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To build or to buy - Could green energy providers be a better option than home solar

It has never been difficult to see the green benefits of solar energy over billowing smokestacks, yet Canada remains behind in the adoption of solar power in the homes of its citizens, despite the fact that renewable power has arguably never been more accessible or necessary for the adoption of sustainable energy practices. Countries such as Germany and the UK currently produce over 7% and 9% of their net annual electricity by solar means (including both household and grid)1, with over 1 million households in the UK now fitted for solar capture and 9 million more predicted to join them by 20202.

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Energy: The Invisible Water Guzzler!

World Water Day is a global event hosted by the UN in order to spread awareness on water related issues. This year, the theme of World Water Day is “Water and Jobs”. Half of the world’s population works in a water-related industry, and most jobs depend on the accessibility to clean, safe water. The main message this year revolves around protecting Earth’s water resources and, in turn, protecting our own livelihoods. In conjunction with World Water Day on March 22st, Canada Water Week runs from March 21st to 27th, raising awareness and inspiring Canadians to take action with events across the country. With climate change putting even greater pressure on our water resources, it’s time to talk water!

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Home is Where the Carbon Isn’t

Since Al Gores’ An Inconvenient Truth made its debut in 2006, the move towards a sustainable way of living has become a widespread phenomenon, penetrating the ethos of individuals and communities. Even before the turn of the twenty-first century, many non-for-profit organizations, environmental coalitions and the like, have been spreading the word about climate change and the associated effects humans are causing to planet earth, especially as it relates to carbon remittance.

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Save your favorite sweater and the environment - Hang dry your laundry

Don’t dry your laundry in the machine; hang-dry on a rack at home! This method not only helps to use less electricity, but will also preserve the quality of your clothes. The machine wears out and destroys the fabric, while hanging on a rack in a room temperature keeps them soft and natural. If you hang on a rack on your balcony or your backyard, they will smell fresh too. Try hanging your clothes outside during winter. You will love the effect. Your clothes will smell the freshness of snow, and believe me it feels nice wearing something like that.

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The Clean Power Plan: How You Can Support It

In recent weeks, President Obama has unveiled the details of his new Clean Power Plan (CPP)1, promising to be America’s most sweeping attempt to curb greenhouse gas emissions to date. There are many questions about just how effective it will be, and, being a government-run initiative, it may seem that most of it is up to politics. However, there is still much, as the president would put it, “ordinary folks,” can do to decide the degree of its success or failure.

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Heating homes efficiently

With the first substantial snowfall in Montreal last week and temperatures dropping below zero, you might have cranked up the heating at home. In 2009, Canadians spent $26.8 billion on household energy needs, and almost two thirds of this energy was used for space heating. Nearly half of Canadian households used natural gas as their main heating fuel in 2007, emitting not only warmth but also greenhouse gases. Whether it be natural gas, electricity, wood, heating oil or propane, there are a number of ways to prepare your home for winter and to reduce your energy needs. Take a look at these ten handy tips on how to efficiently heat your home and effectively help save both the planet and your pennies (or cents).
1. Install and set a programmable thermostat

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Cities around the world aiming to go 100% renewable – let’s support the transition!

A number of environmental milestones including the Paris 2015 climate deal have officially placed climate action on the global agenda. In addition to the green initiatives governments worldwide are implementing, we’re seeing a new trend in progressive urban planning. Municipalities across the globe are reconfiguring their transportation and energy sectors, committing to 100% renewable energy targets in an effort to secure a more sustainable future. To date, 55 cities, totaling more than 54.9 million people are committing to a cleaner, more socially responsible way of living by transitioning to 100% renewable energy in at least one sector.

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Household Solar Panels: Reducing carbon footprints and electricity bills in the United States

Over the last five years, the United States has experienced a tremendous increase in the usage of solar energy as an alternative renewable energy resource. In 2013, the number of solar installations increased by 42% from 2012 and comprised 29% of all new electrical installations, an increase from the 10% reported in 2012 by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The years preceding continued the trend as 2015 saw a 30% increase from 2014 and an additional $18 billion invested into solar energy technology.

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Tired of a White Winter? Try a Green Winter Instead!

Here we are, at the start of a new year. Already half of January has gone by, and winter is starting to establish its grip in Montreal. Despite temperatures dropping below zero, snow and freezing ice pouring down on us, it is still possible to think about the environment. We can start this New Year by having an eco-friendly winter. All that needs being done is changing a few common winter habits.
Habit: Starting your car/idling

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