Halton Green Screens present "Refugees of a Blue Planet"

Open House Sunday 25 January 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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.