While many people have the conception that our water supply is endless, this is far from true. In fact, at home particularly, bathrooms are one of the biggest consumers of water and make up for more than one half of a family’s indoor water use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Canada, our dollar isn’t the only thing that’s close to par with the US, so are our indoor water use numbers…

As the following article suggests, the use of indoor water adds up, and the numerous aquifers and tonnes of waste-water that go into sewer and septic systems very damaging to the environment and overall quality of health worldwide. Below is a list of water saving tips to help home builders, homeowners, tenants and renters design or retrofit a bathroom that is eco-conscious and reduces the amount of water used, and money owed.

(Article Source the Calgary Herald by Carie Madren)

Who would have ever thought that the findings from garbage dumps and landfills would be the newest materials used to create sustainable, affordable housing?

Apparently the thought has been turned to reality, and it’s leaving quite the impression nationally.

As the following article suggests, a Texas home builder has taken the idea of traditional housing and construction, and incorporated green building concepts to create newer model housing designs that are made to be even more sustainable and energy-efficient. The recycled housing philosophy, which averts hundreds of tons of construction waste from landfills, saves individuals in cost and is being recognized, as similar warehouses are opening, practicing and promoting worldwide.

(Article Source the Calgary Herald by AFP)

Texas home builder Dan Phillips transforms trash into artful treasures, creating intricate floor mosaics with wood scraps, kitchen counters from ivory-colored bones and roofs out of licence plates.

The fantastical houses which spring from his imagination are made almost entirely with materials which would otherwise have ended up in a garbage dump.

“People have been doing this for hundreds of thousands of years: using whatever is available to build shelter,” Phillips said. “If you ponder what could be used, then building materials are everywhere.”

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Old tires that have been taken from motorized vehicles are now being used to create multiuse pathways in Calgary’s northwest thanks to a $250,000 effort made by the city. The following article takes a look at Calgary’s innovative approach in using 100 per cent recycled tires to form city sidewalks, gaining positive feedback from residents who support the green employment.

(Article Source The Calgary Herald by Sean Myers)

It’s slightly spongy, easier on the joints when you walk on it and 100 per cent recycled.

The city is replacing a 750-metre portion of concrete sidewalk along Charleswood Drive N.W. with rubberized tiles made from old tires.

The city was looking for an innovative way to turn the sidewalk into a multiuse pathway and adhere to the mandate of employing green technology.

Those requirements appear to have been found in a trademarked material called Ecoflex, which is manufactured by Champagne Edition near Edmonton using only recycled tires used by Albertans.

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Operating a green business is not only good for the environment, but your company too, and it makes you look good. Worried about taking the first big step? Eco-friendly actions don’t have to be big to make an impact, in fact, any type of green movement starts with baby steps.

With the help from the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s Greening Operations guide, this article provides simple and easy things a business can do to go green and explains how conserving resources and cutting down on waste saves money.

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A number of home-improvement products bare logos endorsing it is environmentally friendly, and though there was a 79% increase in the number of green products on shelves from 2007 to 2009, many consumers are being tricked into hidden trade-offs and
vague claims.

In an article online, the author explores how companies are “green washing” consumers, and provides tips on what to look for when shopping for home products and how to avoid products that aren’t as green as they suggest.

Article Source (Eco Living by Kim Shiffman) Ottawa-based environmental marketer TerraChoice reported a 79% increase in the number of green products on the shelves of the North American big-box retailers it visited in 2009 compared to 2007. Great news, right? Yes and no. Trouble is, not all products and services that claim to be green really are. Unfortunately, some companies are “greenwashing”—that is, misleading consumers regarding their products’ environmental benefits. (more…)

New methods of employing our planet’s resources in a way that will help preserve the earth have become a rising trend and gaining popularity. With concerns of global warming and climate change, a number of industries are contemplating on finding ways to reduce pollution, waste and improve profits. An increased quantity of home builders and developers in Canada are now playing a part to incorporate economically friendly strategies and amenities into their blueprints.

In an article posted by the Calgary Herald, discussion on how energy efficient homes that are environmentally sensitive are touching abound as people are beginning to step into the lime light.

Article Source (Calgary Herald):  When they move into their new homes in eastside Vancouver later this year, the four Georgia Green households will reside in an architectural standout.

The homes will be the most energy efficient, ecologically sensitive homes in the city, says Nick Sully, the Georgia Green architect and a future Georgia Green resident.

In fact, the homes’ water and energy efficiencies, their construction with renewable materials and a sympathetic site treatment qualified them for a platinum certification from Built Green Canada. Sully says the project is also on track for a LEED platinum certification.

The radiant-heat floors are warmed by the solar panels on the roof. Toilets are flushed with rainwater. Windows are triple-glazed, concrete floors reflect light, and the arrangement of the homes on the property allows for each home to share the natural light emanating from a skywell. (more…)