Friday 25 May 2012

Nova Scotia - climate change





Climate Change Nova Scotia:


Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average (e.g., more or fewer extreme weather events). Climate change may be limited to a specific region or may occur across the whole Earth.

Facts on climate:
  1. changing ocean temperatures will change the geographic distribution of fish stocks - affecting Atlantic Canada's fishing industry.
  2. Sable Island is extremely vulnerable - to rising sea levels.
  3. Rates of erosion can reach 10 meters per year in Atlantic Canada.
  4. Contraction of the Arctic ice cap is accelerating climate change - the earth loses its protective cooling layer, absorbs more sunlight and gets hotter.
  5. Hurricane Juan impacted Halifax to a much more severe degree than normal - warmer southern waters were a source of energy for the storm.
We can stop feeding the change by reducing greenhouse gases.
  • recycle waste products
  • reduce energy costs in homes with energy efficient windows and doors and adequately insulate the home
  • use energy efficient transportation (ie: electric automobiles / public transport)
  • reduce the usage of electricity in the home (take advantage of government programs)
  • use clean energy sources

    REDUCE THE CHANGE.
    LEAVE A BEAUTIFUL WORLD BEHIND FOR
    OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS
    LIVERPOOL --- ESCAPE FROM THE USUAL

Friday 18 May 2012

Hogweed in Nova Scotia

 The Nova Scotia government is tracking the giant hogweed on its website. The huge plant's sap can produce painful blisters and even blindness.



Hogweed,  Heracleum mantegazzianum, was first introduced into North America by early colonists. It is a fast growing plant that creates a beautiful hedge for instant privacy

"It's large, it's grand, it's very tropical looking."

Giant hogweed is a perennial member of the carrot family originally from Asia. It was introduced in Nova Scotia as an ornamental garden plant. This plant has the potential to readily spread from gardens along roadsides, ditches and streams invading native habitats. Giant hogweed closely resembles our native cow parsnip which is also a member of the carrot family. Its size makes it a distinctive plant, growing up to over 5 meters tall at maturity under ideal conditions. The white flowers, resembling those of Queen Anne’s Lace, form a largeumbrella shaped head, that can be 1 meter or more wide.

Health Concerns:

The clear watery sap of giant hogweed contains irritating sap that can cause severe dermatitis. Ultraviolet radiation activates compounds in the sap resulting in severe burns when exposed to the sun. Symptoms occur within 48 hours of contact and consist of painful blisters. Purplish scars may form, and can last for many years. Eye contact with the sap may cause temporary or permanent blindness.



First Aid Instructions:
* Wash the affected skin IMMEDIATELY and thoroughly with soap and water.
* Affected skin should be covered to avoid exposure to any sunlight for a MINIMUM of 48 hours, avoidance of any sun exposure within 48 hours of exposure lessens the severity.
* Ocular exposure: requires immediate and thorough (20 to 30 minutes) eye flushing with lukewarm water. A UV-absorbing wrap should be used around sunglasses for 24 hours after exposure to decrease the potential of ultra violet sunlight contacting the eye.
* Continued use of sunscreen is recommended for up to 6 months after exposure as a MINIMUM.
* Clothes, tools, and anything that contacted the plant sap should be washed, ensuring that they cannot spread further contamination


Giant hogweed can grow up to six metres high.




Escape from the usual........ 
WHERE GARDENS AND GARDENERS COME TO LIFE

Friday 11 May 2012

Nova Scotia - too good to waste


With regulations and a provincial strategy for managing solid waste, we're wasting less, recycling more and reaping the environmental, economic and social benefits.

The Nova Scotia Government is committed to maintaining a goal of 50% waste diversion and to reach a target for waste disposal of no more than 300 kilograms per person per year (kg/per/yr) by the year 2015.


By essentially turning waste from an unpleasant by-product of modern living into an exploitable resource, our waste management approach is positioning Nova Scotia among world leaders in environmental stewardship.

The Province of Nova Scotia has become a world leader at diverting valuable materials from disposal. Seizing the opportunity to turn waste into resources, the Province has created hundreds of jobs while protecting the natural beauty of Nova Scotia. We are investing in our people and our newest natural resource: solid waste.

Nova Scotia's recycle program includes controlling the following:  
  • compost disposal site for leaves, trees, grass and garden waste
  • construction and demolition debris disposal program
  • solid waste landfill with disposal bans on recyclable items
  • the program prohibits disposal of "substance" products which expel  sound, vibration, heat, radiation, or other form of energy,
  • division of recyclables which includes glass, metals, paper, cardboard and some plastics.
  • groundwater monitoring to protect ground and surface water sheds and air quality
Less waste means fewer and safer disposal sites, a cleaner environment and a stronger economy. Nova Scotia is moving into the next century with a sustainable vision and a will to ensure that our natural resources are protected and job opportunities are maximized for future generations.

Nova Scotia Environment :

Recycle today for a cleaner tomorrow
Liverpool ... escape from the usual

Friday 4 May 2012

Inexpensive Victorian Housing - Liverpool NS

If you are looking for a great place to retire or semi-retire, close to the sea, in a safe friendly neighbourhood, surrounded by historical homes, with arts and entertainment in the heart of town, miles of beaches all within a 5 minute drive, with some of the mildest winters that Canada offers and inexpensive Victorian and Colonial homes awaiting your arrival ........ then Liverpool, Nova Scotia is probably for you.

 There are countless opportunities for the semi-retired;  open a little boutique shop right on main street; or for the retiree - simply relax in our community with good old-fashioned lifestyle; take a book, sit by the sea or sit in the privacy of your own garden. People come to Liverpool from all over the world; some for holidays, some to enjoy their summer homes and others that visit and decide to stay; simply for a good life.

Liverpool is situated in the heart of the South Shore of Nova Scotia where tourists love to visit. It is a great location for enjoying day trips from your home to further explore this beautiful province.  This is the perfect region for the outdoors man or woman with activities year around to captivate your interest. 



If you are searching for property in Liverpool or in the surrounding area we have three real estate offices right in the heart of Liverpool to serve your needs.


                           Explore Nova Scotia http://www.explorenovascotia.com 


LIVERPOOL IS PERFECT FOR RETIREES OR SEMI-RETIREES