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By Pamela LeBlanc, statesman.com, Nov. 22, 2009
VAIL, Colo. — Worms that eat coffee grounds. Old motor oil that heats workshops. Patio furniture made of recycled milk jugs.
Colorado ski resorts are going beyond standard recycling in an effort to green up their industry — and lure skiers and snowboarders concerned about the impact their sport is having on the mountains they love.
Sometimes it's hard to reconcile our ski-loving, traveling side with the side that cringes at the environmental effect of all those people on the snowy slopes and the travel we do to get there. On one hand, you're gliding past pristine, snow-frosted pines, sucking crisp mountain air into your lungs and bursting with love for the outdoors. Then you sit down for an hour at an on-mountain restaurant and watch heaps of napkins, disposable silverware and plastic cups get tossed in the garbage can.
Click here to read the full article
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Resorts work to reduce waste, increase recycling
What's on the horizon for eco-friendly products?
By Heidi Thorne, The Business Ledger, Nov. 21, 2009
The eco-friendly product world continues to evolve. Since staying on top of what’s happening in this arena is critical for my business, I thought I’d share with you some of the trends that I see emerging:
Plastics that safely degrade/biodegrade
Since petroleum-based plastics can have life spans that run into millennia, I think we will see a preference for degradable and biodegradable products that don’t add to the billions of tons of waste plastic already in existence.
You might ask why we can’t just recycle all that plastic. The answer is that we can, but the levels of participation in recycling are still very low.
Let’s take plastic bags for example. The Worldwatch Institute reports that each year Americans “throw away” about 100 billion plastic bags; only 0.6 percent is recycled.
Click here to read the full article
Ban on plastic bags now gets thicker
By DNA Correspondent, DNA, Nov. 20, 2009
Gandhinagar, India: Following the Union ministry of forest & environment's new guidelines, the state government is likely to publish a notification banning manufacturing and use of 40 micron and 12x18 inches plastic bags. Plastic bags of 20 micron have already been banned.
State government sources said that non-recyclable laminated plastic/metallic pouches, multilayered packaging, and other non-recyclable plastic too would be prohibited.
Biodegradable plastic bags or containers or pouches or multilayered packaging made from biodegradable plastic films will have to meet BIS specifications. Under the newnorms, each carry bag will have to carry either 'Virgin Plastic' or 'recycled plastic' or 'bio-degradable plastic' markings. Manufactures will be required to print their name and address on the plastic carry bag."
Sources further said that the government may also ban use of plastic in eco fragile, tourist spots and in public places among many other sensitive areas. State chief secretary, D Rajagopalan has asked state forest & environment department to stringently follow the central government order.
Emarat uses only Biodegradable Plastic bags in all its Service Stations
Al Bawaba, Nov. 19, 2009
Emirates General Petroleum Corporation "Emarat" is using eco-friendly biodegradable plastic bags in all its service stations in Dubai and Northern Emirates reaffirming the Corporation's commitment towards the environment's safety and green standards.
Mr. Hussain Kazim, Manager Corporate Communications at Emarat, said that the Corporation is well aware of the risks imposed by use of regular indecomposable plastic bags on the environment. He said “Emarat stands committed to taking strict measures to ensure that we play a responsible and active role in the local community to reduce such waste. Biodegradable bags have been designed to protect the environment as they decompose once exposed to sunlight or buried underground.“
To further this positive initiative Emarat has instructed all its sites not to give out shopping bags on purchases of small items but only on major purchases or when requested by the customer.
He urged others in the region to follow suit emphasizing that a collective effort from all retailers will have a sizeable impact on protecting the tomorrow of our children!
BASF's biodegradable plastic: from paper cups to packaging
The German company says its new products made of renewable raw materials are expected to be introduced to the market in the first quarter of 2010.
by Lisa Sibley, Cleantech Group, Nov. 13, 2009
The world's leading chemical company BASF said it has added a new biodegradable plastic to its existing Ecovio product line.
The Ludwigshafen, Germany-based (ETR:BAS) company said the plastic has specific applications in coating paper and for manufacturing so-called shrink films, which are used to wrap packaged goods. The products have been branded as Ecovio FS Paper and Ecovio FS Shrink Film.
“In order to obtain effective paper coatings, a film made of the new Ecovio FS Paper has to be easy to process and exhibit good adhesion to the paper, even when applied in thin layers. Such coatings are used, for example, on paper cups or cardboard boxes,” said BASF’s Gabriel Skupin, in a news release. Skupin heads the company’s technical product development for biodegradable plastics.
The products mark a company effort to be more specialized with its offerings for specific market segments. The plastic—made of biodegradable polyester and polylactic acid extracted from corn starch—also biodegrades more rapidly than its predecessors and has a higher content of renewable raw materials, BASF said.
Click here to read the full article
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Where To Take Thanksgiving Cooking Oil?
The green way to dispose of used cooking oil
Charlotte Energy Solutions, is accepting used cooking oil for recycling purposes.
Drop it off at our location day or night.
337 Baldwin Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 333-4358 or mark@charlotteenergysolutions.com
Thinking of making fried turkey this Thanksgiving? Thousands of Charlotteans do each year and some would argue it's the only way to go, but clean-up can be troublesome. Luckily, there are many options for how to dispose of the remaining cooking oil.
Cooking oils can usually be used multiple times when used for deep-frying. Simply strain the left-over oil to remove any batter pieces or other debris, place the oil in a clean, sealable plastic container and use it again.
Small amounts of cooking oil can also be combined with organic materials for composting, or soaked into shredded paper and discarded in the trash.
With 3 to 5 gallons of cooking oil, however, it isn't practical to simply toss it into the trash -- and forget about pouring it down the drain!
Cooking oil and grease poured down drains can build up in pipes causing backups at home, in municipal water systems, and wreak havoc on sewage treatment. Dumping into a storm drain is even worse, because all that grime will flow directly into lakes, rivers and oceans and pollute natural habitats.
Instead, large quantities of oil can be recycled and turned into other products -- including biodiesel fuel.
We are centrally located near downtown Charlotte between the two hospitals at
Charlotte Energy Solutions
337 Baldwin Ave,
Charlotte, NC 28204
(704) 333-4358
mark@charlotteenergysolutions.com
www.CharlotteEnergySolutions.com
Carolina Green FoodService Supply - Biodegradable, compostable, & sustainable foodservice packaging & restaurant supplies.
http://carolinagreensupply.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
FTC cracking down on bamboo claims
New publication helps retailers, suppliers follow guidelines
Home Textiles Today, Aug. 17, 2009
New York – The Home Fashion Products Association has issued an alert about the Federal Trade Commission charging suppliers with deceptive labeling and advertising over the use of the word “bamboo.”
The FTC has charged four sellers of clothing and other textiles products for claiming bamboo construction on products manufactured from rayon. The complaints also charge the companies with making false and unsubstantiated “green” claims that the products are manufactured using an environmentally friendly process, that they retain the natural antimicrobial properties of the bamboo plant, and that they are biodegradable.
“It is a violation of the FTC textile labeling rules to identify a fabric as simply 100% bamboo or 100% bamboo rayon. Bamboo is not a generic fiber,” wrote Robert Leo of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury, the association’s counsel.
Rayon is the generic name for a fiber made from cellulose such as pine, spruce, hemlock or bamboo.
Click here to read the full article
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Sprint rolls out eco-friendly phone
By STEVE ROSEN, The Kansas City Star, Aug. 6, 2009
Reduce, reuse, redial.
Maybe that could be Sprint Nextel’s marketing campaign for a new “eco-conscious” cell phone rolled out Thursday. It’s made partly from corn.
The Samsung Reclaim, according to Sprint, is constructed with 80 percent recyclable materials, the highest in the industry. The outer packaging is made from 70 percent recycled materials. Printed materials, including the warranty information, use soy-based ink.
Several manufacturers have made “green” phones, but they have generally been bare-bones devices, such as the Motorola Renew carried by T-Mobile USA. But the Reclaim offers e-mail, texting, camera options, even a keyboard button that takes users to green-themed Web content.
Click here to read the full article
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Also see:
Sprint, Samsung Launch Biodegradable Phone Made of Corn
PrimeWare Introduces New Product to Industry!
by Lauren Koch, PrimeWare Press Release, June 6, 2009
Azusa, Ca – PrimeWare has just recently introduced its newest product, PLA (polylactic acid) lined hinged lid containers. PrimeWare’s addition of PLA lining to bagasse hinged lid containers is the first of its kind on the market. PLA lining is so revolutionary because it puts to rest many people’s issues with extremely hot foods or heavy sauces in bagasse containers. The PLA lining on bagasse creates not only a complete moisture barrier, but also a total grease barrier.
PrimeWare’s sales manager Sarah Kritscher says, “We have had great feedback about our new PLA-lined containers which were introduced at the National Restaurant Show...
Numerous large distributors and restaurants came to see the introduction of this new product and were impressed. Many of the companies placing hot food in bagasse containers have previously received complaints from customers who bring their food home to find soft containers with moisture on the bottom. The PLA-lining keeps all of the Eco-Friendly components while adding an extra layer for strength and protection, virtually eliminating all prior issues. Bagasse is an affordable alternative to Styrofoam and has now become an option for basically all type of food, hot or cold.”
Regular “plastic-looking” PLA containers don’t hold up well to heat. The PLA lining on a bagasse container is much more heat resistant because the PLA sheet is very thin and is, in essence, “melted” onto the container. The PLA lining is made from cornstarch, which is biodegradable and compostable, keeping the Eco-Friendly properties of PrimeWare's entire line.
The rest of PrimeWare's line includes: "un-lined" hinged lid containers, plates, bowls, platters, trays, cup carriers, and utility trays.
The video posted here is an example of a restaurant, "The Lunchbox" in Knoxville, TN, who has chosen to "go green". The video shows why they made the decision and the advantages they see of using "green" tableware over Styrofoam. Check out the article here.
Governor Perdue Announces Reforms to Strengthen Green Economy
Office Of Bev Perdue, Press Release, May 21, 2009
Governor Bev Perdue today announced her energy reform package to attract businesses, create jobs and promote a strong and sustainable green economy in North Carolina. She made the announcement at the SAS Solar Farm in Cary, which provides solar-generated power to Progress Energy.
“Developing our green economy is a cornerstone of my vision for North Carolina’s economic future,” Gov. Perdue said. “Creating green jobs and businesses is a key part of my JobsNOW initiative, and the energy reforms I am implementing will lay the foundation for North Carolina to lead the nation in green energy.”
Gov. Perdue’s energy plan refocuses state energy policymaking, makes strategic investments in North Carolina’s green economy and increases green-collar workforce development.
“The state that gets green right will own the next 50 years,” Gov. Perdue said. “I intend for North Carolina to be that state.”
Governor Perdue’s energy plan:* Relocate the State Energy Office and state weatherization program to the Department of Commerce: The weatherization program will be transferred to the State Energy Office from the Department of Health and Human Services. The State Energy Office will be transferred to the Department of Commerce from the Department of Administration, and will be led by a new energy advisor. Establishing the Department of Commerce as the home for state energy policy will improve coordination across programs to deliver these services more efficiently and effectively.
* Reinvigorate the Energy Policy Council: The plan reduces the number of council members and improves representation for environmental groups, alternative energy producers and energy services specialists. The council will work with the State Energy Office and the energy advisor to help create a comprehensive energy policy that encompasses renewable energy and energy efficiency and that uses existing energy assets wisely.
* Establish an Energy Investment Revolving Loan Fund: With $18 million in federal recovery monies, this innovative fund will provide low- and no-interest loans to finance energy-saving projects at businesses, local governments, non-profits, state agencies, community colleges, universities and public schools. The loans will be awarded for up to $1 million. The fund will extend the scope of federal recovery funds and will ensure that these funds continue to support the state’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency well into the future.
* Expand the Green Business Fund: $10 million in federal recovery funds will be used to expand the Green Business Fund, which Gov. Perdue led the drive to create in 2007. The fund awards competitive grants to North Carolina businesses and organizations with innovative projects in biofuels, green construction, environmentally friendly technology and renewable energy products.
* Grow North Carolina’s green workforce: Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative will provide green-collar jobs training and retraining in community colleges. As part of JobsNOW, the governor will use nearly $7 million in federal recovery funds to develop a program in universities, community colleges and workforce agencies that will meet the training and workforce needs of the emerging green economy.
* Invest federal recovery monies for other energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in small businesses, communities and homes across North Carolina: Other investments using federal recovery funds include $12 million to support energy savings and renewable energy initiatives in small businesses and industries, $58 million for energy and efficiency block grants to cities, counties and tribes, and $12 million for energy efficiency audits and improvements for new and existing homes, among others.
N.C. Senate passes plastic bag ban
UPI.com, May 14, 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. -- A bill aimed at encouraging reusable cloth bags in coastal North Carolina has passed the state Senate with only one dissenting vote.
The measure would ban larger stores, those with 5,000 square feet or more of floor space, from giving shoppers plastic bags, The Raleigh News & Observer reported. They would be allowed to use bags made from recycled paper.
The bill would apply to Dare, Hyde and Currituck counties, which include the Outer Banks and the mainland on the other side of the inland waterway. But backers say they hope to extend the ban to the entire state if it is effective along the coast.
Senate President Marc Basnight, a Democrat who represents Dare County, said plastic bags are littering the landscape on the Outer Banks.
San Francisco is the only place in the country so far to ban plastic bags, although a number of other jurisdictions have adopted or are considering laws aimed at discouraging their use.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
BioCycle Celebrates 50 Years
BioCycle, April 2009, Vol. 50, No. 4, p. 42
by Nora Goldstein
"A New Name For A New Era.”
That was the title of Jerome Goldstein’s January-February 1981 editorial announcing our publication’s change in name to BioCycle. When the magazine was founded as Compost Science, its goal was “rather simple,” notes Jerry: “To report the technical, scientific and practical developments in the field of large-scale composting.”
In January 1978, ownership of BioCycle shifted from Rodale Press to The JG Press, Inc., and the publication’s name was expanded to Compost Science/ Land Utilization (CSLU). In his January-February 1978 editorial, “Turning The Corner With Compost Science,” Jerry notes that the magazine was not only in a transition of ownership, but in a transition of focus. “The journal has been credited with ‘moving the world of composting from small backyard plots to huge metropolitan waste treatment agencies.’ We feel it is no longer enough to be an authoritative reference publication; now it’s time to be an action publication as well — one that makes a great impact upon waste management decisions throughout the nation and the world.”
CSLU was a transitional name, he writes in January-February 1981. More importantly, “our coverage led us into systems and technologies that — while consistent with our editorial philosophy of serving as a clearinghouse for data on converting municipal and industrial organic wastes into useful products — were rather tenuously connected to our official name. Coming up with a new name after 20 years, however, is not a simple matter — at least, it wasn’t simple for us. For reasons you can appreciate, we were determined to find a one-word title.
“The name BioCycle fits well. Our unifying theme is biomass recycling … and biological waste management. It’s a new word, but we see no problem with that. We have entered a new era and the old ways and attitudes of dumping and incinerating are patently unfeasible and unacceptable.”
This 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition highlights the early, formative years that built the foundation of knowledge and experience we are celebrating in 2009. The following pages include: the inaugural Spring 1960 Editorial; “Compost News” items, the predecessor to Regional Roundup and BioCycle World; a smattering of historic letters; the History of BioCycle, Part I; editorial and article reprints; and many nostalgic photos and figures that illustrate the industry’s evolution.
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