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Your Home Advertising Feature Energy-efficient upgrades for your home and life We could all stand to do a little more to fight climate change and help the environment. From how we do laun- dry to what we consider when buying something new, there are big and small ways you can make a difference. Here are just a few: Weatherproof your home Did you know that the average home loses 30 per cent of its heat from air leakage? By taking the time to inspect and repair cracks and openings in your home's walls, windows and doorframes, you can stop heated (or cooled) air from escaping. This means your furnace or air conditioner won't have to work as hard, resulting in lower utility bills and emissions. Modernize your ride For your next purchase, consider a hybrid - a smart, energy-efficient move for your wallet and the planet. With no need to ever charge it - or worry about how far you can drive - a hybrid is a convenient, practical and economical way to reduce your carbon footprint every day. Much more fuel efficient than a regular gas vehicle, a hybrid can save you about 30 per cent on gas every month - and that means 30 per cent fewer emissions. Plus, hybrid cars and SUVs from companies like Toyota are now more af- fordable than ever, with prices only a couple thousand dollars more the gas versions. Switch up your bad habits Think about your daily and weekly behaviours, and what you can easily change to protect the environment. For example, try air-drying your clothes and turning off your lights and TV when you're not in the room. If you have a home office, avoid using a screensaver (use sleep mode instead) and turn off your printer and other devices when not in use. Make eco-friendly purchases Whether you're shopping online or in person, be mind- ful about your carbon footprint. Spending a bit extra on LED lightbulbs, energy-efficient appliances and a pro- grammable thermostat can make a big difference over time, both to your wallet and the planet. And don't forget regular maintenance on your heating and cooling sys- tems, to make sure they're operating at peak efficiency. (NC) How to spot and remove mould around the house Mould can grow out of microscopic spores floating in the air and thrives in humid environments and mild tem- peratures. If left untreated, it can cause structural dam- age to your home and a number of health issues including headaches, coughs and respiratory problems. To avoid these issues, it's important to learn how to spot mould and eliminate it right away. The most common indicators of mould are black or dark green stains on walls, ceilings and other surfaces, white or discoloured spots on walls, peeling or cracked paint or wallpaper and a musty odour. If the contaminated area is small, you can clean it your- self. Wear protective gloves, glasses and a mask and use an all-purpose cleaner or diluted bleach to thoroughly wash away the mould. If it reappears after this treatment, it means that the affected area is larger than you first thought or that the fungus is multiplying. In this case, it's best to hire a mould remediation specialist to remove it completely. (NPT) in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, Ju ne 4, 20 20 | 22 www.concretetrimmings.com CONCRETE FREE ESTIMATES 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 uality At Its Best! Call Fernando 1-888-944-5518 www 1-888-944-5518 • DRIVEWAYS • FRENCH CURBS • PATIOS • STEPS • WALKWAYS • GARAGE FLOORS ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) Overhead Door Co. of Hamilton-Burlington™