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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International Women's Day (IWD) is a globally recognized occasion that celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It's a day to acknowledge the progress made towards gender equality while also highlighting the challenges that still exist. Each year, on March 8th, people around the world come together to honour women's rights, advocate for gender parity, and promote women's empowerment.

Did you know?

The roots of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century when women started demanding better working conditions, suffrage, and equal rights. The first National Woman's Day was observed in the United States in 1909, following a declaration by the Socialist Party of America. The idea quickly gained traction, and in 1911, International Women's Day was established, with the first gathering held in several European countries.

How can you support International Women's Day?

1. Raise Awareness: Share information about International Women's Day on social media platforms, blogs, or in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues.
2. Support Women-Owned Businesses: Choose to patronize women-owned businesses or support organizations that promote economic opportunities for women.
3. Promote Inclusivity: Foster inclusivity and diversity in your personal and professional life by advocating for equal opportunities and representation for women from diverse backgrounds, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and marginalized communities.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to educate yourself about issues affecting women and girls, including gender-based violence, workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and intersectional feminism.

International Women's Day serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made in advancing gender equality and the work that remains to be done. It's a day to celebrate the achievements of women, acknowledge their resilience, and renew our commitment to building a more just and inclusive world for all. As we commemorate International Women's Day, let us stand together in solidarity, amplify women's voices, and strive towards a future where every woman and girl can thrive, free from discrimination and oppression.

#InspireInclusion #IWD2024 #InternationalWomensDay

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We are excited to announce that October 14th marks International E-Waste Day, a global initiative dedicated to responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste). As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, we invite you to join us in this important worldwide event.

Did you know?

According to the UN, 8 kg of e-waste per person will be produced worldwide in 2023. This means 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste is discarded within a year – more than the weight of the Great Wall of China!

What we are doing:

In 2022, Realstar launched a formal e-waste collection and recycling program across our properties, to minimize our environmental impact. Together, we diverted 1,267 pounds of e-waste from landfills, minimizing the harmful effects of e-waste on our planet. Going forward, we aim to continue this positive trend and achieve even greater results.

Here's how you can participate in E-Waste Day on October 14th:

1. Gather Your E-Waste: Start by identifying any old or unused electronic devices and accessories you no longer need. This can include old computers, laptops, cell phones, chargers, cables, and other electronic gadgets. Drop off any items at the designated e-waste bin at your building.
2. Be Mindful of Your Electronic Consumption: As you declutter your electronic devices, take a moment to reflect on your electronic consumption habits. Consider ways to reduce unnecessary electronic purchases and prolong the lifespan of your devices through proper care and maintenance.
3. Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, neighbours, and family members to participate in E-Waste Day as well.

We appreciate your continued support for our e-waste program, and together, we can make a significant difference on October 14th. Let's come together as a community to protect our environment and create a cleaner, greener future.

The post Join Us for International E-Waste Day on October 14th! appeared first on Realstar Blog.

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!

The post Dive into World Oceans Day: Make a Splash for Change! appeared first on Realstar Blog.

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Please join us in congratulating Realstar’s Darlene & Michael Scott, the dedicated on-site management team at Kensington Apartments in Brockville, ON – who were recently awarded a 2021 FRPO MAC Award for Resident Managers of the Year!

The Federation of Rental Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) virtually hosted its 2021 MAC Awards gala on Friday, December 3rd, to recognize excellence in Ontario’s vibrant rental housing industry. The awards highlight the important role that the industry members play in providing safe and secure housing across the province. The “MAC” awards showcase a commitment to high standards of service and those recognized for the award are seen as setting the bar high within their community. The MAC Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate well-deserved successes and recognize the hard work and dedication that individuals such as Darlene and Michael, make to the rental housing industry in Ontario.  

Darlene and Michael Scott have a combined 24 years of experience within the rental housing industry. They started with Realstar as Assistant Resident Managers in 2009 in Peterborough and earned their way to the roles of Resident Managers within 2 years.

This dedicated and dynamic duo have always been passionate about creating a sense of community for their residents. Darlene and Michael consistently go above and beyond as Resident Managers and take pride in everything that they do. From personalized cards to handpicked seasonal gifts, the team continues to ensure residents feel appreciated throughout the year.

Thank you, Darlene and Michael for making Kensington Apartments an exceptional place to call home. Realstar’s values and commitment to providing safe and clean homes for our residents could not be done without you and we are grateful for all your dedication and hard work!

We would also like to extend a heart felt congratulations to fellow winner, Rose S., Resident Manager at 80 Cosburn Ave. managed by Greenwin.

The post Realstar Wins: FRPO MAC Award for Resident Manager(s) of the Year 2021! appeared first on Realstar Blog.

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!

#EarthDay2021

The post Earth Day 2021: How to Care, Share and Beware this April 22 and Beyond appeared first on Realstar Blog.