Great Lakes Pollution Prevention Roundtable (GLRPPR) Environmental News

Chemical Exchange Offers Free Recycling Solution

2010-02-03T10:29:03-06:00

Source: Environmental Protection, 2/3/10.

Chemical Recycling Solutions is a Web site-based free chemical exchange that allows industry and manufacturers an opportunity to recycle unused, discarded chemicals and save money on disposal and purchasing costs.

IL: Illinois EPA Notifies Electronic Manufacturers of Electronic Products Recycling and Reuse Act Requirements

2010-02-03T09:24:10-06:00

Source: Illinois Government News Network, 2/1/10.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Doug Scott has notified computer, television and printer manufacturing companies doing business in Illinois of advancements in requirements as they implement recycling programs for excess electronic waste (e-waste).

The law requires electronic manufacturers and retailers to properly manage discarded and unwanted electronic products, should they wish to sell their products in the state. They must establish a system for recycling and/or reusing computers, monitors, televisions and printers discarded from residences.

NY: Panel Suggests 100 Ways Buildings Can Be Greener

2010-02-03T09:22:44-06:00

Source: New York Times, 2/1/10.

A panel of experts convened by the mayor and City Council issued more than 100 recommendations Monday on how to make New York City's building codes more environmentally sound by imposing energy-saving requirements on construction and renovation work.

Mercury in Old Fillings Probably Not as Toxic, Study Reports

2010-02-03T09:20:00-06:00

Source: Environmental Protection, 1/28/10.

* Jan 28, 2010 A new study on the surface chemistry of silver-colored, mercury-based dental fillings suggests that the surface forms of mercury may be less toxic than previously thought. A report on the study appears online in American Chemical Society's journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.

Researchers Use Fungus to Decompose Plastic Containing BPA

2010-02-03T09:11:12-06:00

Source: Environmental Protection, 1/28/10.

Pretreating polycarbonate plastic may be the key to disposing of bisphenol A (BPA) in an eco-friendly way, scientists have found. Their new study is in the American Chemical Society's Biomacromolecules, a monthly journal.

OH: Ohio State U. among top purchasers of green power

2010-02-02T13:04:20-06:00

Source: U.S. EPA, 2/1/10.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest purchasers of green power among higher education institutions.

Global e-Waste Recovery/Reclamation Revenues to Reach $14.7 Billion by 2015

2010-02-02T12:57:02-06:00

Source: ABI Research, 1/29/10.

A new market study by ABI Research, "e-Waste Recovery and Recycling," forecasts that the worldwide market for e-waste recovery will grow from $5.7 billion in 2009 to nearly $14.7 billion by the end of 2014, representing a CAGR of 20.8% over the forecast period. This figure represents money generated through reclamation of valuable materials from e-scrap.

EPA to Hold Public Hearings on Air Quality Standards for Smog

2010-02-02T12:54:27-06:00

Source: U.S. EPA, 1/29/10.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold three public hearings on the proposal to strengthen the nation's air quality standards for ground-level ozone, also called smog. Exposure to smog is linked to a number of serious health problems, ranging from aggravation of asthma to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease.

The agency is proposing to set the "primary" standard, to protect public health, at a level between 0.060 and 0.070 parts per million measured over eight hours. EPA is also proposing to set a separate, seasonal "secondary" standard to protect the environment, especially plants and trees.

Compact Fluorescent Lights Dumping Mercury Directly into Landfills

2010-02-02T12:49:56-06:00

Source: NaturalNews.com, 1/27/10.

) Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs have become all the rage over the past several years, touted by many as the preferable "green" way to light a home, save energy, and promote environmental responsibility. While they may use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, CFL bulbs are filled with toxic mercury that, when disposed of, contaminates landfills and the environment.

More states require 'green' cleaning products

2010-02-02T12:48:15-06:00

Source: Wisconson State Journal, 1/27/10.

More states are requiring schools and government buildings to use environmentally friendly cleaning products, raising debate about their costs and benefits. After a burst of legislation last year, 10 states including Connecticut, Illinois and New York require or encourage "green" floor waxes, window cleaners and other products in schools, according to Green Seal Inc., a nonprofit that certifies the products. Similar bills are expected to be debated this year in at least five states.