Office products supplier Corporate Express launched its Ecoffice Makeover contest to all US businesses with the winner receiving $5,000 worth of office supplies,janitorial facility products and business furniture from the company's Ecoffice catalog.
Entrants must submit a presentation why their company deserves an Ecoffice makeover.
Not that I'm ridiculing the idea (I think it's great!) but as a fan of the tv show The Office, this is one great plot to work on!
For those who can't get enough of solar information (I have), here's another solar study from research firm Clean Edge and green-economy organization Co-op America.
The study finds, among others, that solar photovoltaic prices are projected to decline from an average 15-32 cents kWh today to 8-18 cents kWh in 2015, and to 4-8 cents kWh by 2025.
Also, here are several recent solar investment news that are already clogging my drafts.
Here's a very interesting article from the Wall Street Journal on how the organizers of the Democratic convention to be held in Denver are trying their best to be the greenest show on earth come November.
Some examples include organic and US union-made fanny packs; compostable utensils (not imported from Asia); biodegradable balloons; recyclable wastes; locally-grown [and organic] food and beverages; cutting back paper flyers; using bicycles or public transportation (even better if they walk) for employees working on the convention preparation; and using renewable energy for the convention itself.
The convention organizer's Director of Greening is still trying to find biodegradable balloons, according to the article.
For the democrats to be really green, one suggestion from a Washington-based think-tank institute is to stage a virtual convention instead using their own avatars.
Just imagine what the Clintons' avatars would look like...
Better late than never I always say. Here's this week's roundup after frantically scouring the net all day today for green news.
Fuel cell for US Army
DuPont and SFC Smart Fuel Cell AG launched the M-25 portable fuel cell for a limited use for the US Army. The light-weight fuel cell uses Dupont's methanol technology with SFC's fuel cell systems.
Solutia forms PV biz
Solutia established its Saflex photovoltaic business which will produce polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer for thin-film solar panels. The business is planning to expand capacity in sites such as in Belgium, China, Mexico and the United States.
Fill 'em up with Hydrogen
Shell opened California's first hydrogen refueling station on a conventional gasoline station in Los Angeles. Hydrogen production will be done on-site by the electrolysis of water using green electricity and then be compressed and stored to provide daily fueling.
Clean coal with green dough
The US Department of Energy is investing $1.3bn in clean coal power plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. $290 million will be available for selected projects through 2009 and an additional $1.01 billion will be available in subsequent years.
Fuel ecolabel now available
Biofuel companies can now apply for an ecolabel called "The Swan" in the Nordic countries. Some of the requirements for the ecolabelled fuel include reduced emissions; total energy use restrictions at the production stage; traceability and sustainability of raw materials; defined limitations of the fuel's health effects.
And in ICIS News (which requires subscription):
Malaysia's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects will be focusing on renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. US manufacturers of end-use baby care products are abandoning the use of bisphenol-A as a lawsuit against five baby products firms was filed in Ohio. And candle manufacturers explore their green options amidst rising paraffin wax cost.
This group was able to get in a major coal conference in New York this week using a phony name, ads and brochures (for a sponsorship fee of $8,500), according to this article from Reuters.
The organizers decided to let them stay (but beefed up their security just in case) even after they unveiled their true colors, stating that it could be a good way to engage GreenPeace and counteract their arguments - maybe besides the fact that they already paid the sponsorship fee??
Instead of the usual ceiling rappelling or chaining themselves to a speaker's chair, GreenPeace restrained themselves from disrupting the conference and just gave away free asthma inhalers (during lunch breaks), water bottles filled with mine discharge, gift baskets filled with coal, and key chains that say "Global Warming. Coal is the key!".
This reminds me of a round table discussion that I attended this week at the CESIO surfactants conference in Paris. When asked about the need for communications with non-government organizations (NGOs) such as GreenPeace, two chemical companies explicitly said that they don't deal with them. Why? Because there is no reasoning with them at all.
On my way back to New York from Paris, I was able to grab a free copy of The Economist's June 21st issue from an American Airlines stewardess as their copies of Vanity Fair magazine (featuring Angelina Jolie) were already gone.
I guess I am unable to escape my green blogging job as the issue's special report featured what else but all about solar, wind, biofuels, hybrids, carbon capture, geothermal, and other renewable energy sources.
The articles were very good in explaining the pros and cons of these new energy alternatives sprinkled with some humor and cynicisms from the author.
You can read them in this link.
California plans to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions by 30% over the next 12 years, according to the California's Air Resources Board (ARB).
Central to the plan is a cap and trade program covering 85% of the state's emissions, which ARB said is also in conjunction with the Western Climate Initiative program covering six other states (Arizona, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington) and three Canadian Provinces (British Columbia, Manitoba and Quebec).
Another proposed GHG emissions reductions initiatives by the ARB include 33% renewable energy production from utilities and expanding energy efficiency programs in building and appliance standards.
Final consideration of the draft plans will be in November.
Pesticides and other agchemicals can still be a factor for the disappearing of bees that started last year, according to this article from ICIS News.
In a House subcommittee hearing, scientists from the US Department of Agriculture still can't determined the cause of the disappearing bee colonies epidemic but said that they have not yet ruled out chemicals.
Whether the problem is from chemicals or other reasons, I hope they find the cause soon because if this continues, it will be a catastrophe to consumers who are already suffering from food price hikes.
My good friends at the United Soybean Board sent me their recent newsletter about newly developed/commercialized soy chemicals and products:
Protein Strengthens Soy-Based Adhesives
Companies such as BASF and Genencor grabbed the opportunity to introduce their new eco-friendly/sustainable/natural-based cleaning chemicals at the CESIO World Surfactants Congress that I'm attending this week in Paris.
BASF says its new cost-effective detergent surfactant Lutensol M is not subjected to environmental classification because of its eco-friendly properties. The ethoxylate can also be marketed as energy-reducing surfactant because of its high detergent efficiency at low wash temperatures.
Genencor, meanwhile, said its new protease enzyme Excellase for auto dishwashing detergent, can perform in wide-range dishwashing temperature, as well as in non-phosphate detergents.
Phosphates in detergents are currently under scrutiny because of their purported environmental impact on waterways.
"If phosphates are banned, detergent producers will not have any choice but to switch to expensive alternatives. Excellase makes a pivotal element in phasing out phosphates without compromising performance," said Genencor.Other noted green surfactants launched this year included Dow Chemical's biodegradable EcoSurf SA alcohols based from natural vegetable oils and Air Products' natural-based Tomadol surfactants for industrial and institutional cleaning products.
In other news this month, Church & Dwight is building a new eco-friendly laundry detergent manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania. The company said will use renewable energy sources for on-site processing needs; will have a 30% reduce energy consumption and 50% reduction in solid waste and industrial effluent from manufacturing operations.
This week, I also received a press release from International Specialty Products (ISP) that its Surfadone LP-100 and LP-300 specialty surfactants was listed on CleanGredients for their environment-friendly characteristics.
Check out my recent article on green certification for surfactants including brief information about CleanGredients database.
ICIS Chemical Business (disclosure: I work for ICIS) published its second soap and detergent issue for the year and like the first one, the global cleaning industry continue its major focus on sustainability, regulation and innovation.
As far as the green cleaning trend goes, eco-labeling seems to be a very hot topic within North America and Europe. Pls. check out my article for more information and views on green labelings, certification and guidelines (mostly in the US).
I'll re-visit the eco-labeling topic next week after I wrap up this week's conference on global surfactants being held in Paris. Surfactants, loosely translated, are surface active agents/chemicals that are used largely in cleaning applications e.g. detergents. This industry is a pioneer when it comes to tackling sustainability and other green issues.
In fact, the European surfactant group CESIO is dedicating most of its 3-day ongoing conference (which ends on Wednesday) towards sustainability issues. Check out my blog next week for some post-briefings.
And going back to the green cleaning issue, here are other interesting green features that you can read with no subscription required:
1. The antibacterial debate by Anna Jagger. Some studies are suggesting environmental and health risks associated with the cumulative effects of antibacterial agents.
2. A clean bill of health by Andy Brice. The use of phosphates in detergents continues to come under scrutiny because of their ecological impact.
3. Green cleaning, a contributed article by consulting firm Kline & Company. Market analyst Bruce Boynick reported several economic views and trends towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable green cleaning industry.
4. Wash conditions by Cynthia Challener. More sustainable views on the laundry market.
The US Department of Agriculture's research unit discovered that distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a coproduct of ethanol production, could be used as plastic fillers.
DDGS concentrations between 25 and 50 percent worked best, according to the researchers. Other bio-based fillers such as bamboo, kenaf, corn stover, soybean hulls or even chicken feathers are also receiving increased attention as a way to use less petroleum in plastic products.
Fillers such as clay, talc, glass, paper and metals are commonly used in plastics to increase strength, and also to save costs by reducing the amount of actual plastic resin used.
Posts next week might sputter a bit as the blog prepares for another conference involving sustainability and environmental issues in the global surfactants/detergents industry.
For now, here are this week's green news roundup.
Biomass plastic in cars
Mazda Motor launched its Bioplastic Project with Hiroshima University aiming to develop plastics made from non-food cellulosic biomass. The bioplastics are expected to be ready for vehicle use by 2013.
USDA-preferred plastic
Bioplastic producer Cereplast said its Compostable Resins products meet the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) BioPreferred product guidelines. BioPreferred products are given first preference for purchase by various US federal agencies.
UK food companies unite
Thirty-seven UK food and consumer goods companies have announced a major transport collaboration that will significantly reduce the environmental impact of transporting food and groceries in the UK. Food and grocery think tank IGD pioneered the initiative.
New clean tech alliance
Rentech and UOP formed a venture for the commercial production and marketing of ultra-clean synthetic fuels, specialty waxes and chemicals. Rentech's proprietary process converts synthesis gas from biomass.
Honeywell's green tool
Honeywell developed its Renewable Energy Scorecard program that provides customers informed buying decisions when choosing renewable technology. The scorecard analyzes the variables for any given location to pinpoint the technology with the most significant environmental and economic drivers.
And in ICIS News (which requires subscription):
The US Environmental Protection Agency released an updated plan to reduce the size of the dead zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico, which is caused in part by fertilizer run-off in the Mississippi river. Specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical firms are taking part in three industrial biotechnology research projects funded by the Swedish agency for innovation systems Vinnova. Energy-intensive industries warned Congress this week against climate change legislation that they fear could lay waste to US business and commerce.
A former employee of Fujicolor Processing recently plead guilty to cherry-picking samples of the company's wastewater effluent In Terrell, Texas.
According to the Department of Justice, Gerald Lakota presented on their monthly discharge monitoring reports only good sample to meet their facility's effluent limits required by the discharge permit.
He faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. Fujicolor was also fined $200,000 last year for negligence.
The poor guy probably just wanted to get a promotion and thought killing some of the fish in their river will not matter much.
This new report from the Roberts Environmental Center of Claremont McKenna College might answer the question of what companies are the most sustainable in California.
Titled "Analysis of Sustainability Reporting of Fortune Companies in California," the report contains a compilation of Pacific Sustainability Index scores evaluating the environmental and social reporting of all California companies on the 2006 Fortune 1000 list
Chevron, Cisco and Advanced Micro Devices got the highest overall scores, and the lowest was awarded to Google, VeriSign, Intuit, Pacer International and Ross Stores.
In January, the group also reported the top sustainable companies in the chemical sector for 2007. Bayer , Akzo Nobel and BASF scored the highest, while Monsanto, Avery Dennison and Sherwin-Williams got the lowest overall scores based on their reporting, intent and performance of environmental and social sustainability efforts.
Unlike other travel review sites, the newly launched social network iStayGreen.org will help eco-conscious travelers find their dream green lodgings, according to the site's founder.
Aside from their Green Leaf rating system, the site's users can also provide in-depth green review and rate the property's eco-friendliness.
"Our membership will create tremendous social pressure, forcing hoteliers to be transparent and environmentally responsible." - Richard Varner, founder of iStayGreen.orgI guess I have to find out now if my hotel's toiletries are natural-based. I hope the hotel beddings and towels in my next travel are 100% organic cotton or no green leaves for them!
Hydrogen it seems is becoming a very important feedstock for the green future.
To make hydrogen production more green (and maybe get it cheaper??), InEnTec Chemical developed its mobile Plasma Enhanced Melter (PEM) that produces hydrogen-rich synthesis gas from chemical residues that are usually treated as hazardous waste (which are incinerated).
InEnTEc is building its first commercial hydrogen production facility which will start later this year.
"The use of chemical residuals as feedstock to produce hydrogen and other products reduces the amount of non-renewable natural gas that would otherwise be used to make these products." -Gary Cook, CEOKawasaki Industries and Dow Corning are already using the technology, according to InEnTec. Air Liquide, meanwhile, plans to buy the hydrogen that will be produced in the company's new facility.
Perchloroethylene in drycleaning might get a temporary break as two senators from New Jersey proposed a bill that will continue its use through 2011 while the Department of Environmental Protection conducts a study on alternative drycleaning solvents.
According to the Halogenated Solvents Industry Alliance, the bill responds to concerns raised by the drycleaning industry about the DEP's proposal to phase out perc use in the state.
Member states of the European Union are happy to note that their overall greenhouse gas emissions in 2006, as reported by the European Environment Agency, is down 0.3% from 2006 for EU-27 and 0.8% for EU-15.
The EU Commission said the result puts them on track to meeting Kyoto Protocol emissions target. Total emissions in the European Union were 5.1 billion tonnes in 2006.
The main contributor to the decrease, according to the study, was lower consumption of gas and oil in households and services, which accounted for emission cuts of 16.6 million tonnes, particularly in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
My pile of wind news is bursting at the seams so I'd better released them now...
Major wind energy generator GE said it achieved more than 115 million hours of operation through its installed global fleet of 1.5 megawatt wind turbines. The company also said today that federal tax incentives for wind energy projects (which is set to expire on December 31) need to be renewed immediately as benefits from wind farms' tax revenue more than offset tax incentives.
On the technology front, BroadStar launched its next generation wind turbine AeroCam, which the company said is the first in the industry to break through the $1/watt cost barrier.
European companies seem to be invading the US market. Germany-based Nordex is spending $100 million over the next few years to establish its US production for wind turbines and rotor blades, which will commence as early as 2009. Meanwhile, Paris-based EDF Energies also recently announced its plans to build a 100.5 megawatt wind farm in Iowa via its deal with utility company MidAmerican Energy.
Speaking of Europe, an interesting news from Reuters reported that Norway could become Europe's major source of electricity because of the country's huge wind energy investments. It said that Norway plans to have access to up to 40 terrawatt hours of renewable energy in 2020-2025, about half of which would come from offshore wind power.
And back to more domestic wind news, Wisconsin Power and Light Company plans to build a 200 megawatt wind farm in Freeborn County, Minnesota, to be operable by the end of 2010; while a group of fishermen in New Jersey gave their thumbs up support to fellow fishermen in Rhode Island for their goals to develop offshore wind farms in Rhode Island.
I would have thought that asbestos is already banned in the US.
Public advocates Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the John McNamara Foundation formed a committee early this month that calls on legislators to eliminate manufacture and use of asbestos in America.
ADAO said that recent product testing confirmed asbestos is still found in US consumer products including toys.
"Asbestos went from being a miracle product to a serial killer which makes this legislation long overdue, but now is the time to ban asbestos in America."Aren't these consumer products that contain asbestos (and lead) mostly imported? I'm in for banning asbestos but if we are slacking in controlling imported materials that could contain toxic substances, banning it will probably not be of any help either.
Honda's US launched of its FCX Clarity hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicle yesterday has been all over the news but don't go trading your gas-guzzling car as of yet.
According to Honda, only 200 vehicles will be produced in the next three years and the first five were already promised to three Hollywood celebrities and two business owners/ fuel cell car enthusiasts. The vehicles will be manufactured at Honda's new facility in Japan.
The cars cost several hundred thousand dollars each to produce, reported New York Times. It also said that the cost is expected to drop below $100,000 in less than a decade as production volumes increase. Honda is planning in the meantime to lease the vehicles for $600 a month.
I guess those of us that are not in the A-list will have to wait for 10 years or so to be able to afford a fuel-cell powered vehicle. To assuage my disappointment, my ICIS colleague Fred Seelig forwarded this article from Consumer Reports about the top 10 most fuel-efficient cars in the US that my meager money (if I even have enough) can buy.
Here's another interesting insight from my colleague Ivan Lerner about the conundrum of responsible destruction on this week's issue of ICIS Chemical Business.
Calling Doctor Strangelove...
16 June 2008
Someone has noticed that dropping bombs and explosives is dangerous to the environment. Next week: water is wet. And ice is cold
By Ivan Lerner/New York
IN THE June 24 issue of the American Chemistry Society's magazine Chemistry of Materials, University of Munich chemists Thomas Klapotke and Carles Miro Sabate will detail their research concerning the replacement of trinitrotoluene (TNT), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) and other explosives, with tetrazoles Bis (3,4,5-triamino-1,2,4-triazolium) 5,5'-Azotetrazolate (G2ZT) and 5,5'-hydrazinebistetrazole (HBT). TNT derives its explosive energy from carbon, but tetrazoles derive energy from nitrogen.
Someone's discovered that TNT, RDX and other explosives generate toxic gases upon detonation. TNT and RDX are themselves toxic, and if undetonated, will leach into the environment. But experiments show that G2ZT and HBT produce fewer toxic by-products, and are equal to - and sometimes more powerful than - TNT and RDX.This could really open up whole new worlds of weapons research: lead-free bullets, non-carcinogenic napalm, perhaps?
But there hasn't been anything said about how these new weapons might be environmentally safer for the soldiers and sailors who handle them, nor anything regarding cost.
Then I have visions of some dim-bulb saying, "Oh, this bomb is environmentally friendly - so if we drop a few more, it's actually giving the environment some new friends!"
But you can't blame the chemists and engineers and I find it hard to imagine the top brass all of a sudden turning green, although cynics might suggest that supporters of this program needed to add a "green" program to their prospectuses in order not to lose government funding.
In that case, and since no-one's making a stronger effort to, say, end the killing, let's return to the most environmentally sound weapons of all: rocks and sticks - but only sticks that have already fallen off the tree, of course!
The land of glitter and glamor added green to their fashionable G-list.
To coincide with the recently released "the Incredible Hulk", Universal Studio hooked up with conservation group the World Land Trust in developing the 'Incredible Hulk Carbon Calculator'. Both said Hulk's greenness might drive fans to analyze their own by balancing their carbon emissions.
"There is no need to rip your shirt off before turning green, simply visit the calculator and offset your CO2. If only someone would tell the Hulk it's that easy!"Another movie released last month at the Sundance Channel might not be for everybody's taste despite its supposed greenness. Actress-turned director Isabella Rossellini debuted a series of short films called 'Green Porno', depicting the sex life of bugs, insects and various creatures.
Rossellini said it is her green intervention to make people aware of animal life. (By the way, the green blog is not endorsing any of these movies although for possible advertising interests pls. contact ICIS marketing department...)
Meanwhile, Green Earth Technologies (GET)
savored its minutes of fame as their biodegradable motor oil became a key subject in one episode of a prime time detective show CSI New York. GET said green technology came to the rescue when CSI's version of G-OIL attracts ants, which leads detectives to analyze a sample of the oil, trace it to a taxi garage, and identify the episode's killer.
"We do want to reiterate that G-OIL doesn't attract ants or any other wildlife, but it was certainly a creative twist for the episode," the company said.And while I was on vacation, Discovery Communications (owner of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, etc...) launched the first ever 24-hour eco-lifestyle television network Planet Green on June 4. Planet Green, in partnership with Access Hollywood, also debuted that day Hollywood Green With Maria Menounos, a weekly one-hour entertainment magazine series that follows up-to-the-minute Hollywood news on the hottest stars making green headlines in movies, television, music and fashion.
Maybe I'll start another part time job being a green paparazzo.
Electronic giant Samsung officially launched its new bioplastic-based cellular phone in Korea today.
The W510 model also uses water-soluble coating while the F268 (including accessories) do not contain brominated flame retardants and polyvinyl chloride, the company said.
"Now we are trying not only to launch more environmentally-conscious products with more renewable material and less energy consuming, but also to expand proactively set up a phone recycling system"I wonder if Samsung is selling it at a premium because of its green-ness? If so, will consumers still buy it for the sake of its environment-friendly features especially at these economic conditions?
Are chickens antibiotic-free if antibiotics are administered on pre-hatched eggs?
US producer Tyson seems to think so and recently sued the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its supposed inconsistent labeling rules on antibiotic-related product claims, according to this report from Reuters.
Tyson announced on June 2 its plans to withdraw its "raised without antibiotics" labels for chickens because of the controversy.
In the lawsuit, the USDA is said to have given Tyson until June 18 to voluntarily remove its labeling on millions of packages, affecting more than 400 different products.
Severe weather in the Midwest is threatening the feedstock supply for biobased chemicals and fuels; chemical registration for Europe's REACH started this month, and the rest of this week's news are focused on hydrogen, algae, and green investments.
More hydrogen stations
General Motors and Clean Energy Fuels opened a hydrogen fueling station in Los Angeles, and plans to expand more hydrogen infrastructure. The LA station will start operations in early fall.
Europe's new carbon pool
New York-based Natsource LLC formed a carbon pool dedicated to European companies. The pool, which will purchase carbon credits that participants can use to comply with Kyoto Protocol's emissions targets, has a Euro 200 million target.
Solvay joins cleantech fund
Solvay has joined Capricorn Cleantech Fund, a venture capital fund which focuses on start up, early and development stage investments in clean technology-based growth companies across Europe.
Investment plug for hybrids
The US Department of Energy will fund $30 million for three 3-year cost-shared Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles demonstration and development projects. Companies in the project included General Motors, Ford Motor and General Electric.
Akzo's slimy funding
Akzo Nobel with its partners energy company Essent, algae producers Ingrepo and Wageningen University, received a more than Eur 1 million of Dutch government funding for their algae research project. The consortium is looking to convert algae into potential chemical feedstock.
Bioplastic facility unharmed
Bioplastic producer Cereplast said its Indiana facility was safe from the recent Midwest flooding and remained on track for its opening in the third quarter this year. The company plans to add additional buildings to the site, increasing production capacity to half a billion pounds as early as 2010.
And in ICIS News (which requires subscription):
Closed-loop recycling can cut costs and raise revenue for paint producers, according to a plastic recycler. Diversification of energy supplies into cleaner sources will address the issues of energy security and climate change, according to Tony Hayward, CEO of oil company BP. And green trends are having a stronger influence in the automotive coatings market, according to DuPont.
The answer to that is crude oil extracted from pig manure, according to these resourceful and brave chemists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
The NIST team said they were able to analyze the chemical components of pig manure-based crude oil, which was developed by engineer Yuanhui Zhang of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
The chemical analysis could help reveal the potential processing needed to transform pig manure crude oil into fuel for vehicles or heating.
The researchers said they're not planning a major foray into pig manure but the effort may have a payoff.
"Who knows, it might help decrease the nuisance of manure piles," said NIST chemist Tom Bruno.
With fuel prices so high these days, consumers (such as my sister) are looking towards hybrids as a solution to their driving problems. Consulting firm ABI Research, however, warns of the hybrid pitfalls in their latest study.
According to them, realistic evaluations and estimations in terms of fuel savings must be made in order to calculate the benefits of hybrid technology.
"The return on investment can vary dramatically depending on factors such as the type of hybrid, cost of fuel, and the typical usage cycle."I guess there is no such thing as the ultimate green driving machine!
According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), wood flooring is the only flooring option available that is completely sustainable. The group released a study on the environmental impact of wood flooring & several flooring alternatives.
NWFA said:
"Being green is much more than just being a rapidly renewable material. To truly recognize a product's "greenness," one must look at its entire life cycle, from cradle to grave. It's not a matter of simply whether raw materials can be replaced quickly, but how those materials are used when making a finished product, and what happens to them once their useful life is over.It could be true here in the US but when thinking about the forest being stripped of their trees (faster than you can replant them) in Indonesia and other woodland areas across the globe, that does makes consumers think twice about using real wood.
I guess charging earphones and checked-in baggages; starving their customers; and removing in-flight magazines, are not enough to compensate for skyrocketing jet fuel costs for airline companies.
They are now turning their attention to using more efficient engine washing system that could save millions of dollars of jet fuel costs, according to commercial jet engines service provider Pratt & Whitney.
The company said it is now providing its EcoPower engine wash system to United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The system also reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Is it just me or is chemical paranoia among consumers seems to be much worse these days?
Take for example these news regarding vinyl shower curtains and compact florescent lamps or CFL (which I thought are already considered green and more safe).
A recent report from the US-based Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ)
and in Canada by Environmental Defence and the Canadian Environmental Law
Association (CELA) said that as many as 100 toxic chemicals are released into the air from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) shower curtains.
The Vinyl Institute, of course, immediately stated that the study is simply another scare-mongering tactic from environmental groups.
Underwriters Laboratories, meanwhile, is assuring the public of the safety of CFLs when news about their mercury content, low US recycling rate, and end-of-life issues for CFLs spread last month.
"No mercury is released when the lamps are intact or in use, and if the lamp is disposed of properly, mercury in CFLs shouldn't be a safety hazard. In fact, consumers are more likely to suffer an injury installing the CFL, rather than from the CFL itself."I wonder what's next??
If you want your house and other buildings to look healthy and strong, feed them with soybean-based chemicals and products.
According to the United Soybean Board, products such as adhesives, coatings, lubricants and plastics made from soybeans are increasingly being incorporated in the construction industry.
"Soy is a great part of many products in the construction industry, and with more companies and government agencies going green, use of soy-based products should continue to climb," says Bob Kirchner, USB director and a soybean farmer from Brewster, Minn. "A number of programs promote green buildings, and using soy in construction applications is a great way to achieve certification in such programs."
Hopefully, termites, ants and other building insects don't like the taste of edamame...
Speaking of cleaning industry, Wal-Mart said it completed its goal of selling only concentrated liquid laundry detergent in all of its US and Canadian stores.
Wal-Mart said it expected to save more than 400 million gallons of water, more than 95 million pounds of plastic resin, and more than 125 million pounds of cardboard with this goal.
Approximately 25 percent of the US liquid laundry detergent sold is through Wal-Mart stores.
Also, here is a recent interview [by Brandweek] of Procter & Gamble's vice president of sustainability talking about the company's green goals and initiatives in the cleaning industry.
How will consumers know if they're just being greenwashed when buying eco-friendly, sustainable and ethical products and services?
Some say labels and third-party certification, such as this newly launched Green Registry Eco-friendly seal could help. Others argue that even third party certifications do not guarantee greenness as each certification companies have their own standards.
This report from CBS news talked about supposedly green products that do not stand up to the test.
I also just finished an article about green marketing claims and certifications in the cleaning industry so watch out for that on June 23. For now, let me know your thoughts on this issue.
I came across this news from DSM regarding their green engineering plastics and flame retardants. The products are halogen-free (in response to concern about halogenated flame retardants) but at the same time still deliver the required electrical, mechanical and processing performance, according to the company.
Now if several companies can offer alternatives to these concerned supposedly-toxic chemicals, why does the industry bother defending these products in the first place? Is it because the alternatives are more expensive?
Here's several recent solar news to share before my brain shuts down from the 100 degree [F] temperature here in New York:
Akrion and CEA-Liten will collaborate on advanced solar cell development
Amtech announces $8.5 Million in New Solar Orders
Clear Skies Solar to develop $44 Million Solar Farm in Cantil, California
Dupont expands production of Solamet Photovoltaic Metallization Paste System for Fast Growing Solar Energy Market
Enphase Energy introduces Solar Industry's First Micro-Inverter System
Eyelit Inc. partners with SYSTEMA to Support Growth and Demand From Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panel Industry
HP licenses technology to Xtreme Energetics for creation of super-efficient solar energy system
Photovoltaic Solar Cells develops Graphite/Graphene Solar Cell
Solar Thin Films to Acquire majority Interest in BudaSolar Technologies
Southern California Edison contracts with eSolar for Solar Power Tower
SunRun partners with Advanced Solar Electric to Bring Low-Cost Solar Electricity to Southern California Homeowners
Renewable energy is one of the topmost agenda by both US presidential candidates, John McCain and Barack Obama, and they will be happy to note that their national conventions will be aptly powered by solar and wind electricity.
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy said it will provide the electric utilities in both conventions.
"Energy policy is an issue that both political parties should discuss at their conventions and beyond," said Dick Kelly, Xcel Energy chairman, president and CEO.
I'm back just in time to face the heat wave in New York. Tornadoes, flood, heat wave, earthquake -- some people are wondering if climate change is in play. Here are some noteworthy news that I came across while on semi-vacation:
1. The climate change bill in the senate got axed last week, according to ICIS news (subscription needed for this one -- sorry!).
2. While gasoline and diesel prices reached record highs, thefts for waste grease (used as biofuel feedstock) are increasing across the US. Here's a
5. Surging chemical price hikes are now trickling down in the retail/consumer packaging sector, according to this Reuters report. Will the price hikes drive demand for more bioplastics or will retailers just cut down their packaging materials?
And lastly, June 5th was World Environment Day and the theme this year, according to the United Nations (which established the event 30 years ago), is to curb carbon addiction. I'm thinking of joining Carbon Anonymous and buy their new book Ten Steps Towards Green Living.
This is not a protest to my blog boss or that I'm being fired. Rather the blog's author is going to get her much-awaited vacation -- if you can call flying to the other side of the US to attend a wedding as a maid of honor a form of vacation.
I will be posting furiously next week Monday (June 9), and maybe add some wedding tidbits as long as I can find a green connection to it. For now, I'll leave you with this important news about green lingeries being produced from Sri Lanka to hit the UK market this month.
After finding some of the pros and cons of cap and trade carbon schemes in the US, several studies were recently published on the carbon market's global bottomline: How much should energy-intensive industries pay for compliance?
According to market analyst Point Carbon, global carbon markets could be worth almost €2 trillion (USD $3.1 trillion), with total transaction volume forecast at 38 billion tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2e) per year by 2020.
Around 67% would be traded within a US emissions trading scheme (ETS), said Point Carbon, while the second largest ETS, the EU scheme, would occupy 23% of the global market.
World Bank reported the global carbon market more than doubled last year to a whopping US$64 billion (€47 billion). The value of EU ETS last year was said to have doubled as well to around $50 billion. World Bank, however, noted that the market is said to be lagging from its full potential because of projects leveling off in developing countries.
In a study by Carnegie Mellon researchers, the short-term effects of implementing a $35/ton of carbon dioxide could cut as much as 10% of emission levels.
"Our findings indicate that significant reductions in CO2 can and would be observed in the near-term, even before more efficient power generation technologies are deployed on a wide scale."Don Dears of the George C. Marshall Institute is stating otherwise. He said that cap & trade legislation for CO2 emissions will be the largest hidden tax increase ever passed by Congress.
According to him:
"What would happen to the markets where billions of dollars in CO2 credits are being traded when it becomes apparent that CO2 emissions can't be significantly cut? Think ENRON on a massive scale."
Also check out this week's issue of ICIS Chemical Business (Disclosure: I work for ICIS) featuring global regulatory issues such as Europe's REACH, worldwide climate change, California's Green Chemistry Initiative, and other environmental/health concerns challenging the chemical industry.
The pending senate vote on the Lieberman-Warner climate change bill is producing outpour of support as well as disapproval across the board.
According to ICIS News (I apologize for those who don't have the subscription for the service) , President Bush reportedly warned the Congress on the potential costs of the bill on the US economy and ultimately to consumers. Bush said he would veto the measure.
The US chemical industry is generally opposed to the bill. Check out this recent interview of the American Chemistry Council's Jack Gerard regarding his take on the pending policy.
Charles Drevna, president of the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, also explains in this interview why he believes the price of gas will likely go up if the bill passes.
The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) released their opinion yesterday stating that they are evaluating the debate but remained concern on the bill's potential financial toll on the specialty batch and custom chemical manufacturing industry.
In a new Policy Outlook from the George C. Marshall Institute, author Donn Dears reported on the folly of the bill saying that the US do not yet have the necessary proven technologies to dramatically cut CO2 emissions.
"Forging ahead without the needed technologies will cause severe economic harm by cutting our supply of electricity and reducing America's standard of living."On the other side, several companies and most public advocates are urging on the the passing of the bill. Corporations such as Allianz of America; Catalyst Paper Corporation; FPL Group, Inc.; JohnsonDiversey, Inc.; Johnson & Johnson; Levi Strauss & Co.; National Grid; Nike, Inc.; Novo Nordisk; Tetra Pak; and Xanterra Parks & Resorts sent a letter yesterday to the Senate stating an urgent need for a regulatory framework to address climate change.
Accenture released a study last month reporting that more than three-quarters of companies they interviewed in the chemical, energy and natural resources industries worldwide are looking to policy makers to set a framework that supports technology innovation and lays out global emission targets and efficiency standards.
"Another key finding is that most respondents view climate change primarily as a risk factor. 56 percent said they regard climate change more as a risk than as a business opportunity while 15 percent said they consider climate change only as a risk, with no related opportunities."Some of these companies may not see any opportunities or profits regarding climate change but several analysts viewing the global carbon market is stating otherwise. Stay tune for the next post talking more about the good, the bad and the money involved in dealing with the carbon market.
PS
You can also watch video clips of the ACC and NPRA interviews (which were too big to embed) by clicking their links.
According to this report from Javelin Strategy & Research, green banking habits are still lagging in the US with 3 out of 4 consumers continue to prefer paper statements.
The consulting firm offered five tips to make green banking for consumers as easy 'as screwing in a CFL bulb':
Turn off paper statements. This is the easiest and most widely available way to make an immediate, substantial impact on your carbon footprint and lower your risk of identity fraud.
My take: True but what about online identity fraud? A lot of banks offer security for this but with a price. They should make this service free. Also, it may be hard to believe but there are people who do not have access to the internet or who do not like to do their banking transactions via internet (such as my parents). Another reason why paper statements are still popular is because it physically reminds them to read it and [or] pay their bills if applicable.
Switch to direct deposit. Cut off the paper trail that goes along with depositing paychecks. Bonus: In most cases, your money is deposited into your account earlier through direct deposit.
My take: For some, it is a pain in the neck to go to their Human Resources if they have to change their banking accounts or some such other issues (like when you got promoted and you want to hide your newly-found income to your significant other who has access to that direct deposit account).
Start using online banking. Checking your accounts online is not only convenient, but you can also significantly reduce waste by managing and paying bills online. Bonus: Save money on postage and reduce the possibility of identity fraud.
My take: See #1.
Skip the receipt and deposit envelope. Don't take a receipt and instead, check your accounts online later or make a note of it immediately in your checkbook. Recently, many banks have installed ATMs that don't require envelopes for deposits.
My take: Again, paper receipt reminded absent-minded/internet-hating people like some I know on what they did with their money. I also like to use envelopes for deposits because I hate thinking about my deposit check getting ripped by that little monster who lives inside an ATM machine...oh, they're not real??
Try mobile banking. By signing up for mobile banking, you're likely to cut down on trips to the ATM or local branch, which reduces pollution and saves you money on gas.
My take: Try explaining how to do mobile banking to my parents...
Now you know why I don't blame consumers who opt for paper statements instead.
It's that time of the month to check out some newly launched green-hot chemical products. More environment- and health-friendly plastics continue to be developed; the solar energy and hybrid transportation markets are getting new technology boosts; and in between are air pollution control and new water treatment technologies.
1. Honeywell's solar shield - It is not natural or renewable based but Honeywell's UV-, moisture- and weather-resistant PowerShield PV325 does protects photovoltaic modules -- including critical components that convert sunlight into electricity -- in all types of environments.
2. PlastiPure's healthy plastic - Austin, Texas-based PlastiPure said it has developed the first plastic bottles completely free of estrogenic activity. The company's first product line includes 4 oz. to 32 oz. polyethylene or polypropylene bottles.
3. ExxonMobil's new films - ExxonMobil Chemical and its Japanese affiliate Tonen Chemical launched their co-extruded separator films for hybrid and electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries. The films are said to improve battery safety and performance. You might ask if this product is within the context of green chemicals but you be the judge!
4. Biotherm plastic-based oil - Swiss company Biotherm Technologie now offers a process that can produce diesel fuel and heating oil from used plastics and waste or bilge oil. The company expects Japan's commercial shipping fleet as a potential big market for the technology.
5. SABIC's non-halogenated plastic - SABIC Innovative Plastics introduced last month its EFR 735 film, the company's first thermoplastic film made without the use of brominated or chlorinated flame-retardants.
6. PolyOne packaging system - PolyOne introduced its PlanetPak packaging system for environment-friendly packaging of color and additive concentrates. The system is said to offer sustainability and economic benefits over traditional steel-rimmed fiber drums.
7. RG Global's water treatment - RG Global launched its first plant that uses ion exchange technology to treat discharge water from coal bed methane (CBM) wells. The technology is said to resolve the problem of disposing massive volumes of contaminated CBM produced water without depleting groundwater supplies or harming the surrounding environment or water bodies. It also reduces treatment cost by 50%, the company said.
8. Solvay's air solution - Solvay Chemical's new sodium bicarbonate-based SOLVAir Select 300 is said to be specifically designed for use in air pollution control applications particularly the treatment of sulfur dioxide. Solvay plans to built a 125,000 tonnes/year plant to manufacture the product in Wyoming.
Consumers emit more greenhouse gas emissions than from the industrial sector, according to this preliminary analysis from the the Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration (EIA).
EIA reported that carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6% last year, and attributed the increase mostly coming from the residential and commercial sectors. The combined industrial and transportation emissions is said to be flat at 0.1%
"Factors that drove the emissions increase included weather conditions that increased the demand for heating and cooling services and a higher carbon intensity of electricity supply."Total US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions is said to have grown 19.4% since 1990. EIA said energy-related carbon dioxide emissions account for over 80% of US greenhouse gas emissions.
I guess this indicates how efficient the US industrial and transportation sectors are in containing their emissions.
