Toronto Real Estate Agents | Julie Kinnear

Trees Across Toronto is the city’s native tree and shrub planting program that brings together volunteers who want to contribute to the environment and help reclaim some of the underdeveloped and “un-treed” lands. Toronto’s signature environmentally friendly tree planting event takes place each year on the last Saturday in April, and we’re thrilled that we also took part this year!

(Trees Across Toronto Photo Essay continued...)

It seems that every city hall in the world has a story to tell, so what’s Toronto’s? The historic Old City Hall with its beautiful clock tower (built in 1899) was replaced by this striking modern landmark designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell in 1965, after the former city hall became too small to accommodate all the government offices.

(Toronto’s New City Hall Photo Essay continued...)

The two hardworking entrepreneurs are firmly dedicated to serving their guests only what can truly be called “real food.” You won’t find any additives or preservatives here. There’s also no meat, gluten, dairy or refined sugar allowed. But what there is, is an abundance of healthy, creative and vibrant dishes.

(Guilt-free Dining at Rawlicious Yorkville continued...)

It’s common and easy to think of businesses as amoral profit-seeking ventures, and the news brings us almost daily reports to confirm this. Why go into business, after all, if you don’t want to make a profit? There are, however, a few businesses that either go out of their way to adhere to moral principles, or who actually have them built in, so to speak. One such business is a little grocery store called Fresh From the Farm.

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Let’s have a look at some of Toronto’s finest artist-run galleries!

(Best Toronto Artist-Run Galleries continued...)

Phones for Food – the Phones for Food program generates money for the food bank community across Canada and diverts wireless devices from landfills.

(Phones for Food continued...)

Toronto is a vibrant and lovable city. In order to fully soak in all it has to offer, make use of some of these budget-friendly secrets.

(Things to do in Toronto: City Passes continued...)

For those who have not yet experienced the deliciousness that is ramen, it is a Japanese noodle dish consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles with your choice of basic toppings like pork, vegetables, egg and bean sprouts.

(Review: Soup On! Kenzo Ramen Noodle House continued...)

In this article I want to show you a couple of super-modern concepts that we will be seeing in more and more gardens in the future.

(Gardening of the Future continued...)

Whether you’ve recently moved here, are new to sewing or have recently had your favorite fabric store close down, Toronto has some great shops to help you get going.

(5 Great Toronto Fabric Stores continued...)

This past weekend Toronto was treated to a delicious and informative event: The 28th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival. It took place down at the Harbourfront Centre on Queen’s Quay West and admission was completely free!

(Lots to See and Taste at the 28th Annual Vegetarian Food Festival continued...)

For an event that bills itself as “the largest flower and vegetable growing competition in Canada” on its website, the CNE Garden Show looks quite modest at first. This is because – like an iceberg – what you see on display is never more than a small fraction of the whole.

(The CNE’s Green Thumb continued...)

Collaborative consumption entails a rapid explosion in traditional sharing, bartering, lending, trading, renting, gifting, and swapping reinvented through network technologies at a scale and in ways never possible before.

(Collaborative Consumption on the Rise continued...)

Land sharing is one of the possible land-use strategy options that could help to improve environmental protection as well as food security.

(Sharing Backyard: More Than Just a Good Idea continued...)

Just a few hours of ride from Toronto you can find the rocky islands, windswept pines, and refreshing waters which are just a perfect place for vacation with the flavour of the northern wilderness.

(National Parks Summer Guide: St. Lawrence Islands continued...)

Had you decided a long time ago to brave the Canadian wilderness but never actually did? Then read further, get to know about Pukaskwa NP.

(National Parks Summer Guide: Pukaskwa continued...)

One of Canada’s smallest yet excitingly unusual national parks impresses with 20 square kilometres of marshes, savanna grasslands, wild beachfront, and Carolinian forest, which looks almost like a jungle at some places.

(National Parks Summer Guide: Point Pelee continued...)

Georgian Bay Islands National Park, made up of picturesque islands and a small mainland area, was founded in 1929 when petitions from locals persuaded the government to establish the national park and preserve its pristine beauty.

(National Parks Summer Guide: Georgian Bay Islands continued...)

These are all the things you can do on your own using very little resources and have a lot of fun with it. Here are some of the top green tips of this summer.

(Summer Tips for Green Living continued...)

Evergreen, a non-profit environmental group devoted to bringing nature into urban environments, started planting trees at the site in 1991, and wildflowers in 1998. Eventually, Evergreen leased the Brickworks from the city and the TRCA, and began official reconstruction of the buildings in 2008.

(The Evergreen Brickworks continued...)

Even now, over one hundred years after its beginning, Wychwood Park consists of only sixty houses, and it was the first residential neighbourhood in Toronto to be named a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act.

(Artscape Wychwood Barns continued...)

What can be considered the most famous movie house? You may have a different opinion, but I believe it is the one featured in the 1960 classic, Psycho.

(Famous Movie Houses continued...)

Although allergists claim the best remedy is to remove the pet from the home, you might be surprised by the number of people who have learnt to live with their pets in harmony even if they have pet allergies.

(Living with Allergies: Pets at Home continued...)

Black History Month
in Toronto Public Library

Toronto celebrates Black History Month every February to honour Canadians of African descent. Despite decades of racial discrimination, black Canadians have contributed immensely to social, economic, cultural, and political life in Toronto. Learn more about the history of African Canadians and enjoy artistic celebrations live and on screen with the scheduled events this month in the city.

Fruit by Stephen Best

Today, we will introduce another controversial diet that got especially famous after being featured in Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy, Notting Hill. Do you remember Hugh Grant’s date who claimed to only be comfortable eating fruit that has fallen from the tree or bush and added that otherwise she would consider it murder? I bet you guessed right; today’s post will be all about fruitarianism. Although real fruitarianism is rarely that crazy and doesn’t require fruit to fall before being collected, this subset of raw veganism is still considered to be one of the most restrictive diets.

Gluten Sources
by Wikimedia Commons

Once considered to be the sad necessity for those suffering from celiac disease, over the past few years, the gluten-free diet has become one of the popular for anyone. Its followers have decided to exclude gluten from their menus, which is a protein found in most cereals, such as wheat, barley, and rye.

Vegetable stand
by Michael Cannon

It is getting more and more difficult to find Canadians who never went wild dieting to get shaped up or just to show how caring about their own bodies they are. In our youth- and beauty-oriented society, great looks became a must and a prerequisite of success in life, and people push the borders by inventing new and more innovative diets — up to the point where they become a bit… unusual.

Hakarl in Iceland
by Wikimedia Commons

We all hear stories from friends returning from Asian or African countries about varieties of deep fried insects or roasted rats sold on the streets of lively cities. We even realize that knowing everything about production processes of our supermarket food and all the chemicals used during its preparation could easily prevent us from eating virtually anything for quite a while. However, today’s post will show you that there is always a way to push what we call food beyond the boundaries most of us would tolerate… Check out the strangest meals of the world!

Frugality by Matthew Hunt

English Wiktionary defines the word “frugal” as follows:

frugal: from Latin frugalis “virtuous, thrifty” 1. Avoiding unnecessary expenditure either of money or of anything else which is to be used or consumed; avoiding waste.

In other words, a frugal lifestyle is one of sparseness and thrift, focusing on getting the most value from your resources. Frugality is avoiding waste and misuse of money, time, food, and really any personal assets. It is the opposite of lavishness and usually aims to achieve a certain goal.

Colourful Kites
by John Vetterli

Flying a kite is a great and easy outdoor activity for the whole family. All you need is a kite, a little practice, and a mild breeze and you can launch your kite to the sky. Kite flying has become very popular recently and parks are full of kiting enthusiasts who use their kites not only for flying but also for various different activities and stunts. Such activities are often potentially dangerous and therefore there are numerous restrictions regulating kite flying in Toronto.

Amron Exptl

Since 2007, Amron Experimental, a New-York-based engineering atelier, has been producing cool and innovative designs for households and everyday lives. Scott Amron, founding principal and spiritual father of the Amron Exptl, electrical engineer, designer, and conceptual artist, is only 31 years old and yet has succeeded in building a hip company capable of stirring attention. The company has been gathering awards and praise all around, as function, green thinking, and art have never been so intertwined. Amron is nicknamed “indie inventor.” Check out three of his coolest designs!

Grazing cows
by Alex Thomson

Animal treatment in mass farms and slaughter houses is often highly questionable not only from the moral point of view of animals’ suffering, but also considering the health effects it has on their meat and products, and consequently on our health. In the country, it may be possible to find a local farmer who eschews growth hormones and lets her animals out to graze, but in the city, different strategies must be pursued if you want to eat high-quality, healthy meat.

How you drive your car is important in saving fuel and reducing emmissions. Here are 10 ways the help:

1. Keep to the speed limit. Slowing from 120 to 100 km/hr reduces fuel consumption by 20%.

2. Keep calm. Screeching starts and hard braking can increase fuel consumption by 40%.

3. Look ahead. Anticipate stops so you slow down gradually.

4. Use cruise control... except in hilly terrain.

5. Empty the junk. Remove excess weight from your car, as well as exterior racks that can prevent aerodynamics.

6. Turn off the engine. Idling for more thatn 10 seconds consumes more fuel than a restart does.

7. Service your car regularly. A poorly tuned engine consumes up to 50% more fuel.

8. Check the cap. To reduce evaporation.

9. Use air conditioning sparingly. Except on the highway, keeping your windows ajar is often the better option.

10. Plan ahead. Combine trips to reduce the distance you drive...

 *excerpt from the Toronto Star

Soulmates by Lali Masriera

What if dogs could talk? Well, humans would have probably lost their best friends, as some people say while smirking maliciously. Luckily for us, dogs haven’t mastered the skill of speaking human language yet, and they still make great companions. But this does not only apply to reclusive people. Many families with children often make a choice to extend their “pack” after moving into a big house by adopting a four-legged buddy to live with them. Maybe you have similar thoughts; but have you truly considered all the pros and cons?

Volunteers
by vastateparksstaff

We’re living in a very fast age. Our lives are fast, the world around us is changing fast — and sometimes it’s very hard to pay attention to issues other than the ones we face ourselves. Nevertheless, there are some of us who are still able to find some time to do something to make this world a better place. Even if their contribution is small — even if there’s nothing to gain except the warm feeling of inner satisfaction you get from putting a smile on somebody’s face. What about you? Have you ever considered becoming a volunteer?

Grow-Op

Grow operations, also dubbed grow-ops, are illegal endeavours of more-or-less organized groups who grow drugs in family houses and residences. These operations then grow, harvest, and refine hallucinogenic and/or addictive substances for subsequent distribution to drug users. The most common illegal activity is growing marijuana.

Backyard by Ben Babcock

In these modern times, overpopulated cities are not uncommon. Combined with a lack of space and a green green grass, it can sometimes seem like you’re living in a concrete jungle with nothing green around. While public parks can do the trick, you’re a lucky one if you can find one next to your office or condo. Most of us have no private place to sit with friends and just relax under the sky!

Urban Agriculture by Qtea

If you think about “urban agriculture”, it sounds like an oxymoron; how often does agricultural land fall victim to the ever-spreading jungle of concrete? But if you think again, you might begin to see things from a different point of view. Urban agriculture provides a great way to reclaim a more natural, more traditional, more ecological, and much healthier way of life in the middle of all the urban chaos. And what does urban agriculture look like in the biggest city in Canada?

Food Forward Logo

Food Forward is a non-profit organization in Toronto that reaches out to citizens, politicians, and the food sector to improve the current food system. Here’s an interview with Darcy Higgins, Executive Director of Food Forward, that introduces the organization, explains what its goals are, and explains why Torontonians should get involved.

Water Faucet by Dottie Mae

We should all know by now that water is a precious resource. It’s not only the source and support of all life, but it gives us pleasure and helps us the produce goods and services that we depend on and enjoy.

Cloud Gardens by Patrick B

If you aren’t looking for it, you will walk right past it! The “Bay Adelaide Gardens and the Cloud Forest Conservatory” – or Cloud Gardens – is a small park in the heart of downtown Toronto. Located on Richmond Street just east of Bay Street, this elaborate park sits on only half an acre of land and yet, is an attraction all Torontonians should visit! In the midst of a vibrant, busy, and sometimes overwhelming city, Cloud Gardens provides a wonderful haven.

Photo by
Jose Eduardo Deboni

In the last article of the series, we’re going to take a look at some simple but uncommon ways to save water outdoors.

Photo by Tony Hammond

Sometimes even small measures can result in a great change, and that’s why we bring you yet another handful of small, instant tips for making your life a little bit greener!

To the Red Ribbon Day
by Seema K K

It seems as though a brand new era of heroes has been ushered in by the Internet. They help to save the world everyday – by signing online petitions, copying special facebook statuses, and sometimes even changing their profile pictures! If you feel like now is the right time to ask “whats going on here?!", you’re probably right. Well, welcome to the age of slacktivism!

Photo by discoodoni

Some time has passed since we published our first article on the subject of water-saving; therefore, we think it’s about time to present you with another handful of useful tips!

Last time, we wrote mostly about changes that require some kind of special effort, or maybe even investment. Nonetheless, there are some ways to save water that require only a minor change of your habits. For example, you can simply:

Photo by mooste

Have you ever wondered why spring is the traditional big cleaning time of the year? For one of the most likely explanations, we’ll have to turn back time and return to the days before people started using electricity. After the winter, everything in the house was usually covered with soot from the candles, fireplaces, kerosene, and lamp oils used to keep people’s homes warm and bright during the winter. So, when the spring came, every bit of the house had to be cleaned to get rid of the layer of soot.

Once again, we bring you 5 simple ideas to make your life a little bit greener today!

Photo by tai viinikka

1. Collect rainwater in a barrel. You don’t have to pay for all the water you use – get a few barrels and start storing rainwater in them! Rainwater can be used in many ways. First of all, it’s much better for gardening then the water from your plumbing. You can also use it for washing your car, mopping the floors, or even flushing the toilet. Have a look around the shops to see what tubes they offer. Eventually, if you’d like to be even more eco-friendly, go ahead and make one yourself!
(5 Instant Green Changes: April continued...)

Photo by Paul Sapiano

“Do you think it’s clean air you’re breathing?” is not just a paraphrased quote from the famous Matrix dojo fight scene, but also a serious question about the air quality in your home. Most people are unaware of an important fact: the air we breathe inside our houses, apartments, schools and offices may be highly polluted. This might sound disturbing, but don’t panic – there are many simple ways to clean the air in your home.

Photo by Peter Kaminski

Ever wonder what becomes of all those newspapers you recycle? Repulped newspaper can become roof shingles. But that’s not all, that’s just one of many products. Others include new newsprint, boxboard for cereal and shoe boxes), wallboard, ceiling tiles, egg cartons, animal bedding and mulching material.

Recycle one tonne of old newpaper and save 19 trees. Toronto typically recycles 100,000 tonnes of newspaper annually – that’s giving more than two million trees a tomorrow. And that’s totally worth it!!

(What Does Your Recycling Become? continued...)

Spring is slowly knocking on the door and we will experience the beautiful time of Nature's awaking once again. As usually, we bring you the monthly round of instant green changes, to feel a bit greener during this period of time!

It's simple enough, but worth remembering! When you leave the house, bring a refillable container for water or coffee. Going shopping? Bring reusable bags, and look for items with less packaging. Think more, about using less!

Photo by
Leonid Mamchenkov

February selection of Instant Green Changes is ready. Don’t hesitate to make a little step daily to preserve our environment, improve your health and save money. It takes virtually no time, so enjoy and tell your friends!

(5 Instant Green Changes: February continued...)

bicycle by JMC Photos

Toronto bikers get ready! After months of the bike vs. car war, we are approaching peaceful resolution. Toronto downtown should experience the first separate bike lane network soon.

Our series of 5 Instant Green Changes continues with December set of tips. Enjoy and be inspired!

Our Green Lifestyle section offers 5 great tips every month, which will help you to do small green step immediately. You can contribute too - we welcome your own idea in the comments and will include them in the next month's list.

Click on full article for October's amazing Tips!

Climate Change Conference
by CIAT

Environmental movement emerged back in sixties, when first disastrous predictions and reports were made, and for the first time the whole society began to think about the future of our planet. However, the last decade is the period, when the most challenging green chapters have been opened.

(7 Key Green Events Of The Decade continued...)

Photo by Stonethestone

Besides our lovely homes we keep feeding you with, we are known (or at least we try hard) to be known as the ‘green’ realtors. Our green life section offers you green news, tips and solutions for you and your household.

Where did we learn all these exciting information? Browsing some great green blogs! We are proud to say, there are several very interesting green webs prepared by Canadian authors. We have prepared our personal top five chart, (with one bonus), and we encourage you to recommend any other great Canadian green blog in comments. We hope to encourage the young Canadian green blogosphere and establish a tradition of selecting the best blogs every year and following their virtual life.

(Top 5 Canadian Green Blogs continued...)

No Smoking by "risingsunset"

Toronto City anti-smoking laws, despite being opposed (and hated) by tobacco lovers, seem to bring tangible results. A study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found out that the rate of hospitalization in Toronto significantly dropped.

The anti-smoking laws had three phases, which started being implemented since 1999 (the last phase took effective in 2004). The researchers Alisa Naiman, Richard Glazier and Rahim Moineddin from the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences focused on the period 1996 (three years before the laws appeared) to 2006 (after the last phase), to find out, if there was any change in the rate of admissions to hospitals because of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.

(Anti Smoking Laws Bring Less Hospitalizations continued...)

Human Train

Saturday September 26 8:30 AM – 4 PM

HUMAN TRAIN FOR CLEAN AIR

• Starts in Weston
• Ends on Queen Street West
• Main Rally at Sorauren Park, 1 PM

Plan now to hop on board the Human Train to send a message to Premier McGuinty that he must act now to scrap plans to run hundreds of polluting diesel trains a day through our neighbourhoods, and direct Metrolinx to use only clean, quiet electric trains for any expansion of rail traffic along the Georgetown corridor.

(Hop On Board the HUMAN TRAIN THIS WEEKEND! continued...)

Log onto Ontario Power Authority website for a great service that will get that old fridge out of your basement (or anywhere else it may be).

They will take it out of the basement and drive it away, at no cost to you!!!

Let’s not forget about saving energy during wintertime! These few months provide an ideal oppurtinity to inspect all the interiors, reinsulate problematic parts and fix smaller issues that you’ve been putting off before. Read the article for a couple of very handy, season-specific tips on how to save precious energy – and money as well!

(Winter Energy Savings – How to Save Money This Season continued...)

Think emission-free electricity for your home is out of reach? Think again! Read-on to find out how Bullfrog Power can help you make your home more eco-friendly.

(Find Out How Some of Our Clients are Going Green with Bullfrog Power! continued...)