Recycling CFLs
January 21, 2008
Switching on to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) in place of electricity-hogging incandescents is not only a smart move, it’s destined to become our only option, given the federal government’s plan to replace all incandescent bulbs over the next five years. But once they run out of juice (not for up to ten years, of course), what should you do with them?
Green Screens event
January 19, 2008
The Canadian Institute of Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP) is hosting a Greens Screens event with a screening of Crapshoots – The Gamble With Our Wastes on Monday night. Billions of litres of water - combined with unknown quantities of chemicals, solvents, heavy metals, human waste and food - is flushed into sewers every day. Where does it all go? And what does it do to us?
Mega blue bins too big for city residents
January 19, 2008
The city’s plan for big new recycling bins as part of a pledge to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills has hit a glitch. In the proposal, every single-family household in Toronto is set to receive a mega blue bin on wheels - equivalent in size to four regular blue bins - and a grey garbage container of the same dimensions.
Is that baby bottle safe?
January 19, 2008
Health Canada is conducting studies on baby bottles and formula cans to find out whether the bisphenol A they contain poses a danger to infants. Bisphenol A (BPA) is commonly used in hard plastic containers such as water and baby bottles and has been linked to illnesses that could be caused by hormone disruption.
New bike storage facility proposed
January 18, 2008
The city is hoping to encourage a few commuters to take two wheels instead of four with a proposal for a new bike storage facility near Union Station. The facility would house up to 200 bikes in the York St. rail underpass.
The green goods
January 18, 2008
Cool green stuff we stumbled across this week
Apple introduced the greenest Apple ever this week with the launch of the MacBook Air. The super skinny laptop has a fully recyclable aluminum case, a mercury-free LCD display, PVC-free circuit boards, is EPEAT silver certified, meets Energy Star requirements and comes with 50% less packaging than previous MacBooks.
The LCBO has gone a little greener with the introduction of larger paper bags, perfect for two bottles of wine or liquor instead of just one. And customers will now have the option to choose paper over plastic (when we don’t have our reusable cloth bags on hand).
Grocery retailer exploring eco labels
January 18, 2008
Loblaws is exploring the idea of adding carbon labels to its private label products to show consumers how much carbon dioxide was emitted in their production. Joining fellow retailers Timberland and UK grocer Tesco, the Canadian grocery giant could capitalize on consumer concern about climate change and greenhouse gases by introducing eco labelling.
Made-in-Canada fuel standards
January 18, 2008
The federal government announced plans this week to create “made-in-Canada” fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks that would, at a minimum, meet regulations recently introduced in the US. Speaking at the Montreal International Auto Show, Federal Transport Minister Lawrence Cannon said consultations with industry, environmental groups and the provinces and territories would soon begin to ensure that Canada reaches the target of improving fuel economy by 40% by 2020 with a unique Canadian approach.
Green event listings
January 17, 2008
Green events for the week of Jan. 17 to Jan. 24
Top 10 Tips To Supercharge Your Diet Seminar on power foods. Thursday, January 17, 7 pm. Free. Big Carrot, 348 Danforth. 416-466-2129.
Midweek Cycling Club The club holds its year-end party with pool, finger food and more. Friday, January 18, 8:30 pm. $25. Crooked Cue, 3056 Bloor W.
Green space victory
January 17, 2008
An area twice the size of High Park has been preserved from development in the Town of Oakville. In a precedent-setting decision by the Ontario Municipal Board, an extensive network of linked natural heritage corridors will be preserved as green space around a massive residential development project.
