A look at how we manage our garbage and how you can be part of the solution.
NanaimoDailyNews.com
your guide to making green choices everyday
1805 Fremont Road, Nanaimo AND #4-4151 Mostar Road, Nanaimo
Open 7 Days A Week: Monday - Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm • www.nanaimobottledepot.ca
Dr.
ted donalf of s c i on 17, ha o lectr All e Oct. 15- will go tan from roceeds Canadi the p ort “The ciety” supp ancer So C Wilfert Rd
McGarrigle Rd
NANAIMO NANAIMO BOTTLE BOTTLE DEPOT DEPOT
Boban Dr.
Boban
DEPOT
★
Mostar Rd.
AIMO BOTTLE NAN
ith Us! W le c y c e R – p u d n Fall Rou
Fremont Rd
★
Northfield Rd
LIVE GREEN
2 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
AIMO BOTTLE NAN
The
DEPOT
Bottle Depot
Returning bottles has become a household ritual for many Nanaimo families and is something that even the littlest family member can help with. Many hands make easy the work of rinsing, sorting and loading all the bottles and recyclable containers with a deposit that a normal household goes through. It’s teaching your family about sustainability and being environmentally responsible in a hands-on way and the earlier you begin the better it is for everybody. You just have to wonder as you survey the bulging trunk of the car – Did we REALLY drink all that? Yes, you did – juice containers, wine bottles, pop and beer cans and water bottles just to name a few. Zero Waste is becoming a reality in Nanaimo despite the fact that we live in a consumer-driven society. Simply tossing what we don’t want into a land¿ll isn’t good enough. In fact, it never was and a new environmental consciousness is ¿nally becoming a reality. Paul Shorting of the Nanaimo Bottle Depot says, “We have anywhere between 500 and 700 visit daily at our two locations – one on Mostar and the other on Fremont.” Well-done Nanaimo! Paul says, “We’ll also take dairy containers along with all beverage containers with deposit. It’s a great way to fundraise, as well.” Unfortunately, you can’t fundraise with all that electronic stuff you’ve been collecting in your garage and you can’t even give it away because everyone knows it doesn’t work anymore. The manuals are long gone and today’s technology changes faster than your kids playing iTunes. It doesn’t belong in the land¿ll either but you can bring it to the Nanaimo Bottle Depot. Paul says “Bring it all to us and we’ll take care of it for you. Our EOLE – End of Life Electronics Program is based on the principals of stewardship and that means leaving a healthy place for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to live.” Now that’s a relief – so bring your cell phones, DVD, CD, VCR players, car audio systems, computers, TV’s, etc. to either one of the two Nanaimo Bottle Depot locations where you know they will be taken care of in a “green” way. For a list of all acceptable products, please visit www.nanaimobottledepot.ca. Jacquie Howardson
WWW.SOLARBC.CA / 1-866-650-6527 Join the solar revolution It's easy to put solar hot water on your home. SolarBC helps out with up to $2,000 towards the cost. Installing solar hot water will improve your energy security, help you save money, and give you peace of mind.
SolarBC saves you money. With over $2,000 towards the cost, and the option of a Zero Interest loan that can cost as little as $110 a month for five years, it’s never been easier to invest in free, reliable energy.
Solar hot water is well suited to BC's climate. BC receives more annual sunshine than many solar world leaders. Solar hot water works even on cloudy days. Solar hot water looks good on your home. Solar collectors make a highly visible statement about your commitment to renewable energy. SolarBC is available across the province. Our registered contractors are fully certified to ensure high standards in product and delivery.
SolarBC’s Solar Communities are leading the way. These communities have taken a leadership role in developing the market for Solar Hot Water and raising awareness of SolarBC. The SolarBC Communities project is a part of the SolarBC Program, which has a goal of transforming the market for solar hot water systems in B.C.
Building Solar Ready. Over 26 other communities in BC have passed the “Solar Ready” regulation bylaw. The regulation requires all new single family homes (where applicable) to be built to accommodate future installation of a solar hot water system for water heating. The province developed the regulation in April 2010, in partnership with SolarBC and in consultation with the development industry. Local governments were invited to opt-in to the Solar Hot Water Ready Regulation under the BC Building Code. A PROGRAM OF
IN COLLABORATION WITH
SPONSORED BY
INK REFILL
INK REPLACEMENT FOR INKJET AND LASER TONER CARTRIDGES Ink Refill specializes in ink replacement for Inkjet and Laser Toner cartridges. Refilling your cartridges saves not only on your business expenses, but also on the environment. The trained technicians at Ink Refill use only the highest quality ink to ensure that your documents, pictures and information look as good as you expect from your name brand cartridges. Customer service is a priority at Ink Refill. They will refill Inkjet cartridges while you shop as well as provide a fast and convenient pre-filled service. The Laser Toner cartridge refill process is completed on an overnight basis and will save you up to 50% compared to purchasing new. Don’t be concerned about voiding your manufacturer’s warranty because the products you purchase at Ink Refill will keep your warranty valid. The Consumer Protection Act of Canada addresses this issue of “tied selling”. Go to www.InkRefillOnline.com to view the act. Ink Refill offers a refill service for a wide variety of manufacturer’s products and is conveniently located at Port Place Shopping Centre in Nanaimo. Their written Green Commitment can be viewed online. By using ink replacement, not only are you supporting the environment you are saving substantial money on your office supplies which will give you a positive effect on your bottom line. More than 250 million ink
cartridges end up in the land fill every year and they take 1,000 years to decompose. Industry analysts estimate that an inkjet cartridge can be refilled four to seven times and a laser toner cartridge can be refilled and rebuilt indefinitely. By recycling and refilling, you will help to save over 875 million pounds of environmental waste!! At Ink Refill our experts can advise you on the best brand of Laser & Inkjet printers to purchase They will ensure you are looked after in a convenient, fast, effective manner with substantial savings to your business. Before you purchase your next Laser or Inkjet printer give one of our technicians a call at Ink Refill for a friendly consultation. They will help you pick products most compatible for refilled cartridges, taking all your office equipment needs into consideration. They are open Monday to Wednesday 9:30 am until 5:30 pm and Thursday and Friday 9:30 am until 6:00 pm. They are open Saturday 10:00 – 5:00 and closed Sundays and statutory holidays. Ink Refill offers a convenient drop off and pick up as well as delivery service based on our clients needs. Join the people at Ink Refill call for a quote then- GO GREEN – Refill and Recycle while saving time and money. Advertising Feature by Donna McFarlane
LIVE GREEN
RETURN-IT DEPOTS NEAR YOU:
LADYSMITH JUNCTION BOTTLE DEPOT 149 Oyster Bay Drive, Ladysmith 250-245-7376
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
|| THE STAR || 3
5HF\FOH FDUWRQV WKH ULJKW ZD\ Don’t forget to include any capless, cleaned and crushed milk containers on your trip to the Return-It Depot. There’s no deposit when you buy so there’s no refund when you Return-It. It’s the only way to keep them out of our landfills and recycle them into something new.
MOSTAR BOTTLE DEPOT #4, 4151 Mostar Road, Nanaimo 250-751-2358
NANAIMO BOTTLE DEPOT 1805 Fremont Road, Nanaimo 250-751-1159
UHWXUQ LW FD PLON OR CALL 1-800-330-9767
LIVE GREEN
4 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
2 SIDES. 1 GOAL
Reduce your hydro costs KAREN TURNER POSTMEDIA NEWS
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ith the all the doom-andgloom news recently over rising electricity costs, I thought I was prepared for the worst when my August electricity bill arrived. With four sons who fancy long showers, a backyard pool – thankfully without an energy-guzzling heater – and a washing machine that runs night and day, dollar signs practically leap from our Smart Meter, no matter what the season. Don’t get me wrong: I’m a strong advocate for conserving energy. I’m always nagging my boys to turn off lights when they leave a room,
YOUR THIRD TELEVISION GETS AS MUCH ATTENTION AS THE SMALL PRINT BELOW OUR LOGO.
regularly hang laundry outside to dry and keep the air conditioning unit set at a modest 23 C on the hottest summer day. So when I ripped open the bill and saw that I owed $637, I was shocked. In a blink of an eye, my hopes of installing a steamy hot tub next the pool were dashed. To help homeowners like myself slash their mounting electricity bills, the October issue of Consumer Reports Canada offers these quick and practical energy-saving tips: Program your thermostat By reducing your energy use at night or when you’re not home, you can save up to 20% on yearly heating and cooling bills. Unplug when not in use According to the magazine, between “five and 10% of residential electricity goes to devices that draw power when they’re off or in standby mode.” Time to unplug the video games, kids. Stop pre-rinsing Running dirty dishes under the tap before throwing them in the dishwasher wastes close to 30,000 litres of water a year– and that doesn’t include the cost of heating the water. Cold water works Several laundry soap manufacturers offer cold-wash detergent designed to remove stubborn stains and dirt without having to use scalding hot water. To further reduce costs, make sure to switch to off-peak hours and only wash/dry full loads. Fix leaky ducts Seal and insulate heating and cooling ducts throughout your house to prevent energy loss. It could save you hundreds of dollars a year. I hope these easy tips help you as much as they have helped us around the house. It doesn’t take much to make a difference on your hydro bill.
Odor Eliminator Tar Removal Interior Shampoo Tree Sap Removal Hand Polish & Waxing
We use only environmentally friendly washing products
NanaimoDailyNews.com
THE HYBRID FOR EVERYONE.
seriously, nobody ever reads this
Pet Waste Removal Service
250.616.8615
Let’s be smart with our power and waste less electricity by recycling seldom used televisions. To find a recycling depot near you, visit return-it.ca/electronics
Somebody’s Gotta Doo It!
Kitty Litter too!
Serving Nanaimo, Parksville and Qualicum
LIVE GREEN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
Let Efficient Heat Pump Technology Keep You Warm This Winter If you want to cut down your energy costs in sustainable way you better have a talk with Laurie Hatton the owner and operator of Island EcoEnergy Heating and Air Conditioning. “People are always wondering how to reduce energy costs and every year, they pay more and more. One of the most common myths is that in order to cut heating costs, you must replace the windows in your home first. Well, according to Natural Resources Canada Office of Energy Efficiency if you do that and upgrade to Energy Star Windows you’ll save approximately 12%. When you install a heat pump statistics show that you will cut your energy bills by approximately 70% a year. That’s a huge amount of money to save.” Energy-efficient heat pumps keep your home at a constant temperature by simply drawing heat from the air and moving it around – there is no burning of fossil fuels and no noxious or toxic emissions. Living on Vancouver Island has many advantages and our unique microclimate means that heat pumps are an efficient, cost-effective and green way to go. Conserving energy is an important goal at both the local and global level and when it’s possible to conserve energy and realize immense savings the goal of going green is within easy reach. Heating your home without draining a natural resource or using fossil fuels just make good sense. “When you can reduce energy costs in a sustainable way the solution is simple” says Laurie, “and installing an efficient heat pump is the way to go. I would recommend you draft seal your windows and I’ll do the rest. It really does make more sense to install the heat pump first to realize the biggest savings immediately
|| THE STAR || 5
Encorp’s School Recycling Program makes fundraising as easy as ABC
and then the money you save on heating costs can go towards those new windows or a family vacation. If your yearly heating costs are $1,200.00 you can save almost $840.00 the first year with your new heat pump.” Heat pump installation takes only a day or two and is half the cost of upgrading your windows. Laurie will come and give a free estimate and do a heat loss calculation in your home. He particularly enjoys working in existing homes and for those of you in older homes – you do not need to tear your house apart or wonder whether to insulate or not to insulate. “The installation of insulation is another myth that comes up and I tell my customers that it’s not necessary. Whether you insulate or not, you will still save up to 70% of your current heating costs by installing a heat pump. It’s simple math.” says Laurie, “and that doesn’t change.” Your home can use the heat pump as a sole source of heat and air-conditioning or it can co-exist with your current heating system. If you don’t have a basement or crawlspace for the ductwork – no worries – it can go in the attic or you may use a ductless heat pump. Heat pump technology is efficient, green and clean – give Laurie Hatton of Island EcoEnergy Heating and Air Conditioning a call at 250585-8511 for your friendly and professional in-home estimate. If you have questions regarding heat pump technology Laurie has the answers! You and Island EcoEnergy are helping save the planet one home at a time. Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
Since 2000, about 33 million containers have been recycled, and Encorp has refunded more than $2 million in deposit refunds to participating BC schools.
Education
Encorp’s BC School Recycling Program provides elementary and high schools with the tools and resources to make recycling easy, convenient and profitable. Schools keep 100% of the deposit for each container collected and the program costs them nothing. Elementary and high schools from all parts of British Columbia are encouraged to participate. The schools and the environment both benefit from this popular program. Schools find it’s an easy way to fundraise for special projects like field trips. Keeping beverage containers out of landfills saves precious resources within our environment. The containers are recycled and used as raw material. For example, drink boxes are mashed into paper pulp which is used to make cardboard boxes and toilet paper. Thousands of tonnes of paper pulp are recovered in this process. And for every RECYCLING AT SCHOOL REALLY PAYS OFF George Pringle Elementary (Westbank) began the 2009/10 school year with a 5 day bottle drive. It was such a success that they decided to collect containers on a monthly basis. One day in every month, parents dropped off their bags and boxes of containers at the school. The grade 6 students and Vice-Principal volunteered to collect juice boxes and other containers from classrooms. This year, the Parent Advisory Committee and teachers decided that the funds from deposit refunds would go towards a year end field trip to Vancouver. They’ve found that recycling is a great way to save the environment while raising money for things that are important to everyone at their school.
RETURN-IT MAN SCHOOL TOUR
Many homes have an older, less efficient heating system - an “energy hog” that gobbles up a big part of the home comfort budget. When you switch to a High Efficient Heat Pump, you can lower your energy bills and get greater home comfort. So turn that “Hog” into a money saving Heat Pump today. Call us today for a free in - home evaluation and see just how much you could be saving.
250-585-8511
Return-It Man, along with his Super Sidekick, visits elementary schools across the province, educating students about recycling beverage containers and electronics. Their fun and entertaining presentation explains how containers are recycled and what they are recycled into. Kids get to actively participate in the presentation and even receive an activity book with a reuseable lunch bag to take home with them.
tonne of paper pulp recycled, approximately 17 trees are saved. Since the program’s inception in 2000, about 33 million containers have been recycled, and Encorp has refunded more than $2 million in deposit refunds to participating BC schools. In the 2009/2010 school year alone, 365 schools (153,334 students) who participated in Encorp’s School Recycling Program raised over $291,000 and they kept over 4.6 million beverage containers out of BC landfills. Encorp’s easy to use web application allows schools to keep a running total of their own returns and compare their totals to other schools. It also features a blogging page where they can share ideas about recycling at school. Throughout the year, registered schools are provided with newsletters to update them on the progress of the program. They’re also eligible to receive free recycling bins and bags to help them collect containers. Encorp has spiced things up by adding an extra incentive. Schools who collect the most containers per student are awarded bonus cash prizes. The contest is designed to allow similarly sized schools across the province to compete against each other in respective categories. Each year, a total of $13,500 is split between the top three schools in each of the nine categories. In addition to the collection contest each year, Encorp holds other draws and contests where students can get creative to win their schools even more cash prizes. What’s more, award certificates are given to individual students and groups to recognize exceptional dedication to helping our environment. Each year provides schools with a brand new opportunity to fundraise. Distributing flyers and collecting containers from surrounding areas is also a great way for schools to develop and foster relationships within their communities. School spirit really pays off thanks to Encorp’s BC School Recycling Program. So start fundraising the easy way! Register your school today at return-it.ca/youth.
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HEAT PUMP SPECIALISTS • SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATIONS
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LAST YEARS SCHOOL RECYCLING PROGRAM 1ST PLACE WINNERS Elementary School: Rogers Elementary, Thetis Island Elementary, Upper Lynn Elementary, View Royal Elementary High School: Chemainus Secondary, Prince Rupert Secondary, Robert Bateman Secondary, Sir Alexander Mackenzie Secondary, Yale Secondary ADVERTORIAL
Register your school today at return-it.ca/youth or call 1-800-330-9767.
LIVE GREEN
6 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
DIANA’S GARDEN CENTRE & FLORIST The geese are flying south, the crows are dropping walnuts and robins and starlings are drunk on the colourful berries of mountain ash. Without a doubt; it’s fall and gardens around the city are getting ready for a good long winter’s nap. Diana Meagher, owner of Diana’s Garden Centre says even though the garden is resting the time is ripe to nourish and prepare the soil for next year’s flowers and vegetables. “Building and improving your soil is the first step to a successful and productive garden,” says Diana, “and we carry a wide variety of local products guaranteed to improve your soil. For example, Reindeer products have been operating out of Cowichan for 50 years providing products like lime, rock phosphate and even bat guano. Your garden will love it and so will your plants.” Gardens, although they require care and a certain amount of tending, give back in so many ways. Whether the results are beautiful blooming flowers or a bountiful harvest, working with the soil and meeting the needs of plants is rewarding on many levels. Successful pollination is critical for a healthy and productive garden. Who and what are pollinators you ask? Think honeybees, hummingbirds, butterflies and even some moths. All these creatures flit from flower to flower spreading pollen and
fertilizing the plants so you get fruits, berries and/seeds. There’s been a decline in honeybees recently and mason bees are just the thing to keep your garden buzzing along. These amazing gentle bees are solitary, non-aggressive (they have no hive to protect and produce no honey) and are heavy pollinators – pollinating up to 100 more times than the honeybee. Diana’s Garden Centre is offering once again the very popular gift certificates for Mason Bees – a wonderful idea for a Christmas stocking stuffer. Bring the gift certificate to the garden centre in the spring when the bees are “ready”. A Mason Bee workshop will be offered towards the end of October teaching you all you need to know about these powerful pollinators. Check the website at www.dianasgardencentre.com for dates and times. You can also purchase Mason Bee houses and housing straws at Diana’s Garden Centre. It’s a great gift for any gardener and children, in particular, love these hands-on projects. Teaching them how to grow a sustainable garden while gaining practical knowledge about the interconnectedness of life in the garden is a skill that they will appreciate forever. Don’t forget beneficial insects – nematodes can be applied now and in the spring the beautiful
Full line of Reindeer specialty fertilizers! Natural plant foods by Reindeer since 1968 Local company from Cowichan B.C.
and elegant ladybugs are ready to devour the aphids that are sucking the life out of your favourite roses. These “good” bugs come right from the Island – the Bug Factory – so they don’t have to travel far to do their good deeds. In fact, just about 90% of everything Diana carries comes from a local source and that’s a very green thing. Transport of goods over long distances is very costly in terms of green houses gases and emissions. Something else the kids love to do is plant trees and Diana has a good selection of fruit trees like apple, cherry, plums and pears available now and ready to bear the fruits of your labour. “Teaching your children how to grow things and then enjoy eating their own organic fruit – there’s nothing like it.” says Diana.
nitrogen to the soil and nitrogen makes your plants very happy. Your own garden will often provide much of what you need to improve the soil – it already recycles, reuses and reduces. If you are looking for 100% organic fertilizers, try any product in the popular and earth friendly Gaia line. To speed up the composting process in your compost bin use Rot It a compost accelerator that keeps things cooking in the compost department during the cooler winter months. By spring, it should be ready for spreading around your garden. And speaking of spreading things - look for Red Wriggler worms to add to your compost in the spring. These little guys love the compost bin and your kids will love to watch them in action. It is guaranteed to get them outside!
Fruits trees and many garden plants with shallow root systems will enjoy a cozy mulch for their long winter nap. You can chop up your own leaves as mulch (don’t leave them whole as this becomes a soggy wet mat that encourages rot and insects) or use a SeaSoil manure carried by Diana. You’ll keep down the weeds and feed the soil at the same time. Another great way to mulch is to plant fall rye, known as a green manure treatment and then till it back into the soil in the spring. This adds
The perfect green gift is a bouquet of fresh flowers because they can be composted when they are finished and the vase, ribbon and paper can all be reused and recycled. Diana carries fresh flowers for every occasion and everyone loves to receive flowers. Buddha said, “If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.”
Grow Your Own Fruit!
Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
Beneficial Bugs We have “nematodes” for leather jackets,
Almonds, cherries, apples, pears, plums grubs, and fungus gnats.
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Give a “Green” gift for all occasions
Tropical Indoor Plants
or no occasion at all!
are great for cleaning the air and relieving tension. They make such a difference in your home or office.
Re-use and re-cycle! Fresh cut flowers are an environmentally friendly gift. Once they are finished, the flowers are 100% compostable! Perfect for the new curbside bins! Re-use an old vase, re-cycle any wrap or ribbons.
Gaai Green Products
Mason Bees! Houses now in stock and gift certificates for the bees in spring... make a great gift!
iana’s Garden Centre & Florist 2517 Bowen Rd.
250-760-0065
www.dianasgardencentreandflorist.com
LIVE GREEN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
THE NANAIMO ATHLETIC CLUB “COME JUST AS YOU ARE, LEAVE AS YOU WANT TO BE” Personal fitness has taken on a whole new meaning at the Nanaimo Athletic Club now under new and innovative ownership. New owners, Chris and Mark, are both passionate that fitness be non-intimating in an environmentally friendly and hygienic facility. Coming from the unique perspective of never owning a gym or fitness centre before and drawing on a huge wealth of business experience and people savvy – this dynamic duo are all about fitness that works for individuals from all walks of life. That means no matter what your level of fitness is and no matter where your weight is - this is the fitness club for you. Chris puts it this way “When we thought about this business and we really had no pre-conceived notions about the fitness business it always came back to this one thing. If we were using a club – what would we like? The most important thing to us was that it should feel comfortable on every level.” “We really believe in the concept “Fitness for all” and attaining that goal has been our focus.” says business partner Mark. A fine example of that is a 91-year old client who attends the fitness centre twice a week to work out on the treadmill and the Vibration Trainers are very popular and fantastic for clients with arthri-
tis, back pain or MS. It’s a full body workout for all the muscle groups and it is almost effortless. No other gym in Nanaimo has these low-impact machines that work best when they are part of your total fitness regime. The “Fitness for all” doesn’t just work for the clients, Chris and Mark have extended it to include the environment as well. The one thing that Chris and Mark noticed was that most gyms didn’t have an environmental awareness or consciousness. This was rather astonishing to them because it was something they totally believed in. So…do you know what a spin bike is? Aha – I thought not and neither did I. But here it is – when you are on the spin bike, either in a class or alone you are generating – get ready for it – electricity. This electricity then helps keep things running around the Nanaimo Athletic Club. A typical one-hour spin session can produce 120-watt hours per bike and each full class produces enough power to keep a light bulb on for over 72 hours. Individuals can reduce green house gases by almost ½ a pound per class and you know that all that biking is going to reduce the pounds on your body as well. It’s ingenious – Healthy Body Healthy Planet. This is the only facility on the Island that
converts your energy into watts and second in all of Canada. What are you waiting for? Start pedaling for the green! Chris and Mark can help you attain your comfort level of personal fitness in a safe and compassionate environment. As a Safe Harbor facility inclusiveness and respect are goals all staff members strive for whether you are a member or not. If you are a bit shy about working out in a group and insecure about the appearance of your body try the private studio available for personal training and workouts. There are three personal trainers to choose from so pick the one that is going to work the very best for you. A separate work out area is provided upstairs for women – but the facility is so welcoming and non-intimating that the ladies are working out in the main area as well. Clients also enjoy the RDA where they can enjoy a smoothie, healthy wrap or salad with friends in the social lounge after their workout. To find out more about the exciting changes at this club go to www.NanaimoAthleticClub.com. Empower yourself on the spin bike and sustain the environment as well – just carry on pedaling! Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
energy
|| THE STAR || 7
Have Stunning Countertops Without Clogging the Landfill Yes, you can have that fab kitchen you’ve always dreamed up and at a far less price. One of the quickest and easiest ways to spruce up a dated and aging kitchen or bathroom is to install a new countertop. Did I say install – yes, I did – but before you do that – call Bob McEwen of Top Crafters Countertop Refinishing and have him show you his state of the art counter top refinishing application. By using your existing countertop, he will give granitize your countertop and give you a gleaming new finish you’ve always wanted …the look of granite or stone. Think of all the countertops you won’t be sending to the landfill. Instead you will have a guilt-free and green application that is seamless, non-porous, durable, easy to clean and almost germfree. You have at least 16 designer colours to chose from and Bob says “This product definitely has the WOW factor customers are looking for and when you compare it price wise to purchasing a whole new countertop or any of the other countertop alternatives, this is the more affordable option.”
Bob, who owns and operates the company, has done tiny kitchens in cozy cottages and large kitchens in elegant waterfront homes. The result is always stunning and customers are delighted with the end product and the visual impact of their new counter tops. Custom colour work is also available and Bob is experimenting with texture and flecks as well in order to recreate your favourite stone product. In one day you can be enjoying your new kitchen or bathroom counter tops adding instant appeal to your home and immediately increasing it’s resale value. Low VOC waterborne components, no isocynates and biodegradable preparation are just some of the green attributes of this amazing product. Don’t spend one more day looking at tired, scratched and outdated countertops –call the experts at Top Crafters Countertop Refinishing at 250-710-9620 for your complimentary quote. You can also go to the website at www.topcraftersbc.ca for more information. Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
matters
$
From
699
A First for Vancouver Island Come make electricity as you exercise!
The Nanaimo Athletic Club is committed to being a different type of fitness centre - But different in a good way!
We are here to improve: Your body Your mind Your spriit and your environment... Come just as you are, leave as you want to be!
KITCHEN & BATHROOM COUNTERTOP REFINISHERS The FLINTSTONE countertop granitizing process is a fast, cost effective and environmentally sound method of refreshing your old countertops. Because the finished product is sealed, there are no more deep seams and edge joints to trap harmful bacteria on your food preparation surfaces.
DON’T REPLACE! Give your existing countertops a new finish
1451 Bowen Road
250-716-1111 www.nanaimoathleticclub.com
IN JUST ONE DAY! CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
250-710-9620
info@topcraftersbc.com
www.topcraftersbc.com
LIVE GREEN
8 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
®
PlanetClean Your Source for Clean TM
Thinking about going green? We are here to help
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625 Townsite Rd, Nanaimo, BC
250.753.0255 planetclean.com
PLANETCLEAN
Your Source For Clean With natural resources diminishing at an alarming rate due to unmovable policies and practices by North American businesses, PlanetClean’s primary goal is to promote best practices for environmental sustainability through reducing environmental impact. PlanetClean is proud to be Western Canada’s leading distributor and primary resource for green cleaning solutions for environmental sustainability. PlanetClean contributes to public education and awareness initiatives that will inspire action on sustainable living. They are no longer exclusively a business supply house but welcome all customers. PlanetClean helps their customers assess how their current practices impact the environment – whether it’s in their washrooms or in their cleaning practices. Once a customer understands their bearing on the environment, the folks at PlanetClean will lead them in the direction of environmental sustainability. Whether holding a commercial contract to supply large universities, hospitals or school buildings, thus requiring heavy duty bulk supplies, or simply cleaning your home Planet Clean has it all.
At PlanetClean you will find recycled soft drink mop heads, bamboo handles, green seal toilet tissue, paper towel and soap. Their toilet paper and paper towel are the only products on the market made from 100% recycled. Planet Clean now carries a complete supply of 100% bio degradable sugar cane and wheatgrass products. For your next family gathering stock up on cups, plates, bowls and even utensils and straws that can be composted. Earth Berries are their newest offering. They are soap berries from India/Nepal grown on trees and are 100% natural laundry soap and stain remover. You can compost them as well, with a bag doing up to 95 loads for only $10. These are septic tank / well friendly, saving you money through the ability to skip rinse cycles, saving water every load. For information please call 250-7530255 or better yet, go to PlanetClean at 625 Townsite Road (in Townsite Plaza) and stock up on all your supplies. Mother Nature will love you for it.
– ADVERTISING FEATURE –
LIVE GREEN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
FURNITURE GALLERY
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|| THE STAR || 9
Check us out at:
www.simplyamish.com 2 LOCATIONS: LOCATIONS:
2525 BOWEN ROAD, NANAIMO
Phone: 250-758-9125
www.harrismazda.ca
Recycle Your Old TV And Save On Your Energy Bills Recycling is not just for paper and plastic anymore. Now you can also recycle your old TVs, computers, monitors, printers and fax machines – and save money at the same time. “Most people don’t know that the extra TV they’ve got sitting upstairs in the guest room where it gets used maybe once a year is actually costing them money every day,” says BC Hydro’s Kari Reid, Program Manager in Residential Marketing. “As long as that TV is plugged in – whether it’s turned on or not – it’s using energy. And it’s adding up on their electricity bills.” Virtually all electronic devices – TVs, computers, printers, modems, DVD players, cell phone chargers and anything else with a clock, timer, adapter, memory or remote control – continue to draw power even when they’re not in use. With the average Canadian home today boasting more than 25 electronic devices, you can bet that at least some of those devices remain plugged in, even when they’re old or broken. But just tossing your out-of-date electronics in the local landfill is not the answer. “TVs, like computers and other electronics, have components that should be recycled,” says Kari. “The best thing is to take your unused electronics to a Return-It™ Electronics recycling depot, where they will get broken down safely and properly.” The Return-It™ Electronics recycling program is managed by Encorp Pacific (Canada) on behalf of the Electronics Stewardship Association of British Columbia. The ESABC established the program in 2007 (in addition to its ReturnIt™ Beverage and Milk Container recycling programs) to respond to the fast-growing issue of e-waste. “New and better products keep coming on the market all the time,” says Kari, “and we’re snapping them up. Who
DL #5446
Parksville – Wembley Mall ...................... (250)248.9999 Courtenay (next to Canadian Tire) ..................... (250)334-9995 Closed Sundays & Holidays
Advertorial
doesn’t want a sleek new flat-screen TV? But some people are just throwing their outdated electronics in the trash, or simply putting them in a drawer or a closet because they don’t know what else to do with them. Some people, too, are just moving them to another room where they stay plugged in but unused – which is just wasting energy. We want to see unused electronics unplugged, then disposed of properly.” “Once you’ve done that,” says Kari, “there are a number of other things you can do to reduce your energy use.” For example: Plug all your related electronics, like your computer, modem, monitor and printer, into a single power bar, then switch them all off at once when you’re not using them. Switch to a laptop. A typical laptop computer uses approximately 55 kwh/year compared to a typical desktop and monitor that uses approximately 290 kwh/yr. Unplug your cell phone and other chargers as soon as the battery is topped up. If you’re in the market for a new TV, look for one with the ENERGY STAR® label – it will use as much as 50 per cent less energy than a less-efficient model. As a general rule, the larger the TV the more energy it uses. Make sure your TV is the right size for your room by dividing the distance between where you’ll be sitting and the front of the screen by 2.5. “It can take more electricity per year to keep your DVD player in standby mode than it actually uses playing DVDs,” says Kari. “Unplug it or turn it off at a power bar and you’ll save energy. And as I said before, get rid of your unused TV! If just one in 10 households in British Columbia recycled just one unused television, it would save enough energy to provide all of Squamish with electricity for more than a year.” To find out more about the Return-It electronics recycling program or to find a recycling depot near you, please visit return-it.ca/electronics.
LIVE GREEN
10 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
WANT TO RECYCLE YOUR UNWANTED ELECTRONICS? Here’s where you can recycle them safely and free of charge in Nanaimo:
Mostar Bottle Depot #4, 4151 Mostar Road, Nanaimo (250) 751-2358
Nanaimo Bottle Depot 1805 Fremont Road, Nanaimo (250) 751-1159
WHAT IS THE ELECTRONICS STEWARDSHIP ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (ESABC) PROGRAM? ESABC is a not-for-profit extended producer responsibility program set up by the producers and retailers of electronics in British Columbia to provide a province wide recycling system for unwanted electronics.
WHAT ARE THE ACCEPTABLE ELECTRONIC ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM? Effective July 1, 2010, the following items can be recycled free of charge at any Encorp Return-It Electronics™ Collection Site: display devices, desktop computers, portable computers, computer peripherals, computer scanners, printers and fax machines, non-cellular phones and answering machines, vehicle audio and video systems (aftermarket), home audio and video systems, and personal or portable audio and video systems.
ISN’T IT IMPORTANT TO REUSE BEFORE RECYCLING? While the program is designed to manage unwanted electronic products that have exhausted their reuse potential, we strongly encourage users to first reuse their products. If you choose to donate to a charity, make sure you have backed up your data and wiped your drives clean prior to donation.
Nanaimo Recycling Exchange 2477 Kenworth Road, Nanaimo (250) 758-7777
HOW ARE ELECTRONICS RECYCLED? Electronics collected for recycling are sent to approved primary recyclers in North America. They are broken down using various manual and mechanical processes. Products are separated into their individual components for recovery. Through a variety of refining and smelting processes, the materials reclaimed from unwanted electronics are used as raw materials in the manufacturing of new products.
IF I RETURN MY RECYCLABLE ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, HOW DO I KNOW MY PERSONAL INFORMATION WON’T BE SEEN OR STOLEN? For your own personal security you need to take adequate steps to ensure that no private data remains on your electronic products prior to donation or return to a Collection Site. Once an electronic item has been delivered to an Encorp Return-It Electronics™ Collection Site, it will not be reused. All items collected will be recycled. ESABC, Encorp, or Return-It™ do not accept any liability for any data that remains on your electronic products.
LIVE GREEN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
|| THE STAR || 11
WHY IS THERE DRINKING Sunray Is Heating Things Up Inside and Out WATER IN YOUR TOILET?? There is no alternative to fresh clean water. In many areas, the reduced availability of clean water is already influencing planning decisions about residential and economic growth. Even worse, in some areas there are real water supply crisis due to non-reversible reductions in the amount of clean water available to support the growing population and industry. This has led to increased research to find ways to re-use water in the home before it is discharged to expensive and energy consuming sewage treatment plants. The least expensive and simplest way to reduce water usage in the home is to use the cleanest gray water, bath and shower water, to flush the toilets. These systems are by far the least expensive to own and operate and there is a good balance at most homes between bathing water generated and flushing water needed. Re-using bath/ shower water in the home does away with the expensive movement of the water via the sewage system to treatment plants, expensive treatment regimes, and the expensive movement of the treated water back to the home. Just to flush the toilet!!! About a third of the water used inside a home goes “down the toilet”, so reusing bathing water at home can cut your consumption
by a third and without any impact on your lifestyle. This is a savings in water, energy and money that every homeowner can easily realize. Significant experiments in the U.S. with collective reuse systems have revealed some very important concerns about this emerging technology. Aside from high capital and operational costs and regulatory issues, there have been serious health problems with early systems due to cross-connections between the non-potable and the potable water systems. Other countries including Canada, Australia and several European countries have made significant progress on in-home systems. One of these, ConservepumpTM from Canada is leading the way through providing a system that is simple yet with a sophisticated control system which provides a high level of automation and ease of use. The Conservepump Home System is the approved system in Nanaimo and Regional District and has safeguards built in to the design to prevent any cross-contamination hazard when installed according to current Building Code requirements. Conservepump™ systems are available through WATERHAUS DISTRIBUTING, 250247-8799 and more information is available on our website: www.conservepump.com.
IN HOME WATER RE-USE SYSTEM
The slightly damp winters are definitely on their way and many Nanaimoites are thinking about long evenings snuggled up close to their favourite stove. Let’s be honest - that old heating source may not always be pretty or even that efficient and Sunray Heating Products has a full selection of exciting new energy efficient stoves that will reduce your heating bill, save energy costs and look great. This family owned business, located at 1716 Kidson Road, has a showroom full of efficient burning wood stoves, pellet stoves, as well as gas and propane stoves and fireplaces - all burning cleaner and greener than ever before. One very popular model is the “made here on Vancouver Island” Enviro pellet stove. From start to finish, professional staff will install your new heat source and create a stunning focal point in your living space. A look at their friendly user website at www.sunrayheating.ca will show you amazing before and after pictures and also features a full line of products and product information. Your new pellet stove will LOVE the B.C. manufactured Pinnacle pellets. Did you ever wonder what happened to all those pine trees devoured by the voracious pine beetle? Wonder no longer. These trees are turned into energy efficient pellets without chemicals or glue. They are
held together by natural resin resulting in clean burn that provides maximum heat. If you are still burning wood the experts at Sunray advise not hanging on to your outdated wood burning stove any longer. The new models not only look great, they burn less wood, emit less smoke and are far more energy efficient. Gas fireplace models are clean, sleek and clean burning as well and customers love the innovative design work that goes into finishing off the surrounding space. So now that the indoor space is heating up efficiently - check out what’s happening outside. Sunray now is designing and installing custom outdoor kitchens that will make summer and winter entertaining effortless. Outdoor Living Products are designed to fit into your existing outdoor space and customers can select their grills, prep counters, drawers, storage drawers and sinks. These outdoor living spaces can be done with either natural rock or ceramic finishes and Dad can mix up blender daiquiris for a crowd and turn the steaks at the same time. So whether you are outside enjoying your new outdoor kitchen or inside curled up close to your new stove - Sunray has taken “home comforts” to a brand new level. Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
WOOD • PELLET • GAS
T
Uses bath and shower water to flush toilets. RDN approved. Works during power outages.
Energy-Efficient
HEATING Solutions
Pellet Stoves have automatic controls, are easy to clean, cost effective to run and environmentally friendly. Pellet fuel is C02 Neutral and has zero impact towards greenhouse gases. WATER CONSERVATION SOLUTIONS
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM 250.751.0537
Manufactured by Sherwood Industries Ltd., Victoria, BC Canada
www.sunrayheating.ca 10151321-1098LG-Sunray.indd 1
1716 Kidson Rd. d. ld R Nanaimo, hfie Nort BC V9S 3H2 X Kidson Rd. Car Wash
Bowen Rd.
1716 Kidson Road, Nanaimo, BC
McCullough Rd.
MIKE HOEINGHAUS T 250-247-8799 • C 250-668-8799 Email: hoeinghaus@shaw.ca
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 9-5, Sun 10-4
Old Island Highway
10/14/10 8:34:52 AM
LIVE GREEN
12 || THE STAR || FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2010
COMMITMENT, ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND GREEN STORES
THRIFTY FOODS SETS THE BAR HIGH Protecting the Earth’s resources and practicing corporate sustainability are responsibilities that go far beyond thought. Taking thoughts or ideas and putting them into action is what Thrifty Foods believes in – less talk and more action about becoming green and environmentally responsible citizens. It’s all about environmental education from the corporate level right down to the customer. The innovative Bag Neutral program, initiated well over a year ago, continues to prevent millions (last count 27 million) of plastic bags from clogging the landfills or floating around in the oceans where they cause a slow death to marine mammals, sea birds and fish. Environmentally consciousness customers are bringing in their own reusable shopping bags in a wide array of colours, shapes and sizes when they shop at Thrifty’s. Dan Zapotichny, Manager of the Longwood Station Thrifty Foods says, “A customer favourite is the Canadian made Betty Bag because it’s small, fits into a purse, glove compartment or pocket. We have several kinds of bags to choose from so it’s whatever the customer feels comfortable with.” Of course, the trick is to remember to bring the bags back down to the car or bicycle so they are right where you need them to be for the next shopping trip. It’s a slight learning curve, but according to Dan, customers are right on it and it’s becoming a manageable part of the shopping routine. Also available are biodegradable garbage bags and now that the Regional District of Nanaimo has
incorporated their curbside wet waste pickup customers can also purchase compostable bags in two sizes to fit inside their new green bins and the smaller under the sink bins. These special compostable bags will decompose right along with the contents. Conserving energy is a number one priority to just about everyone you talk to these days and Thrifty Foods has made a real commitment to use fewer resources and reduce its carbon footprint. The company has just hired a full-time Director of Energy and Environment who will explore all areas of energy conservation. All new stores, newly renovated stores and warehouses will have lighting upgrades that reduce the kilowatt-hours. Refrigeration systems have been upgraded to include high efficiency fans and night curtains. Waste Management groups have been established and organic waste is composted where disposal facilities exist. Being green is being practiced on many different levels. Inside the grocery store, Thrifty Foods continues to practice the strategy of Buy Local – Buy B.C. and many local products and items are carried such as specialty local cheeses or artisan mustards and, of course, a great selection of local fish. Dan says, “Right now we are proud and excited to be carrying local Komo Gway oysters. Coming from the pristine waters of Baynes Sound right here on Vancouver Island – you know they are absolutely fresh and clean.” The oysters are harvested by the K‘omoks First
Nations using traditional and sustainable harvesting methods. This respect for the resource today means that future generations will also be able to enjoy the clean and briny taste of these succulent oysters. Here is some more good “fishy” news as well. Customers can now make their fish purchases with the full knowledge that the product they are purchasing is not endangered or an “at risk” species and that ocean environments are left intact. Ocean Wise endorsed seafood is featured in all stores throughout the province. This program, initiated by the Vancouver Island Aquarium, is immediately identifiable by its logo and is a guarantee that the consumer has made a sustainable choice that is based on sound science.
outweigh the extra pennies paid for a local organic apple. Look for the new green Thrifty Foods coming soon to Brooks Landing and the next time you are at your local Thrifty Food Store be sure to bring your bags and keep your eyes open for the Ocean Wise logo. Don’t miss the new Komo Gway oysters and check out the good selection of organic produce and products found throughout the store.
Dan Zapotichny Longwood Thrifty Foods Store Manager
Advertising Feature by Jacquie Howardson
With a firm commitment to sustainable agriculture as well, Thrifty Foods carries over 400 organic grocery items including approximately 70 different fresh fruits and vegetables – always dependent on the season. Organic farming practices mean that no synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or fertilizers are used at any time during the growing cycle of the crop. Instead alternative practices like crop rotation. beneficial insects, birds, cover crops, mulch, etc. are used. Consumers may find organic food cost more, but the long-term benefits to the earth and the farmer far
Did you remember your Re-usable Shopping Bags? Thank you for thinking of the earth! Thrifty Foods Longwood 5801 Turner Road
Thrifty Foods Port Place 650 South Terminal Avenue
Store 250.729.4950 Sendial 250.729.7989 Pharmacy 250.729.7240 Floral 250.729.4967
Store 250.754.6273 Sendial 250.754.1780 Floral 250.754.0655
PORT PL ACE LONGWOOD STATION 6258 C01
NANAIMO