy home, free of health damaging materials.
With the environmental consciousness of American citizens and the world growing at a rapid rate, citizens of Colorado are surely doing their part to nurture their mountains, natural springs and fresh air.

Claudia Williams
Owner/Ecobroker/Exchangor
Blue Ribbon Properties
835 Main Ave #214
Durango, CO 81301

970 247 8388 (office)
970 749 3555 (cell)
970 247 8360 (fax)
www.blueribbondurango.com
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