Your House Needs Cleaning
by Cristina Chirtes

Christmas and New Year parties are gone and your home needs general cleaning - again… What can you do, if you want to avoid traditional chemical detergents, which are harmful to you, your kids, your pets and to environment generally (not to mention their prices)?

Fourth part of the Toronto Homeowner Tips serie called "Cleaning Without Chemicals I." will help you to clean your Kitchen Stove, Fridge or Microwave without toxic weapons.

(Cleaning Without Chemicals I. continued...)

DONE DEALS TORONTO

Coxwell and Gerrard

Published in Friday’s Globe and Mail, Nov 13, 2009

249 Hiawatha Road

• 249 HIAWATHA ROAD, TORONTO
• ASKING PRICE: $349,900
• SELLING PRICE: $410,100
• PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE: $235,000 (2008)
• TAXES: $2,389 (2008)
• LOT SIZE: 18 by 106 feet
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: six
• LISTING AGENT: Julie Kinnear, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.

(Done Deal: Coxwell and Gerrard continued...)

Copenhagen by Zuzana

The United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place in the Denmark capital during the first half of December. Participants hope to reach important decisions, especially around a new framework for climate change mitigation beyond the year 2012. However, we shouldn’t see this conference as a symposium of climate change activists. The movement is anything but united.

(Upcoming UN Climate Change Conference continued...)

Pumpkins In The Dark

JKT Pumpkin Patch – This year we decided to have a Pumpkin Patch and spent the afternoon giving out pumpkins to our clients as a Thank you for the support we get from them each year. Everyone showed up in the Halloween spirit!

Here are some photos of the carved creations. It was a ton of fun and we look forward to doing it again next year!

(JKT Pumpkin Patch continued...)

Vinegar Against Mold by Mark Hardie

With the ants long gone to their winter residence and the fallen leaves taken care of, it is just about time to make a stand against the one unwelcome guest that has been stubbornly visiting you against your will over and over every fall: black mold.

Find the solution in the third part of our Toronto Homeowner Tips guide.

(Getting Rid of Black Mold: White Vinegar Is Your Friend continued...)

Animal Rescue
by Robert Szlivka

In the Spring Jen Palacios on our team had the opportunity to travel to Northern Quebec to assist with IFAW’s Northern Dog Program’s Spay/Neuter clinics. Attention animal lovers - check out the fascinating blog from the team at IFAW!

By the way - Jen has now adopted 2 beautiful dogs from these Cree communities.

(IFAW’s Animal Rescue Blog continued...)

Autumn leaves by Vladimir Agafonkin

It is the same every year: the summer ends, the children go back to school and again you realize that while the summer is a really cool part of the year with the sun and vacations and all the rest of it, deep down in your heart you know you are an autumn person. Whether you are driving to work or just walking down the street minding your own business, you cannot take your eyes away from all that beauty covering everything in sight, silencing your steps.

(How to get rid of leaves continued...)

Why not learn about and take advantage of Enbridge’s New Solar Water Heater Savings Program. Enbridge Gas Distribution has teamed up with Bullfrog Power, EnerWorks and Natural Resources Canada to offer homeowners significant savings on a solar water heater.

(New Solar Water Heater Savings Program 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...)

On September 30, 2009, The Second Cup wants to "Pay It Backward". Every person that buys a cup of coffee for the person behind them in line, they will donate 5.00 to the SickKids Hospital.

Its a random act of kindness that will help alot of children! Now that will be a good cup of coffee.

Hannah Monette is the 8 year old daughter of our clients Heather MacEachern & Chris Monette.

Terry Fox

Hannah chose not have her hair cut in 1 1/2 years, and will have 15" of her beautiful thick black hair cut off to donate to kids with cancer at her Terry Fox Assembly.

Hannah set a goal to raise $500.00. What a wonderful cause and what is more wonderful is that at such a young age is being encouraged to help others in need. If you would like to donate you can do so at www.smallhands.ca.

Way to go Hannah! You inspire us all!

Toronto Road by Alex

In our green real estate section we usually try to focus on environmentally friendly ideas for our homes. But oil is an essential part of our everyday lives. Half the adult population in the developed world has a car. Some of the biggest car users are realtors. We have to drive around their neighbourhoods on a daily basis. Unfortunately, we all know the two main problems related to driving: unsure oil supplies driving prices up and down and the environmental damage caused by fuel burning and the related carbon dioxide emissions.

Craig Venter is an American biologist and also a successful businessman who founded The Institute for Genomic Research. He mainly deals with genetic engineering and his latest project has caused a great deal of heated debate.

Algae are known for creating natural oil, which is already part of several experiments with biofuels. Venter wants to go further. He is trying to change the genomic make-up of algae in order to produce oil, which is almost identical to traditional crude oil. This option is so much better, as you can use existing oil industry infrastructure like refineries, and even produce plastics in the same way as from crude oil refining using the same production plants that are currently being used. It is no wonder that Exxon Mobile, one of the largest oil producing companies on the planet, gave him a $600 million subsidy to further his research.

Until not too long ago, asbestos used to be applauded for its unique characteristics: being resistant to heat, fire, chemicals and wear made it a very desirable material. For decades it was used in making thousands of products, from building material to clothes and toys, until about 50 years ago when it became obvious that it was also poisonous.

What is asbestos poisoning?

The blessings and curse of asbestos at the same time is its durability, which has been exploited in numerous industries. On the other hand, when present in human bodies, the body has no means of disposing of it. As long as asbestos stays compound in the material it is part of, then it is harmless. It only becomes dangerous when the tiny needle-like fibers become airborne, which makes them likely to be inhaled.

(Asbestos: Hidden Danger 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!!!

http://www.hgtv.ca/blog/archive/2009/07/29/moving-mayhem-the-final-countdown.aspx

(Hot New Client Blog continued...)

When: September 23 - 24, 2009
Where: Direct Energy Centre, Toronto

Green Building Festival, Canada's premier event on the business and design of green building since 2005, will be returning to Toronto again. This year GBF is forming a strategic partnership with IIDEX/NeoCon, Canada's largest exposition and conference for the design, construction and management of the built environment. Exhibitions will include major project case-studies from around the world, technical analysis of all the different technologies and material available for green building and also innovative business solutions that allows you to make your green building projects a reality.

In January we let you know what to expect if you decide to go through a home energy audit. Today we'll have a look at what grants there are available should you choose to install a home solar power system.

Why solar energy?

The ultimate advantage of solar energy is of course its nature-friendliness. With more solar energy, less energy produced the conventional (dirty) way will have to be made. Another really cool aspect of the solar energy today is that it is very popular and widely subsidized by most of the developed countries' energy policies and Canada is no exception. So if you ever though of installing a few solar panels on your roof, right now would be a good time.

Preparation

Before we have a look at the grants themselves, don't forget that in order to qualify for both federal and provincial government grants, you have to go through the home energy audit. What does that means?

• Don't start the installation of the solar panel system before the auditor's first evaluation visit.
• Finish all the necessary work within 18 months after the evaluation.
• Keep all the technical documentation, receipts and even take photos of your progress so that you make sure you will be able to claim all the grants you are eligible for.
• Book the follow-up appointment.

The first energy audit visit costs $341.25 (inc. GST), the follow-up visit $157.50 (inc. GST). The Government will refund you $150 toward the cost of the first evaluation.

Federal and provincial grants

Basically you are eligible to parliament grants for both solar photovoltaic system (solar energy is converted into electricity) and solar thermal system (solar energy is used for heating water). The federal government provides a grant of up to $500, but only if the system meets CAN/CSA standards. This grant is available until the end of March 2011. As for the Ontario government, they will match the federal government grant, so that's $1000 altogether. Also you can claim a refund of the 8% RST from the Ontario government. If you would like to take an advantage of this opportunity, you should hurry up since currently you can only claim it on equipment purchased up until the end of this year. The refund deadline has been already extended from the end of 2007 and might not be extended again.

This surely is a great opportunity for all those who are thinking of environmentally-friendly living while taking advantage of available government funding.

Toronto home or condo dwellers are experiencing similar confusion about the new energy saving light bulbs. See our list of tips…

(Confusion about the new Environmental Light Bulbs continued...)

(Earth Hour 2009 March 28 8:30pm EST continued...)

As we primarily work with clients in older homes, this is more important than ever to RRR. In this case reduce your eco-energy expenses - see info here…

(Energy Audit for your Home continued...)

That 'tankless' or 'on demand' hot water systems have been used in Europe and Asia since the Second World War, but are only now coming into common use in North America.

According to Mike Holmes "they are super efficient, space-saving products that- when installed properly - will last almost forever, cut your energy bill and supply unlimited hot water to your home".

The latest Team effort to practice the 3 R’s is going to make a big difference to the forests of the world!

(The Julie Kinnear Team Goes Green! continued...)

Natural, organic, sustainable local food is not only good for the environment, it tastes better and you can tell the loving care that went into producing these delicious foods! Attend workshops, cooking classes & tastings.

(Local, sustainable food in a great central location! continued...)

If you\’re planning a reno and would like to embrace the future - valuable environmentally friendly solutions to your alterations and additions - attend one of these free forums and learn from the experts how it\’s done!

(Greenprint Renovation Forums continued...)

Turning off the lights for one hour in support of environmental action is just the beginning.

(Earth Hour: Saturday, March 29, 8 pm to 9 pm continued...)

Longing for a paperless society? Getting rid of your bulky phone books is a great place to start!

(Give trees a break! continued...)

Help a child learn - on your old computer!

(Have you ever been called a little geek? It’s a compliment. continued...)

One realtor did, to help save the environment and put more $ in his own pocket. Can you?

(Are you willing to give up your car? continued...)

You know that I am a huge movies fan. That’s why I’ve decided to write about some of the motion pictures that our city is in the focus of. Please check out Toronto in the movies, the latest addition to our Movie Guide.

(Toronto in the movies continued...)

This technology communicates with your AC unit to lower the amount of electricity it uses for brief periods of time.

(Get ready for the warm weather with peaksaver®! continued...)

Our client Stephanie Pelton Hatcher told us about this great organization that will give your old computer to a child in need.

(Disposing of Old Computers for a Good Cause continued...)

How to be a green realtor. A lesson from Heather MacEachern.

(How to make Realtors Greener by Heather MacEachern continued...)

Smart Meters are one of the latest tools to help you record how much energy you use, when you use it, and how much it\’s costing you. They\’re mandatory…find out more about how they work and when they\’re coming to YOUR home.

(Smart Meters Are Coming Your Way continued...)

Improve your home’s energy efficiency & cut costs! Read Toronto realtor Julie Kinnearás four tips on how to winterize your home.

(4 Easy Ways to Winterize your Home continued...)

How to burn more efficient fires and to protect unused chimneys.

(Green Tips on Fires and Chimneys continued...)

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...)

We, citizens of Toronto are lucky to have many options for safe recycling. However, there are some potentionally dangerous materials whose disposal is less easy and in some cases even requires professional assistance. Find out how to go about recycling less common items in Toronto by reading the rest of the entry - we’ve done all the research for you. So please, don’t forget to add “recycle more” on to your new years resolutions list!

(Toronto Recycling - How to Recycle Unusual and Hazardous Materials continued...)

2008 is almost here! If you are hoping to make a greener lifestyle part of the plan for the New Year, here are some fun ways to achieve your goals.

(A Green New Year continued...)

Based on current incidence rates, 39% of Canadian women and 44% of Canadian men will develop cancer during their lifetime. In an effort to stay well or to manage chronic diseases such as cancer, more and more Canadians are exploring a wide range of natural, complementary and alternative therapies. What is known about the efficacy of these products and therapies, and their potential role in the prevention and management of cancer?

(The Cancer Continuum - from Prevention to Care continued...)

Imagine spending a whole summer with a perfectly manicured lawn that you never have to cut. No its not astroturf, Its No-Mow Grass!

(Leave the Lawnmower in the Garage! continued...)

Environmentally Friendly Appliances - Are they worth the money? Which save the most energy? How can you get the most out of them?

(Do ‘Green’ Appliances live up to their billing? 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...)

Toronto Hydro is offering a financial incentive to homeowners to save electricity! As if you needed a more compelling reason than helping to save the Earth!

(Use less electricity & get a 10% credit from Toronto Hydro! continued...)

Ready for a delightful mix of all things herbal, from books to makeup? Exhibitors at “A Celebration of Herbs” range from some of Canada’s largest health food companies to small growers and cottage industries.

(A Celebration Of Herbs continued...)

There’s a new community garden in town - H.O.P.E. Garden, which stands for Healthy Organic Parkdale Edibles and aims to bring fresh organic produce to Parkdale residents.

(Parkdale Gets its own Community Food Garden continued...)

Help continue a 7 year tradition of celebrating the anniversary of Cedarvale Park NOT being a Highway - and a celebration of Local Farmers’ spring harvest, with free music & food!

(Local farmers’ spring harvest celebration! continued...)

Our clients Dave Ullrich & Helen Hawketts were instrumental in the RISE initiative, bringing solar power systems to neighbourhood homes. Their hard work paid off in the form of energy conservation - and winning a Green Toronto Award!

(Riverdale Initiative for Solar Energy Wins Green Toronto Award continued...)

When needing to replace her old toilet at home in Roncesvalles Village, Julie approached her local hardward store Pollock’s for a recommendation. They raved about the Toto toilet - Drake model.

(Julie loves her Toto toilet continued...)

Interested in alternative medicine, health care, and the benefits of living a healthy ‘green’ lifestyle? On Sunday May 6, enjoy an amazing holistic retreat in the city while raising funds for natural health education & research! A day of learning and relaxation.

(Retreat Day in the City! continued...)

Todmorden Wildflower
Preserve cleanup

Two weeks ago, the Julie Kinnear team went to help cleaning up the beautiful Tordmorden Wildflower Preserve. Check out the pictures!

(Pictures from the 8th annual Friends of the Don East Spring Fling continued...)

Come join The Julie Kinnear Team at the 8th annual Friends of the Don East Spring Fling to help clean up the Don! It will be a morning in the beautiful Todmorden Mills Wildflower Preserve - a chance to give back to the community and enjoy fellowship, a BBQ and lovely wildflowers! We look forward to seeing you there.

(Come Join Us at the Friends of the Don Spring Fling! continued...)