Greenlist(tm) Bulletin 11/16/2007
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:
- New standard for sustainable carpet announced
- Basic training: a lean, mean supply chain machine
- EWG Report: Summary -- Safety guide to children's personal care products
- ABC: an introduction to environmentally sustainable IT
- Method to improve the strength of rubber, plastic products
- Planet's tougher problems persist, UN report warns
- The state of the paper industry: monitoring the indicators of environmental performance
- Toxicity assessment of the main pesticides used in Costa Rica
- Spray paint regulation to help reduce smog
- High efficiency toilets approved by Schwarzenegger : California leads nation with major step forward in water conservation
1. New standard for sustainable carpet announced
Source: Georgia Institute of Technology, November 7, 2007
Abstract: Don’t call it ‘green’ carpet, call it sustainable carpet. A new standard for assessing the environmental-friendliness of carpet was announced at the 2007 Greenbuild International Conference in Chicago.
The new sustainability standard, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), addresses chemicals and materials used in manufacturing carpet, the energy used in production, the use of recycled or bio-based content, methods of disposal and/or reuse and the overall environmental performance of manufacturers. This new standard aims to help consumers sort out the complex sustainable attributes and encourage manufacturers and their suppliers to seek out or develop environmentally preferable processes, practices, power sources and materials.
NSF International, an ANSI-accredited standards development body, created the standard and a committee consisting of carpet and rug manufacturers, end users such as interior design professionals, state agencies responsible for environmentally preferable product procurement practices, academics and non-governmental organizations approved it. The effort was spearheaded by Robert Peoples, director for sustainability for the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), a nonprofit trade association based in Dalton, Georgia.
Link: http://www.gatech.edu/news-room/release.php?id=1589
2. Basic training: a lean, mean supply chain machine
Author: Van Bodegraven, Art; Ackerman, Kenneth B.
Source: DC Velocity, November 2007
Abstract: When the subject of "lean" principles comes up, more often than not, Japanese auto makers—particularly, Toyota—come to mind. But it's not entirely accurate to characterize lean as a modern Japanese innovation: The foundation elements of lean actually date back to business principles implemented by Henry Ford in the first part of the last century, principles he outlined in his classic 1926 book on management, Today and Tomorrow.
Nor is lean just about auto manufacturing—or manufacturing in general, for that matter. In recent years, the gospel of lean has spread beyond the production line to broader applications. We are convinced, for example, that the principles of lean can—and should—be applied throughout the supply chain. Implemented with focus and purpose, they have the potential to elevate—to transform— performance in sustainable ways.
But be warned. It's not easy being lean; the journey requires discipline, leadership, and buy-in from management and workers alike. If implemented inconsistently, or without a sense of direction or objective, a lean supply chain initiative is almost certain to fail.
Link: http://www.dcvelocity.com/viewpoints/?article_id=1391
3. EWG Report: Summary -- Safety guide to children's personal care products
Source: Environmental Working Group (EWG), 2007
Abstract: Every day children are exposed to an average of 27 personal care product ingredients that have not been found safe for kids, according to a national survey conducted in summer 2007 by Environmental Working Group. Overall, 77% of the ingredients in 1,700 children's products reviewed have not been assessed for safety.
In July and August of 2007, EWG surveyed more than 3,300 parents to find out what shampoos, lotions, bath soaps and other personal care products their children use. Based on the specific products named by these parents, we found that children are exposed to an average of 61 different chemical ingredients every day, and that on average 27 of these ingredients have not been found safe for children by the government or the cosmetic industry's expert safety panel.
Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, cosmetics companies can put almost any ingredient they choose into their products, with no requirement to safety test. Companies can also claim that their products are gentle and natural even when they contain artificial chemical ingredients or harsh skin irritants. This new children's product safety guide helps parents navigate around bogus claims and find safer products with fewer ingredients linked to allergies, cancer, and other concerns for children.
Link: http://cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/parentsguide/summary.php
4. ABC: an introduction to environmentally sustainable IT
Author: Walsh, Katherine
Source: CIO, October 27, 2007
Abstract: Managing information technology sustainably can reduce corporate energy bills and keep toxins out of landfills. Thinking "green" with IT can also help companies manage raw materials more efficiently and increase revenue. We explain how to get started.
Link: http://www.cio.com/article/149651/
ABC_An_Introduction_to_Environmentally_Sustainable_IT
5. Method to improve the strength of rubber, plastic products
Source: Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC), November 2007
Abstract: Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientist Lei Jong has discovered a method using defatted soy products to improve the strength of rubber products.
Defatted soy products do not contain soybean oil. All of the steps and the equipment for ARS's method are the same as current commercial practices.
However, ARS's method uses defatted soy flour (DSF) in place of carbon black, which is used in automobile tires and other products to increase their mechanical strength.
This invention can be used in various industries such as rubber, plastic, and coatings to significantly improve the strength and biodegradability of a variety of polymer products. Polymer products include components that are made of rubber and plastic.
Various organic and inorganic fillers, such as carbon black, have been used to reinforce polymer materials. The advantage of using this technology versus other conventional fillers is that defatted soy products give a higher reinforcement effect in rubbers at a comparative or lower cost.
The advantage is a cost saving by partial replacement of carbon black. The technology provides a high- performance and low-cost alternative to petroleum-based carbon black and other inorganic fillers. It also improves the biodegradability of cross-linked rubbers that are known to be difficult to recycle or dispose.
Link: http://www.federallabs.org/news/classifieds/articles/?pt=classifieds/articles/0307-10.jsp
6. Planet's tougher problems persist, UN report warns
Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), October 25, 2007
Abstract: The United Nations Environment Programme says that major threats to the planet such as climate change, the rate of extinction of species, and the challenge of feeding a growing population are among the many that remain unresolved, and all of them put humanity at risk.
The warning comes in UNEP’s Global Environment Outlook: environment for development (GEO-4) report published 20 years after the World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission) produced its seminal report, Our Common Future.
GEO-4, the latest in UNEP’s series of flagship reports, assesses the current state of the global atmosphere, land, water and biodiversity, describes the changes since 1987, and identifies priorities for action. GEO-4 is the most comprehensive UN report on the environment, prepared by about 390 experts and reviewed by more than 1 000 others across the world.
It salutes the world’s progress in tackling some relatively straightforward problems, with the environment now much closer to mainstream politics everywhere. But despite these advances, there remain the harder-to-manage issues, the “persistent” problems. Here, GEO-4 says:
“There are no major issues raised in Our Common Future for which the foreseeable trends are favourable.”
Failure to address these persistent problems, UNEP says, may undo all the achievements so far on the simpler issues, and may threaten humanity’s survival. But it insists: “The objective is not to present a dark and gloomy scenario, but an urgent call for action.”
Link: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo4/media/media_briefs/Media_Briefs_GEO-4%20Global.pdf
7. The state of the paper industry: monitoring the indicators of environmental performance
Source: Environmental Paper Network (EPN), 2007
Abstract: The Environmental Paper Network, a diverse group of environmental organizations joined together to support socially and environmentally sustainable transformations within the pulp and paper industry, has released a report detailing the environmental impacts of the paper industry. The State of the Paper Industry is the first comprehensive report addressing fiber sourcing, recycling, consumption, paper production, and the paper industry’s impact on communities and the climate crisis. The “State of the Industry” report details how an industry known for forest degradation, toxic pollution, and resistance to change is starting to shift. Though the shift has begun, there is a critical need for improvement across the boards.
Link: http://www.environmentalpaper.org/stateofthepaperindustry/
8. Toxicity assessment of the main pesticides used in Costa Rica
Author: Humbert, Sebastien; Margni, Manuele; Charles, Raphael; Salazar, Oscar M. Torres; Quiros, Anna L.; Jolliet, Olivier
Source: Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, January 2007, pp183-190
Abstract: The impacts of the 30 active substances, most used in Costa Rica (reference year 1998), are evaluated using two models originally developed to support comparative assertions in the context of the life cycle assessment: the multimedia fate, exposure and effect model Impact Assessment of Chemical Toxics 2002 (IMPACT 2002), and the Dynamic Model for Pesticides Residues in Plants. Results show that only five active substances – namely diazinon, mancozeb, chlorothalonil, terbutylazine and ethoprophos – contribute to more than 75% of the aquatic ecotoxicity and yet represent less than 40% of the amount used. More than 90% of the human toxicity is generated by only two active substances – namely terbufos and chlorothalonil – whereas they represent less than 10% of the total amount used. Overall, it would be possible to achieve a 90% reduction of human toxicity and a 75% reduction of aquatic ecotoxicity due to pesticide used in Costa Rica, focusing on only a few active substances. For instance, propiconazole or tridemorph could potentially be replaced by chlorothalonil; ametryn, diuron or paraquat by glyphosate; terbufos by cypermethrin; methyl bromide by metam sodium.
9. Spray paint regulation to help reduce smog
Source: EPA News Room, November 16, 2007
Abstract: A new national regulation will help further reduce smog-forming emissions from aerosol spray paints – paints such as clear coatings, nonflat coatings, and primers used by the consumer.
The regulation, the first nationwide rule for aerosol spray paints, limits emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which react with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone, or smog. The new rule focuses on reducing the VOCs with the highest ozone-forming potential, which also is known as reactivity.
EPA modeled the rule on the California Air Resources Board's (CARB) reactivity-based regulation for aerosol coatings. Nearly 85 percent of the spray paints used in the United States are produced by three companies, which already are meeting the CARB requirements.
The new national regulation will provide flexibility for paint producers, especially smaller ones who may produce niche products, by allowing them to choose the VOCs they reduce, provided they meet emissions limits. Previous regulations focused on reducing the compounds by mass, without regard to their smog-forming potential.
The new requirements also apply to imported paint sold in the United States, which must meet the VOC limits by Jan. 1, 2009, the compliance date for the rule. Manufacturers that can demonstrate they produce aerosol paints containing less than 7,500 kilograms (8.3 tons) of VOCs annually are not covered by this regulation.
Link: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/
6424ac1caa800aab85257359003f5337/
301e8e4f6e341795852573950054684a!OpenDocument
10. High efficiency toilets approved by Schwarzenegger : California leads nation with major step forward in water conservation
Source: Assemblymember John Laird, October 11, 2007
Abstract: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed AB 715, a bill that would require all new construction in California to use more efficient toilets and urinals. The bill is the first of its kind in the nation and will help meet the needs of the estimated 500,000 new residents in California each year. The new requirements would yield savings of more than 8 billion gallons of water by the tenth year of implementation—surpassing the total amount of bottled water consumed by Americans in all of 2005.
AB 715 would set new water flush volume standards by making use of existing high-efficiency toilet technology, including 111 toilet models produced by 24 manufacturers and 34 models of urinals produced by nine manufacturers. All new homes, schools, office buildings and other construction would be required to utilize high-efficiency toilets. Beginning in 2010 the legislation will require 50% of all toilets sold in California to meet the new flush standards, ramping up to 100% in 2014. The bill also will allow the installation of waterless urinals in California.
Link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a27/press/20071011AD27PR01.htm
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 November 16 2007