Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 03/07/2008
This is the weekly bulletin of the TURI Library, reporting a selection of recently published titles we have acquired. Our pledge is to keep the bulletin relevant to your work and brief -- no more than 10 titles. You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of the articles listed here.
Titles here, abstracts below:
- The toxic business of dry cleaning [podcast]
- Presumption of safety: limits on federal policies on toxic substances in consumer products
- Edge-retentive and solvent-free coating based on a renewable raw material
- UNEP year book 2008: an overview of our changing environment
- Scientists find mercury threatens next generation of loons
- Virtual solutions to real-world problems: an eco tour of Second Life
- Easing concerns about pollution from manufacture of solar cells
- Scientists issue safety warning on cosmetic nanomaterials
- Safe surface treatment
- Mutual neglect: how the largest institutions in the stock market ignore health problems and financial threats stemming from toxic product liabilities
1. The toxic business of dry cleaning [podcast]
Source: KQED Quest Radio, 2008
Description: A new law is forcing California's dry cleaners to switch to eco-friendlier cleaning technologies. But what will the cost of environmental progress be for these small family businesses? And will customers put up with the changes?
WWW: http://www.kqed.org/quest/radio/view/766
2. Presumption of safety: limits on federal policies on toxic substances in consumer products
Authors: Tickner, Joel, Torrie, Yve
Source: Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, 2008
Abstract: The large number of recent consumer product recalls of toys, children’s products, and other products containing dangerous chemicals, such as lead, has raised public concern about the safety of the products we use every day. Consumers are asking whether these products are safe for ourselves and our children.
Despite the fact that most consumers believe that everyday products are thoroughly tested for dangerous chemicals and determined to be safe by government authorities, the reality is that existing regulatory systems leave significant gaps in their capacity to adequately protect consumers from chemical hazards in these products. Although issues of supply chain integrity and use of substandard raw materials are significant in ensuring safe products, a key element of the problem is inadequate federal regulation and policy to ensure that imported products are safe.
The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell conducted an analysis of current chemicals and product safety regulations in the United States as well as the agencies that implement these laws. Through literature review and consultation with key experts in government, academia, and the corporate and non-profit sectors, we identified several important limitations in the current regulatory system for ensuring the safety of chemicals used in everyday products.
This report focuses primarily on laws and agencies regulating toxic chemicals in consumer products, including toys. It spells out how the U.S. consumer product regulatory system functions and its limitations.
WWW: http://www.chemicalspolicy.org/downloads/UMassLowellConsumerProductBrief.pdf
3. Edge-retentive and solvent-free coating based on a renewable raw material
Author: Dallons, Jean-luc
Source: PCI Paint & Coatings Industry, February 2008, pp38-44
Abstract: Phenalkamine curing agents, derived from the cashew nutshell liquid, provide outstanding anti-corrosion properties to epoxy coatings. This technology allows the paint formulator to provide the marine paint industry with solvent-free and edge-retentive coatings.
For a ship owner, the principal purpose of a ship is to navigate and not be held up in dry-dock for maintenance. Sturdy and cheap steel is the material of choice to build ships, but it has one drawback — steel corrodes. Steel therefore has to be protected by a coating, which ideally should last as long as the ship’s life.
Another very important feature is fuel consumption, which represents about 50% of the operating cost of a big ship. Fouling of the ship’s hull by barnacles, mollusks and algae roughen the hull surface and may cause a fuel consumption increase of 45% after 6 months.
Ship owners are therefore requiring two types of protection from a coating: anti-corrosion for all surfaces and anti-fouling for the immerged surfaces. This paper will only deal with protection against corrosion.
WWW: http://www.pcimag.com/CDA/Articles/Feature_Article/
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4. UNEP year book 2008: an overview of our changing environment
Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), 2008
Abstract: The UNEP Year Book 2008 (formerly the GEO Year Book) is the fifth annual report on the changing environment produced by the United Nations Environment Programme in collaboration with many world environmental experts.
The UNEP Year Book 2008 highlights the increasing complexity and interconnections of climate change, ecosystem integrity, human well-being, and economic development. It examines the emergence and influence of economic mechanisms and market driven approaches for addressing environmental degradation. It describes recent research findings and policy decisions that affect our awareness of and response to changes in our global environment.
In three sections, the UNEP Year Book 2008 focuses on recent environmental events, developments, and scientific findings:
The Global Overview surveys the significant environmental events that gained prominence during 2007. Using graphs, charts, and photos with examples from regional experiences, the overview also tracks new scientific and policy developments on the environmental front.
The Feature Focus documents some of the creative efforts already working in markets and financial circles to fight the growing climate crisis. The section also examines patterns that are emerging after a decade of carbon market experimentation. Finally, it attempts to map the next important steps that will assist the transition to an environmentally-sound economy.
The Emerging Challenge examines recent scientific findings on the role of arctic climate feedbacks. Release of methane from thawing permafrost and from hydrate deposits are amplifying warming trends. The section emphasizes the urgent need for increased investments in climate and energy research, knowledge partnerships, and global political responses to meet these serious challenges.
WWW: http://unep.org/geo/yearbook/yb2008/
5. Scientists find mercury threatens next generation of loons
Source: Wildlife Conservation Society, March 4, 2008
Abstract: A long-term study by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the BioDiversity Research Institute, and other organizations has found and confirmed that environmental mercury—much of which comes from human-generated emissions—is impacting both the health and reproductive success of common loons in the Northeast.
The results of the 18-year study on loons—a species symbolic of northern lakes and wilderness—appear in the most recent edition of Ecotoxicology.
The study uses data from nearly 5,500 samples of blood, feathers, and eggs collected from captured and released loons from some 80 lakes in Maine, New York, New Hampshire, and other states and provinces. The researchers made correlations between the behaviors of individual birds and their levels of methylmercury, the most toxic form of mercury that accumulates up the food chain.
Loons with high levels of mercury—about 16 percent of the adult population in the study area—were found to spend some 14 percent less time at the nest than normally behaving birds. Unattended nests have a higher rate of failure due to either chilling of the eggs or predation by minks, otters, raccoons and other egg robbers.
With behavioral observations from 1,529 loon territories between 1996 and 2005, researchers found that loon pairs with elevated mercury levels also produced 41 percent fewer fledged young than loons in lakes relatively free of mercury. Other behavioral impacts due to elevated mercury were sluggishness, resulting in decreased foraging for fish by the adults for both themselves and for chicks.
In addition to behavior, the concentration of mercury in loons has physiological impacts as well.
Researchers found that loons with high mercury loads have unevenly sized flight feathers. Birds with wing asymmetries of more than 5 percent must expend 20 percent more energy than normal birds to fly, a deficiency that may impact their ability to migrate and maintain a breeding territory.
WWW: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-03/wcs-sfm030408.php
6. Virtual solutions to real-world problems: an eco tour of Second Life
Source: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, February 19, 2008
Subjects: Information Services; Community Education; Educational Techniques
Abstract: If you have never been in a virtual world, here is your chance to visit one of the most popular, Second Life, and see how people are using this online environment to address real world environmental issues ranging from tackling climate change to fostering more sustainable consumption patterns. The tour will take you to places like:
* Eolus One, where a virtual world energy management system is reducing energy consumption in real-world buildings;
* Etopia Eco-village which showcases sustainable architecture and sustainable living;
* the Avatar Action Center that seeks to educate Second Life residents about sustainability issues and empower them to take action in their real lives; and
Second Chance Trees where residents plant virtual trees that trigger the planting of endangered tree species worldwide.
Second Life, created by San Francisco-based Linden Labs in 2002, now has over a half million active users, with 40,000 to 50,000 people in-world at any given time (70 percent of these users are from outside the United States). One of the interesting features of Second Life is the existence of an in-world currency (called Lindens) that links directly to real currency and support an extensive range of virtual/real commerce activities. On a typical day, well over $1 million will be spent in Second Life.
Second Life is being used by dozens of universities; corporations such as IBM; government agencies like NOAA, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Library of Congress; and philanthropies. Recently, a Spanish charity group raised enough money through its Second Life awareness campaign, which featured a homeless avatar, to provide a month of healthcare and education for a real-life child. A number of countries have actually opened virtual embassies in Second Life, including Estonia and Sweden.
David Rejeski, who directs the Foresight and Governance Project (aka Nano Hauptmann in Second Life) noted that, “Virtual worlds like Second Life open up a whole new set of possibilities for public sector organizations to engage people and explore new approaches to governance. We should view them as a test bed for running policy experiments in areas as diverse at emissions trading, energy-use reduction, product labeling, or conflict resolution.”
The Second Life Eco-Tour is part of a larger project with the Environmental Protection Agency to explore how computer and video game technologies can be applied to environmental issues.
WWW: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.item&news_id=393493
7. Easing concerns about pollution from manufacture of solar cells
Source: ScienceDaily, February 26, 2008
Abstract: In a finding that could help ease concerns about the potential environmental impact of manufacturing solar cells, scientists report that the manufacture of solar cells produces far fewer air pollutants than conventional fossil fuel technologies. Their report is the first comprehensive study on the pollutants produced during the manufacture of solar cells.
Solar energy has been touted for years as a safer, cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuels to meet rising energy demands. However, environmentalists and others are increasingly concerned about the potential negative impact of solar cell (photovoltaic) technology.
Manufacture of photovoltaic cells requires potentially toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium and produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming.
In the new study, Vasilis M. Fthenakis and colleagues gathered air pollution emissions data from 13 solar cell manufacturers in Europe and the United States from 2004-2006. The solar cells include four major commercial types: multicrystalline silicon, monocrystalline silicon, ribbon silicon, and thin-film cadmium telluride.
The researchers found that producing electricity from solar cells reduces air pollutants by about 90 percent in comparison to using conventional fossil fuel technologies.
WWW: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225090826.htm
8. Scientists issue safety warning on cosmetic nanomaterials
Source: EurActiv.com, March 5, 2008
Abstract: An EU scientific committee has concluded that current risk-assessment methods for nanomaterials used in cosmetics, in particular sunscreen, are not thorough enough.
A "review of the safety of the insoluble nanomaterials presently used in sunscreens is required," concludes a scientific opinion on the safety of nanomaterials in cosmetic products. The opinion was issued by the Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products , which addresses questions linked to the safety and allergenic properties of cosmetic products and ingredients with respect to their impact on consumer health.
In its opinion, adopted in December 2007 and made public in late February 2008, the committee recommends a case-by-case risk assessment of all nanoparticles used in cosmetics. It argues that this should be done either through validating existing safety evaluation methods for nanomaterials or by developing new ones specifically for nanomaterials.
WWW: http://euractiv.com/en/health/
scientists-issue-safety-warning-cosmetic-nanomaterials/article-170713
9. Safe surface treatment
Author: Destefani, Jim
Source: PF Products Finishing, January 2008
Abstract: An abrasive blasting process that combines water with glass bead media is said to provide closed-loop cleaning and surface finishing of a variety of substrates.
The process, developed by Vapormatt, uses glass abrasive particles as fine as talcum powder. The flow of water holds down dust and eliminates possible buildup of a static charge when using very fine media. According to the company, the water also buffers and lubricates the media particles on impact, allowing production of very fine finishes without damage to the component substrate.
Vapormatt wet blasting is a solvent- and dust-free simultaneous cleaning and degreasing process that employs an operator-safe cleaning solution composed of water, detergent and media. The mixture is delivered through a slurry pump and propelled to the surface through an advanced blast nozzle at variable pressure. The action of the slurry scours the surface to create a thoroughly clean and lightly abraded result without impinging on the metal surface, according to Vapormatt. Effluent is processed through a filtration system, which separates out solid waste for safe disposal and allows recycling of process water.
Typically, no solvents or other potentially hazardous chemicals are used by the wet blast process. However, for tougher soils, the water can be heated and mild detergent added to ensure removal of greases. Vapormatt says biodegradable degreasing compounds can also be added to the mix, facilitating single-step degreasing and superfinishing of parts. Built-in filters remove oil and blast debris in a continuous cycle.
WWW: http://www.pfonline.com/articles/0108tn1.html
10. Mutual neglect: how the largest institutions in the stock market ignore health problems and financial threats stemming from toxic product liabilities
Source: The Investor Environmental Health Network (IEHN); The Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment, 2008
Abstract: Toxic chemicals in products may create liabilities for companies and their shareholders. This report reviews the voting records of major mutual funds on shareholder resolutions introduced in 2006-2007 addressing toxic chemical issues. Most major funds routinely vote against or abstain from voting on these resolutions. The report notes, however, encouraging signs at pension fund TIAA-CREF and at large government employee pension funds and in guidelines from proxy voting advisory service Institutional Shareholder Services. The report offers recommendations to the mutual fund industry and to investors in mutual funds.
The biggest bloc of votes cast on toxics-related resolutions is cast by mutual funds--the largest category of institutional shareholders in U.S. stock markets, collectively holding more than one third of assets invested in U.S. companies. This report examines proxy voting records of 64 major families of mutual funds on 15 toxics-related shareholder resolutions. Most funds routinely vote against these resolutions. There are some prominent exceptions, such as TIAA-CREF and some large government employee pension funds. Resolutions tend to draw more support from funds when proxy advisory service Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends a "yes" vote; ISS has recently revised its guidelines to recognize the need for companies to better address toxic chemicals in their supply chains. The report offers a series of recommendations, including broader mutual fund adoption of proxy voting guidelines similar to those of TIAA-CREF and ISS.
WWW: http://www.iehn.org/publications.reports.mutualfunds.php
You are welcome to send a message to jan@turi.org if you would like more information on any of these resources. Also, please tell us what topics you are particularly interested in monitoring, and who else should see Greenlist. An online search of the TURI Library catalog can be done at http://slk060.liberty3.net/turi for greater topic coverage.
This page updated Friday March 07 2008