Living Green in Downtown Toronto

[Dexter Reiss]

Hi I'm Dex... this is my first post so go easy on me.

I found this forum a few days ago, and I'm just wondering if anyone has any tips for living green in an urban environment.

I'm a condo dweller, so I don't have a yard... but I do have a large balcony that gets plenty of sun and wind. I own the condo, and it's in a fairly new building I guess I'm just wondering if there is any way for me to effectively use a small solar panel or wind turbine to power at least something in my home? Or is this nearly impossible in a building like mine?

Basically, do I have to own a house to even attempt this kind of thing?

:cry:

[Ben Colla]

It depends on what you want to achieve.

But even then, first up Wind won't do anything much at all for you. You need a lot of wide open space for wind to do anything.

If you want to achieve as reasonable amount of power generation you're going to need to go solar panels. But you do need some space for them, if you don't have that, you are kind of stuffed. You might be able to hang out a single 200w panel, but it won't make any noticable difference. Cheaper to turn off a light.

Your best bet is to replace your lights with more energy efficient ones. ie, if you have halogen downlights, replace them with LED lights. If you have an 15 year old fridge, replace it with a new energy efficient unit. If you use an electric blanket, turn it off. Ditch the old CRT TV for a efficient LCD.

On the other hand, if you just want to achieve a feel good factor, and the apperence of doing something, go nuts. Just be aware you'll spend money for no real return or power generation.

[Rob Beckers]

Hi Dex,

Welcome to the forum!
Would the condo association be interested in putting solar PV on the roof? With Ontario's MicroFIT program they could both "be green" and make some money at the same time.

Sticking a small wind turbine on your balcony won't do you any good. Not for energy production at least. If you want to build something yourself and use it as a learning tool then it's a great idea!

A green life style is not only about energy, there are many other areas where you can help the planet: Composting (or separating compostable waste, now mandatory here in Ottawa). Social activism to preserver what we have left. Educating others on energy savings, such as replacing bulbs with CFLs...

-RoB-

[Dave Turpin]

Do you have a south-facing balcony?

[Dexter Reiss]

Do you have a south-facing balcony?

I do face south, yes.

[Dave Turpin]

Then, at least if you hung PVs off your balcony they would get sunlight.