Green Cleaning Tip for August 2010

Green Products should have certain expectations that you should be aware of.

Green Products:

1. should be closer to the pH7 range- the pH of water.
   
2. have few VOCs and don't give off strong smells
   
3. break down into normal compounds that might be found in nature.
   
4. often use enzymes and natural ingredients to do an effective job.
   
5. might replace harsh chemicals with better practices using little or no chemical application.

Big Businesses Going Green Part 2

What are Big Businesses doing to go green?

• B Green
  
  • A French cosmetics maker has eliminated plastic from its eye shadow and face powder packaging. They are now using 100% recycled cardboard which is lighter and recyclable.
    
• Kohl's
  
  • 500 stores in the retail chain have been awarded the Energy Star Label, which has saved the company about $50 million in energy costs and has boosted their efficiency by more than 20%.
    
• Alaska Airlines
  
  • Reduced emissions by 35% by changing the way their planes land.
    
    • Instead of the step-by-step landing method, they are using a steady decent landing.
      
• Office Depot
  
  • All new stores are being built for LEED certification. The inclusions are as followed: skylights, reflective roof, 100% Energy Star equipment, daylight and occupancy sensors, water conserving fixtures, interior finishes made of low-VOC emitting materials, and an in-store recycling center.
    

Clean Air Act: Timeline and Explanations

    The Clean Air Act, similar to other environmental legislation, has evolved throughout time. The Clean Air Act (CAA) started with the Air Pollution Control Act of 1955. This Act was the first Federal Legislation involving Air Pollution. Its main reason was to provide funds for Air Pollution Research.

    The Clean Air Act of 1963 (CAA 1963) was the first federal legislation regarding air pollution control. This Act was to protect and enhance the quality of the nation's air so as to promote the public's health and welfare. This Act established a federal program within the US Public Health Service and authorized research into technology for monitoring and controlling Air Pollution. This Act also provided technical and financial assistance to state and local governments in connection with the development and execution of their air pollution prevention and control programs.

    The Air Quality Act of 1970 was the next step toward clean air regulation. It expanded the Federal Governments activities and started enforcement proceedings in areas subject to interstate air pollution. This also initiated Federal Governments extensive ambient monitoring studies and stationary source inspections.

    The Clean Air Act of 1970 (CAA 1970) was the next innovation in our quest for cleaner air. It authorized the development of Federal and State regulations to limit emissions for both stationary and mobile sources. It created four different programs for stationary sources: The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS), State Implementation Plans (SIP), New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), and National Emissions Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPs). This Act was around the same time as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which established the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in May of 1971. The EPA was established to implement the requirements of the CAA 1970.

    There are 2 amendments to the CAA 1970, one in 1977 and one in 1990. The 1977 Amendments (CAAA 1777) created provisions for the prevention of significant deterioration, otherwise known as PSD, of air quality in areas attaining the NAAQS. It also contained requirements pertaining to the sources in non-attainment areas for NAAQS. Both of these amendments established major permit review requirements. The Amendments from 1990 increased the authorization and responsibility of the Federal Government. It also added control of acid rain, operating permits, toxic pollutants and stratospheric ozone protection.

    As you can see, the Clean Air Act, and related legislation, has made enormous changes in our air quality. All of our current legislations aim towards keeping the world safe for our children and our children's children.

Solar Roadways

Big Businesses and Green: Products

Businesses all over the world are beginning to create more and more green products. These products help save electricity, water, use recycled content, are recyclable, and are made from plant materials instead of man-made. Here is a small peek at different products coming out that are green.

• Cereplast
  
  • Plans to produce polymers made with algae. Will end up making resins for injection molding and thermoforming.
    
• Belkin
  
  • The Insight- an energy-use monitor that you can plug a device into to see how much energy (in watts or dollars) is being used.
    
  • The Smart AV- a surge protector that detects when your TV is off and turns off power to attached components (i.e. Video game consoles, DVD players, and Cable boxes)
    
  • The Valet- a charging station that shuts off power when a device is charged.
    
  • The Socket- a timer that shuts off power to a device after a certain amount of time.
    
• Timberland's Earthkeepers
  
  • This line of footwear has added a men's boat shoe and women's sandal.
    
  • 90% of the boat shoe and 70% of the sandal is recyclable or reusable
    
  • The soles are made with 42% recycled materials.
    
• Cerealus Holdings:
  
  • Created a Corn-protein based coating additive for wrappers, bags, or other type of food packaging that come in contact with grease or oil. This will be used in place of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).