Trump, climate and us: A letter to those who won’t give up
I am a volunteer with the Climate Reality Project – an organization dedicated to educating the world about climate change and the science behind it. Its goal is to dispel the myth that it doesn’t exist, or, according to Donald Trump, a hoax invented by...
Climate Change Effects and Insurance — Berkshire Hathaway Should Be Worried
According to a report on Green Tech Media, shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway Insurance have voted to ignore climate risks. Apparently Mr. Buffett “doesn’t think climate change creates serious risks for Berkshire’s insurance business.”...Should cities ban materials such as single use plastic bags and water bottles?
To ban or not to ban, that is the question…. In the case of Montreal, it has decided to place a ban on single-use plastic bags starting in 2018 which I disagree with and you can read why in this post. Now, it is considering banning single-use plastic water...
Does Lego really need to spend $150 million on building a better block?
Lego is one of my all-time favourite toys. As a kid, I loved building and creating, and the blocks brought out the inner architect in me. As a parent, I was thrilled that my kids loved Lego, so I could buy as much as my budget would allow for them to play with, of...Green Building is Dead….Long Live Green Building!!
I’ve noticed that there has been a significant transition in the green building industry, especially with respect to residential building. A few of my favourite green building haunts have reinvented themselves over the past few years. Most of them started out...Should Cities Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags?
As Montreal debates whether or not it should ban plastic bags, it’s an opportunity for me to express my opinion on the subject, yet again. Toronto began charging a 5¢ fee for all plastic bags in mid-2009. A few years later that ever-forward-thinking mayor, Rob...The Problem with Incinerating Waste (and it’s not what you think)
While in Poland, we attended Poleko 2014, Poland’s largest environmental protection trade fair. I had meetings with many people around the subject of construction waste management. Europe in general and Germany in particular are known for its progressive...PPHU Polblume Recycling Plant — An example of the emerging circular economy
While in Poland, our Canadian delegation was invited to tour a new state of the art electronic recycling facility, PPHU – Polblume. It is one of 158 similar recycling and recovery companies within Poland. It is here that old appliances, computers, TVs, and...Revisiting Plastic Bag Charges
In May, 2010 I wrote a post about the then spate of waste management efforts that had been implemented by the City of Toronto. One of those programs was a 5¢ charge for single use plastic bags by retail organizations in the city. Anyone who has the unfortunate...Thought Provoking Keynote Address at Greenbuild
Greenbuild NEXT International Expo was jam-packed with places to go, people to see and things to do. There was absolutely not one dull moment to be had. To give you an idea of how big this conference has become, there were about 25,000 attendees, 1700 exhibitors, 105...Greenwashing in Real Life
I always love going to the Interior Design Show. It’s a great mix of unique interior design exhibits, new products, up and coming Canadian designers at Style North and great designer displays. This year was no exception — it was truly a great event with...Toronto’s Waste Initiatives: Are they Working?
A look at recent waste diversion initiatives implemented by the city of Toronto.
Ontario Hydro bills set to increase 25% by 2011. Believe it or not, it’s a good thing
Hydro rates are expected to rise by 25% over the next two years — but you can help make that increase smaller with these tips.
Hey, Prime Minister Harper! What do you mean you cancelled the Eco Energy Retrofit Grant???
The Canadian Federal Government’s ecoEnergy Retrofit grant has been cancelled as of March 31, 2010.
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