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In 2016, scientists announced that the hole in ozone layer has shrunk by 1.7 million square miles and that by the year 2050 it would be completely covered. This piece of good news indicated a huge success and served as clear evidence that through collective effort and sustainable pro-environment legislation, pollution levels could be kept in check. Nevertheless, the shrinkage of the hole in the ozone layer does not mean that climate change and environmental decline halted. Unfortunately, they are at an all time high. The latest findings reveal that Greenland ice is melting at alarming levels and environmental groups point out that wildlife protection should be a given higher priority. In light of the fact that certain world powers have reduced funding for climate change research even downright denied its existence, the average responsible citizen wonders what can be done at a personal level and why such a small effort matters at all. The good news is that it does. If everyone made a few lifestyle changes, the results would be visible in a couple of years. All the overwhelming evidence for environmental decline might be discouraging, but it is never too late to take action and get involved in saving the planet, one small change at a time.  

Reduce the carbon footprint

One of the main causes of global warming is that we emit too many gases responsible for the greenhouse effect. Not only do these decrease air quality, but also lead to a rise in temperature levels. So, what can you do to reduce your carbon footprint?

Energy efficient appliances

Our modern existence relies of electrical appliances and giving them all up would be drastic and unpractical. Fortunately, you don’t have to, because quality standards have changed and there is a huge difference between what our parents used and what we use now. Today’s appliances are made with eco-friendliness in mind and they cause less emissions that older ones. So, if you are still using an old fridge, cooker or heater, consider replacing it with one that has A+ energy efficiency. It works better, consumes less electricity and helps the planet in the long run.

Insulate your home to reduce energy consumption

Paying thousands for high-end appliances is of no help for the planet if they work 24/7. Insulation can help change that. Experts at inform homeowners that a well insulated house locks in heat, which increases home comfort and reduces the need for electrical appliances. Uninsulated houses have small cracks around windows and doors, sometimes even in the roof or in the attic and heat exchange occurs through those cracks which might not even be observed with the naked eye. As a result, you can never get the right temperature; it’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, so some kind of HVAC appliance must always be turned on. This increases energy bills and releases many emissions into the air. But, if you insulate your house, this transfer no longer occurs. You can have a comfortable temperature all year round and only turn on appliances every once in a while.

Managing waste and pollution

Waste and pollution are very dangerous for the ecosystem and can cause the extinction of many endangered species. Although you might not be aware, some modern products and habits can increase waste and pollution, so here’s what you can do.

Use less harsh chemicals

Everyday things such as window cleaner and detergent can cause pollution if they are made using toxic or harsh chemicals, so you should try and switch to gentler formulas where possible. eco-friendly products are less readily available, but the search is worth it. If saving the planet is not a good enough incentive, then keep in mind that harsh chemicals are equally harmful for your health. For example, the innocent looking beaded face scrub can end up in the sea and back into our plates if we eat seafood.

Reuse & recycle

The amount of toxic waste that humans produce is incredible and there have never been more awareness campaigns for recycling. Instead of using one trash can for everything, use several smaller ones and sort your trash based on its type. Dispose of waste responsibly and always call your local recycling service to get rid of broken or old appliances. Last, but not least, re-use when possible and encourage the entire family to embrace upcycling rather than consumerism.

Entries in this blog

Cynthia Madison



Small changes in your daily life




In case you own a company…


Raising awareness


Cynthia Madison



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The kitchen is the most energy-hungry space in the house


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You do not have to replace your perfectly functional appliances



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Oven optimization: tricks that will help you save energy



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Mistakes to avoid when using the refrigerator


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Cynthia Madison

We as consumers also have a responsibility. We must be careful about wasteful energy usage. The more we consume energy, the more we have to pay in energy bills and pay in the form of environmental damage.

Jim Bridgeforth, President of American Power and Gas, is among the few people who seem to be really worried about the wasteful use of energy. He knows it is scarce and he is doing his part to create a renewable energy Future, one that is affordable and efficient.

In a Recent Interview with Forbes, Bridgeforth stated that 80% of all energy consumption in the US comes from the industrial sector, thus making the transition for consumers tricky as they are all sourced from the same grid. Essentially, widespread use for consumers has become something that requires a higher initial cost, which most can't afford.

Keeping in mind that not everyone is physically able to transition to renewable energy services, how can consumers play their part in the meantime? Let’s have a look at five items in your house that could cause your energy bill to skyrocket:

1.Your Refrigerator


A refrigerator uses a lot of energy. All electrical items that cool things require large quantities of energy, refrigerators are no different.

They use 4% of all electricity, costing about $100 per year. However, you may end up paying a lot more if you don't pay attention to the small things.

To reduce the cost, make sure not to leave the door open for long. This allows the cooling to escape, forcing the refrigerator to work even harder, resulting in more use of energy and hence higher costs (not to mention it could spoil your food if left open long enough).

2. Heating

America is one of the coldest nations out there, especially some parts of it, which is why heating costs are pretty high averaging about $650 per year.

To save money, try to use other techniques, such as keeping your Doors and windows closed so that no cool air can enter your home. Other than this, install insulators and keep your house covered to make sure you do not have to use a lot of heating.

Also, keep an eye on the thermometer, make sure you remember to shut off heating and cooling systems before leaving the house.

3. Computers

Computers only use about 1% of the energy costing around $25 per year, but if you have several computers and smartphones charging at all hours, the cost may go a lot higher.

4. Washer and Dryer

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They make up about 13% of the overall energy cost. Washers use a lot of energy. They constantly move and keep the water in motion to do the job. Similarly, dryers are also expensive to use. Try to avoid doing Laundry every day, or get it down to 1-2 times per week.

It is expensive to produce heat, and the yearly cost associated with using a dryer can be as high as $325.

5. Electric Oven

If you are a fan of baking and cooking, you probably are using your oven a lot. On average, they make about 4% of the total energy consumption, which makes about $100 per year.

Go slow on over usage and you can save money.

Cynthia Madison





Replace your light bulbs


Invest in energy efficient appliances



Kitchen and bathroom fixtures


Install solar panels




Cynthia Madison


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Choose what the issue is

·         Food


·         Energy


Choose what your approach is going to be

·         Repurposing


·         Recycling


Cynthia Madison

Metal recycling can be a process complex and the majority of people have no idea what it implies. The first thing you should know is that the process includes sorting metals according to their quality and type. It is important to pay more attention to recycling nowadays, because metals are versatile and essential to a large number of industries. They can be used in the manufacturing industry to create airplanes, cars trucks, railways and ships. Also, metals are used to create domestic items as crockery and cutlery, and sometimes they are used even in packaging.  Moreover, what is amazing about metal is that they can be recycled and their properties will not be altered in the process. Usually people recycle steel and aluminum, but this does not mean that the other ones cannot be included in the process. However metals as brass, silver and gold are too valuable to be recycled, and people take good care of them.

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Why should people recycle more?

Metals are valuable materials because they can be recycled multiple times without losing their properties. The process of metal recycling in Toronto can bring you a lot of money, and this should motivate you collect every metal item you have around the house. In addition to this benefit, it is important to recycle metal, because we have to protect the environment. If people recycle metals, they help at the preservation of natural resources, because recycling requires less energy than to manufacture products from new metals. Also recycling emits less harmful gases as carbon dioxide. And where you count that recycling creates jobs, so it is important to pay it the required attention.

Collecting the metals

The most important step in the process of recycling is to collect them. You will have to carefully collect every item made from metal and place them in the right container. Make sure you place them in the especially designed containers, because other way they may lose their properties. Also, you have the possibility to take the collected metals to the local scrap yard, because you will receive money for the quantity you have collected. Every one of the metals is paid differently, so make sure to check the prices before.

Sorting the metals

When you collect a large quantity of metals, you have to take some time to sort them. In this way, you will see which one of the items is recyclable and which one is not. The quality of the metal objects is very important in the process, because a high quality recycled object will lead to the manufacture of a good quality item. Every one of the metal parts you will take to the crap center will be checked for its qualitative features.

Processing and melting


The next step in the process of recycling the metals is to shred them. This action is essential to promote the melting process, because in this way it is required less energy. Steel is melted under the form of blocks and aluminum as small sheets. A large furnace will be used to melt the shredded metals. According to the type of metal, a special furnace will be used. The amount of energy used to melt the metals is lower than the one of extracting and manufacturing metals from the virgin ores. The size of the furnace will influence the amount of energy and time. The process may take from a couple of minutes to multiple hours.


Once the metals are melted they have to be purified. Depending on the type of metal, various methods can be used. One of the methods used during this process is electrolysis. Some types of metals are passed under magnetic systems for separating the metals. This process is important because the manufacturers have to make sure that the final product is free of impurities.

Metals you can recycle

If you want to collect the metals around your house, it is important to know what types are recyclable. Metals are categorized as non-ferrous and ferrous, the last type features combinations of carbon with iron. Some of the ferrous metals are cast iron, wrought iron, carbon steel and alloy steel. From the category of non-ferrous metals, we can list tin, zinc, lead, copper, and aluminum. You should know that precious metals are non-ferrous metals. They include palladium, iridium, silver, gold and platinum.

Metal recycling should receive the needed attention, because it has the potential to offer multiple business opportunities. In case, you want to find more details about this subject, you can find multiple online guides. With their help, you will understand better the factors that influence the scrap metal industry, and what opportunities you can have.

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Cynthia Madison

A global concern in the late years has become adapting to an environmentally friendly lifestyle. This includes limiting the waste of different kinds, recycling and educating children in the spirit of recycling and caring for the environment. After all, recycling should become a common sense action. However, in less developed countries, only now such practices seem to emerge. However, this is not the case of Canada, a country with a long history of recycling and searching for environmentally friendly solutions continuously. For instance, this company specialised in metal recycling in Toronto has a history of ten years of helping the environment in a sustainable manner. Moreover, their services allow increasing the metal recycling rates in order to avoid over exploitation of the ferrous and nonferrous metals. Besides the large companies, we all comply with a set of rules, written or common sense rules, in order to minimise our impact on the environment. Minimising the energy consumption, creating a well-documented waste management plan and recycling are some steps we must take in order to succeed. However, our care for the environment must not be hard to understand, given the fact that we must preserve it for the future generations. Below are some simple steps we could take in order to adapt our lifestyle to an environmental friendly one.

Recycling comes in many forms and it’s easy to accomplish

Although many think of recycling as a complicated process, we must know that we only need to put minimum efforts into managing it. Take metal recycling as an example. In order to properly manage this process, we only need a minimum amount of tools, and some attention to what lies around in our houses, garages and backyards. Moreover, many have found that done regularly, metal recycling is a great way of making an additional amount of money. As a matter of fact, you only need a magnet and several containers in which to sort out your metals, if you want to succeed at metal recycling. The magnet will help you differentiate between ferrous and nonferrous metals, and the containers will host them until you reach a recycling centre. About the prices of diverse metals, you could get the necessary information from official websites. They provide all the prices for diverse metals, making it easier for you to figure out the amount of money you should get from a recycling centre. You can find waste metals in diverse objects, from empty soda cans, old automobiles, or even old cutlery and kitchen appliances. Of course, if you don’t want to take your metals to a local metal recycling centre, you could develop your own DIY projects and repurpose them in decorative or practical objects. Ideas are plenty; you only have to look in the right places.

Develop a sustainable waste management plan

Since waste management has become a serious issue and concern in the past few years, you should take your time and develop a sustainable plan. Specialised agencies came with plenty of tips and tricks, and we will present you a couple of those. Specialists advise us that before implementing a plan, we must first assess the amount of waste that we produce. Take note of the fact that waste disposal is not cheap and it is better to prevent the accumulation instead of getting rid of it. Moreover, prevention is even more eco-friendly than disposing it. You could limit the amount of waste that you produce by only using those particular materials and products that are recyclable. If not, take them to dedicated recycling centres. Light bulbs, electronic waste, they all need to be disposed in a certain way. It is advisable to find a reliable company to help you with this process, because it is in fact under strict regulations.

Invest in solutions to minimise the energy consumption

Energy audits, home insulation solutions and proper heating system installation might seem as unnecessary expenses for many. But while they minimise one’s impact on the environment, these solutions are also perfect for decreasing the energy bills a family has. Insulation will minimise the energy consumption necessary to maintain a proper indoor environment. This will decrease the greenhouse gas emissions, therefore the impact your household has on the environment. This also applies to HVAC installation services as well. Done improperly, these systems will have a higher negative impact on the environment, due to increased levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

These are three of the most common solutions one could implement in their household in order to reduce the negative impact of the modern lifestyle on the environment. Always try to educate your children in this way and involve them in recycling, waste management and so on.

Cynthia Madison

If you ever wondered which are the industries that generate the most waste, this article is for you. Toxic or solid waste, there are several industries which make themselves notorious though such attributes, which nonetheless, affect our health and the environment equally. Our list has some surprising industries, while others are extremely obvious. You can read more below.

Car repair shops

This may surprise many, while others, especially those working in the industry are more than familiar with the matter. Car repair shops and the auto industry, in general, is one of the largest waste-generator in the world. Especially producing incredible amounts of toxic waste – oils, paints, lubricants, not to mention the solid waste of which these are responsible. Old car parts, old vehicles, and various other components, make this industry to win a rightful place in our top. Nonetheless, certain repair shops put enormous efforts into reducing the waste generated, by implementing smart waste-management solutions, like those proposed by Mil-tek a decisive player in the waste management industry. Many auto repair shops put great efforts into minimizing the physical amount of their solid waste, especially plastic waste and use pneumatic barrels for this purpose. This may be the only solution various industries might have in order to become friendlier with the environment.

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Furniture manufacturers

Another surprising entry in our top, furniture manufacturing businesses generate impressive amounts of both toxic and physical waste. In spite of the popular belief that many have, furniture manufacturers don’t use exclusively wood in the process. Some of their raw materials are composites and in order to get those and create the furniture pieces in their portfolios, chemicals are used. Also, solvents are used at a large scale in the industry, which makes it one of the main generators of nitrogen oxides. Also, ignitable waste and paints and a series of environment-damaging chemicals result from the manufacturing process as well. The furniture manufacturing industry is also trying to minimize the impact on the environment, especially when it comes to solid waste. However, further steps have to be taken in order to achieve a sustainable balance.

The cleaning industry

This industry is mainly guilty of an enormous volume of toxic waste, as the products used in the cleaning process are rarely environmental-friendly. Chemicals are a rule of thumb when it comes to this industry, as stubborn stains are usually removed by using a strong mixture that includes high concentrations of acid-based chemicals. As environmental concerns are growing, certain companies turned their attention to more environmental-friendly cleaning solutions and products. Steam cleaning seems to be the preferred option by many players in the industry, nowadays.

The oil and gas industry

This comes naturally, as this industry is generating incredible volumes of solid waste, diverse in characteristics and handling requirements. Many of these are hazardous, but concerning is the fact that this sector is generating yearly more than 4.000 t of solid waste. If the big players in the filed would be more concerned, and would take action, the waste could be diminished at half of this number. Certain solutions are developed in order to minimize solid waste and these are suitable for various industries. Also, the oil and gas industry is generating large volumes of toxic waste. Worth noticing is the fact that some companies in the field put great efforts into finding solutions in terms of recycling part of the waste generated by their enterprises.

The printing and photography industry

Obviously, this is an industry which generates enormous volumes of hazardous substances as a by-product of its activity. While a small number of companies in the field have turned their attention to friendlier inks, the vast majority still uses chemicals and toxic inks. This fact forces them to label appropriately their waste and always dispose of it as hazardous waste. The waste disposal cannot be handled by the company itslef, the vast majority of these companies needing assistance from third-parties in order to manage this part of their activity.

The metal-working industry

The metal-working industry is a big generator of chemical waste, as the processing steps oftentimes include chemicals that are damaging to the environment and human health. For instance, solvents, heavy metals, paint and cyanides are frequently used. However, the companies that specialise in processing metals, are also forced to dispose of their waste by accessing the services of a third-party, specialised in such matters, or implementing themselves an in-house waste management system, based on all the regulations in force.

The waste-generating industries are plenty, and summarizing those is oftentimes difficult. If your company is a manufacturing one, then most certainly it produces more waste than you would like to admit. However, some pragmatic solutions that allow companies to reduce the volume of waste generated are available on the market. Make sure to collaborate with trustworthy suppliers in your journey of becoming more environmental-friendly.

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Cynthia Madison




Remember to switch it off!


Replace light bulbs


Reduce water use


Travel eco-friendly


Clean green!



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Cynthia Madison

Indoor air quality means the condition of the air that you and your family breathe inside your home. This is an important concern because you spend most of your time indoors and you could be exposed to environmental pollutants. Air pollution is largely considered as being outdoors, but the truth is that the air in your house is more contaminated. Indoor air pollutant levels are higher than outdoor levels. Indoor air pollution happens when toxic contaminants and gases infect the air. You shouldn’t assume that that your home environment is completely safe. Considering that Toronto’s environmental pollution is still causing serious health issues, you can’t afford to take any chances. Be sure. There are many ways to tell if the indoor air quality is bad.

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Get in touch with air quality experts

One of the best ways to know if you have poor home air quality is to have it tested. Sure, selecting Toronto air quality experts is a daunting task, but the Internet has made the process a lot simpler. The air quality experts will investigate your indoor air quality, thus being of great help. What the trained professionals do is offer you peace of mind. You will know for sure whether you and your family are living in a healthy indoor environment. Don’t waste your time with test kits. They aren’t reliable, not to mention that they are expensive. You should better invest your money in professional indoor air quality testing. The consultants will be able to detect even the tiniest sources of poor indoor air quality. The best thing you can do is call in the professionals.

Take notice of your allergies

It’s hard not to attribute an allergy episode to a climate change. Yet, you could be having a sensitive reaction to indoor allergens. The change in weather patterns isn’t to blame, but animal dander, dust mite droppings, and mould. They are the ones overwhelming your immune system. If you experience rashes, watery eyes, trouble breathing or you have a runny nose, then chances are that you have poor home air quality. Pay attention to when and where the symptoms appear and disappear. If allergy symptoms occur when you stay at home, you have a problem. But what if you don’t have allergy symptoms at all? Well, take notice of your loved ones. Their sensitivity is a good indicator of indoor air quality.

Investigate the indoor air quality

You can tell if your home has poor air quality by looking for sources of pollution. Know that it’s not easy to identify sources of environmental pollution and that their presence doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem. Here are some examples of sources of poor air quality:

·         Damp carpets

·         Old pieces of furniture

·         Heating equipment

·         Building materials

There is nothing more important than the health of your family, so don’t ignore the aforementioned sources of indoor air pollution. Look for these culprits even before you have your home tested.

Look for mould growth

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It’s not uncommon for mould to grow and homes. What is uncommon, on the other hand, is to inhale mould spores. Mould poses threats to the health. Harmful effects of mould include allergic reactions, rashes, coughing, and eczema. But these should be the least of your worries. Exposure to mould leads to infection, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Mould is not as easy to identify as you may think. The fungus is usually hidden from the view, so finding its source can be difficult. Places you need to check are the corners where the walls meet the ceiling, behind appliances, and in the basement.

Consider home improvements and repairs

Home improvements and repairs can affect the indoor air quality. How so? Making updates results in strange things. For instance, if you install a new A/C, you and your family can get sick. The filter retains all kinds of germs and bacteria, so if it isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become dangerous. Other changes that affect the home environment are removal of asbestos and lead-based paint. If you haven’t gotten to cleaning up after such projects, it’s time you did. The last thing you want is to suffer health consequences.

When it comes to determining if you have poor indoor air quality, it is better to get in touch with the experts. Trained professionals are the only ones capable of discovering the gravity of the situation. They can tell you which is the source of the indoor air pollution and how you can deal with the problem. The greatest thing of all is that the solutions provided are neither difficult nor expensive. If you have a reasonable doubt concerning the quality of the indoor air, contact the professionals.

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