Going Hybrid – Lower Pollution and Less Fuel Stops

Open any automotive publication or read any auto industry news and the one underlying theme seems to be either fuel cell vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Right now, gas electric hybrids rule, due to their wide availability and user-friendliness. Why hybrid, you ask? Currently, this is the only cost-efficient technology that works by taking into account practicality, cost and buyer acceptance, if you want your ride to reduce its carbon footprint!

Here’s a little insight into hybrid vehicles: either one or two types of power plants are used to power the vehicle, hence the term hybrid. Currently for sale in our marketplace are gas electric hybrids. These primarily use a gasoline engine that provides power to move the vehicle, and also doubles as a generator to power an electric motor, or to charge up the high-voltage batteries. Read more

Ready, Set, Go … Green!

Sometimes, less is more. Two wheels instead of four wheels? Yes! A motorcycle or scooter instead of a car is generally regarded to be friendlier to the environment than the majority of cars and SUVs that currently litter our roadways.

Going green is not just a fashion statement; it can be a way of life. Applying “green” thinking to the transportation industry can make a major difference to our planet.

Scooters and motorcycles have several advantages over cars and SUVs, in terms of efficiency and convenience. Joe Linardi of Kahuna Powersports points out that one of the major benefits of two-wheeled transportation is economy. Read more

What’s Making You Sick? A Closer Look into Toxic Trespass

Isn’t it about time for the Canadian Environmental Protection Act to effectively regulate the hundreds of sickness-causing chemicals Canadians are exposed to everyday?

Of all the products we use each and every day, most of them contain chemicals that are polluting our bodies and making us sick. Unbeknownst to many of us, we continue to indulge in these seemingly safe beauty products, cleaning agents, foods and drinks, that are exposing us to certain chemicals that have been linked to causing acute illnesses such as bronchitis, asthma and cancer, to name a few.

Just as the ozone layer struggles to filter out the sun’s ultraviolet rays because of pollution, our own body’s functions and health is being compromised from the effects of living in a chemical world. Read more

Going Organic – The Sensible Lifestyle

Ontario farmers have been leading the charge for decades on the positive benefits of choosing organically grown fruit, vegetables, poultry, fish and beef. Despite mountains of evidence supporting the benefits of going organic, it is still a tough sell for some people, and something that is rife with misconceptions and myths.

One of the better-known champions of supporting local farmers and organics is famous chef Jamie Kennedy (Jamie Kennedy Restaurant, Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar). Everyone knows that restaurants are notorious for going under in three to five years if they don’t give patrons a serious reason to keep coming back. Well, Kennedy put his reputation and his business where his mouth was. In 1989, Kennedy went organic and has not looked back since. Read more

Feel-Good Fashion

With such a strong focus on protecting the Earth’s resources, the world of fashion has also taken strides to reduce its footprint. A myriad of talented designers are using eco-friendly materials to create their designs, allowing fashionistas to save the planet as they shop! Leading by example are Ali Hewson and her husband, rock star Bono, who started Edun, a socially and environmentally conscious clothing brand. The brand’s primary goal is to promote free trade with developing countries. By doing so, the brand creates jobs and supports farmers in underdeveloped areas of the world. Edun works closely with farmers in Africa to support the organic cotton industry. While the brand’s socially responsible actions shine, its environmental initiatives are not forgotten. Edun t-shirts are made with 100 per cent organic cotton. www.edunonline.com

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From the Heart Gala

On February 15, 2008, friends and family gathered at Le Jardin Special Event Centre to benefit cardiology at The Hospital for Sick Children. The event was organized by Cristiana Deachman. Her daughter, Isabella, was born with a congenital heart disease and underwent open-heart surgery at only five-days-old. Dinner and dancing were just part of the evening’s events. There was a silent auction and draw for prizes donated by the generous sponsors of the event. Special thanks goes to Arista Homes Ltd., for donating the floral centrepieces. Entertaining included musician Marco D’Amico and comedian Frank Spadone. The event raised $15,220.
www.fromthe-heart.net

Marc Santi Foundation’s 4th Annual Valentine’s Gala

On February 16, 2008, the Marc Santi Foundation hosted an elegant dinner and dance at Le Parc Banquet Hall. All proceeds from the event went to the Marc Santi Foundation, which supports a long list of charities and hospitals in the city, including York Central Hospital, Sunnybrook Hospital, and more. The MC for the night, Rick “The Temp” Campanelli of ET Canada, entertained guests. Pal Zileri proudly supported the event, auctioning off a suit for $2,800. The foundation proudly unveiled a five-year commitment to the Sunnybrook Foundation in support of the emergency and trauma ward’s $22-million expansion project. Overall, the event raised $21,000. www.themarcsantifoundation.org

Green Heroes to the Rescue

Many organizations have been participating in efforts to reduce greenhouse gases, while educating customers about how going green can save money and help the planet tremendously. Read on to discover how companies are embracing environmental responsibility in an age heightened with talk that climate change caused by human activity has detrimental effects on Earth. Read more

Canada’s West Coast goes Green

As the proud host of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Vancouver has quickly evolved into one of Canada’s most sought-after travel destinations. Following suit is the ever-bustling city of Whistler. With so many residents and travellers roaming the cities, Vancouver and Whistler businesses have taken a sustainable approach to ensure that all of their practices are eco-friendly.

As one of the leading eco-conscious travel destinations in the world, British Columbia ensures that each of its cities follows suit. This dedication is evident through the restructuring of Stanley Park – Vancouver’s oldest and largest park. Recently devastated by a windstorm that sent hundreds of ancient trees toppling down, the city took immediate action to restore the park’s natural beauty. In such a short time, $9.5 million has been raised for the effort. Read more

It’s Raining Green in Hollywood

They’re not just pretty faces: A bevy of Tinseltown’s most-loved celebrities are taking action against global warming. Whether it’s driving a hybrid or going organic, these stars are doing their part to save the planet.

When it comes to Hollywood celebrities, it seems that each of them has a cause that they have lent their names to, but some may wonder if they have done so for nothing more than career advancement. But when it comes to eco living and going green, there are a crop of celebrities out there that are seriously committed to it and are putting their money, their faces, and their reputations where their mouths are. Read more

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