“We built an R2000 house in early 80s. We planted 10,000 three year old trees on our property
through a special program with TRCA in 1996. We use rechargeable batteries. We have solar
lights at front gate and marking pathways. The dryer is vented inside in winter. Started a home
office which reduced driving and parking needs and costs. We shop locally as much as possible.
If there is a premium on local products, it is minor and is more than offset by time and
transportation savings. CAA statistic says it costs 40 to 50 cents per kilometre to drive.”
Gordon Craig, President, Cold Creek Stewardship & Chair, K.T. Library Board
“We were green long before it was fashionable. I’m not sure if it is because my husband and
I are children of depression survivors or because we were both in the environmental sector.
Always driven fuel efficient cars. Turn down the thermostat. We don’t have air conditioning. We
use cloth bags when we remember – interesting that we “remember” better when we shop in
stores that either charge for a bag or give you money back for bringing your own. We buy locally
as much as we can. Use no pesticides or chemical fertilizers in the garden. All downspouts are
attached to rain barrels. Our computers and peripherals are on an energy bar which is turned off
when not in use. We had an energy audit done and are gradually implementing the suggestions.
We replaced our washer with a low water, efficient one and have also replaced our dryer, refrigerator
and freezer with highly efficient ones.
Kate Agosta, President, Nobleton & King City Horticultural Society
“We avoid the use of pesticides on our lawn.”
Nancy Bodi, Executive Director, Kingfest
“We decided to repair our original wood frame windows rather than replace them with new metal
or vinyl clad. This made sense from both an economical and environmental perspective. Vinyl
clad windows can deteriorate when moisture gets trapped between the vinyl and the wood. The
rot can be so bad that, at times, the whole window has to be replaced – an expensive proposition.
In contrast, the best evidence of the lasting power of wooden windows is the fact that so
many of them still exist on historic buildings. These windows have lasted for decades, some with
maintenance, and others under conditions of total neglect. There is little doubt about the
durability of historic wood windows. Their maintenance is inexpensive (puttying, window
stripping, painting), and if inspected annually, the costs will remain low over many years of
service. In terms of durability, historic character, energy conservation, ease of repair and saving
money, it makes good sense to maintain historic wood windows.”
Bert Duclos, Chair, Museum Board
“Invested in a heat pump, constant temperature – no spiking of
energy. Keeps our furnace from switching to Stage 2 unless
temperature outside drops to below minus 10 and in the summer
removes the humidity from the house so no air conditioning is
required. We installed a propane fireplace for those minus 10
spikes. Have three composts in our yard. Use as much mulch as
possible on gardens. Have a rain barrel for watering. Trying to
work with native and water-wise plant material in the yard. Never
water our grass. Letting your lawn go brown or dormant in the
summer is healthy for the lawn.”
Kathleen Gorsline, President, Schomberg Horticultural
Society
“As the proud father of three wonderful young children, 12,10, &
4, I make a conscious effort to listen to their advice. They always
come home from school with different ideas and techniques on
how to be “green” and to smarten up their parents. After all, it is
in their lifetime as much as it is ours and beyond that will reap the
benefits.”
Bryan Burbidge, Fire Chief, Township of King Fire & Emergency
Services
“I’ve switched to Bullfrog Power – an energy supply company that sources only renewable energy to make electricity. I am insulating my 100 year old house. I am growing a vegetable garden. I ride my bike when possible. I select local foods at the grocery store when there is a choice and refrain from buying foods that are out of season. I do not use pesticides or harsh cleaning chemicals. I drive a fuel efficient car. I try to buy local wines and beer. I get out in nature. I do not buy clothes that require dry cleaning or clothes that are treated with chemicals to reduce wrinkles and stains. I try to avoid excess packaging (although this is hard). I use manual tools in my garden except for a 4 stroke engine lawn mower. I set an example for my kids and I write nature/environment articles for a local magazine. Our family is doing a number of “green” things: |
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