Jesse Fleming in Urban Issues.
Gracing garbage bins throughout the city are signs advertising Toronto’s Toilet Replacement Program.
Washing machines have also become appliances of interest when considering water consumption. According to a City of Toronto study, multi-unit machines can cost upwards of $860 per year for each traditional top-loading machine. A $100 incentive is being offered to property owners and managers of any multi-washing machine location who revamp their laundry facilities and install high efficiency, front-loading machines. This cash back program applies to each washing machine replaced in locations such as apartment buildings with common laundry areas, laundromats, health clubs and salons (a full list of who is eligible can be found here). A similar program is offered to residential home owners with a rebate of $60 for replacement of their old washing machines.
Unlike the Refrigerator Round-Up (where Toronto Hydro hauls away your old fridges) the onus is placed upon the owner to replace and get rid of their toilets and washers then apply for the incentive. With the proposed 9% water rate hike for 2009, smaller, common sense changes can be applied to decrease your water intake (and utility bill) until larger plans can come into fruition. Placing a pint jar full of coins in your toiler tank reduces water with every flush and reducing shower times can add up to notable savings and water conservation.
Jesse Fleming is a freelance writer based in Toronto. Email Jesse
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Photo Credits:
www.terradaily.com
www.edgartoilet.blogspot.com/2007/12/toilet-toss.html