More New Mexicans are turning to energy- efficient, green-built homes

Ask Sue Smoot the size of her cozy North Valley home, and she has to stop and think.

"Inside or out?" asks the 79-year-old, who designed the straw-bale home herself after earning an architecture degree at the age of 57.

Because the walls of her home are nearly 2 feet thick - the 18-inch width of the bales plus a few inches of plaster on either side - the energy-efficient structure measures 1,600 square feet on the exterior, but only 1,300 square feet inside.

The sacrifice in space was worth it to Smoot who, like a growing number of New Mexicans, was motivated to build "green" after living most of her life in energy-extravagant homes.

Green building uses energy-efficient, nontoxic and renewable materials, and is designed to conserve natural resources and exploit Mother Nature's advantages.

Article & Picture © Carrie Seidman

It that time of year again - summer! It is many people's favorite time of year - the beach, the lake, the picnics, the barbeques, and the SUN. It is always important to take precautions in the sun.

Skin Care Facts
Approximately 9,000 people a year die of skin cancer in the United States. One in 70,000 Americans will be diagnosed with malignant melanoma - an increase of 1,800% since the 1930's. Melanoma is the most frequent cancer in women ages 25-29, second only to breast cancer. More than 1 million cases of non- melanoma skin cancer are also found each year.
The Dangers of Exposure
UVA rays can lead to premature signs of aging, dark spots, discoloration and loss of elasticity. They can pass through glass and reach deeper layers of skin. UVB rays can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. They are strongest at low latitudes and high latitudes - which increases as the ozone layer thins.
Environmental Aggressors
Toxins such as smoke and pollution can lead to more damage - long-term effects can include discoloration, uneven skin, lines and wrinkles. Be careful on high pollution days which the ozone levels are high.

Ten Tips
The American Academy of Dermatology provides ten tips for staying safe in the sun:

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB light) with an SPF of 15 or higher.
2. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors even on cloudy days.
3. Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants.
4. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
5. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
6. Avoid reflective surfaces, which can reflect up to 85 percent of the sun's damaging rays.
7. Protect children from sun exposure.
8. If you don't see your shadow, seek shade! If your shadow is shorter than you are, you're likely to burn.
9. Avoid tanning beds.
10. Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Article © Aveda. Article © American Academy of Dermatology. Picture © http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/earth/air /skin.htm

This is just for fun - Join the adventures of Cuke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Cannoli, Chewbroccoli and the rest of the Organic Rebels fighting against Darth Tader and the Dark Side of the Farm.

Picture © Grocery Store Wars

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