Energy Saving Initiatives and Tips Lighting in apartment suites and throughout most of the common areas are currently in the process of being converted to energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL's) and compact fluorescent tubes (CFT's). These lamps save approximately 2000 times their own weight in greenhouse gases or use about one third to one fifth of power compared to their incandescent counterparts. The average lifespan of these new lamps is 8 to 15 times longer than that of incandescent lights and are typically rated between 6,000 to 15,000 hours. Tips for helping to reduce electricity use - keep thermostats set at 68F - when not watching TV or using your computer, turn the equipment off as these are huge energy hogs - learn about "Vampire Electronics" here - if you have a drafty heating unit, window or door to the outside please fill out a work order in the management office to have this repaired - vacuum the filter behind the panel on your heating unit once a month for improved airflow, and efficiency Batteries: Bring your used household batteries to the Management Office where they will be collected and safely disposed of. If the office is closed, simply drop your batteries through the office door mail slot. Recyclable Items Any item which is listed on the Recycle Chart (below) can currently be deposited into any bin outside the back door of the building. Glass, plastics, paper etc. no longer have to be sorted, this will be done at the processing plant. Toronto Recycles Poster April 2009:  "Toronto Recycles" guide. Recyclables can simply be deposited into the bins inside the chute room. If you are depositing larger items such as cardboard boxes, please break the boxes down and place them inside the bin. For disposal of large items such as furniture and electronic waste (for example, old PC monitors) there will be special dates designated for the orderly removal of such items. This program will be announced once it has been finalized. Blue recycle bins are also provided in the following areas: Front Lobby: located by the newspaper racks, fliers, newspapers and paper materials can be placed here CAP REIT Office: In the hallways outside of the CAP REIT office a recycle bin is available here to place fliers and misdirected mail Laundry Room: Located beneath the Smart City card machine is a recycle bin to place empty detergent/softer bottles (plastic or cardboard containers) and used fabric softener sheets and boxes Compost Bins This winter, our building will be testing compost bins with the City of Toronto. Containers to store organic material in will be provided once they are available. Organic wastes that can be composted include items such as fruit and vegetable scraps/peelings, egg shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, old flowers, grass, leaves etc. More information will be provided on this initiative as the project draws closer. Secure Garbage Area CAP REIT is currently working on initiatives to help prevent unauthorized access and illegal dumping in, and around the recycle bins at the rear of the building. More on this as plans are finalized. For more information on recycling in Toronto, visit the City's extensive website. Watch this site for further updates as programs progress. |