Kelowna Insulation Choices Get Better

Insulation material choices increase with more Eco friendly materials to choose from. 

One of the latest and greatest materials comes from recycled blue jeans.  Yes those dirty old jeans can be recycled and put to good use.  However the unfortunate problem in today's market is that the vast majority of the public aren't willing to anti up the extra 10% or so to have such products installed.  I don't blame the public as I have always thought that recycled products should cost the same or less than competing products.  That being said, if the government would stand behind and support more products like recycled jeans then perhaps the costs would be more equal.  The truth is that most Eco friendly materials actually perform better as well.  If the education on such products was endorsed than perhaps more people would see the big picture in regards to their ROI.  Recycled news papers also known as blown cellulose is another great example.   Cellulose out performs fiberglass in terms of performance, safety, air quality, R-values per inch and its 100% recycled.  Again your only talking a small increase in price to use a superior product yet most of us have the horse blinders on and only think about the upfront costs.  What makes it more difficult to promote these products is the advise that 90% of the insulation contractors are giving.  If you were to contact 5 companies for insulation quotes you may have one that will offer you a recycled product other than fiberglass.  Being a customer listening to 4-5 companies that slag products like cellulose, you are likely to think that if most companies offer fiberglass and are telling you its better......well than it must be better...not so true.  Business owners will stick with the demand and that's the cheaper products because we as consumers are so price focused.

Keep this article in mind the next time you make a purchase no matter what it is.  The cheapest quote or material will often result in you getting the worst product, with the worst return on investment.  Like Mike Holmes says "Pick the quote in the middle, ask questions and qualify your contractor by getting referrals."

Have a great weekend!

Terry Laurin
www.tlces.com
250-215-8020
“Helping you become Energy Efficient”

Hats Off To All Earth Day Participants

Earth day is celebrating 20 years of over achieving!  Hats off to all earth day participants and those who take a green approach to every day living.  I found this great article that everyone can use on a daily basis to fight climate change.

Earth Day Canada celebrates its 20th anniversary

Apr 13, 2010 Kelly McMath

Twenty years ago, Canada began celebrating Earth Day. Today more than six million Canadians participate in Earth Day events.

 

 

So many events are held across the country that April is now known as “Earth Month.” When Canada celebrated its first Earth Day in 1990, the most publicized environmental issues included:

• Global warming
• Ozone depletion
• Air quality issues
• Deforestation
• Ocean pollution
• Waste management

In 2010, these issues continue to compromise the future of generations to come. Environment Canada reports that total greenhouse gas emissions rose 26 percent from 1990 to 2007, 33% above Canada’s Kyoto target.
Everyone can make a difference. Earth Day provides the opportunity for positive actions and results.

Ideas for taking action on Earth Day

To help make a positive difference in the fight against climate change, consider taking action on Earth Day.

• Spearhead or participate in a neighborhood clean-up.
• Instead of driving, walk, ride a bike, or take public transit.
• Eat meat-free for Earth Day. Reducing the amount of meat consumed by North American families can help diminish the methane gas emissions associated with domestic livestock farming. Methane gas is the third-highest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduce power consumption for the day. Try to use as few electronic devices as possible, turn off lights when not in use, and hang clothes outside to air dry.
• Get involved in a tree planting. Trees offer shade, improve air quality and offer a natural habitat for local wildlife.
• Host an Earth Day event and teach adults and children different ways to reduce, reuse and recycle items from their homes.

Earth Day Canada’s Top Ten Actions to help the environment

Make a greater effort in helping the environment with these lifestyle changes suggested by Earth Day Canada:

Read more at Suite101: Earth Day Canada celebrates its 20th anniversary http://greenliving.suite101.com/article.cfm/earth-day-canada-celebrates-its-20th-anniversary#ixzz0lxO53gcb

Terry Laurin

www.tlces.com

250-215-8020

“Helping you become Energy Efficient”