GREEN WATCH


Plumb Perfect is committed to providing our clients with information on conservation and energy saving ideas. Check back frequently for updates!




CURRENT GREEN UPDATES...


  • Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced on September 24, 2009, new regulations to the Ontario Green Energy Act.  These include a minimum of 25% of wind projects and at least 50% solar projects to be produced in Ontario by 2012 and 2011 respectively;  a "Feed-In-Tariff" program to allow individuals and companies to sell renewable energy;  new regulations for wind turbines and a new Renewable Energy Facilitation office to get renewable energy projects off the ground as well as several other updates.  For more information go to:  www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2009/09/green-energy-act-will-attract-investment-create-jobs.html
    • Please check out this great non-profit organization dedicated to environmental energy efficiency! www.greensaver.org
    • The Canadian government's "Home Renovation Tax Credit" (HRTC) for home owners to receive up to 15% credit on renovations is doing well. Please take advantage of this rebate to make your home more energy and water efficient before this ends February 1st, 2010. Click on http://www.budget.gc.ca/2009/pamphlet-depliant/pamphlet-depliant3-eng.asp for complete details.


    For more information please check out our "Green Info" page!




     CONSERVING WATER: What Can We Do?
     
    Water is the most important environment issue today.  Global warming may be a reality, but the worst effects will be felt decades from now.  Meanwhile the world is running out of fresh water NOW.*

    Approximately one out of every three people on the planet do not have reliable access to fresh water.  More children die from dirty water than from HIV/Aids, malaria, war, disease and accidents put together.*  In only 5 years, 36 states in the United States will be facing a major water shortage.  The United States is already purchasing Canada's fresh water causing much controversy.  In about a decade or so the world will be facing a severe fresh water shortage.

    What can we do?  Be conscious of where water is being wasted.  Make changes one at a time.  Know that while we are one in our actions we are many with a purpose, and we CAN make a difference.   
     



    8 Ways to Save Water in Your Home
    1. Repair leaking toilets - Save about 200 gallons of water/day

    2. Fix that dripping faucet - Can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water/yr

    3. Turn off the taps - Brushing your teeth can waste 2 gallons per minute

    4. Less baths - Save up to 50 gallons of water by showering for 5 minutes instead of filling the bathtub

    5. Install water efficient toilets - They flush with less than half the water and qualify for the Region of Peel and Dufferin County water rebates

    6. Wash larger loads - Save water.  Save energy too by using cold water

    7. Replace old washers - Energy Star high efficiency washers save about 40% water and qualify for government rebates

    8. Use rainwater - Water plants and clean vehicles with rainwater

    What suggestions do you have to help our environment that you would like to share with others?  We would love to hear from you!


    CLICK HERE to share your suggestions and comments with us!



    Think Green.  Live Green.

    *     Excerpts taken from an article in Vanity Fair's "Green Issue".
    + Excerpts taken from article by the editor of AlterNet, Tara Lohan, at www.alternet.org.