Understanding Climate Change
So – the climate is changing. We know it’s not good for our future – but let’s break it down. What is going on and what effect does it have on our planet? What is really happening and why is our planet in danger? If you’re still skeptical about climate change, let’s debunk some common misconceptions on what is happening to our planet using real information and science (all factual statements have been cited from either credited websites or scientific papers, click the reference links after each statement to read more)!
Renewable Energy
What is clean, renewable energy? It is derived from natural sources and is converted through natural processes that replenish at an equal or faster rate than consumed. Some of these sources include energy generated from solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydropower and ocean resources, solid biomass, biogas and liquid biofuels. Renewable energy sources utilize natural processes to power the Earth and do not have detrimental effects on the planet. Let’s compare. Non-renewable energy sources are, as named, non-renewable. This means there are a limited supply of them and we will not be able to rely on them forever – whereas we will always have sun, wind, and water. Non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels release harmful pollutants into the air from their combustion, including excess CO2, causing the warming of our planet. So which option sounds better to you? Let’s take a look at Canada’s approach on renewable energy, and some options we can look into to rely on clean, renewable energy.
What is Plant Based “Meat”
A huge way to reduce our environmental impact is to reduce our meat consumption! Meat production accounts for about 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. If we reduce our meat consumption, we can make a difference for the environment! A good alternative for the meat lover is plant based meat! With the increase of plant based “meat” in stores and restaurants, many people are probably wondering… if it’s not meat, but it looks like meat… and it tastes kind of like meat… what is it?? The short answer to that question is, well, plants. The two main components in animal meat are muscle and highly saturated fat – two things that plants do not have. So how can plants taste and look like meat?
Smart Home Systems
Smart Home systems – the way of the future. We are swarmed with technology everyday, and developments and new products seem to be growing exponentially. Implementing Smart Home systems is not only beneficial for consumers’ convenience, but also for saving energy and money. All of these systems are easily controllable if you own a smartphone. These systems can detect potential damage to your home, and allow you to access your homes HVAC, water supply, lights, and much more. Let’s take a look at some Smart Home products that can save energy!
Environmental Impacts of COVID-19
The last few months have been tough on everyone due to the pandemic, but it has also been hard on the earth. Reduction of recycling and increased waste has been a global downfall because of COVID-19. An increase of disposable cleaning wipes and face masks has become a reality in a world of social distance and disinfecting. Although we may have a new normal, it is our job to continue to keep the earth in mind while keeping ourselves safe and healthy. Here are some ways COVID has affected the health of the planet and counter ways we can keep our planet safe.
The Eco Friendly Traveller
When you head out for a vacation, the first thing on your mind isn’t usually “how can I be kinder to the earth during my trip,” but rather “I can’t wait to get going!!” On your next vacation or trip, follow along with these suggestions to reduce your impact, as travelling can actually be very harmful and not eco-friendly. If you do your part, you can offset or reduce your travelling footprint. Here are some ways you can reduce your travel impact…
Zero Waste Bulk
Zero Waste Bulk is a zero waste store in Waterloo. They are winning when it comes to having a zero waste lifestyle. They have everything and more, and if you’re into helping the planet, you should definitely check out this store. We are especially proud of this store as Blom Contracting provided the shell and facade of the entire building…
Companies To Support For Their Eco-Friendly Efforts
There are many companies that have recognized the declining state of the planet and have wanted to make changes to become more eco-friendly in their corporations. Because they are trying to change their company’s ways to be better to the earth, we believe we should be supporting them. Here are some of the companies to support based on their changes for the better…
Bamboo As A Sustainable Resource
With the rise of forest fires and deforestation, change needs to be made now. Forests and tree growth cannot keep up with our high demand for it in our paper products such as towels, toilet paper, printer paper, furniture, flooring, and more. A great way to diverge this problem and cut down less trees, as we also need them in order to breathe, is to use bamboo plants instead. Bamboo is a sustainable resource to replace regular trees because of many reasons…
New Years (G)re(en)solutions
As the decade is ending, its great to think back on the memories shared, fun times had, and green changes made, but as we approach a new era, a new year, there is no better reason to start fresh on eco-friendly resolutions that benefit the planet. You can take the plunge and go zero-waste, or make smaller changes – everything makes a difference…
Dreaming of A Green Christmas
An article from The Globe and Mail says that Canadians toss about 50 kilograms of garbage each over the holidays – 25 percent more than the rest of the year – thanks to the purchase of 3,000 tonnes of foil, 2.6 billion Christmas cards and six million rolls of tape. 540,000 tonnes of wrapping paper and gift bags are thrown out each year…
Gifts That Give Back
The best gifts are the ones that give! If you’re buying gifts this Christmas and Holiday Season, you’ll want to check out this awesome list of gifts that give back! Not only are you purchasing from a company that benefits the planet, you’re letting them and the people close to you know, that you support what the company stands for and what they are doing to help. Many of these gifts are great for…
Green Your Christmas Décor
The holiday season is just around the corner, if not already here in some eager minds. Studies have shown that decorating for Christmas makes us happier, so we’re here to let you know how to keep it green while doing so, and to encourage you to get started! From the tree, to the mantel, to the outdoors, we have suggestions…
How to Have A Green Halloween
Halloween doesn’t only have to be black and orange… you can make it green too! Halloween is one of the best fall holidays; fun for kids, parents, grandparents and everyone in between. Dressing up in costumes, decorating your house, pumpkin carving, throwing parties, eating candy, and trick-or-treating are some of the greatest staples of Halloween…
Eco-Friendly Alternatives That Cost More
As you may have initially thought, some eco-friendly options can get a bit expensive, but if going green and helping the planet is something that you care about a lot, and it is in your budget to do so, here are some more ways to think about the earth first. A lot of these options actually end up paying for themselves in the end, again saving you money in the long run…
Eco-Friendly Alternatives That Are Equal In Cost
Some options for eco-friendly products are equal in cost as their conventional counterpart… so why wouldn’t you switch to the green option? Being kind to the planet sometimes takes some extra effort or time, but it doesn’t have to be more expensive. Here are some ways that you can help the planet without spending more money than you already do…
Eco-Friendly Alternatives That Save You Money
You have probably heard about green alternatives or more eco-friendly options, but might have thought to yourself… those must be so much more expensive. In some cases, this is true, but we wanted to share some of the ways you can help the planet that might not be as costly as you think…
Eco-Friendly Alternatives That Are Free & Easy
There are many things a household can do in order to help save the planet. A lot of these habits and switches seem small, but will make a difference long term. Anything you do to help plays a part. Some really easy things you can change in your day to day life to help the planet are completely FREE and most take just seconds to complete…
Blom Contracting Announces New Green Initiative – 4 R World
Blom Contracting is proud and excited to announce our new green initiative – 4 R World. As a general contracting company with a passion for the planet and the people that live on it, we are invested in finding innovative ways to reduce our footprint on this earth, in order to take care of our world, ourselves, and our next generations…
What’s In A Name
After being in business for seven years, Nick Savauge wanted to expand his successful painting and renovation company. With a new focus on general contracting and building green, he partnered with his mom, Rita, and Blom Contracting Inc. was born…