 |
 |
01 Dec 2006 / 4:55 pm
I am not a hippy
I don’t wear Birkenstocks, live in a cabin in the woods and my 3 year old has no dreads. (although these people may have the right idea)
I am a person who lives in a large city and wants to make changes to my family’s lifestyle so my children (and grandchildren) will be able to enjoy the world we live in.
How often must we be hit in the head with a 2x4 to realize we cannot continue on the same path as we are today? Must there be a full-blown global crisis for us to alter our course?
|
 |
|
24 Nov 2006 / 3:23 pm
Solar PV Tech Checklist
Solar Panels are more useful than Granite Counter Tops
When it comes to home improvements the usefulness of an item is often understated. For example, when was the last time someone commented on how beautiful the roof of your house is, or how efficiently the pluming works? You are more likely to receive kudos for your paint choice or granite counter-top. When considerinng the investment in PV - which is a great technology in my view - use this checklist to ensure that you are investing in a solution that will work for you.
|
|
|
23 Nov 2006 / 9:37 am
Because small is the BIG of the Future:
There are several common wisdoms, which advise people to pursue excellence rather than size. Some of my favorites are “keep it simple”, “less is more”, and “it’s the quality of the job not the size of the tool”. My neighbour with the super-sized SUV might disagree, but I believe that “Small is the Big of the Future”, and I think his mantra belongs in our popular vernacular – please pass it on if it works for you and the people you know. Learn more about who I am and what I do at http://www.ChrisChopik.com
|
|
|
15 Nov 2006 / 9:05 am
small choices BIG changes
Clean air is for everyone.
We make small choices every day. I choose to put the seat down, smile, say hello, and thank you. I do these things because I am making small choices that have a direct impact on the people around me. We are all in a position to affect the future quality of life in our city and our province. Choose a cleaner more sustainable Ontario, turn off your unused lights, remember: the power is in your finger.
www.ChrisChopik.com
|
|
|
13 Nov 2006 / 10:57 am
Small is Big, Old is New
I was intrigued by the invitation I received to contribute to the Evolution Green blog and decided to accept the invitation.
A lot’s been written about the architectural rebirth of Toronto over the past year or so with the Libeskind Crystal, the $500 million transformation of the AGO, the new Four Seasons Centre and home for the COC. I think all of these projects are important and needed. I can’t help but wonder two things though.
|
|
|
13 Nov 2006 / 9:21 am
small voices BIG consequences
Having seen An Inconvenient Truth, The End of Suburbia and Manufactured Landscapes I cannot understand how Canadians continue to super-consume and mega-pollute. I understand from this film and scientific sources that Humans are reaching a critical relationship with the planet. If you are inspired to action, please seek out and contact like-minded individuals. Add your small voice to the BIG world of global (and Local) change. If you haven’t seen these movies, I strongly urge you to go see them by whatever inconvenient means possible.
|
|
|
13 Nov 2006 / 8:49 am
Going tankless – the wave of the future?
Never run out of hot water again and save up to 50 per cent on hot water heating bills – two claims being made by distributors of new “tankless” water heaters. As this new NASA-sponsored technology gains popularity in Ontario, it could become a great selling feature for energy conscious home buyers.
Since tankless hot water heater technology is relatively new, there’s very little available in the way of sales statistics. However, Grant Robertson, President and CEO of E-Tankless Water Heaters, says his company is experiencing very strong demand for the product and sales have been increasing at a considerable year over year rate for the past five years.
|
|
|
11 Nov 2006 / 1:26 pm
The Future Looks Green
This is an excerpt from an article written by Chris Chopik, published in the Parkdale Liberty Gleaner in April 2006. Click here to read the complete article. http://parkdaleliberty.ca/archives/109
......
All this earth-friendly coalition-building comes as no surprise to Amanda Mongeon of One Tonne Toronto. The government organization dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions has seen what is happening in the Roncesvalles area and is focusing its efforts there.
The neighbourhood boasts a combination of affluent, educated homeowners and a majority of homes over 60 years old that are ripe for energy efficiency retrofits.
Geoffrey Ave. resident Huntly Duff and his family are exactly the kind of people Mongeon is targeting. Last month they replaced their old furnace and hot-water heater with with a single wall-hung high efficiency furnace, which works in conjunction with solar hot water panels to reduce their energy consumption significantly.
“We thought it important to do more than talk about the air quality and energy issues facing society,” says Duff, a 17-year area resident. Initial estimates are that 60 per cent of the Duff’s annual domestic hot water needs will be met with the solar solution.
|
|
|
06 Nov 2006 / 3:49 pm
The importance of Neighbourhood
Is location important when buying a home? The answer has to be a resounding yes. Buyers want to be close to shops, parks, public transit, better schools, daycare and a strong sense of community. The ability to walk to all of these necessities as well as being able to support shop local initiatives all give back to a healthy neighbourhood.
|
|
|
06 Nov 2006 / 2:47 pm
Eco Financing
When you buy a car you do pay up front or amortize the cost by borrowing to lessen the initial sting? Why not do the same when purchasing mechanical upgrades to your house?
|
|
|
06 Nov 2006 / 1:35 pm
Sustainable Development in Canada
As technology editor of Outpost Magazine I have written about sustainable energy, and emerging technologies for years.
There are innumerable challenges when converting to alternative energy sources, and most are economically viable and relatively low impact in terms of quality of life and change of behaviour.
Canada is abundant in social entrepreneurs who are pushing the envelope to develop better ways of harnessing the energy of the natural elements in order to Fuel our Future.
My favourites include:
|
|
|
05 Nov 2006 / 1:31 pm
Clean Air is for Everyone
With the Federal Government cancellation of two very important environmental programs, Greensaver and One Tonne Challenge it is very important that communities and individuals take it upon themselves to make choices for a healthier environment.
Imagine Solar Panels on Every Roof in Toronto:
It is possible and you can help make it happen!
|
|
|
05 Nov 2006 / 1:18 pm
Why Shop Locally
The neighbourhoods of Toronto offer an enticing array of fabulous shops, intimate café’s, and accessible restaurants. The abundance of community green space and vibrant community involvement make Toronto neighbourhoods stand out as uniquely diverse and inviting places to live and work and play.
Thriving high quality retail is an important cornerstone in creating and maintaining real estate values. Proximity to ammenities is a selling feature for homes in your area. So invest in your home, invest in your community and build real estate value for you and your neighbours. Eat, shop and live as locally as you can. It really has an impact on the value of your home and community.
|
|
|
03 Nov 2006 / 1:23 pm
The importance of good design
|
|
|
31 Oct 2006 / 10:58 pm
EvolutionGreen at the Toronto Green Building Festival.
Join the EvolutionGreen team at the Toronto Green Building Festival.
The Green Building Festival is free for attendees and offers a great opportunity to learn from over 40 exhibitors displaying the latest products and services for the green buildings industry.
GREEN BUILDING FESTIVAL TRADE SHOW
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street West, Toronto
Wednesday, November 1 2006
Open: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
|
Page 9 of 10 pages « First < 7 8 9 10 > |
