“I guess so” he replies as a smile slowly forms across his face.
He’s not a horticultrist; he’s actually a former high school English and Woodshop teacher from Laval, Quebec, working as the Building Manager at 401 Richmond. The rooftop garden started in 1995 with one potted plant. Today, it’s an urban oasis for visitors and tenants. Adam Vaughan, Ward 20 city councilor, refers to 401 Richmond as his favourite place in a recent Toronto Star article. It’s full of artists, galleries, shops and a cafe, and of course, Mike’s green rooftop.
Green in the city at 401 Richmond
On January 31, 2010, 15 years after Mike started green roofing, The City of Toronto implemented North America’s first municipally mandated green roof policy (www.toronto.ca/greenroofs). A year later, several Toronto initiatives are worth mentioning; The City Hall Podium (Toronto’s largest publically accessed geen roof), Hugh Garner Housing Co-operation in Cabbagetown (largest residential green roof in Canada), and a commerical office space at Sheppard and Allen (greenest office in the GTA).
The Everyday Heroes Festival (April 15-24) is helping raise environmental awareness through short videos highlighting different ways we can all make a difference. You can watch them on hundreds of Onestop’s screens in the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) or visit the website www.everydayheroesfestival.com and vote for your favourite until April 24.
This afternoon we visit The Green Living Show (www.greenlivingonline.com/torontoshow) at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. Our mission today is to prove Kermit the Frog WRONG. We’re hoping things have changed over the years and that now it’s EASY to be green. It doesn’t take long to see the perks of developing environmentally friendly habits.
How about free valet bike parking?
Bike valet parking
Did you take public transit? Well, check out the three-wheeled assistance back and forth from the show to the station, by Eco Cabs.
Grab the green shuttle
Our two outdated cell phones grant us FREE admission (regular $15.00 each) thanks to an initiative to recycle electronic waste at the shows.
Huh? Perhaps our green friend needs to change his tune.
A few businesses caught our attention today. Nicole and Crystal of Nutrition for your Condition (www.nutritionforyourcondition.com) sell lunch bags made from durable BPA/lead-free fabric with PEVA liners. Totally COOL looking too. Best brown bag EVER and just released in 2010. They also sell cooking allergy kits.
Next to impress us, the Insect Defend Patch (http://insectdefendpatch.com). This all natural product protects you from blood-sucking insects for up to 36-hours. James and Ron enjoy telling us about their experience on Dragon’s Den, where they made the biggest deal in the shows history.
The highlight of Jim’s day came with the opportunity to test drive the Nissan Leaf (www.nissan.ca/LEAF). Apparently, this is the first chance the public has had to do this. No tail pipe, 100% electric, plug it in to a 240 volt outlet for 7-8 hours to fully charge the battery, at a cost of $1.50 (off peak hours) and $2.50 (peak hours). The car is made from 99% recyclable material and available in 5 colours. The seats are upholstered in fabric made from recycled water bottles.
Relax Jim, the test drive Leaf car is outside.
Matthew and Christina from the Nissan booth advise us that orders for the car will start in July (online only) with a delivery date of October – November. The cars are eligible for an incentive up to $8,500 under the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/electric/electric-vehicles.shtml).
I hope that our co-pilot, Stephanie, recovers fully after Jim startles her by testing the torque of the Leaf, right off the line. It did as promised. I actually thought we were about to take off in a plane! (Sorry Steph.)
Green plate = HOV lane until June 30, 2015
The evening closes with The City of Toronto’s Environmental Awards of Excellence and a performance by Alyssa Reid.
Alyssa singing Alone Again - part 2
Kermit, it’s time to rethink the lyrics of your song. Perhaps “It’s easy to be green” in 2011. I hope that everyone lives the greenest life they can!
Kermit - the original green guy
