The Benefits of Choosing an Eco-Friendly Automobile

When buying a new car, there are so many things to consider - financial costs, gas mileage, size, safety features - and that’s all before choosing a color. With hybrid and electric cars becoming more and more popular, you’ve now got one more thing to think about before you drive off the lot. To make your next car-buying or leasing decision easier for you, we’ve put together five important benefits of choosing an eco-friendly automobile.

1.     Lower Fuel Costs: This is an easy one. Hybrid cars (which use both gasoline and electricity to power their engines) save drivers, on average, about 38 percent in fuel costs. Electric cars, which don’t consume gas and run strictly on battery power, just need a location to plug in and charge up.

2.     Greenhouse Gas Emissions Decrease: The more gasoline cars use, the more carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, particulate matter and formaldehyde (among other toxic chemicals) are released into the earth’s atmosphere. Eco-friendly automobiles (which use little to no gas at all) reduce or completely eliminate the amount of air pollution created every time you start the car.

3.     Fuel Demand Decreases: The less we depend on gasoline to fuel our cars, the less oil we’ll need to drill for (a process that has numerous dangerous environmental and ecological effects) or source elsewhere.

4.     You’ll Get a Tax Benefit: If you live in the U.S., the Federal Government will give you a tax credit the year you purchase an eligible eco-friendly car. In some Canadian provinces, local governments will give drivers tax rebates and incentives for charging rather than gassing up their vehicles.

5.     Maintenance is a Breeze: Don’t know the difference between a transmission and a catalytic converter? Don’t worry! Because electric cars don’t have traditional engines, they don’t have traditional engine parts (like said converter) and require far less maintenance and upkeep. 

Sources:
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
http://greenventuresconference.org/category/benefits-of-eco-friendly-cars/
http://livinggreenmag.com/2013/08/28/green-business/how-hybrid-cars-help-the-environment/
http://rainforestfoundation.org/effects-oil-drilling-0
http://www.washingtonpost.com/cars/federal-tax-credits-for-plug-in-hybrids-electric-cars-what-you-need-to-know/2014/08/20/0ae02718-2886-11e4-8b10-7db129976abb_story.html
http://electricvehicles.caa.ca/government-incentives/
http://www.hybridcars.com/top-10-reasons-you-should-buy-an-electric-car-now/5/
http://www.hybridcars.com/top-10-reasons-you-should-buy-an-electric-car-now/9/

Photo Source:

http://www.hybridcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Nissan_Leaf_Norway-6681.jpg

10 Facts About Remembrance Day

On November 11, Remembrance Day, Canadians everywhere will don their poppies and proudly fly the Maple Leaf as they remember the many men and women who have served, and continue to serve, their country. Brush up on your history and find out more about this important holiday with these 10 facts about Remembrance Day.

1.    Remembrance Day was initially called “Armistice Day” and it originated to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.

2.    Poppies are worn during a remembrance period that runs from the last Friday in October till November 11. The poppies are also worn at memorial events throughout the year, such as anniversaries of important battles. Money raised from the “Poppy Campaign” provides assistance for military veterans in need.

3.    The poppy tradition began when the noticeable red flower was seen growing over the graves of soldiers.

4.    Led by the Governor General, the National Remembrance Day Ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and is broadcast nationally.

5.    The National (Silver) Cross Mother represents all mothers whose sons or daughters died while on active duty. Chosen by The Royal Canadian Legion, the annual honoree places a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.

6.    Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces, except Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

7.   At 11 a.m., on the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians stop what they’re doing for amoment of silence.

8.    Members of the Canadian military have seen combat in both World Wars, the Korean War, the South African War, the Arab-Israeli Conflict in 1974, and in Afghanistan, among other battles.

9.   Previously, Remembrance Day coincided with Thanksgiving Day. Many veterans and citizens, however, pushed for the days to be celebrated separately, and in 1931, Thanksgiving was moved to a different date.

10. The poem, “In Flanders Fields,” was written by Canadian John McCrae and has become synonymous with Remembrance Day. It is often recited at many memorial ceremonies.

Sources:

• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/information-for/educators/symbols-of-remembrance-bookmark/poppy
• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/information-for/educators/facts-on-remembrance-day
• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/get-involved/poppy
• http://www.ottawatourism.ca/en/features/remembrance-day
• http://www.legion.ca/honour-remember/memorial-silver-cross/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day#Canada
• http://gocanada.about.com/od/canadianholidays/qt/Remembrance-Day-In-Canada.htm
• http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/history/canadian-timeline
• http://www.warmuseum.ca/firstworldwar/history/after-the-war/remembrance/remembrance-day/

5 Tips for a Green Halloween

1. Recycle your Jack-O-Lantern after the holiday

Instead of sending your pumpkin to a landfill, why not give Jack a second life as compost? If you have a yard, composting a pumpkin is incredibly easy – and fun! First, pick a sunny space in an area of your yard that isn't heavily trafficked. Here comes the fun part. Either you or your children smash your pumpkin to bits so it’s easier to decompose. Next, cover the remnants of your pumpkin with leaves, and the worms in your yard will do the heavy lifting of decomposition. It’s a great way to add extra nutrition to your yard.

2. Ward off the Energy Vampires

Vampires don’t just come out on October 31. Any appliance or electronic device that remains plugged into your wall when not in use can still “suck” your energy. Make it a habit to unplug any device you aren’t using. On Halloween, if you have outside decorations, make sure to unplug them after all the trick-or-treaters have left.

3. Light up the night with outdoor solar lights

With children coming up to your home wearing masks and other vision-impairing costumes, the last thing you want is someone tripping on the walkway up to your door. However, walkway lighting still costs money to power. Instead, try outdoor solar lights that create electricity through solar cells and store the energy in batteries until you need them at night.

4. Don’t leave the door open all night

Even if you want your home to look inviting to trick-or-treaters, leaving the front door – especially a screen door – open for an extended period of time will increase you energy use to keep the thermostat at the temperature you set. Instead, leave a decorative wreath or a sign saying “Trick-or-Treaters Welcome” to let children know that you’re giving out candy. It’ll save you money and give the kids the excitement of surprising you with their costumes when you open the door.

5. Beware of expensive yard decorations

Decorating your home for Halloween is probably one of the most fun parts of the holiday. But inflatable outdoor black cats and pumpkins can significantly increase your energy bill to keep them up and running all month. Instead of going for mass-produced Halloween decorations, try making your own with ideas from Pinterest and other DIY sites. Trash bags stuffed with leaves can be used to make giant spiders. Old bed sheets – also stuffed with leaves – can be hung from trees as ghosts. For anyone who loves crafting, creating your own Halloween decorations can unleash your creativity, while saving money on your electric bill.

Green Gadgets: The Latest and Greatest

You see them.  They’re piled up in drawers and corners of your house and office.  All those gadgets, tech toys and appliances generally catch some heat for being…well…less than eco-friendly. They constantly and consistently hike up your energy bill and manage to expand your personal carbon footprint.  Then, suddenly, the next make and model of these gadgets is released and the old versions are dumped in the closest landfill. Many of these discarded items contain toxic chemicals, such as PVC and BFR (polyvinyl chloride and brominated flame retardants), which pose health risks to workers and end up in our waterways.

Technology and electronic companies are shaping up, however, and making a real effort to go green.  They’re now creating products that contain less harmful materials and actually help make your life a little less wasteful. Here are a few of the latest and greatest green gadgets to consider.

1.     Nokia Lumia 735
Fortunately for the planet, half of all cell phones are now built without PVC and BFR. The newest cellphone models manufactured by Nokia, Sony, Apple, LGE, Samsung, Acer and RIM contain far less hazardous chemicals than previous models, and the Nokia Lumia is free of PVC, nickel and BFR.  The Lumia also contains recycled metals and bio plastics and is made of 100 percent recoverable materials.

2.     Econova LED-TV by Phillips
So far, the only television made without any PVC or BFR is the Econova from Phillips. It’s cast from recycled aluminum and comes with a switch to instantly take its energy consumption down to zero. Another bonus: its remote control is solar powered, so you’ll never need to replace (and throw away) the batteries!

3.     Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Coffee Maker
While you might think that fancy one-cup, specialty coffeemaker is better for the environment than brewing up an entire pot of joe, think again! All of the waste from those individual, pre-packaged pods ends up in a landfill. Instead, go with this one-cup design that has a single-serve scoop filter allowing you to use your own coffee rather than buying the pre-packaged stuff week after week.

4.     Iameco Desktop Computer
This European-developed computer’s carbon footprint is a whopping 70 percent smaller than the average PC, and it’s the first computer to win the EU Eco Flower certification. Almost all of its materials are recyclable, it uses energy efficient LED lighting and it has a usage expectancy of 10 years - three times longer than the average PC, meaning less e-waste.

Sources:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/toxics/electronics/the-e-waste-problem/what-s-in-electronic-devices/bfr-pvc-toxic/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GUGBS4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005GUGBS4&linkCode=as2&tag=onegrepla-20#  
http://www.phonerated.com/eco-friendly_phones-listbycat
http://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/42PFL6805H_12/econova-107cm-42-inch-full-hd-1080p-digital-tv
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005GUGBS4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005GUGBS4&linkCode=as2&tag=onegrepla-20#
http://iameco.com/shop/iameco-computers/iameco-v3-desktop-computer/
http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/whatisewaste/

Photo Source:
http://iameco.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DW_iameco_screens_transparent001.png

Tips for an Eco-Friendly Canadian Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Canada comes complete with dozens of traditional festivities - there’s the fall nature hikes, get-togethers with family and friends and of course, the delicious meal. This year, we’d like to introduce you to a new Thanksgiving tradition: Going Green! With just a few simple tweaks to your holiday plans, you’ll be saving energy and reducing your carbon footprint.

        1.  Shop Local, Shop Organic: As you plan your Thanksgiving feast, make an effort to do your shopping at the local farmer’s market and choose ingredients that celebrate the recent fall harvests. The farther you have to travel for groceries, the more gas you’ll be using and the more pollution you’ll expel into the earth’s atmosphere. The same goes for your food - the greater the distance it travels to get to you, the more toxic emissions are released into the air we breathe and the water we drink. Be sure to select the organic, in-season produce items as well. Fruits and vegetables that are readily found this time of year are grown with fewer (if any) environmentally harmful pesticides. 

2. Cook The Green Way: Now that you’ve got all of your ingredients, get to work creating a delicious dinner that won’t put additional strain on the environment. Here are 15 recipes using Canadian squash prevalent this time of year, an awesomely autumnal layered Shepherd’s Pie recipe and a mouth-watering Apple Orchard Cake with Cream Cheese Icing.

3.  Reuse Decor and Dinnerware: This green Thanksgiving tip is one to remember every day of the year. Use reusable plates, silverware and glasses instead of paper goods and plastic ware that you’ll just end up tossing in the trash. The same goes for your holiday decor - go with faux wreaths, garlands, pumpkins and gourds that you can pack away and use year after year. Or better yet, create a natural ambiance using the pinecones and colorful leaves that have collected in your yard or garden.

4.  Spend the Day with Friends and Family:  Invite for dinner as many friends and neighbors as you can squeeze around your dining room table. The more people you have in one place, the greater the energy savings. With fewer homes in “celebration mode,” fewer lights and TVs are on, lower heating bills prevail and there are fewer kitchens in overdrive. The way we see it: The more the merrier!

  

Sources:
http://healthland.time.com/2012/08/24/33-ways-to-eat-environmentally-friendly/
http://www.canadianliving.com/food/menus_and_collections/15_fall_squash_recipes.php
http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/rainbow-layered-shepherds-pie/
http://www.canadianfamily.ca/recipe/autumn-orchard-cake-cream-cheese-icing/

Photo Source:

http://www.bakingobsession.com/2008/06/25/canadian-butter-tarts/#more-369

Green Preparations for the Fall/Winter Months

With only a few weeks left to squeeze out what’s left of early fall and some slightly warmer days, we think it’s a good time to put together a few to-dos that will get you ready for the colder months ahead, while keeping eco-friendly principles top of mind. And remember, the sooner you prepare your home for lower temperatures, the lower your heating bills and the smaller your carbon footprint will be.

Check for Gaps and Cracks

While it’s still relatively warm out, check out your home’s windows, doors, roof, gutters, pipes, wires and vents (anywhere cold air can come in and warm air can seep out) for cracks or holes. 

Switch Your Ceiling Fans
A favorite green tip for keeping indoor temperatures warm without expending a lot of energy (and cash on your electric bill) is to switch the direction of your ceiling fans so they run clockwise. This will create an updraft, bringing warm air up near the fan, and then distributing it around the room. 

Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you haven’t already purchased one by now, make this the season you install a programmable thermostat. Not only will you be happier when you come home to a warm house, but you’ll also be saving up to 15 percent on your heating bill and decreasing the amount of carbon burned throughout the day while you’re not home.

Add Extra Insulation

You’ll save the earth from excess carbon dioxide emissions by adding more insulation to your attic this winter. Make sure to choose a sustainable, environmentally friendly material, such as cotton denim or cellulose insulation that will efficiently keep your home heated till spring. 

Sources:
http://thebetterplanet.com/articles/winterize-your-home.php
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/12-ways-to-green-your-home-for-winter-what-gives-you-the-most-bang-for-the-buck.html

http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/12-ways-to-green-your-home-for-winter-what-gives-you-the-most-bang-for-the-buck.html
http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/greener-alternatives-spray-foam-insulation.html

Photo Source:
http://cdn.freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/green-your-home-heat-savings.jpg

Fall Home Maintenance Tips

As the temperature drops and the season changes from summer to fall, homeowners have a new batch of chores and challenges to face. Here are a few things you can do now to get ready for winter. 

• It is a great time to tidy up the yard and clean out your gutters before winter comes. Put your raked leaves and other yard waste in a compost bin and keep these materials out of landfills.

• Be prepared. Find out if maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently and schedule a service call before the busy season starts. Our licensed technicians would be happy to service your furnace. Click here to learn more on our website and contact us today. 

• Keep out drafts by sealing leaky windows. You can use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames during the cold winter months.

• Fall is the best time to clean the chimney and get vent systems checked. Pipes must be properly connected and there should be no signs of rust or damage.

• If you have a window air conditioner unit, it is time to remove it for the winter. If the AC must stay in place, seal it with caulking or tape and cover with an airtight insulated jacket.

• Winterize your home by caulking and weather-stripping all doors and windows. Check caulking around windows and do touch ups to reduce drafts and conserve energy. If you have questions about how to do this properly, check back here next week for our next post on how to install weather-stripping and caulking.

Happy fall to all of our customers and readers! Enjoy this beautiful season!

Back to School Shopping

Over 5 million Canadian children are getting ready to go back to school. This year, you can reduce the impact your back-to-school shopping has on the environment by making a few smart choices.

REUSE
Reusing items is the best way to minimize the impact of your day-to-day life. Send your kids to school with a reusable lunchbox and a water bottle. 

REDUCE
The best way to save energy and money is to not buy anything. Reduce the amount of new items you're buying this year. Take an inventory of the school supplies you already have on hand from last year and make sure not to waste money on new items that you don't need.

RECYCLE
We all know it's important to recycle paper and plastic items but you can also help drive demand for recycled goods by purchasing items that contain a high level of post-consumer materials. It's easy to find great eco friendly goods- check out Ecojot a Canadian company whose journals are made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste. As a bonus, Ecojot also donates a schoolbook to a child in need for the sale of each jumbo journal. Now that's some back-to-school shopping you can feel good about! 

Have a Better Barbecue

Summer and barbecues go hand in hand. But, did you know that your backyard barbecue can cause harmful carbon emissions? Especially when it is used improperly or with outdated equipment.  Below, find our top tips for having an eco-friendly barbecue.  

Find a fresh fuel
New fuels can reduce your harmful emissions and maybe even make your food cook better. For charcoal grills, look for organic or natural lump brands. Liquid petroleum gas is an even better alternative as it emits one hundred times less CO₂ than the average charcoal briquette. Avoid lighter fluids and self-lighting charcoals, as these fuels release chemicals into the atmosphere.  

Cut your cooking time
Reduce the amount of time you are burning fuel. Don’t preheat too long. Most grills only take five or ten minutes to warm up. Keep track of time and conserve your fuel and energy.

Clean your grill regularly
A clean grill means less smoke and less pollution. Use an all-natural grill cleaner green to scrub down your grill when the party is over.

Don't do disposable 
We all know it's tempting but don't create waste by using disposable dishes. Use reusable cutlery and washable cloths instead of napkins. If you must use paper plates, look for biodegradable or  recycled eco-friendly options.

Follow these tips and have a great summer! Happy Grilling!

6 Eco-Friendly Things to do this Weekend

This coming weekend is the August long weekend in Ontario! We here at National Home Services want you and your family to make the most out of your holiday. That being said, it should also be cost effective and environmentally friendly! That is why we have put together a list of 6 fun and eco friendly activities for you and your family.

1. Go Camping
Pack up your stuff, hop in the car and head out to one of Ontario’s beautiful campgrounds. Some options are the Cedar Park Resort in Hampton, or Ponderosa Camp Ground in Mount Albert. Don’t forget the bug spray, and, more importantly, the marshmallows.

2. Visit a Provincial Park
Take a chance this weekend to visit a provincial park. They are the perfect place to take in the sights and sounds of nature.

3. Family Bike Ride
Whether you are taking on The Ontario Bicycling Route, or just taking a lap of the neighborhood with friends and family, biking is an eco friendly way to enjoy the beauty of summer and get some exercise.

4. Go for a Hike
For some of the best trails Ontario has to offer, make your way to the Algonquin Provincial Park Trails where you can see 45 species of mammals, 138 breeding birds and a variety of plants, trees and fungi.

5. Visit the Farmers Market
Head out to the local farmers' market and purchase some organic products to support local vendors and, of course, the environment.

6. Spend Time in your Backyard
Organize a barbeque with family and friends. Soak up the sun with great food and refreshments while the kids play in the yard. Check HERE for our tips on green gardening. 

Green Gardening

Reducing the amount of water needed in your garden is a great habit because it can save money on your water bill and it helps reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some tips on how to practice garden water conservation and still have a gorgeous yard.

Choose native plants.

Native plants are adjusted to your area’s normal rainfall, soil conditions and climate. Once they have been established, they require little or no watering. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources offers a guide with plenty of suggestions for Southern Ontario residents.  Click here to access the guide.

Mulch it up!Mulching around plants is a great way to reduce water loss. (Plus it looks great!) Mulch also cuts down on water-stealing weeds. Natural mulches include compost, bark chips, and pine needles. Save money by spreading your grass clippings and ground-up leaves on flower and vegetable gardens. These organic mulches gradually break down and add nutrients to the soil.

Choose your grass carefully. A green lawn can drink up to 70,000 litres of water each year! You can keep your grass and manage your water use by planting drought-resistant varieties of grass like bermuda and buffalo grass which require 20% less water than some other common lawn grasses.

Mow less often.
Isn't this a great tip? You can mow the lawn less often! It’s a good idea to keep your grass long to shade the roots and slow evaporation. When you do mow, raise the height of your mower blade to 3 inches.

Follow these tips and you could have it all- a beautiful lawn, a lower water bill and a smaller environmental footprint. 

Air Conditioning Explained

It's the time of year when many people are feeling grateful for central air conditioning. It is great to have a cool retreat when it is hot outside, but how does air conditioner actually work? Today, we'll explore how a typical central air system in a residential home cools the air.

1. The typical central air conditioning system is a split system, with an outdoor component, the compressor bearing unit, and an indoor component, the coil which is usually installed on top of the furnace. 
2. The outdoor compressor pumps refrigerant through the system which gathers heat and humidity from inside the house. 
3. This warm air is blown over the cool indoor coils, cooling the air and transferring the heat to the coils. 
4. The cooled air is pumped back through the home and the heat that has transferred to the coil is pumped outside. 

Did you know...

• In addition to keeping your home cool, this method of air conditioning also removed excess moisture from the air and reduces the humidity in your home? 
• Your air conditioner actually cleans the air in your home? As the air is pulled through the return air ducts, it goes through a filter, which removes dust, lint and microscopic pollutants. 

Have a Cool Summer

Summer is here! National Home Services has released two new No Worries Protection Plans to help keep our customers cool and comfortable.  

Your family relies on your air conditioning. Are you prepared if it breaks down? A protection plan is  the easiest way to get peace of mind and protection from the inconvenience and expense of emergency repairs. The new No Worries Cooling Protection Plan offers unlimited service calls for your air conditioner. For even more coverage, the No Worries Cooling Plus Protection Plan includes annual air conditioner maintenance. We are thrilled with the value these new products offer to our customers. To learn more, click here. 

Air conditioners are awesome! Here are 5 fun air conditioner facts to prove it.

1. The first air conditioner wasn’t designed for comfort. The first modern air conditioner was invented in 1902 for a publishing company in Brooklyn to keep the temperature and humidity low so their paper didn’t expand and contract.

2. We have summer blockbuster movies because of AC. Movie theaters were among the first places most people encountered artificially cooled air. Moviemakers released their big pictures during the summer because people sought out the air-conditioned buildings to escape the heat.

3. Your kids should be especially grateful for AC. Although summer vacation started out as a way to escape the heat, schools kept up the practice after gaining air conditioning.

4. Even the government would shut down during parts of the summer. Before central air conditioning, the government took a summer vacation along with school.

5. Before air conditioning, the Northeast was the nation’s economic powerhouse. Population explosions in places like Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Texas can be directly attributed to the introduction of air-conditioning.

Have fun and be cool this summer!