IN BRIEF Environment Watch

18 December 2006 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Potato testing gets UK safety approval

The UK government has approved an application from BASF to conduct trials of a GM disease-resistant potato. The ­trials will take place on two sites in England. The BASF application was evaluated by an independent expert group, which was satisfied that the trials will not have an adverse impact on human health and the environment. Precautionary conditions have been attached to the trial consent. BASF's GM potato is resistant to late potato blight.

Dell's green initiative keeps on growing 

Computer firm Dell is continuing the global expansion of its free recycling scheme. Recycling services are now available in ­Brazil, China, Mexico and Taiwan. The recycling scheme is designed for consumers and includes responsible recycling of used Dell-branded computers and peripheral equipment at no charge. Dell added that it remained focused on raising consumer awareness about the importance of ­recycling.

PVC cuts CO2 emissions

Replacing Europe's poor quality windows with energy efficient PVC frames could save 8.5m tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year, says the European Association of Manufactures of PVC and related building products and window frames (EPPA). The study, named "Saving potential from the use of modern window systems in Europe" asserts the green benefits of PVC as a construction material in the fight against climate change. The report says that with more than 457m people living in Europe, the large savings can be achieved using thermally insulating windows.

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