Green Living Oakville

Cleaning - who knew?

2010-02-17T21:49:00.003-05:00

As I've become older I noticed that my skin on my knuckles were getting really rough. I kept putting lotion on, and though it covered it up, it never really solved the problem. Well, after seeing "Chemical Nation" I got inspired.

I figured it couldn't hurt to change out my shampoo, soaps, body wash, and house hold cleaners to WholeFoods 360 Brand. It didn't follow all the rules as outlined in the movie, but it covered off most of them. It took about a week, and I noticed that those rough spots on my hands started softening; and then by the end of two weeks, it was back to healthy skin. I'm convinced that this really made a difference, since I didn't change my diet at all. The only thing that changed was the removal of toxic chemicals.

After this, my wife and I have been checking the labels of all the products we've brought into our home. Slowly, everything is being changed over, and everything thing feels just as clean. However, now I'm not thinking about the toxic chemicals I might be breathing in or worse "eating".

As a final comment, I'm not sure if you noticed and ad on tv for Lysol. It shows a mother spraying a youngster's teady bear with Lysol. I wonder how willing the board of directors would be to give their children, or grandchildren a stuffed bear sprayed with Lysol. Considering most youngsters stick everything in their mouths, imagine the toxically report after a child sucks on a Lysol covered stuffed toy. It astounds me that Health Canada hasn't stopped the ad. I'm also surprised that this passed the internal marketing department.

Chemercial: A Clean for a new Generation

2009-12-13T13:07:00.004-05:00

A great movie that gets you thinking. Chemercial: A Clean for a new Generation, investigates what the addition of chemicals to everyday cleaning products such as soap, laundry detergent, shampoo, and tile cleaners do to indoor air quality. Indoor air quality is usually about 10 times more toxic then outside air quality. So Andrew Nisker the film's director and narrator decided to look at the chemicals that are part of everyday life, and managed to get the Goode Family to remove all chemicals from their home for a period of 3 months to see what happens. The Goodes are a straight forward Canadian family, and buy accordingly. They, like many Canadians, have been hit by a job loss, so need to trim their budget.

That is the basic premise of the movie, however, what gave the movie its impact was the improvement to the Goode's standard of living. Their youngest suffered from asthma, and that cleared up during the three months. They felt more energized, and were saving a considerable amount of money each month. Now the obvious flaw is that most of us would never make our own laundry detergent, and the non-toxic substitutes are substantially more expensive.

The other interesting comment I took away from this film, was when the Goode's are taking their old products to the dump. These products, which we've been told are perfectly safe, are required by law to be taken to the hazardous waste section. If the government recognizes them as hazardous, and most of the products clearly state that they are hazardous, then why are they allowed to sold.

So my action is to remove these products from my home. Replace them with non-toxic, and count my lucky stars that I might escape from getting cancer, from all the crap that has been in my life.

Sweet Milton at Sweeties Cafe!

2009-11-24T13:49:00.006-05:00

Monday was simply a stunner of a day. The weather was warm, the sun was shining, so I decided to take a little time off to enjoy the weather. As per usual, I like to take a small trip somewhere close to home, and I chose Milton.

Milton has a quaint historic town with a main street, historical homes, and lovely town parks. I parked the car right in town, and went for a walk around to see the holiday decorations starting to go up. After this I walked around the large pond in the middle of town.

As it got close to lunch, the inevitable happened: I was hungry. After having wandered around town, I found a delightful spot, with prices so reasonable I asked the owner if there was a mistake: Egg Salad Sandwich on home made bread with lettuce and tomato for $2.99.

For lunches I don't like fancy places: but rather dinners with comfort food using great ingredients. I had found my Milton spot: Sweeties Cafe: Bakery & Catering. I had a grilled cheese & bacon sandwich made with real slices of cheddar not processed cheese slices on home made white bread. I also had a small caesar salad with home made dressing and croutons. For dessert the lemon square was first class made with real butter, eggs and lemons. It is hard to find someone who actually uses real ingredients, and knows what to do with them.

So if you are in Milton, looking for a good lunch/breakfast/light dinner, I would highly recommend "Sweeties Cafe" at 20 Martin Street. The owner/baker is Karen so say hi when you visit this very friendly cafe.

Thanksgiving: so much to be thankful for

2009-10-12T07:35:00.003-04:00

This weekend has been particularly positive. Laura and I had a great Saturday together testing cars: Nissan Cube and Volkswagen Tiguan. The Cube is a great deal of fun to drive. The seats are really the weakest link. Every time I went around a corner, my whole body started sliding on the seat. This is a big draw back for me, but I love the versatility of the car. It has more then ample room for 4 adults, not a great deal of storage if you've got a full passenger load, but we usually only travel with the 3 of us anyways. I only wish they would allow the consumer the ability to upgrade not only the electronics, but also the interior. They would get a much broader audience.

After this we went off to see "Fame", which had some good tunes, but the dialogue and character development was extremely week. The TV show wasn't amazing, but it was like this movie, entertaining.

Sunday was very successful. Had a great breakfast of soft boiled eggs, bacon, and whole wheat toast while watching what must be my favorite program: Sunday Morning on CBS. Then it was off to prepare for my Open House, and lunch with my buddy Joe. The Open House was a great deal of fun, where I met several very nice people. Finally, the day ended with a Birthday party for Dad. Kate and Rob with family came down from Waterloo, and it was so nice to see everyone.

Today is turkey day. It has been a while since our last turkey dinner, so my mouth is already watering. I hope who's ever reading this, has a tremendous day as well.

What are the issues surrounding a Green Roof

2009-10-08T18:21:00.006-04:00

During the last few months I've noticing a number of innovative builders in town either installing green roofs such as the Conventry, or are planning their new builds with green roofs Windmere. Here is a little information, which I felt might be helpful in answering questions you might have.

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Green roofs are roofs on which plants are grown. The roofs are extensions of existing roofs that are suited with waterproofing systems, fiber cloth, drainage systems, irrigation systems, and soil to keep the roof safe while providing an environment where plants can grow. These roofs are beneficial in a variety of ways. The evaporative cooling of the plants and heat reduction from the added thermal resistance of the plants can help reduce monthly cooling costs. This reduction is even more significant in urban areas where the roofs can also help combat "heat island effect," which is caused by reflections off buildings and cars in urban areas and often contributes to high cooling costs. Because of this, the size of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the roof can also be reduced in new or remodeled homes, which can save money. For homes or businesses with solar heating systems mounted on the roof, this cooling helps increase the efficiency of the solar units. Green roofs also extend a roof's lifespan an average of 20 years by reflecting UV rays and preventing the roof from experiencing extreme temperature changes. Because the plants and soil act as insulators, homes with green roofs require less traditional insulation. Green roofs act as a fire retardant and reduce noise pollution by buffering the roof. The buffering also eliminates nearly all electromagnetic penetration, which can be important in buildings with telecommunications equipment mounted on the roof.

Evidence has shown green roofs contribute to personal and societal well-being. Studies also show that green roofs help reduce stress, stress-related illness, and patient healing times. Food and flowers that can be sold or consumed by the homeowners can be grown on the roof. The plants on the roof help filter CO2 out of the atmosphere and other pollutants out of the rainwater. Having largely biodegradable roofs helps reduce the amount of roof waste filling landfills. They can also provide a habitat for small wildlife in urban or suburban areas. The work necessary to maintain, design, produce, and install green roofs can create much-needed jobs. Additionally, green roofs may be fashioned for specific purposes, such as playgrounds, day cares, or recreational/leisure areas that would provide additional outdoor community space.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Estimated cost for green roofs is $8-25 per square foot, depending on the type of roof (extensive or intensive; see "Issues" and "Installation"), soil and vegetation desired, and location of the home or business. Costs may be higher in urban areas because of traffic costs, or in areas where materials aren't readily available. Savings for the homeowner on monthly cooling costs vary depending on climate, building type, and typical building use; however, according to a 2002 Canadian Research Council study, green roofs can reduce peak energy demands up to 75%, but the average homeowner utilizing a green roof reported 20-25% reduction in heating and cooling costs. Some insurance companies, such as State Farm, are also offering a reduction in home insurance costs of up to 33% for installing green roofs. Companies installing green roofs could also potentially gain emissions trading credits or LEED points. It should be noted that the cost of replacing or fixing a green roof is usually higher than that of replacing or fixing an ordinary roof, but the savings due to the extended lifetime of green roofs will counterbalance these costs in most cases.

Issues:
There are several legal issues associated with green roofs. The homeowner or business owner is usually liable if there is any roof damage due to leakage or roots; therefore, it is very important that green roofs are properly installed and maintained. There is a time commitment for the homeowner or a hired caretaker of the roof, although this commitment can vary greatly. There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. Intensive roofs can support a wider variety of plant life, even small trees, and are labor-intensive, requiring a lot of maintenance. Extensive roofs are much less demanding and are set up to be basically self-sustaining, needing only to be weeded once or twice a year. The time that is available for one to care for the green roof should be taken into account when deciding what type of roof to get and what time of plants to grow.

If the roof is being used for recreation, there are obvious potential personal injury issues, so safety must be carefully considered. Another tip for those looking to install green roofs is to set up a system that can collect rainwater or runoff and use that water to irrigate the roof. This keeps water bills lower and is another easy way to recycle resources.

Regional Issues:
Reduction in heating and cooling costs from green roofs is dependent on original demand, which is in turn dependent on local climate. Areas with more extreme temperatures such as Oakville, Ontario are likely to see the most benefit. Pollution reduction is most apparent in heavily polluted regions.

Installation:
Green roofs must be installed by a professional. Installation involves installing structural support, a vapor control layer, thermal insulation, a waterproof membrane, a drainage layer, a filter membrane, a growing medium (usually soil), and any desired vegetation. Installation of intensive green roofs is more expensive, typically $15-25 per square foot, than extensive green roof installation, typically $8-20 per square foot.

Green roofs can be installed in new or old homes. It is highly recommended or necessary (depending on the roofing company's policy) to consult a structural analyst before installing a green roof to ensure that the roof is tailored to work with a specific roof.

Heat Glorious Heat!

2009-10-04T14:08:00.004-04:00

My good and dear friends, Colin Fell and his sister Susan Walkinshaw's mother had recently passed; her home had been sold, and the new owner plans to demolish the small home. Two years ago, they had replaced the furnace. They were kind enough to offer it to us and that same day our old furnace stopped working.

Until I watched one layer after another be uncovered under the skin of the old furnace I wasn't aware of what a big job it actually was. Taking out the old furnace which ran originally on coal, was converted to oil, and finally to natural gas, took 3 strong young men over 3 hours to dismantle. The furnace remains filled the back of the company's cube van, not including the dried remains of three small birds.

So now we saved this perfectly good furnace from being recycled, as well as added a much more efficient heating system to our little home. This adventure took two days. Out with the original heater, which the poor guys at Abbey Air had to uninstall and in with the new. Our carbon foot print just got a whole lot smaller, and the air is just that much fresher.

Transition Oakville: A Good Thing

2009-09-16T10:28:00.004-04:00

Last evening, I was at a great meeting for Transition Oakville (goal of which is to make the town sustainable). The concept is to create a place to share experiences from setting up a vegetable garden and what to do with the excess produce, hooking up a water barrel, or creating a permeable driveway. There are going to be monthly meetings, which are open to all. Yesterdays meeting had 11 very knowledgeable and interesting people.

If you are interested in a subject which will help us reduce our carbon foot print, that residents can apply to their own lives, make a suggestion. If you are just interested in learning something, you'll be welcomed with open arms.

For further information is: http://www.transitionoakville.ca

Tankless Hot Water Heater: Did the conversion work?

2009-09-10T13:21:00.006-04:00

During the past year, the new installation in our home was a gas tankless hot water heater. There were a couple of reasons my wife and I decided for tankless. My wife was getting sick of us running out of hot water, especially while she was in the shower. We heard that it would save gas, since it didn't need to maintain the water temperature in a tank. Finally, it saves space which is important to us, because our home is less then a 1000 sq ft.

So I looked at the gas bill for June 09 vs June 08 to see how things were looking. On a daily average for the month we were using 4.5 cubic metres/day vs 6.1 in the previous June. I noted that the temperature for the month was the same, and we had made no other adjustments. So we were saving about 1.6 cubic metres per day or 49 cubic metres per month. This translates into $20.82 per month or $250.00 per year. This kind of return is welcome, but the cost of the rental still puts us into a negative of $14 per month. So from a financial perspective it hasn't worked out yet.

Did the change help us to accomplish our goals? It provided my wife with hot showers; it saved space; it lowered our environmental imprint. So would I suggest it? From our families perspective the answer is yes; but if you are only doing it to save money, you'll be disappointed.

Why invest in a long term roof?

2009-09-05T16:14:00.004-04:00

Any type of home can have a long term roof installed; however, from a financial perspective, some homes will not have a significant enough return on the initial investment. So before taking the leap consider the following:

1. Is the house a home that you intend to live in for next 20 to 50 years.

2. Is your house/home of a particular era which cause it to last the test of time.

3. Is your home in an area which will warrant this type of expense.

If you are wondering about the answers to any of these questions, speak to your local realtor. They should will give you guidance. So here are the basics about long term roofing selections.

Technology Snapshot & Benefits:

Slate, clay, concrete, and composite shingles, as well as metal roofing, offer longevity advantages over common asphalt-based shingles. Properly maintained, roofs made of slate, clay or composite shingles can easily last a century. Metal roofs in traditional "standing seam" or "batten seam" applications are available in terne (a thin mixture of tin and lead coating a carbon steel core panel) and now in terne-coated-stainless ( TCS, the same mixture covering a stainless steel core panel). Well-suited to cathedrals and institutional buildings, one manufacturer estimates a useful life of TCS roofing material to be about 500 years. All non-asphalt options provide freedom from reliance upon imported petroleum products.

Estimated Cost Savings:

Installed costs are nearly always greater than short-lifetime asphalt shingles. However, over the lifetime of the lasting roofing material, costs are usually lower than short-life alternatives. Over the span of a century, building owners may expect 4 to 5 roof replacements of asphalt shingles. The attendant labor and landfill costs are often several times that of a long-lasting roofing material. Also, landfill costs are expected to increase. For the homeowner who typically moves every five years, the real value of this measure is in its ability to increase resale value.

Issues:

Existing market bias towards short-term solutions tends to limit the range of roofing options presented to building owners. This has the effect of "locking-in" dependency on 1) products that rely on imported petroleum, and 2) the need for ever-increasing landfill capacity. Some regions may lack roofers and tradesmen skilled in the art of applying slate, metal, clay or composite roofing materials. Some regions may lack long-term landfill capacity.

Turf that is Green

2009-08-10T16:49:00.003-04:00

Did you know that Buffalo Grass uses only .8 to 1.8 inches of water per week whereas Fescue Grass uses 2.1 to 3.7. Buffalo grass is likely the only native turf. It has a high tolerance to drought and extreme heat and cold, but isn't great in the shade. So the next time you're needing to re-sod or re-seed your lawn, think about your water bill and check out if Buffalo Grass will work for you.

Bamboo Flooring: Why or Why Not

2009-07-08T20:50:00.004-04:00

Bamboo has become the hot new flooring, so here is a little information that will help you decide if it is for you. Bamboo flooring is a cost-effective and environmentally sensitive choice among traditional hardwood flooring options. An appealing building material, it is very durable, strong and long-lasting. Bamboo, a grass product and not a wood product, is harvested every 5 years without damaging the actual bamboo plant, and does not require pesticides due to its hardiness. It comes in four different types of flooring: natural, carbonized, vertical, and horizontal graining. The LEED program recognizes bamboo flooring as a green building material and permits points for the use of this flooring. There is debate over agricultural and manufacturing issues related to the production of bamboo floors. These issues include deforestation and the use of carcinogenic chemicals.

Estimated Cost Savings:
The pricing of bamboo flooring is comparable to the pricing of hardwood flooring.

Issues:
Verify the age of the bamboo. Often bamboo that has not had adequate time to harden (up to six years), will dent more easily. Avoid denting by checking with the manufacturer on the age of the bamboo.

Installation (Getting It Done):

Bamboo flooring is installed in a similar method to hardwood floors. The flooring will need to be acclimatized to the appropriate conditions before it is installed to avoid any potential damage. The planking can be glued, nailed, or stapled. Work with experienced contractors who specialize in the use of bamboo flooring to ensure beautiful, long lasting floors.

Studio City/Silver Triangle Home for Rent

2009-05-27T20:47:00.002-04:00

Our 1948 Bungalow in Studio City, CA is going up for rent. It has 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bathrooms, Redwood Floors, Off Street Parking, 2 Car Garage. Main intersection is Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvd. The primary school is Carpenter Public School. Short drive to many major studios.

Greater Toronto Green Building Tour - Friday, May 29, 2009

2009-05-25T10:57:00.003-04:00

Join the Canadian Green Building Council of Greater Toronto as they tour across the city to view the best examples of Green Building. This full-day "Green Coach" tour promises to give you a first hand experience with leading edge green-building technology and practices. You'll be able to share this opportunity with other like-minded sustainability and green building professionals.

The following buildings will be on the tour.

483 Bay Street ("Bell Trinity Square") - First in Toronto to receive Gold LEEDS certification
Earth Rangers Centre - A "living lab" of leading edge green design and technology
The Archetype Sustainable House located on the TRCA Living City Campus

Included on the tour is a fully catered lunch. Space is limited to 50 people. To register log on to: http://www.greenbuildingontario.ca

Jewel of Westmount - Open House 2-4PM

2009-05-17T07:16:00.006-04:00

Every once in a while you come across a jewel of a home: great upgrades, but more important then that great style in a smaller size. This is what 2251 Briarwood is with beautiful rich hardwoods, porcelain tiles, and were there is carpeting it has been upgraded to give it that luxurious feel. The colour palette is neutral where it needs to be, and charmingly cheerful in a few select locations with periwinkle blue or ruby red. From top to bottom this house is complete, and move in ready. The back and front gardens are fully landscaped with beautiful perennials adding colour throughout the seasons. There is a substantial front porch to sit and relax while talking in the neighborhood activities, or the more private back brick patio with ample room to spare. There are 4 Bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms, and one half bath. The master-bedroom does have an ensuite with soaking tub as well as a separate walk-in shower. The kitchen of warm maple cabinets has a built-in desk, substantial pantry, and large eating area looking over the family room with gas fireplace.

I hope to see you at this jewel of a home!

A Lesson in Service from the Master

2009-05-16T18:35:00.005-04:00

When people think of luxury service, the name Four Seasons is likely among the top brands that come to mind. It took Isadore Sharp 40 plus years to go from start-up to number one. I'm grateful that Mr. Sharp decided to let us in on how he did it, since I for one always am looking for ways to provide my clients with the best service. I also look at profits from my real estate business as a direct benefit from putting my client's needs first. It is reassuring that this formula works right from the beginning, since it is what I've based my business on.

So, if you are in a service business like I am, I would highly recommend reading "Four Seasons: The Story of a BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY". There are nuggets of excellent information about working with clients, partners, as well as employees.

I would love to hear what you think of this book.

Twittering with the rest of the world

2009-05-13T14:15:00.002-04:00

I'm finally twittering with the rest of the world. So if you get a chance and want to keep up-to-date with what I'm up to, please follow me. I'll let you know what areas are starting to heat up, and if I happen among some interesting properties. I'm listed under my name: Nolan Machan.

Take care,

Nolan

Another Stunning Day in Downtown Oakville

2009-05-13T13:49:00.005-04:00

Hi,
I'm doing office duty today from 1 to 3 PM at the Royal LePage office at Lakeshore and Reynolds. Coming in to see a realtor with what ever real estate question you might have will provide you with a better insight to what is happening in the market in Real Time. Currently, the market is bouncing lightly along the bottom. Prices are at there lowest point in years, and the cost of borrowing money is so cheap it is hard to believe. The Fed has indicated that the Bank Rate is going to stay at this level until the second quarter of 2010. So you are safe. My mortgage rate which variable sits at 1.6%. Now I'm not going to get this rate for ever, but it sure feels good.

So if you're waiting for the perfect time to buy, and you are moving up, this is your opportunity to buy at the best prices. I'm seeing properties listed for $2.2 Million selling for $1.8 million. Not everyone is in this snack bracket, but you likely get the point. The more expensive the house, the larger the savings you're going to see.

In Oakville properties are now selling comfortably in the $500K to $1 Million range. There is limited activity above this price point. I'm thinking that prices between $1 million to $2 million will start to move this fall, and then in spring '10 the next level of homes will start moving. However, I just heard an interesting story about the butterfly effect, which is an analogy for lack of predictability for long term weather forecasting. In a nut shell, a butterfly might flap its wings in a particular direction in Africa causing the start of a Hurricane in Caribbean. It is an interesting concept, especially when you consider how many highly intelligent investors were caught flat footed during this stock market reversal.

So if you are interested in the current market, I'm happy to help you out, but long term forecasting in real estate is anyone's best guess. All we can do is use our knowledge, and provide an educated as well as thoughtful perspective.

Have a great day,
Nolan

Halton Green Screens - Your Thoughts

2009-05-05T09:18:00.003-04:00

Well, we are almost through the first season of Halton Green Screens, and attendance is climbing each month. We've had several very interesting speakers, which is bolstering attendance. Our main aim is to educate as well as entertain our audience through film. I personally know that I've learned a great deal about sustainable living simply, sharks, and what large AGRI-Grow businesses are doing to our food supply.

So this is where I ask you if you've been able to attend. Are you enjoying the film series? Are there certain topics that you would like us to find films about? If you haven't attended, what might interest you in coming? Also any additional comments you might have about the series would be really helpful.

Thanks and have a great day!
Nolan

Open House 1302 Hillview in Falgarwood, Oakville

2009-05-03T10:41:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I'm doing an open house at 1302 Hillview today, which is a stunning renovated 4 Bed 4 Bath home, incredible ravine lot measuring 75 by 150. A beautiful pool with plenty of extra yard for playing, a walk out basement and huge deck. I would love to see you if you have time to take a look.

Future of Food - Thursday 23 April 09

2009-04-22T07:47:00.003-04:00

Halton Green Screen's is presenting the "Future of Food" on Thursday 23, 2009 at Encore Theatre (Kerr and Speers) starting time is 7:00 PM and there is speaker about food modification. This is a great opportunity to be entertained as well as learn about this important issue that we are dealing with. Hope you can make it.

"This stylish film is not just for food faddists and nutritionists. It is a look at something we might not want to see: Monsanto, Roundup and Roundup-resistant seeds, collectively wreaking havoc on American farmers and our agricultural neighbors around the world. In the end, this documentary is a eloquent call to action." - Tellride Daily Times

Halton EcoFest

2009-04-18T09:15:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to remind everyone that today is the Halton EcoFest which always promises to be an excellent opportunity to see all new things green. All the political parties are represented, and you might want to ask the Liberals what happen to their green plan. Hopefully, it is just waiting for the next election to come out.

There is also a number of foods to sample, clothes to buy, and new and old gadgets to look at. I believe there is even a Green investment councilor. It would be interesting to see how a Green Portfolio stood up during this past economic down turn.

Also included are all the Environmental groups from Bronte Creek to Oakville Green. So if you are looking to participate in making Oakville a better place, these groups are an excellent way for you to participate.

Hope to see you there and if you do manage to make it out, please say hi!

Oakville's Opportunity!

2009-04-15T08:34:00.004-04:00

I just finished "Greenliving" magazine's spring issue, and what a wonderful uplifting publication. This issue is all about outlining the Canada's Greenest Cities of Tomorrow. Unfortunately, Oakville is not on the list, and for me that is a great opportunity. Wouldn't it be amazing to be living in the healthiest town we can, with great public transit, people riding their bikes not just for exercise but also a legitimate way of getting around, that Tim Horton's and especially Starbucks would serve you coffee and donuts on china plates and in china cups when you're eating at the store instead of creating the mounds of trash just outside. That the board of education would realize that walking to school is important for a small child's education.

I would like to praise the city about the use of Hybrids for parking enforcement, but wouldn't it be great if Ford would finally put a small car Hybrid into production. Isn't it great that we finally have a tree cutting by-law with some teeth. All these changes are having a positive effect on your community. Keep up the good work Oakville, we will be on the list soon enough.

Have a great green day!

Halton Green Screens present "Refugees of a Blue Planet"

2009-02-06T09:04:00.003-05:00

Open House Sunday 25 January 2009

2009-01-24T15:37:00.003-05:00

I'm going to be doing an open house at 88 Ennisclare. It is a beautiful older home, which needs a little tender loving care. It has great principle rooms, and a tudor cottage feel included leaded glass window. The open house will be from 2 to 4 PM on Sunday January 25, 2006.

I hope you can make it.

Great Event at Encore Theatre

2009-01-23T08:05:00.003-05:00

Last night was the start of the Halton Green Screens showing the 11th Hour. The film was a series of the world's top scientists, authors, and environmentalists position on the state of our planet, and how we as a species are affecting our environment and the environment of all the world's species. It was an eye-opening experience for the 40 plus attendees.

However dyer the film is in the beginning, it ends on a very uplifting note. I share their perspective that we are about to enter the new green revolution which will be as fabulous as it is fascinating.

The next film is on Feb 26th at Encore Theatre: Refugees of the Green Planet. If you would like to find out more about the series is: www.haltongreenscreens.ca. Tickets are $5.00, and the event as includes a discussion about the film. CJ's Cafe in Bronte is giving away a $5.00 coupon and a selection of current books are also available.

Come one Come all for a night of Eco-Friendly Fun

2009-01-22T07:59:00.005-05:00

Today is the beginning of Green Screens in Halton happening at the Encore Theatre in Oakville at Kerr and Speers. Today's presentation is the 11th Hour promising to provide the audience with a Hollywood perspective on the effects of Global Warming.

I'll be there selling two books which you can pick up for less then retail: Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies by Eric Corey Greed who is a LEED accredited architect, and Green Cleaning for Dummies. So if you are looking for simple ways to green your home either title will provide you with a few insights.

Also CJ's Cafe in Bronte will be providing attendees with a gift as well. Blake Poland a professor of health promotion at the University of Toronto will be providing further insights to the topics being brought forward in the film.

Come out for an enjoyable evening with like minded people for the value price of $5.00 per person. This event is also in honor of our dear friend who suddenly passed away Ron Toufar.

A special thank you to Jeff Knowles, the owner of Encore Theatre who has graciously donated the movie theatre at no cost.

Finally Detroit Hearing the News

2009-01-13T06:51:00.003-05:00

Wow, what a relief that GM, Chrysler, and Ford are finally hearing the news and implementing the mainstream production of smart green vehicles. It is tinged with sadness; if they would have started out sooner, they might not have been in the mess they are in now. I only hope their new found commitment to green technology is not just a way to appease the US Federal Government.

I was at Kennedy Ford the other day, and asked about the waiting time for a new Hybrid Escape, and they replied I would likely have to wait 4 months before taking possession. It is great to hear that consumer demand is so strong.

Thank you Loblaws

2009-01-12T08:10:00.002-05:00

Yesterday it was announced that the Canada's largest food retailer is starting to phase out the use of the plastic bag (at least in Toronto). Though I cannot say that I'm surprised by this new change it is great when a large retailer finally understands the impact they have on the planet. I'm looking forward to when all retailers follow suit and realize that we can move from the refuse continent to the reuse. I'm sure Louis Vitton will soon make a shopping bag for the truly upscale consumer. Once we see the fashion industry take hold of this trend, we know that everyday moms and dads will not be far behind. Who knows maybe Galen Weston can talk to his mom, Hillary about getting Holt Renfew to be the first luxury brand of shopping bag.

If you have something new please let me know, I would love to hear your story.

Going solar: A safe place for your money

2008-11-20T06:10:00.008-05:00

During these extremely turbulent economic times, people are wondering where they should put their hard earned money for a safe return. The stocks that seemed to be bullet proof are faltering, so it is time to look at how to participate in the new green economy.

One of the better investments is one which you've got control over, you own, and that needs only very basic ongoing support and maintenance. One of these opportunities are solar photovoltaic panels. There is an up-front cost of installing this system of about $10,000.00 to $14,000.00 per kilowatt/hour. However, the opportunity is watching your electricity meter go in reverse, and the local power company paying you $0.42/kilowatt. This eliminates that cost of installing and storing batteries, but does require an additional upgraded converter.

Now the math indicates an approximate return on investment of 4.25 % per year. The payback on each kilowatt per hour system is about 15 to 20 years, and the current systems are looking at functioning efficiently for 30 to 40 years. So not only will you be creating clean energy for your neighborhood, but you'll be making money at it.

So if you can participate and you are fed up trying to work with an erratic stock and bond market, call up your local solar installer and get the complete details for your home.

Contemporary Tree-Top Residence - Green Reno

2008-10-21T05:30:00.011-04:00

During the past week, I've listed a new property which has gone through a substantial renovation in one of my favorite condos in Oakville, Oakridge Heights on Old Mill Road. There are three buildings which range in age from 8 to 4 years, but as buildings their are a number of special features which I like about these buildings that make them green.

The location is literally just steps from the GO Train; you can walk to Wholefoods, Starbucks or No Frills and Tim Hortons. It is a 15 minute walk to downtown Oakville, which has all the shopping and restaurants most people would need, and about the same distance to the local Encore Theatre (new movie releases at budget prices).

The build itself is rather eco-smart as well. It has incredible windows, which shut out most noise and temperature, and open properly to allow fresh air to flow. The hallways are pumped with fresh air which is neither cooled nor heated saving energy. The positive flow of air into the hallways also ensures that smells from each suite do not travel into the halls. There is also a recycling program.

The suite I've just listed has an unobstructed view on the 4th floor, and has been renovated from ceiling to floors. The owner took out the wall to wall carpet (a terrible dust and dirt collector) and replaced it with wide plank floors. All the appliances are energy star rated where applicable including: the the front loading Maytag washer and dryer. The kitchen has been replaced with granite surfaces, something that will not be replaced. The ceilings have been scraped clean of the popcorn plaster creating not only a more contemporary look but also a healthier environment. All the toilets have been replaced with low flow technology.

If you want to know more about this renovation please feel free to call me at: (905) 845-4267.

Food Additives, WHY?

2008-10-18T08:59:00.004-04:00

The other day my wife (Laura) and I were taken aback by the flour recall of "No Name". We quickly checked to see if our batch had been included in the list, and gratefully it wasn't. Both of us were surprised by this recall, because when you're cooking with a basic ingredient, we thought it was unadulterated. I'm not sure why we felt this way, considering we have changed our diary source to organics after we discovered that all regular products had extra ingredients to stabilize them. That might be why Organic milk and regular milk taste so different.

So the other day, while shopping at Fortino's I went hunting through all the Flour packages. Yes, I do have a day job, though occasionally I wonder. After looking, I noted that the only wheat flour manufacturer was Monarch, and the only other one was PC Organic. Both are more expensive then the "No Name", or the premium "Robin Hood". I'm not sure when it became extremely important to add so many chemicals to our basic foods. Also why do non-chemically products have to cost more, also is perplexing.

The common additive for stabilizing is Amylase. Some of the effects of Amylase are: severe allergic reactions and asthma. So is it possible that all these people running around with wheat allergies, aren't actually allergic to wheat, but rather to the additives? I'm happy to that I took the time to look. We have now changed our flour supplier, only to show that the buyer must aware.

Labour Day Thoughts.

2008-08-31T16:53:00.006-04:00

This August was likely one of the busiest I've had for a long time. My son went off to camp (Kilcoo) up in Haliburton. The place is amazing, and promotes a very environmental attitude and lifestyle. There is no water ski program, but simply a good solid paddling, canoeing, rock climbing, and tripping camp. They don't even allow any iPods or other electronic toys. As parents we aren't allowed to send up food, and therefore the young men have to live life with a limited amount of sugary drinks and candies. I have to say they do a great job of instilling well earned confidence in the campers.

Aside from Jake heading off to camp, I travelled to LA on an emergency trip to look after my grandmother. Thankfully she is doing better. While there I had an opportunity to head into Santa Monica, where I met with a number green minded individuals. If any town is green, it is definitively Santa Monica. I'll fill you in on some of the details in a short while, but felt it was important to get some down for the month.

Have a great Labour Day.

Torrential Rains, Coffee and Jazz

2008-08-10T17:07:00.004-04:00

Was at CJ’s again for a quick lunch with Laura before heading off to do my usual Sunday Open House. As per usual CJ was in fine form and the cafe was filled to capacity with an incredible duo playing the strings. CJ explained that the duo wasn’t even supposed to play, but filled in at the last minute since the previous act had cancelled. Only CJ could orchestrate a couple of talented musicians on a few minutes notice. For more information on CJ's cafe in Bronte: www.cjscafeinbronte.com

The teaming rain and thunderstorms of Saturday caused the canceling Saturday’s Jazz Festival in Downtown Oakville. I’m not sure if this has ever happened before, but my heart goes out to the organizers who worked so tirelessly. Friday night was incredible with a cool crisp breeze, blue sky, great food and jamming musicians. I noted today's festivities went forward, and the crowds were armed with Umbrellas. For more information on the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival: www.oakvillejazz.com.

Now as I finished up this entry the sun has come out, and I can hear the great tunes drifting up from the Jazz Festival.

Ecohouse Hamilton

2008-08-08T15:22:00.007-04:00

One of the frequently asked questions I get asked is can a historical or older home be environmentally friendly. "Yes!" I can think of nothing more environmentally friendly then an older home which has been retrofitted with eco-smart technology, and it doesn't have to change anything about visual impact of the home.

A friend and I went to Ecohouse in Hamilton yesterday, to see what a non-profit group of young people can do with a limited amount of resources and a tremendous amount of heart and dedication. The group is Green Venture headed up by Pete Wobschall, who is a fountain of very useful information. My feeling is that he's going to be a wonderful resource for years to come.

Ecohouse is located on the Veever Estate comprised of a couple of acres and a stone home dating back 150 years. It isn't unlike many of the magnificent homes on Hamilton mountain, or hugging Lake Ontario in Oakville, with its large principle rooms on a majestic setting. You enter the property through large wrought iron gates by the garage and head up the stone stairs to the side entrance of the house, where the tour guides are found. We had an Engineering student from UofT be our very knowledgeable guide.

First we were led through the house with its various features and demonstrations from the extremely low voltage use of LED spot lighting to EnergyStar rated appliances, and low-flow water demonstrations. This is not a designer home, but a work at its infancy of restoration and rejuvenation. Then we were taken on the garden tour where first we were shown the photovoltaic solar system and wind turbine. It supplies the majority of their electricity and should there be excess it is sold back to the grid. There are rain barrels (which they sell) to collect as much of the roof run off as possible that supplies most of the ample garden with water. At the lowest point in the garden, there is a garden reservoir which filters any excess surface water before it leaves the property.

At the back of the property their is a little green roofed gazebo, and from their we were taken to the community garden, which supplies most of the vegetables for the volunteers and staff. There are no pesticides used, but rather they have companion planting where one plants fights off pests they may attack another. This where our tour ended, and left me invigorated. I would like to congratulate all staff and volunteers at Ecohouse for the great work they are doing.

If you would like to find out more about Ecohouse the website is:

http://www.greenventure.ca

or call: (905) 540-8787

EcoBroker Conference Denver 2008

2008-07-20T09:38:00.007-04:00

Denver was the location of the latest EcoBroker conference. Over 300 real estate professionals attended two days of sessions where we discussed the latest innovations in green technology available to home buyers. Many of the sessions were led by industry experts from Finance to Green Manufacturers and Innovators. It was a thrill to be with a group of like minded individuals from the US and Canada.

One of easiest changes we learned to improve indoor air quality, which is usually about 4 times more polluted then outdoor air, is the simple addition of easily found plants which filter the air effectively. The best plants to include in your home include: Palm Bamboo, English Ivy, Gebber Daisies, and Peace Lili. However, should you have pets or children always check out the toxicity of any plant you add to your garden or home.

One of the most interesting things I found among the suppliers was a restorer of wooden windows. This was of particular interest to me because my home has all of its original wooden single pane windows from the 1920's and I'm in the process of restoring them. Her simple solution is install small therma-panes by routering out a little of the wood. It is a simple and perfect restoration. I'm going to try and convince one of local window people to do this work.

There were countless other interesting developments, and as I go over my notes, I'll keep you informed. If you every have question please just email me, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Muskoka?

2008-07-08T21:51:00.004-04:00

During the last couple of weeks, I've been restoring a window in my 1920's bungalow. It has taken me a little longer then I had hoped, but now that the first window is stripped and ready to be painted. There had to be at least 20 layers of paint. I'll post a picture when I'm done. If you're considering doing this, I would suggest that you set aside some serious time, but at least I'm recycling them. If I had to pay someone to actually build them, it would cost a couple of thousand no doubt.

On Sunday, Laura and I went paddling on the 16 Mile Creek. It was my first time paddling on the creek, and once we left the power boats behind, it was like being in up north. We saw turtles sunning themselves, ducklings, and a great blue heron catching fish. Such a beautiful spot right in town. The posted pic is the from a home on Trafalgar Road. You really don't need to leave home to enjoy great outdoor spaces.

I also want to thank "Oakville Today" for their kind article about my EcoBroker certification.

Happy Canada Day 2008!

2008-07-01T17:37:00.004-04:00

What a great day, though I have to say I was just a little nervous starting out. I was interviewed for a feature article about my EcoBroker certification for the Oakville Beaver. I've set up interviews for authors several times, and thought nothing of it; however, when it was me being the subject of the interview it was just a little different. The interviewer was kind and intelligent, so it made the experience fun to do. Hopefully, the article will be just as pleasant for me to read.

The rest of the day was spent by the pool relaxing with Jacob and Laura, and enjoying warm temperatures with virtually no humidity and unusual experience for a summer day in Oakville. As per usual when I'm by the pool, I seem to know several people. Occassionally Jacob, my son asks if I just know everyone in town. Sometimes, it feels that way, but that is one of the reasons I like Oakville so much. It is a town where people actually get to know each other.

Today we chatted with Andrea and her husband Mark. Andrea is a great interior designer, who was mentioning that in her field , green options are being expected by her clients. It was interesting to learn from her about some of the green options dealing with paint to fabrics and furniture that people are wanting green to be part of their day to day environment.

If you are interest speaking to Andrea you can reach her at: Andrea Gardner Designs and Interiors, Oakville, ON.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Are we turning Green?

2008-06-28T21:18:00.006-04:00

Today after a great meeting, a friend and I had coffee, and as per usual I steered the conversation to a green topic. Now I have to say my friend is very pragmatic. I wouldn't say he's skeptical, but cautious on how quickly we are actually going to turn green. His thoughts are leaning toward a much slower turn then mine. Then, I mentioned about the unavailability to even test drive a hybrid car at any of the dealerships. And that got me to thinking about the first hybrid I actually drove and when. It was a Honda Insight, which a few of you might remember. I decided about 10 years ago traveling Los Angeles for a visit with my Grandmother to see if I could rent a Hybrid. At that time, there was only a small independent that rented Hybrids. As per usual California was the leader in North America.

It was an interesting ride, since the car went silent every time you stopped, something I really wasn't used to. However, when I stepped on the accelerator it went. Did it go fast, No; but I only had to fill up once during the week. Seating only two was fine for me, since it was only ever going to be my Grandmother and I in the car.

So here it is 2008, and once again I went to visit with my 94 year old grandmother. She's an incredible women, and I only hope that I'm able to get around as well as she can when and if I reach her age. So being even more environmentally aware, I decide to see if I could rent a Hybrid. Gas has gone up over $4.00 per gallon, so financially I thought even if I had to pay extra for the car it would pay for itself. So on-line I went expecting a few more choices, but I didn't expect that every major rental agency would have Hybrids. The plethora of choice was incredible. I rented a Prius for the same money as an economy car. Not only did I get to save a bundle on gas, but also on the rental.

So are we turning green? The answer is yes, and a little faster then I expected. Did I give anything up, no: other then saving money on gas as well as the rental.

Living Green in Oakville

2008-06-26T21:40:00.003-04:00

The first blog of many I hope. Today, I was checking out the local new builds. First heading off to Ironstone in Burlington, the first new condo in the local area to use GeoThermal and Solar and I have to say I was impressed. The project is not a green wash, but an actual green build. Congratulations to the builder for stepping up to the plate, and providing the community with a sustainable build. I'm really looking forward to seeing this build go from conception to reality.

The other build was unfortunately not very impressive. I was hoping and praying that this upscale property would have been a little more dynamic. I'm not going to discuss the actual project, since it isn't worth it. I'm not sure they actually get the reality that a sustainable building is luxurious. Sustainable products available are stunning, the properties are far quieter, and more comfortable then traditional buildings.

Then I stopped off at one of my favourite Bronte spots, CJ's Cafe. CJ is one of the most dynamic entreprenuers in Oakville. We always have a great discussion about art, food, and the environment. Her latest addition to her cafe for the planet is corn produced clear take-out cups, which look like the regular plastic ones, but are safe for the planet. Kudos to CJ, and her amazing fair trade and organic coffee creations.