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

The post World Environment Day 2025 appeared first on Realstar Blog.

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

The post International Women’s Day 2024: #InspireInclusion 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/

The post Ensuring the Future of Rental Housing in Canada appeared first on Realstar Blog.

The post A Healthy Planet Starts At Home 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.

Realstar Announces New Features to Ensure a Safe Rental Experience – Touch Free Leasing

The health and safety of our residents, employees and future residents has always been our priority; especially as we all navigate through COVID-19. For over 45 years, Realstar has been helping Canadians coast-to-coast find and enjoy their perfect apartment home. While many aspects of daily living have changed in recent months; Realstar’s commitment to providing safe and well-maintained homes for residents to enjoy remains in place. We have adjusted our rental process to offer a safe and convenient experience without the need to meet in-person.  We call it touch free leasing.  

1. Discover your new home on Realstar.ca

Realstar.ca is the perfect place to begin your new apartment home search, with over 160 properties across Canada and all the essential information needed to help narrow your search. Each community has a website that includes photo galleries and floor plans pages with pricing and availability so you can select your ideal layout!

Many properties also offer a 3D tour where you can virtually experience a model suite. Not sure the community is a fit for you? Each property site also features a Nearby Property section where you can explore additional Realstar communities close by.

2. Virtually Tour with Us

See something you like? Our professional on-site management teams are here to help! We would be delighted to offer a more personal one-on-one virtual tour where you can see your new home and ask any questions. You can book your private virtual tour using the online ‘Book a Tour’* scheduler or via phone or email.  We will send you a link to connect directly via video conferencing tools such as Zoom, Tour.Rentals or FaceTime/Skype.   

3. We’ll Send the Details

We want you to feel comfortable while virtually touring with us and recognize the details could be a lot to take in. After your tour, we can send you a customized email outlining the property, the toured apartment, rental fees, amenity spaces and the next steps towards completing an application.

4. Complete an application and pay your Last Month Rent (LMR)/Security Deposit(SD)* online

If you liked what you see and are interested in joining the community, our team will ensure you have everything you need to submit an application online from the comfort of your home. Once your application is approved you will be able to provide digital payment towards your LMR or SD*.
* depending on property and your province of residence.

5. Digitally Sign and Return Your Lease

You’re almost there! We will send you a link inviting you to digitally sign your lease via RentCafe or Docu-Sign*. From the convenience and security of your own home, you can read, sign and return your new apartment home lease.
* depending on property and your province of residence.

6. Touch Free Move-Ins

Welcome home! Prior to picking up your keys via a contactless delivery system, our on-site team will reach out via video conference to welcome and walk you through the move-in details (ex. booking the elevator for private use and arranging any moving room(s). We are pleased to offer a video conference suite inspection or provide you with a form to sign and submit digitally. Your welcome package and our contact information will be waiting for you when you arrive.

7. Your Best Move Starts Here!

At Realstar, you can expect unparalleled customer service that exceeds sure to exceed expectations of what a perfect home can be. Guaranteed.

The post Realstar Announces New Features to Ensure a Safe Rental Experience – Touch Free Leasing appeared first on Realstar Blog.

April 22, 2020 marks the world’s 50^th 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!

The post EARTH DAY ISN’T JUST ANOTHER DAY – 50TH ANNIVERSARY appeared first on Realstar Blog.

1. Changes to Resident Services/Rental Office
   • Our commitment to unparalleled customer service and 24/7 on-site management remains in place. In light of the evolving COVID-19 situation you may experience modified set-ups. This varies across our communities and may include:
     • Office remain open with the doors locked and on-site staff ready to help via phone and email.
     • In some cases, temporary office closure or reduced office hours.
   • As always, your on-site management teams remain accessible via telephone or email and will do their best to accommodate all inquiries and requests within a reasonable timeframe. 

2. Maintenance Requests: Emergency In-Suite Maintenance Only
   • To further protect the safety of residents and employees, at this time Realstar will complete emergency in-suite maintenance only. This will help minimize the spread of the virus by reducing staff (and external contractors) entering residents’ homes.
   • Before conducting maintenance within your home, Realstar staff will ask if you have recently traveled anywhere, including by vehicle within Canada, been in close contact with someone who has a probable or confirmed case or if anyone in your household feels unwell. This will help the on-site team determine the best course of action for your safety and employees.
   • Emergency maintenance include items such as:
     • Lack of heat
     • Essential appliance failure (e.g. fridge not working)
     • Flooding
   • Did you know: You can submit maintenance requests online through the Realstar Resident Portal or App. 

3. Online: Realstar Resident Portal & App
   • The Realstar Resident Portal is an apartment rental living service offering one stop convenience for your needs 24/7.
   • Payments: From the comfort of your own home you can make quick, safe and secure payments directly from a bank account or credit card.
     • Note: Realstar acknowledges this unprecedented and evolving time may have strained residents’ resources. As such, we will be covering all 1.75% credit card processing fees charged by our service provider until further notice.
   • Maintenance: Submit maintenance requests online.
     • To help the team assess your Maintenance request, be sure to upload a photo.  
   • Accessing your account?
     • Download the Realstar Resident Portal App or login online via Realstar.ca
   • Need an account?
     • Email or phone your property and request your personal invite

4. Increased Cleaning & Sanitation
   • As we focus our effort to minimize the spread, we have increased cleaning and sanitation efforts throughout all high traffic areas including lobbies, laundry facilities and elevators.
   • Similarly, we encourage all residents to wash their hands often, especially before leaving and upon returning to their homes; this includes use of the elevators and laundry facilities.

5. Amenity Spaces Closure
   • To minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to comply with physical distancing recommendations, Realstar has made the decision to temporarily close all non-essential amenity spaces, including gyms, pools, social lounges and alike until further notice.
   • Realstar recognizes the inconvenience, but know this decision was made with the safety of you and the community in mind. Doing so enables on-site teams to focus on additional cleaning and sanitation of high traffic areas.

6. Three’s A Crowd: Elevator Etiquette, Laundry Rooms & Mail Boxes
   • Elevators:
     • When using elevator, respect the 2-3-person limitation as these are close quarters and otherwise difficult to maintain the recommended 2m distance for physical isolation. Other suggestions include:
       • Face the elevator walls
       • Wait for the next elevator  
       • Where possible, take the stairs. 
   • Laundry Facilities
     • When using the common laundry facilities, keep the recommended 6-foot physical distance from other residents.
     • Don’t wait for your wash/dry cycles to complete. Set a timer and come back to the laundry room to collect your belongings to allow other residents to use the machine(s).
     • Don’t touch another resident’s belongings.
     • Avoid using the laundry facilities if you feel unwell or are sick.
   • Mail Boxes:
     • When collecting your mail, keep the recommended 6-foot physical distance from other residents.
     • Canada Post requests all residents give their employees space and avoid opening the door or greeting them when they are filling the mailbox.
   • As always, avoid touching your face while using common areas such as lobbies, laundry facilities, elevators and mailboxes and immediately wash your hands upon return to your apartment.

7. Avoid Inviting People Over & Deliveries
   • We request all residents to comply with the recommendation to self-isolate and only leave your homes when absolutely necessary. This extends to inviting others into your home and community for the time being. Limit any visitors to essential care only.
   • This request also extends to food delivery and courier services. To comply with safety protocols and to protect you and the community, we ask residents making use of these services to meet them downstairs and outside the lobby entrances.

8. Neighbours
   • You may wish to help your neighbours such as assisting with grocery pick-up or other essential shopping. This is a great way to help each other and minimize the number of people going out in the public. If doing so, we suggest making arrangements via phone or email.
   • If you are checking up your neighbour(s) or delivering anything to them, keep the recommended 6-foot physical distance.  

9. Pets 
   • Health Canada advises there is no evidence to suggest that household pet(s) can spread COVID-19.
   • We request anyone who is self-isolating after returning home from travel or having come in contact with someone with COVID-19 not take their pets for walks and make arrangements for another family member to look after them.
   • We encourage all residents to avoid touching any pets that do not belong to them.

10. Garbage / Recycling
    • Garbage and waste management will continue as normal. We have increased cleaning and sanitation efforts throughout all high traffic areas including taking extra steps to wipe down waste chute handles where applicable.
    • We request anyone who is self-isolating after returning home from travel or having come in contact with someone with COVID-19 contact the rental office via phone or email to discuss a household waste management solution for your apartment.
    • We encourage all residents to wash their hands often, especially before leaving and upon returning to their homes; this includes using garbage and recycling chutes and bins.

11. Open Communication
    • It is our objective to keep residents informed with up-to-date information as the situation continues to unfold. We appreciate these are challenging times, and as always, we want residents to know we are here for them. We will continue to share updates as they are available.
    • Please reach out to your on-site management team if you are experiencing any issues adhering to these guidelines.

12. Government Health Resources
    • We encourage residents to follow Health Canada guidelines for COVID-19, including planning activities, assistance, travel and stocking up on essentials. Additional information is provided via the following links:
      • Updates: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
      • Being Prepared: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html
      • Benefits & Services: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html

13. Government Financial Assistance Programs
14. • Canada wide: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html#cerb
    • Ontario: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/
    • BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
    • Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/situation-coronavirus-quebec/  (or in English: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/situation-coronavirus-in-quebec/#c47907)
    • Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx
    • Saskatchewan: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-for-businesses-and-workers/support-for-workers
    • Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/#support

Realstar has established a pandemic committee dedicated to actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation, related impacts and developments while delivering direction towards next steps. With over 45 years of experience in helping Canadians coast-to-coast find and enjoy their homes, Realstar remains dedicated to our ability to operate effectively while maintaining customer service. It is with the resolve of our team and communities alike that we will navigate through these changing times. Together we can reduce the spread of the COVID-19 and flatten the curve.

The post COVID-19: Resources and Conveniences for Residents appeared first on Realstar Blog.

As we all work together to reduce the spread and flatten the curve, the Covid-19 pandemic has left many Canadians facing uncertain times and even economic hardship. There are various government programs that may be able to assist residents financially. Below are links to various federal and provincial programs.

• Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html#cerb
• Canada Economic Response: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html 
• Canada Economic Response Plan and Support for Canadian Businesses: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html
• Canada COVID-19 Income Sources (EI, CPP, and OAS, Child Benefits & Student Loans): https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
• Ontario: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/
• BC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
• Quebec: https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/situation-coronavirus-quebec/  (or in English: https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/situation-coronavirus-in-quebec/#c47907)
• Alberta: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx
• Saskatchewan: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-for-businesses-and-workers/support-for-workers
• Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/#support

These and other programs will help to offset the financial strain that some residents may be facing. If these measures are not sufficient and you are struggling financially due to the economic impact of COVID-19, please contact your Resident Manager. 

Lets all do our part. If you haven’t experienced significant financial hardship directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should pay your rent. This will help ensure assistance is available to those residents who really need it. 

The post COVID-19: Government Programs offering Financial Assistance appeared first on Realstar Blog.

Insurance – one of the world’s longest, most complicated business. At a time where most everything is becoming increasingly complicated; insurance is no exception. Life insurance, health insurance, auto insurance, it seems like there is an insurance for everything – your home included. It can be difficult to justify the additional spend on something so apparently intangible, but it is important to consider the monumental benefits that a nominal monthly or annual fee can provide.  

Although you can not hold it, and the premiums may leave you questioning what you get in return, tenant insurance is something that you may one day reap the benefits of. No one anticipates or truly plans for disaster, and even the most prepared can be left scrambling when faced with it. How can tenant insurance help? It’s important to know the facts:
 

What is Tenant Insurance and Why Do I Need It?

You may not own your home, but you eat, sleep and spend a large amount of time there. Chances are you have filled it with items you are likely very fond of. In the event that something happens to the property or your apartment, it is important to know your landlord’s insurance only cover the property. A tenant’s personal belongings are not included within a landlord’s coverage and it is up to the tenant to ensure they are covered. Without tenant insurance, you could be paying a large amount of money out of pocket for items lost to theft, property damage or living expenses while your apartment or the building is fixed.
 

What does Tenant Insurance Cover?
While there is a seemingly limitless array of plans and coverage out there, it is important to note the basics. Most tenant insurance will cover “your stuff” but others may include added benefit of liability and living expenses.

Contents
Chances are you are attached to the items you have filled your home with. The furniture, clothing and electronics that you have spent many a paycheck acquiring could financially be irreplaceable if all were lost at once. Beyond the losses within the boundaries of your home, tenant insurance can often include theft from your car, or loss of a valuable while on vacation.

Liability
Just because you don’t own your home doesn’t mean you aren’t responsible for any damages or accidents that may happen within it. Should someone – be it a neighbour, a friend or a family member visiting your home and injured themselves, you could be the lucky recipient of a lawsuit. Or if you are found to have caused a fire or flood that spread to neighbouring unit(s), you would be liable to pay out of pocket to repair those damages. Tenant insurance that includes liability coverage can help cover these costs.

Living Expenses
Just as most car insurance covers a replacement vehicle if your car requires repairs after an accident, some tenant insurance will provide a similar arrangement for temporary shelter should you find yourself displaced from your home. If you are a single person, it may be easy to couch surf until your place is made livable again, but the same may not hold true for a family of four. This could include staying in a hotel, eating out at restaurants and even moving expenses.

Realstar Resident Exclusive Tenant Insurance Offering  
It is never easy to anticipate the unexpected, but it is simple to prepare for it with the peace of mind provided through tenant insurance. If you were to add up the cost of replacing every item in your home should it be lost and compare that against the annual fee for tenant insurance, you will likely find it’s worth the investment – even across several years.

We value our residents and as such, all Realstar residents have access to a preferred rate for tenant insurance that costs less than $0.50 a day!  Are you a Realstar resident, protect yourself from the unexpected, purchase your tenant insurance today!

The post Better Safe Than Sorry – The Benefits of Tenant Insurance appeared first on Realstar Blog.