Posts
Keep our waterways cleaner by paying close attention to what you send down the drain.
By Aileen Brabazon, Homemakers.com, Dec. 7, 2009
Have you ever thought about what goes down your drains?
Besides water, toothpaste, hair dye, shampoo, soap, laundry detergent and bathroom and kitchen cleaners swim through your pipes and eventually end up in our waterways.
And if these products contain chemicals that don't neutralize into harmless compounds, there's a big ecological price to pay. For example, surfactants -- the stuff that makes solutions foam up and spread well -- found in some degreasers, disinfectants and cleaners breakdown into agents that can feminize fish, Adria Vasil reports in Ecoholic (Vintage Canada, 2007). Eek!
To help keep our waters and marine life healthier, choose personal care and cleaning products that are as chemical-free as possible and choose items that quickly biodegrade (the best products often have a certified biodegradable stamp on the bottle and state how long it takes to break down).
Click here to go to original article
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Keep toxins out of our water by buying biodegradable
S'pore businesses eye green SIM, smartcards
By Vivian Yeo, ZDNet Asia, Dec. 07, 2009
SINGAPORE--Mobile operators in the country are exploring the use of biodegradable SIM (subscriber identity module) cards, should the technology become more pervasive.
Spokespersons from all three local operators SingTel, MobileOne (M1) and StarHub told ZDNet Asia they were interested in deploying the eco-friendly alternative.
StarHub's corporate communications manager Cassie Fong said in an e-mail the telco would soon commence "initial talks" with its SIM card supplier "to find out more on the product".
In an e-mail, a SingTel spokesperson noted that the company is already using biodegradable paper material for its pre-paid mobile top-up cards and is currently evaluating the use of biodegradable paper for all its SIM cards.
Click here to read the full article
Government wants your input on plastic bags
By Staff Writer, Winnipeg Free Press, Dec. 8, 2009
WINNIPEG - Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie wants your thoughts about what to do with plastic bags.
Blaikie said in a news release today the province wants ideas from consumers, vendors and bag manufacturers. Proposals already before government include:
* plastic carry-out bags sold and distributed in Manitoba contain a minimum of 25 per cent post-consumer recycled material, increasing to 50 per cent within five years;Click here to read the full article
* all larger stores that distribute plastic bags have take-back programs for recycling plastic bags;
* all plastic bags sold or distributed in Manitoba be imprinted with a message reminding users to recycle or reuse the bag; and
* all compostable or biodegradable plastic bags sold or distributed in Manitoba be required to meet national or international standards and be certified as such.
Project to Promote Use of Biodegradable Bags Launched
Project to support recommendations for bioplastics environmental policy
PR Newswire, Dec. 4, 2009
BANGKOK, Thailand - The National Innovation Agency (NIA), Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ: German Technical Cooperation), Thai Bioplastics Industry Association (TBIA) and BASF today launched a pilot project to highlight the potential of composting as a feasible and effective waste management option. The pilot project is a first for Thailand and will demonstrate the use biodegradable plastic bags to collect household organic waste in the most efficient way, as well as the potential of producing organic matter or fertilizer from organic waste.
The project will support the recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy to build composting facilities in Thailand, as it is the infrastructure required to fully realize the potential of composting. When the model is endorsed, the potential production capacity of high quality organic fertilizer is 6 million tons annually, which could be exported.
"The pilot project is a key initiative towards the development of the bioplastics industry as one of Thailand's new wave industries. In evaluating and developing sustainable options for end-of-life product waste management, we have to remember that landfilling of organic, biodegradable waste generates methane - a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide - and composting helps to reduce emission levels of this harmful green house gases. For the first time, since we put forth the road map for the development of the bioplastics industry which was approved by the Cabinet in 2008, we are implementing measures at a community level," said Dr. Suchinda Chotipanich, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology and Chairman of the Bioplastics Industry Development Subcommittee.
As part of the launch, which was held at the pilot plant site in the Kradangar District of Samut Songkhram Province, a community outreach group consisting of community leaders and students promoted the use of biodegradable plastic bags to 730 households.
"The pilot project further demonstrates that Thailand is well-placed to achieve its goals backed by strong supporting industries, international alliances, active industry cooperation and supportive governmental policy. We believe that the project will provide useful information to support recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy. Additionally, to further raise environmental awareness and encourage the use of environmentally friendly products as a new social norm. This in turn will be a significant boost to Thailand's ambitions of becoming a key bioplastics player in the region" said Dr Supachai Lorlowhakarn, Director of NIA.
Recommendations for the bioplastics environmental policy, which is expected to be completed within the next six months, will outline the infrastructure, framework, instruments and guidelines to promote the use and production of bioplastics in Thailand.
The biodegradable plastic bags could be made of cassava starch and calcium carbonate compounded with BASF's Ecoflex, a fully-biodegradable, compostable polyester which is tear-resistant, puncture-resistant, waterproof, printable and elastic. Ecoflex significantly improves the functionality of raw materials based on renewable resources and as such has been used in the production of the biodegradable bags to provide very demanding mechanical properties.
"Fully biodegradable and compostable polyesters can make a significant contribution to efficient biowaste management. BASF is a global market leader in the area of biobased and biodegradable polyesters, and our Ecoflex is already commonly used in Thailand for organic waste bags, carrier bags and shopping bags. Our participation in the pilot projects demonstrates our firm commitment and contribution towards Thailand's ambitions of developing the bioplastics industry. We believe this project will also be an excellent showcase for other countries in the region which are considering a similar initiative" said Dr. Jens Hamprecht, Head of Global Product Management, Biodegradable Polymers, BASF.
About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals as well as oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than euro 62 billion in 2008 and had approximately 97,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at http://www.basf.com .
MEDIA CONTACTS
National Innovation Agency
Asaya Siriaoutan
Tel: +66-2-644-6000 ext 111
Email: asaya@nia.or.th
GTZ
Siriporn Treepornpairat
Email: siriporn.treepornpairat@gtz.de
BASF
Beverley Tan
Communications Manager
Biodegradable Polymers
Specialty Plastics Asia Pacific
Tel: +65-6432-3284
Mobile: +65-9791-9182
Email: beverley.tan@basf.com
Supriya Kaewjai
Corporate Communications
BASF Thailand
Phone: +66-2-664-9222 ext. 1207
Email: supriya.kaewjai@basf.com
SOURCE NIA; GTZ; TBIA and BASF
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Are Biodegradable Bags a Viable Option for Composting?
By Jennifer Berry, Earth911.com, Dec 10, 2009
Industry and governmental groups partnered to launch a campaign in Thailand to test the option of composting as an effective means of waste management for the country, utilizing biodegradable bags in the collection of household organic waste in the process.
The pilot program will also serve as a foundation for developing Thailand’s bioplastics industry, which was initially conceived in 2008. Some estimates put Thailand’s potential fertilizer generation capacity in the range of 6 million tons annually, creating a potential export product for the country.
As composting programs continue to grow in cities such as San Francisco, broader means of collecting organic waste could be a future challenge.
The use of bioplastic bags could address this issue, and in Thailand, will “further raise environmental awareness and encourage the use of environmentally friendly products as a new social norm,” according to Suchinda Chotipanich, permanent secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology and chairman of the Bioplastics Industry Development Subcommittee.
Click here to read full article
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Nutek, LLC Introduces New Soy-Based, Biodegradable Lubricating and Cleaning Wipes
Nutek, LLC press release, Dec. 8, 2009
CLEVELAND - Launched in 2007, Nutek brings high-performance products to the market with a Smart Green(TM) focus. With 100% biodegradable formulations, superior performance and recyclable packaging, Nutek's products continue to provide safe alternatives to petroleum-based and environmentally-toxic competitors.
Nutek's products are on the shelves of Home Depot, Ace Hardware, True Value, Northern Tool and others. Bolt Off(TM) helps to reduce the frictions that make nuts, bolts and other rusty objects hard to move. LubFix(TM) is a multi-purpose lubricant for squeaks and creaks around the house. Shield It(TM) is a dry lube that protects surfaces from friction, even under tough climate conditions. Simply Soy(TM) is a 100% biodegradable lube that is safe to use around children, pets and food prep areas.
The Chagrin Falls, Ohio Company launched this week its newest line of biodegradable wipe products that both lubricate and clean. This line features extra large, biodegradable wipes or towelettes with soy-based lubricants and environmentally-friendly cleaners. Unlike tube packages, these biodegradable wipes can be kept in a glove compartment, garage storage area or at home with no risk of drying out.
Simply Soy(TM) biodegradable wipes feature the same safe chemistry as the Simply Soy (TM) lubricant, and can be used to clean and lubricate tools and other metal surfaces to prevent rust-build up. The wipes are certified for safe use in food areas. With gentle hand cleaning action, Gas Off(TM) wipes are extra-large and heavy-duty to thoroughly remove, suspend and absorb gas smells from your hands and other surfaces. Grime Off® removes drips and smears from many non-porous surfaces like tools, equipment and much more. These wipes remove oils, dirt, brake dust, grease, hydraulic fluid and other potentially-hazardous chemicals from your hands and other surfaces.
Nutek, LLC is a company that stands for new technology solutions for your everyday, household needs. The company focuses on the creation of greener, sustainable, bio-preferred products that provide businesses and consumers with superior, cutting-edge performance results.
For information, contact either Cathy Horton or Kimberly Novotney at 1-888-NUTEK4U or visit www.nutekformulations.com.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Alternative packaging from biodegradable farm waste
By Jean-Louis Santini, AFP, Google News, Dec. 6, 2009
WASHINGTON — Two young American businessmen have developed a green alternative to ubiquitous polystyrene packaging -- made from farm waste and mushrooms -- that uses 10 times less energy to produce, and biodegrades into a natural fertilizer.
Called EcoCradle, the product can also be used as insulation and is grown, not manufactured, with no greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO2, as a byproduct, co-inventor Eben Bayer, 24, told AFP in an interview.
"We have developed a platform that we think is perfect for replacing the polystyrene that is used in packaging, because... it is biodegradable and it's created using almost no energy, almost no CO2 emissions," he added.
Bayer and Gavin McIntyre, classmates from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, founded Ecovative Design in 2007 to produce EcoCradle.
"For each unit of EcoCradle we produce, compared to the same unit or volume of polystyrene, we use ten times less energy and emit eight times less CO2 over the life of the product from production, use and to disposal," Ecovative Design CEO Bayer said.
"Our long-term vision is actually to replace all plastic and foams and mitigate their environmental consequences... and this natural platform we have discovered or invented will allow us to do that," he said.
EcoCradle is a patented trademark in the United States and 30 other countries, including the European Union members.
Currently polystyrene, a plastic, is so prevalent in the packaging industry it accounts for 30 percent of all the waste in US landfills, Bayer said.
EcoCradle, on the other hand, degrades naturally in contact with water or moisture and has "a positive impact on the environment... as a natural fertilizer for plants."
The new product is made from agricultural byproducts including cottonseed hulls, buckwheat hulls and rice husk that are mixed with a filamentous fungi -- mycelium -- as a bonding agent -- and allowed to grow inside molds.
The mycelium secretes a powerful enzyme that decomposes the organic waste as it grows. After seven days at room temperature in the dark, a compact, ultralight, malleable material is formed that can resist temperatures of up to 800 degrees Celsius (1,472 Fahrenheit), Bayer said.
The production cost is comparable to that of polystyrene, he added.
EcoCradle is planning to take on the 20-billion-dollar a year polystyrene industry dominated globally by a Dow Chemical subsidiary.
At present, Ecovative Design has a factory in northern New York state, where a staff of eight churn out thousands of EcoCradle packaging for several companies.
"Our vision is to take the same plant we have designed and deploy it next year as a larger facility in the midwest United States, then in Europe and in Asia over the next three years," Bayer said.
The factories require "a fairly low capital investment, in the order of millions of dollars," he said.
"It's low-tech biotechnology... it's almost closer to cooking or farming vegetables than it is to genetic manipulation."
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Now You Can Even Die Green: Biodegradable Eco-Coffins Introduced in U.S.
By David Gutierrez, NaturalNews.com, Dec. 5, 2009
A Colorado-based company is now offering U.S. consumers the option of being buried in a fully biodegradable casket made out of banana sheaves and bamboo.
"As more and more American families and communities look for eco-friendly solutions to everything in life, Ecoffins provides fitting tributes to those choosing to honor their environmentally conscious lifestyle at the time of their death," says the company, Ecoffins USA, on its Web site.
According to Ecoffins USA's marketing director, Joanna Passarelli, the coffins have proved particularly popular in New Mexico, where there is strong support for eco-friendly ceremonies. Passarelli says that the company has also found interest among Jewish and Muslim communities.
Jewish and Muslim tradition discourages anything that would prevent the body from returning quickly naturally to the earth, such as embalming or cremation. This sentiment is shared with supporters of natural burial.
Click here to read the full article
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Better Wipes for a Better World! Introducing Gro Baby(TM) Bio Wipes - All Natural and Compostable Baby Wipes, Made from 100% Renewable Resources
Natural Baby Company's Eco-Friendly Diaper Line Helps Keep the Planet and Baby Clean, from the Bottom Up
The Natural Baby Company, Dec. 2, 2009
BOZEMAN, Mont. - Get to the bottom of greening your baby with Gro Baby Bio Wipes, the latest earth friendly product born from the creators of the Gro Baby reusable diapering system for modern parents. Free of harmful chemicals, compostable and made from 100% renewable materials, the all-natural Gro Baby Bio Wipes offer today's mom and dad a better way to wipe up baby's messes without leaving a mess on the planet.
The essential diapering tool for modern parents on-the-go, Gro Baby Bio Wipes are a natural and effective way to tidy up baby in seconds. Moistened with Aloe Vera botanicals, Vitamin E and purified water, Gro Baby Bio Wipes work to naturally clean, calm and soothe baby's sensitive skin. Made from plant based Ingeo fibers derived from 100% renewable resources, the Gro Baby Bio Wipes are high in strength making them sturdy and tough on messes, but not on baby. Now mom and dad can clean up the most unpleasant diaper change with ease, speed and a minimal impact on our planet.
"The ingredients used in most commercial baby wipes are not only harmful for the planet, but are enough to make both baby and parents uncomfortable," said Kim Ormsby, Creator of Gro Baby. "And as roughly 18 billion disposable diapers are dumped each year, the number of wipes that join them is staggering. At Gro Baby, our mission is to help clean baby's waste without being wasteful to the environment, making the Gro Baby Bio Wipes the perfect addition to our Gro Baby family of earth friendly products."
Unlike other baby wipes that use harsh chemicals, alcohol, perfumes, and even chlorine to scrub babies clean, Gro Baby Bio Wipes are completely free of chlorine, preservatives, alcohol, fragrances, and dyes. Gentler on baby's skin, and gentle on the planet, Gro Baby Bio Wipes are a perfect match to Gro Baby's recently released Bio Soaker diaper pads--the eco friendly diapering system that protects baby and the earth. With compostability at the forefront of Gro Baby designs, Gro Baby's Bio line allows mom and dad to start greening baby early, from the bottom up.
Gro Baby Bio Wipes retail for $5.99 and include 80 wipes in each easy to open and resealable package. Gro Baby can be purchased at: www.TheNaturalBabyCo.com
About The Natural Baby Company:
The Natural Baby Company's mission has always been to create the ultimate in cloth diapering and natural baby products. Gro Baby(TM) a revolution in the cloth diapering has taken the market by storm. The Natural Baby Company's product lines include: Gro Baby(TM), Dream Eze, Tiny Bubbles, Wonder Wraps, Kiwi Pie and Magic Stick(TM). Each product was designed out of necessity and innovation. Buying from The Natural Baby Company means you are purchasing well made, often organic, products that have been tested and proven in the marketplace. Since its inception NBC has practiced supporting small businesses that help sustain healthy lifestyle choices, such as cloth diapering.
Most of us use a lot of oil without ever driving a car
By Harry Fuller, ZDNet.com, Dec. 1, 2009
Nearly all the plastic and resins in our daily life are–you guessed it–made from petroleum. The case on your iPod and the food wrappers in the vending machine: processed from oil. I recently talked with the CEO of a small firm that hopes to help change that.
He’s Frederic Scheer, Founder and CEO of Cereplast, Inc. The California-based company has two plants turning out plastic resin, one in California and one in Indiana. The raw material for their resins are biomass, from potatoes to corn. Any good source of vegetable starch. Scheer says Cereplast is now working toward using wood chips and other biomass not a potential food.
TWO CLASSES OF PLASTIC RESIN
Cereplast, says Scheer, is already selling two classes of resin. One is compostable. The other is permanent or “hybrid.” The plastic tableware or the biodegradable dog poop bags are in the first class. Plastics for permanent use are found in appliances, toys, toothbrushes, credit cards, card keys, hand-held devices, and cars. That’s the permanent variety.
Click here to read the full article
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Drive for 'zero waste zones'
Restaurants unite with businesses for greener disposal of garbage.
By Meridith Ford Goldman, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Dec. 1, 2009
Stop. Wait a minute. Did you just throw out that dryer lint? Think of all those Thanksgiving leftovers that might make your garden grow. Did you know that they — along with a multitude of other garbage such as coffee grounds, tea bags, yard trimmings and that apple core you were just about to throw away — are all compostable?
Steve Simon of Fifth Group Restaurants knows. In a move toward helping Midtown become a “zero waste zone,” he’s leading restaurants such as Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and South City Kitchen into a new era of composting and recycling.
Industry and the private sector setting an example for saving the planet? Did we hear that right?
“As recently as a year ago,” Simon says, “I was the poster child for what not to do.”
Now, he and other members of the Green Foodservice Alliance (an environmental affiliate of the Georgia Restaurant Association, but working to be its own association) are helping restaurants and businesses work to produce “zero waste.” The goal is to recycle, compost, reuse spent grease for biofuel and donate consumable food to charity.
“I don’t know if the restaurant industry is the largest producer of trash, but it’s certainly a possibility,” Simon says. Ecco, Fifth Group’s flagship restaurant in Midtown specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, no longer dumps waste into the garbage — kitchen workers and servers scrape scraps into a compost heap. Fifth Group restaurants no longer have garbage Dumpsters on their restaurants’ sites.
So did big business suddenly get a conscience?
“I think what’s happened over the last few years is that the collaboration between government, the private sector and trade associations has helped get the kinks out of a very kinked-up system,” says Holly Elmore, the founder and executive director of the alliance. Ten years ago, just getting a trash or recycling hauler to come to your business on a regular schedule was a “nightmare,” according to Simon. Now, entrepreneurs such as Farmer D Organics are actually making money from trash and waste.
The bottom line was a motivating factor. “When businesses in Georgia, particularly Atlanta, started losing conventions because the city and state aren’t perceived as ‘green,’ it got business owners’ attention,” Simon says. “It’s really an ‘oh, by the way, this is the right thing to do’ kind of thing.”
Trash as a moneymaking investment aside, why are composting and recycling so important?
Well, let’s go back to environmental protection 101: landfill use would be tops on the punch list. Producing less waste creates smaller landfills. Composting and recycling properly are the way to start. Methane emissions at landfills are contributing factors to global warming, and Americans, according to the EPA’s Web site, produce 4.4 pounds of garbage per person, per day — a figure that has nearly doubled since 1960. Simon’s research estimates that 80 percent of what’s in our landfills might have value — in other words, it could be recycled for profit.
So what can this urban tale teach the average consumer? First, it’s up to you to “take responsibility and learn,” Elmore says. Don’t expect your overworked local government or municipality to lead the way.
“Know your city’s plan and regulations. The last thing we want is for contamination to occur in single stream recycling [all recyclables in one bin] — one mistake, and the whole bin could end up in the landfill,” Elmore explains.
She recommends using a compost tumbler (available at Farmer D Organics and most Whole Foods Markets) for composting, and stresses the importance of proper disposal of kitchen grease. “Don’t pour your grease down the drain!” Elmore exclaims.
Follow the restaurants’ lead and recycle it by storing it in a plastic container, then finding a source in your area such as Green Grease, Inc., a business in Clarkston that has just begun consumer-based programs for dropping off kitchen oils for recycling. Entrepreneurs Todd Williams and Warren Brawley will provide a plastic recycling bin for your used cooking oils for $7, and arrange when to pick it up based on the amount of oil generated. Or you can drop it off at Green Grease in a plastic container. Either way, it’s better than eventually throwing it in the trash.
“Everytime you buy something,” says Elmore, “you really should be thinking about how you’re eventually going to dispose of it.”
Not all garbage is suitable for consumer composting. Recycling and composting regulations differ. Know your city and county’s regulations. For more information, go to www.georgia.uscity.net
/Recycling_Centers or www.earth911.com or www.gacompost.org. Contact Green Grease at 678-754-4887 or 404-447-2217.
Click here to go to original article
Bioamber and Sinoven Partner for Biobased Succinic Acid
PR Newswire, Dec. 1, 2009
PRINCETON, NJ - Bioamber (a joint venture between DNP Green Technology and ARD) and Sinoven Biopolymers Inc. have signed a supply agreement for biobased succinic acid. Under the terms of the agreement, Bioamber will be Sinoven's exclusive supplier of biobased succinic acid, enabling Sinoven to produce renewable modified polybutylene succinate plastic (PBS).
Sinoven's revolutionary modified PBS has better performance than other biodegradable polymers sold today, with heat resistance above 100 degrees C, excellent strength properties and the ability to be processed in existing production equipment. Sinoven will be the first company to commercialize PBS with renewable content above 50%. Sinoven's modification technology has opened up new markets for PBS, fulfilling end user cost and performance requirements not currently met by other biodegradable polymers. Applications include foodservice coffee lids, cups, dishes, cutlery, straws and stirrers, as well as consumer use products such as disposable razors, writing instruments and cosmetics packaging.
"Affordable, biobased succinic acid is the key to renewable, high performance PBS that can cost effectively compete with today's petrochemical based plastics. Bioamber is the only company supplying commercial quantities of biobased succinic acid. This agreement will enable Sinoven to rapidly move into biobased commercial production and meet the needs of our customers." says Ray Balee, President and CEO of Sinoven. "The fact that the production of biobased succinic acid is a significant consumer, rather than producer, of harmful CO2 greenhouse gas is an added benefit for our customers".
Click here to read the full article
