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By: Lexi Brown
Radon is not just an element on the periodic table. It is a naturally occurring invisible, odorless, and tasteless gas that, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is responsible for approximately 21,000 deaths in the US annually. Radon is present in almost all rock and all soil and water and can accumulate in residences, posing a significant health risk. About one in five homes tested through the State Radon Program surpasses the EPA recommended action level of 4 pCi/L (picocuries per liter). To put this in perspective, a level of 4 pCi/L is equivalent to getting 200 chest x-rays a year.
To help raise awareness of the dangers of radon, Governor Lee has declared January as "Radon Action Month" in Tennessee. And testing your home is the most important action you can take toward reducing radon exposure. The TN Radon Program provides a limited number of free radon test kits to residents year-round. To request a free kit, simply visit the program’s website, provide your information, and a kit will be mailed to you for free.
Once you have received your kit, simply fill out the information on the kit, follow the instructions to place it in your home for 3-7 days, seal it upon completion, and return it via mail. Postage is included, and there is no additional cost for obtaining your results.
While high radon levels have been identified in every county in Tennessee, effective mitigation services can bring levels down to safety standards. The key to safeguarding your family is testing your home. Radon may sound daunting, but taking action to protect your loved ones is both straightforward and essential.
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Give Your Christmas Tree a Greener Afterlife
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| There's an eco-friendly alternative to tossing your fresh-cut Christmas tree on the curb. Recycling your tree is easier than you think and has tons of environmental benefits.
- Reduce landfill waste: Christmas trees take up valuable space in landfills, where they decompose slowly and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Recycling diverts trees from this fate, reducing our environmental footprint.
- Create nutrient-rich mulch: Recycled trees are often chipped into mulch, a valuable resource used for gardens, landscaping, or hiking trails.
- Protect waterways: Trees can be used to create fish habitat in lakes and ponds. Submerged trees provide shelter for fish and other aquatic life, promoting a healthy ecosystem.
You can often check with your local municipality, park, or garden center to find a recycling location. Many local or state parks accept Christmas trees for recycling as well.
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Saving Energy in the Winter
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The winter months in Tennessee can get cold and may require you to use a lot of energy to stay warm. Whether you use natural gas, electricity, or even wood to heat your home, heating creates some degree of climate pollution. To reduce your impact on the environment, simple lifestyle changes can improve your energy efficiency at home including:
- Adjust your thermostat by keeping it at 68 during the day and 60 at night (throw on an extra blanket!)
- Seal any leaks around your doors and windows
- Insulate pipes and fixtures
- Turn down the thermostat to your hot water heater
- Turn off/unplug unused appliances
Click on the following links for more information on improving your energy efficiency at home and other winter energy-saving tips.
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Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards
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Any individual, business, organization, educational institution, or agency is eligible, provided it is in Tennessee and the project was fully implemented and/or finalized in the two years prior to Dec. 31, 2023, or for long-term projects finalized by the year prior to the nomination deadline. All nominees must have a minimum of three consecutive years of overall environmental compliance with the Department of Environment and Conservation. Self-nominations are encouraged.
A panel of judges will select award recipients based on criteria including level of project or program completion, innovation, and public education. The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2024. Award recipients will be announced in the summer of 2024.
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Small Business Environmental Assistance Corner
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| New Year, New Business?
New Year, New Environmental Compliance Goals?
Whether you have a new or existing small business, let Tennessee’s Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP) help you comply with the state’s environmental regulations. Some of the services we offer include:
- functioning as the liaison between small businesses and the regulatory divisions;
- assisting with TDEC-related permit applications;
- explaining your TDEC-issued permits to determine what the expectations are for your specific business;
- performing site visits to check for obvious indicators of pollution;
- and so much more!
Contact us today to start the conversation or to sign up for our newsletter full of tips and tricks (800-734-3619 or bgSBEAP@tn.gov)! Our New Year’s resolution is to better help you achieve environmental compliance. Happy New Year!
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|  | Repurpose leftover pumpkin or apple pie into yummy baked oats to satisfy a crowd or prepare breakfast for the week!
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Conferences/Workshops/Training Opportunities
February 6-9, 2024
June 11-13, 2024
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