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The post World Environment Day 2025 appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>Every year on June 5th, World Environment Day unites millions around the globe to protect our planet. In 2025, the spotlight is on an important issue affecting every ecosystem and community: plastic pollution. Hosted by the Republic of Korea in Jeju and Seoul, this year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” calls for urgent action to reduce plastic waste that contaminates our oceans, lands, and even our bodies.
From single-use plastics to microplastics, this common pollutant disrupts natural habitats and enters the food chain, impacting humans and wildlife. World Environment Day 2025 is a rallying cry to refuse unnecessary plastics, reuse what we can, and recycle responsibly!
How you can help:
- Say No to Single-Use Plastics: Avoid disposable plastic items like bags, bottles, straws, and cutlery. Choose reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, metal or glass water bottles, and bamboo or metal straws.
- Recycle Properly: Get to know local recycling guidelines to ensure plastics are cleaned and sorted correctly. Use designated drop-off points for plastic bags and films that are not accepted in curbside recycling.
- Spread Awareness: Educate friends, family, and your community about the impact of plastic pollution and encourage joint action through social media and local events.
- Reduce Plastic in Daily Life: Bring your own reusable containers for takeout, buy products in bulk to minimize packaging, and repair or repurpose plastic items instead of getting rid of them.
Let’s make 2025 the year we turn the tide on plastic pollution – because there is no Planet B!
Together, we can protect our Earth for generations to come.
– The Realstar Team
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]]>The post Dive into World Oceans Day: Make a Splash for Change! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
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Image by Freepik
Get ready to make a big splash on June 8th as we celebrate World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day raises awareness about the crucial role oceans play in our lives. They give us oxygen, food, and regulate our climate. Sadly, they're facing threats like pollution and overfishing. Let's stand up for sustainable ocean management and preserve these amazing resources.
Did you know:
World Oceans Day was born in Canada! It started as an idea during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and was recognized by the United Nations in 2008. As Canadians, let's embrace this holiday's spirit and lead the way in ocean conservation.
What we are doing:
At Realstar, water conservation is important to us, and we are actively investing in water conservation initiatives across our properties such as installing low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads. As a result of our water conservation efforts, we saved 63,500 m3 of water in 2022 – the equivalent of 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
How you can help:
- Reduce Plastic: Say no to single-use plastics like bags and bottles. Opt for reusable alternatives and recycle properly.
- Save Water: Conserve water at home by reporting leaks to your building management, taking shorter showers, and turning the tap off when not in use.
- Choose Sustainable Seafood: Support responsible fishing by choosing sustainably sourced seafood with eco-certifications.
- Spread the Word: Educate others about ocean importance and inspire them to take action. Use social media and community events to make waves.
Together we can create a wave of change for our oceans. Remember, even small steps can have a big impact. Dive in and let's protect our oceans for generations to come!
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]]>The post Ensuring the Future of Rental Housing in Canada appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>Building a healthy rental housing system is crucial to ensuring Canadians have access to a safe, dignified, and secure place to call home. That’s why we’re proud to be a member of the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC) and work together with the industry to support a vision that includes:
Better Housing: Repair, maintain and upgrade the existing purpose-built rental stock across Canada.
More Housing: Accelerate new purpose-built rental supply in all market segments to meet the needs of existing and future residents.
Your Housing: Work together, with everyone, to find solutions that will benefit existing and future Canadians.
Read on to learn more about REALPAC’s Better Housing, More Housing, Your Housing campaign at https://realpac.ca/morehousing/
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]]>The post A Healthy Planet Starts At Home appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post A Healthy Planet Starts At Home appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>The post In the Mood to Move? Port Moody Is The Place For You! appeared first on Realstar Blog.
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Why Port Moody?
If the outdoors and tranquility of suburb living pique your interest but also long for the convenience of city living, Port Moody should definitely be on your list of potential places to call home! At only 35-minutes from downtown Vancouver, this picturesque and lively city boasts a variety of trendy shops, cafes, restaurants and breweries and is steps to the waterfront. Perfect for young families, working professionals and mature active adults, Port Moody has something for everyone!
The city’s newest premium rental communities, Realstar’s Inlet Glen Apartments, is nestled half way between downtown Port Moody and Coquitlam, only a 6 minute drive or 15 minute bicycle ride to either. Weather you are looking to inch closer to Vancouver or looking to relocate somewhere quieter within the Metro Vancouver Area, this brand-new rental community is sure to impress.
Details You’ll Love!
Comfort and convenience are of the utmost importance at Inlet Glen Apartments. This newly built, 100% smoke-free rental community offers elevated one, two and three-bedroom suites featuring soft close, contemporary cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances – including enviable full-sized dishwasher and in-suite laundry!
If green living is a top priority, Inlet Glen Apartments delivers several environmentally beneficial features – including: LED lighting, low flush toilets, Energy Star appliances, electrical vehicle charging stations and on-site Modo carshare program. As an added benefit, all suites offer a private outdoor space in the form of usable decks, patios and/or balconies.
A Neighbourhood to Call Home
The city of the arts, Port Moody offers an urban appeal with a friendly small-town charm. The area offers a variety of attractions, most notably a lively art scene coupled with trendy cafes and restaurants. With a steady stream of free concerts, gallery openings and festivals, you can be sure there is always something fun and exciting to do! Art infused and intertwined with nature, Port Moody boasts a plethora of art features scattered throughout. Start your own adventure by grabbing the city’s heritage and public art map and discover the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, heritage properties and public art displays.
Take in a performance or film screening at Inlet Theatre, enjoy an event at Port Moody Public Library, Port Moody Art Centre, or revel in history at Port Moody Station Museum. A must see and spanning an impressive three blocks; Brewers Row, offers an exceptional array of local craft brewers.
Whatever the adventure, Inlet Glen Apartments is only steps to Inlet Centre SkyTrain Station, connecting East Vancouver through Burnaby, Port Moody and Coquitlam.
Be sure to check out Port Moody’s events calendar and stay current on neighbourhood events.
The Fresh Air You Crave
Integrated with nature, Port Moody is home to numerous parks and trails, most notably Rocky Point Park where visitors can take a stroll across the recreational pier, enjoy a meal at one of the areas many cafes and restaurants or rent a kayak or paddleboard. A popular destination for locals and visitors alike, Rocky Point Park is also home to Shoreline Trail, a paved bike and walking path along the coast of the Burrard Inlet. If you’re up for a scenic ride or stroll along this local fjord, this two hour, 6 kilometer round trip adventure starts at Rock Point Park pier and ends at Old Orchard Park.
Conveniently located, Inlet Glen Apartments is only a 10-minute bike ride from Port Moody’s Rocky Point Park and 8-minutes ride to Inlet Park. As an added benefit, this brand-new rental community is only a 10-minutes ride to Coquitlam’s impressive Mundy Park, offering over 178 hectares of park, trails and recreation within a rare urban forest.
Apply Today!
In the mood to move to Port Moody?
Visit Inlet Glen Apartments online or contact us at (604) 649-3370 and see what this exciting and welcoming rental community has to offer!
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]]>The post Earth Day 2021: How to Care, Share and Beware this April 22 and Beyond appeared first on Realstar Blog.
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The past year has many of us thinking of ways we can be healthier and be more considerate towards others. There is no better time, than Earth Day on April 22, to explore lifestyle changes to be more environmentally conscious. From the products we use to the companies we support – below are three simple tips to help you be more eco-friendly and positively impact your own health. As the world around us changes, so should we change to help the world.
1. Omit Single Use Plastics
While convenient, single use plastics are one of the most common (and avoidable) forms of the 91% of plastics that end up unrecycled in the environment. Follow these simple steps to cut single use plastics from our daily routine:
- Use reusable water containers instead of disposable water bottles
(These often keep your water colder for longer and you can infuse or even filter the water you put inside!) - Use reusable shopping bags when shopping (keep them in your handbag, computer bag or car)
- Use a easily sanitized stainless steel straw and reusable cutlery
- Consider reusable food wraps over kitchen wrap, 100% compostable waste bags vs standard plastic bags and food safe food storage instead of disposable snack containers.
(Good brands are made from eco-friendly, BPA free, lead free materials and are often better for our health then the disposable alternatives)
2. Use Eco-friendly Household Cleaners
Ultimately, the more people who use eco-friendly cleaning products, the less harmful it is on our local environment and the plant. Roughly 80% of the world’s wastewater flows back into the environment without being treated. This includes the water from our showers, sinks, laundry machines and toilets. Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products benefits both the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and in turn directly benefits our own health. Try incorporating these easy alternatives into your clean up routine today:
- Ditch the bleach and try one of these all-natural flood cleaners – some even boast being carbon neutral!
- For the more ‘go-green enthusiasts’, try these DIY eco-friendly cleaning alternatives
- Try squeezing 80+ washes out of your ordinary shampoo + conditioner containers – these sulphate-free, eco-friendly shampoo/cleansing bars replace body wash too!
3. Go Paperless
We can’t speak to the importance of an eco-friendly future without mentioning the impact of paper on the environment. Paper accounts for approximately 26% of all the waste at landfills. The production of paper alone accounts for several additional adverse environmental impacts including deforestation, C02 production, water and air pollution. Did you know that as paper disintegrates it emits methane gas which has more than 80% of the warming power of carbon dioxide? Small steps towards going paperless has the potential of making a large beneficial change towards the environment.
- Opt for digital magazine subscriptions, books or audio books. Several vendors offer free trials and it’s often less expensive and includes bonus access to added resources!
- Sign up for paperless billing – receive bills and bank online
- When baking, use reusable silicone molds and mats over one use paper liners
- Reusable, biodegradable and compostable – these reusable sponge cloths are the perfect alternative to paper towel and a zero-waste choice for the environment!
Remember, a good planet is hard to find, so let’s take care of the one we have, and each other!
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]]>The post EARTH DAY ISN’T JUST ANOTHER DAY – 50TH ANNIVERSARY appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>April 22, 2020 marks the world’s 50th Earth Day and the opportunity to reflect on global environmental issues – and it will be the first time in history it will be 100% digital! Striving towards a better, more sustainable future for all, there has never been a better time to start making a difference.
This year Earth Day will be celebrated during one of the most prolific global pandemics experienced in generations. Traditionally groups would have gathered to celebrate, discuss and lobby towards movement. This year Earth Day will be commemorated entirely online with countless digital resources available towards awareness and taking action. This Earth Day is the perfect time to start thinking globally and being mindful of actions towards bettering the planet.
GET ENGAGED
- Earth Day Live 2020 – series of discussions & performances
- Animation & Poetry for Our 50th Earth Day – program of short animated films to acknowledge 50 years of Earth Days
INTERESTED IN TAKING ACTION?
There are several habit-forming changes; big and small, that you can start today that will work towards positive and lasting environmental results. Here’s a few:
- Use reusable water bottles and eliminate plastic water bottle waste
- Eat less meat or consider a Meatless Monday challenge and lessen polluting gasses and water usage through production
- Use less hot water showering and doing laundry
- Consider taking shorter showers instead of baths
- Ensure to recycle recyclable items instead of disposing of them in the trash
- Use reusable products rather than disposables
- Change your light bulbs to LED – they last 10 times longer and use two-thirds less energy!
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]]>The post “Car Free” – The Carefree Approach to Urban Living appeared first on Realstar Blog.
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Driving can cause you to miss out on experiencing all your community has to offer. Strolling through the streets of your neighbourhood offers a more complete perspective as you discover shops and people you might not have had the opportunity to encounter from behind the wheel.
The Walk to Wellness
According to Time Magazine article “10 Things Your Commute Does to Your Body”, a daily drive commute to and from work “impacts your mental and physical health” and is associated with increased cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure which over time can increase your risk for diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Not to mention the toll it takes on your mental health, according to report from the U.K.’s Office of National statistics fighting traffic on a regular basis increases anxiety, puts you a risk for depression and actually declines “happiness and life satisfaction”. In case you needed any more incentive to re-think a car commute, according to a 2014 study from McGill University, commuters who walk to work tend to be happier overall compared with those who have a lengthy commute.
Cost vs. Car Share
A major bonus in forgoing a vehicle is saving on all the costs associated with regular maintenance, fuel, insurance, license, registration and parking. According to the CAA car ownership is the second largest expense after housing for Canadians. On average, including depreciation, owning a vehicle in Canada costs approximately $9,500 annually. Many would argue that the convenience of having a car is well worth the price tag, yet car sharing services like Modo are a more cost-effective option for those times when you just really need a vehicle. Unlike traditional car rental companies, Modo bills by the hour or with a full day rate of $50 which is inclusive of gas, insurance and maintenance. With the flexibility to book on the fly, residents in our Novare, Glenmore Central and Lynncreek Apartments have added incentive with Modo car share services located right on site.
Central living maybe more costly rent wise but in a vibrant community close to major amenities, you have the luxury of living “car free” without the added stress and expense of owning a vehicle. “Car free” may become the new “carefree”, healthier approach to urban life.
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]]>The post Sub Metering appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>But first, what is sub-metering? Sub-metering is a way to measure gas, water, electricity, and/or other utilities in each apartment suite in a building. By installing these devices, residents have the ability to understand how much energy, water or gas they use. For anyone who has a passion for green-thumb initiatives, sub-metering is one of the most effective resource for apartment living!
Advantages of sub-metering include insight into real-time usage in your own apartment home and the ability to compare usage over time. With a sub metering device, you can see your usage and make informed decisions that optimize and conserve your use. Average electricity use is reduced by 27-34%* when sub-metering is used lessening our impact on the environment.
*https://www.reminetwork.com/articles/cut-energy-consumption-with-sub-metering/
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]]>The post Keeping your apartment warm (during the cold season) appeared first on Realstar Blog.
]]>First, make sure to close your windows, and cover any unsecured window panes that may be leaking air. In older apartments, it’s important to ensure your windows are fully closed, especially during the low negative weather. Although it can be good to have your window open during the mild winter days for fresh air, it’s recommended to close them at night so that you don’t wake up with a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Second, remember to keep your radiator clear of objects. It’s important keep large items away from your furnace to avoid heat being absorbed by your furniture. By clearing the area around your furnace, you are letting heat cover the surface area of your apartment – creating a warm and toasty home! Also, make sure to keep your furnace well cleaned; if your furnace is dirty, heat will be absorbed into dust particles. This will not only keep heat from escaping properly, but could also be a health risk!
Lastly, try baking something! Pies, soups and casseroles are all warm foods to eat during the winter season. This will help keep your apartment warm, as they bake on low temperatures for long periods of time! Therefore, the oven is another source of heat that will help keep you cozy throughout the cold months. Multiple batches of chocolate chip cookies work too!
The post Keeping your apartment warm (during the cold season) appeared first on Realstar Blog.
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