Regional Pollution Prevention News "What's New in P2?"

August 2002, Number 49

NEW P2 RESOURCES

Toxic Air Pollutants are Significant Problem Around Puget Sound

The cancer risk from toxic outdoor-air pollutants is a significant problem for our region, according to recent research by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Washington Department of Ecology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Washington State University. The research indicates that about 70% of the cancer risk in the area comes from diesel soot. Most of the remaining risk comes from wood smoke and gasoline exhaust. Read more about the story at http://www.pscleanair.org/news/cam/2002/cam2002summer01.shtml or check out the report at http://www.pscleanair.org/news/other_pubs.shtml#20020516psatedf.

Oregon Also Finds Diesel Soot Harmful

A recent report found that more than 100 premature deaths a year in Oregon are caused by air pollution from off-road diesel-powered equipment and machinery used in construction, agribusiness, logging and other industries. But Oregon Department of Environmental Quality air quality officials say there are ways that industry can reduce the diesel particulate problem without sacrificing the benefits of diesel-powered engines. Check out the press release at http://www.deq.state.or.us/news/prDisplay.asp?docID=1032 or http://www.deq.state.or.us/news/off-road-diesel-engine.pdf.

Northwest Researchers Focus on Bio-Energy

Four Northwest research organizations are joining forces to explore ways to turn agricultural wastes into energy. The partnership will bring together industry, processors, growers, universities and federal laboratories to develop new methods for converting agricultural and food processing residue and wastes into bio-based energy and industrial products. Members of the new Northwest Bioproducts Research Institute include the Department of Energy's (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington; the DOE's Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory in Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Washington State University and the University of Idaho. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-19-09.asp#anchor7.

Junk Mail Reduction Service

Each piece of advertising mail your organization receives for someone that no longer works there costs you handling time, and wastes paper and transportation energy. A new service, called Red Flag, helps businesses remove the names of former employees from mailing lists and cut down your junk mail. The service is free for businesses. Find out more at http://www.controlthemail.com/.

Getting Rid of Old PCs

Add this to your list of links for how businesses can reuse and recycle their old computers. The site is located at http://www.bcentral.com/articles/enbysk/157.asp?cobrand=msn.

Excerpt from "Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things"

Are you still thinking "cradle to grave"? If so, check out this section of a new book by William McDonough & Michael Braungart that discusses the next steps to designing sustainable businesses and products. Find it at http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/features/feature_template.cfm?ID=819.

Sustainable Growth: On the Brink of a Major Transformation

If that last article interested you, check this one out too. The authors of this article argue that "massive shifts are underway in how business relates to society. Not since the decade of the 1880s have we seen this kind of change. Indeed, Peter Drucker noted recently that, 'We have been through two big transitions in the last 500 years in the West: one starting with Gutenburg and one starting with the steam engine ... and we're just at that point' (of another transition)." http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/features/feature_template.cfm?ID=825.

Measuring P2 Effectiveness

EPA's Pollution Prevention Division recently created this overview of current programs' efforts to measure the effectiveness of their P2 programs. This section of the EPA's web site provides information and examples on ways to identify appropriate measures and data collection methods for P2 program activities. See it at http://www.epa.gov/p2/resources/p2meas.htm.

Bright Opportunities with Brightfields

The US Department of Energy (DOE) is turning Brownfields into "Brightfields" by incorporating solar energy technologies into the redevelopment of contaminated industrial or commercial sites. The program works with local governments and industry to revitalize communities and advance the use of clean and climate-friendly energy technologies. Brightfield projects promote sustainable communities by facilitating Brownfield remediation and redevelopment; increasing the reliability of electricity supply; promoting clean, energy- related economic development, promoting the use of renewable energy technologies; improving air quality; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and creating jobs. For more information on the Brightfields program and funding opportunities, see http://www.eren.doe.gov/brightfields/. To contact Brightfields coordinators at DOE national and regional offices, see http://www.eren.doe.gov/brightfields/contacts.html.

EPA's Resource Management Information

"Resource Management," or RM, is a concept that EPA has recently begun promoting to businesses. RM is a new method that businesses can use for contracting for solid waste disposal. Unlike traditional solid waste service contracts, RM compensates waste contractors based on performance in achieving the business' waste reduction goals, rather than paying them solely based on the volume of waste disposed. Learn more at http://www.epa.gov/wastewise/wrr/rm.htm.

New Washington Schools Pesticide Notification Law

The Children's Pesticide Right to Know Act in Washington went into effect on July 1, 2002. This law requires school districts to provide annual notices that describe the school's pest-control policies and methods, post notices when pesticides are used, and to notify parents, guardians, and staff before applications. More at http://www.watoxics.org/toxmenu.asp?xsl=release&source=press/pr_2002_06_21.

Food Service Topic Hub

The latest P2Rx topic hub comes from the Waste Reduction Resource Center in North Carolina and covers the topic of food service. You'll find information about operations, P2 opportunities, reasons to adopt P2 solutions, and links to more resources. See the hub at http://wrrc.p2pays.org/p2rx/toc.asp?hub=48&subsec=7&nav=7.

P2Rx Web Site Redesigned

With the redesign of the P2Rx web site, P2 sector information and link collections on a variety of current P2 topics are even easier to access. Check it out for technical information on P2 topics, contact information on P2 programs, P2 news, rapid response services, and more. The site is at http://www.p2rx.org/.

P2 TOOLS

One Stop for Information on Source Water Assessment Programs

The Awwa Research Foundation has launched new web site designed to help utility personnel, state drinking water administrators and source water coordinators address requirements for source water assessment programs. The free site features databases that contain comprehensive information for each state on source water quality, chemical occurrence, data resources and helpful contacts. See the site at http://www.drinkingH2O.com/swap.

Determine Building Life Cycle Costs

Long-term savings from an energy conservation project should be greater than the initial investment. The Building Life-Cycle Cost software program, BLCC5, can help with these calculations. It can evaluate long-term costs and the benefits of energy and water conservation and renewable energy projects. BLCC5 also enables managers to compare the life-cycle cost of two or more alternative designs to determine the one that is least expensive and most economical in the long run. See it at http://www.federallabs.org/servlet/newContentObjServlet?LinkCoArID=2002-06-06-10-10-59-023-eportney&CoArRegion=National&parentID=3-DJN

Online Green Meetings Tool

This tool shows meeting hosts, planners and suppliers how to incorporate green principles into every aspect of conference and meeting planning. Starting with 10 Easy Tips to Greening your meeting, the guide takes users step by step through every part of the planning process from accommodation selection to transportation to food and beverage options. Also included is a tool for gauging how green your meeting is through an interactive quiz that informs users how their choices affect the greenness of their meeting. Check it out at http://www.bluegreenmeetings.org/.

Inventory Update Rule Web Site

EPA recently released the 2002 Inventory Update Rule (IUR) collection online. The rule requires manufacturers and importers of certain chemical substances included on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substances Inventory to report current data on the production volume, plant site, and site-limited status of these substances. The site includes the reporting database (ready to run Access version), instructions for use of the database and reporting for the IUR in general, document delivery instructions and a Questions and Answers document. This site also joins, in one easy site, the previous pages from the 1998 and the 1994 collections. In addition, the EPA has incorporated a Regulatory Advisor to assist potential reporters in determining whether they are required to report under the IUR. Take a look at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/iur or contact the TSCA Hotline at 202-554-1404.

P2 NEWS

Seattle Passes Persistent Pollutant Resolution

The Seattle City Council unanimously passed a resolution to begin the process of phasing out the purchase of toxic products such as chlorine-bleached paper, penta-treated utility poles, mercury switches in cars and PVC (vinyl) office materials and building supplies. Seattle is the first city in the country to commit to phasing out products containing persistent toxics or those that result in persistent pollution during their manufacture. These chemicals include mercury, dioxin and pentachlorophenol. The resolution instructs the Office of Sustainability to come up with an implementation plan to phase out certain products by October. For more information, visit http://www.watoxics.org/toxmenu.asp?xsl=release&source=press/pr_2002_07_01 and http://www.cityofseattle.net/news/detail.asp?ID=2758.

BPA Drops Rate Penalty for Wind Generators

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) recently announced plans to adopt a new rate proposal designed to encourage development and operation of wind turbines by freeing wind generators from a penalty when they fail to deliver power as scheduled. Check out http://www.bpa.gov/Corporate/KC/home/nreleases/NewsRelease.cfm?ReleaseNo=318.

Panel Advises Pregnant Women to Limit Tuna Consumption

Addressing concerns about mercury poisoning, a Food and Drug Administration panel recently advised pregnant women to limit the tuna fish in their diets. More at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07262002/s_47957.asp.

Common Cold + Pollution = Feeling Even Worse

A recent study has determined that breathing polluted air when you have a cold can make you feel twice as bad. Apparently, cold viruses and certain pollutants both prompt cells to release the kinds of inflammatory agents that make people feel lousy. Yet another reason to do P2! Read more at http://www.msnbc.com/news/784982.asp?cp1=1.

Finnish Study Links Pollution With Heart Disease

Air pollution worsens heart disease by cutting off circulation to the heart, according to a new report from Finland. This data helps explain why polluted environments aggravate not only asthma but heart conditions as well. More at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07302002/reu_47974.asp.

Irradiated Mail May Make Some People Sick

The Congressional Office of Compliance says irradiated mail, intended to prevent a repeat of last year's anthrax attacks, may be making people sick. The office, which enforces labor laws on Capitol Hill, released its preliminary conclusions regarding the health impacts of irradiated mail and concludes that symptoms such as headaches, rashes, nosebleeds and burning eyes among Congressional staff may be the result of the chemicals left by the irradiation process. More than 90 staffers have reported symptoms since all Congressional mail began to be irradiated last November, after anthrax from contaminated letters was detected in 16 Congressional offices. The report is available at http://www.compliance.gov/.

Sales of Solar Cells Take Off

Last year world solar cell production soared to 395 megawatts, up 37% over 2000. This annual growth in output, now comparable in size to a new power plant, is set to take off in the years ahead as production costs fall. Read more at http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/features/feature_template.cfm?ID=826.

Solar Cells Go Organic

Although they are not particularly efficient yet, plastic solar cells that are flexible enough to be sprayed on roofs or printed on clothes look like they could be quite inexpensive to manufacture. Read more at http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displayStory.cfm?story_id=1176099.

State Environmental Agencies Face Budget Cuts

Probably unsurprising to all What's New subscribers, state environmental agencies around the US are facing a second straight year of budget cuts, according to a new study by the Environmental Council of the States. 75% of the states responding to the group's survey reported a drop in funding for programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting clean air and water. More at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-29-06.asp.

Is Rush *Hour* a Thing of the Past?

As cities sprawl farther into distant suburbs, an hour a day in the car has become the national norm: the average American family takes 10 car trips a day. Despite the fact that the national interstate highway system is fully built, governments spend $200 million every day constructing, fixing, and improving roads in the US. What do we get for our money? The National Transportation Board predicts that delays caused by congestion will increase by 5.6 billion hours in the period between 1995 and 2015, wasting an unnecessary 7.3 billion gallons of fuel, and that a measurable "rush hour" will soon be a thing of the past. Read more at http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2002/07/07052002/s_47124.asp.

Portland Will Save $400,000 a Year With New Traffic Signals

A three-month citywide LED traffic light retrofit project in Portland completed in December should save about $400,000 in annual energy and maintenance costs and pay for itself in less than three years. LED (light-emitting diode) cost reductions, lease options and state tax credits enabled Portland to retrofit the entire city--more than 13,000 red and green signal lamps--in one fell swoop and complete the $2.2 million project with no capital investment. Learn more at http://www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb.html#cw79-4.

Oregon Honored for Energy Efficiency, Green Building Incentives

A new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy lauds Oregon as a national leader in using tax incentives to give energy-efficient products and green buildings a leg up in the marketplace. Oregon's success can be attributed to two factors: the state has a strong constituency for resource conservation, and the programs are well designed and managed according to the study. Read more at http://www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb.html#cw79-3.

Famine Blamed on Pollution

Nearly two decades after one of the world's most devastating famines in Africa, scientists are pointing a finger at pollution from industrial nations as one of the possible causes. Read more at http://www.commondreams.org/headlines02/0721-07.htm.

Waste to Fuel, Quite Literally…

The United Kingdom's first dung-fired power plant began producing power in July. Read more about the project at http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/uk/england/newsid_2135000/2135431.stm and http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07192002/reu_47898.asp.

Green Buildings Taking Off

Scraps from old wine corks, recycled tires, salvaged pickle barrels, and other byproducts normally sent to the trash heap are just a few of the elements wrapped into the new Chicago Center for Green Technology. The building, which once sat on an illegal dump site with 70-foot-high piles of rubble, had been scheduled for demolition before its transformation into the "greenest" building in the Midwest. Read more at http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0718/p17s02-sten.html.

US, Australia Climate Plan May Allow Increased Emissions

The governments of the United States and Australia have announced an initial work program under the U.S.-Australia Climate Action Partnership. This bilateral agreement announced in February takes the place of the Kyoto climate protocol, an international treaty to limit greenhouse gas emissions that neither country will ratify. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-12-02.asp.

Alaskan Glacier Melt Accelerates Sea Level Rise

In one more piece of evidence that the Earth's climate is warming rapidly, a recent study published in Science magazine has found that Alaska's glaciers are melting more quickly than previously believed. More at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-19-01.asp.

Survey Says US Voters Want Strict Greenhouse Gas Reductions

Three-fourths of voters surveyed want the US government to require power plants and industry to cut emissions linked to global warming and not rely on voluntary cuts endorsed by the White House, according to a recent poll. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07102002/reu_47785.asp.

State Officials Want Bush To Act on Global Warming

Attorneys general from 11 states criticized President Bush for failing to adopt a comprehensive policy to combat global warming, urging he "rethink" his response to climate change and enact a cap on greenhouse gases. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07182002/reu_47888.asp.

Heavier Vehicles Not Always Safer

More quality, not more weight, may make vehicles safer, say researchers from the University of Michigan and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). The study counters car industry warnings that tighter emissions and fuel efficiency requirements would force the production of smaller, lighter - and less safe - vehicles. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-29-09.asp#anchor5.

Fuel Cell SUV in 2002

Toyota plans start limited marketing of a fuel cell hybrid sport utility vehicle in Japan and the U.S. around the end of this year, much earlier than the first predicted marketing date of 2010. The earlier launch reflects the successful results of a year of testing in the two countries and Toyota's response to society's expectations for cleaner mobility solutions according to the company. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-02-09.asp#anchor3.

GM Support Stationary Fuel Cells

General Motors Corp. plans to have fuel-cell-powered electric generators commercially available by 2005, a move that could provide it with the revenue and technology for meeting its goal of widely available fuel cell vehicles by the end of the decade. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07302002/ap_47979.asp.

Proposal to Cut Pollution From Motorcycles & Boats

The Bush administration has proposed a 50% cut in polluting air emissions produced by motorcycles and an 80% reduction for gasoline-fueled recreational boats. More at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07302002/reu_47969.asp.

Eco-efficiency is Good For the Pharmaceutical Business

Pharmaceutical companies with superior environmental performance have outperformed laggards by 17% in the stock market over the past year, according to a new study. Find out more at http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2002/07/07172002/s_47758.asp.

Cosmetics May Contain Dangerous Chemicals

Hair sprays, perfumes and other brand name cosmetics contain toxic chemicals that may be absorbed into the human body, warns a recent report. The report includes the first ever independent tests for phthalates in over the counter products. Check out these links for more information: http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-10-07.asp, http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/16822/story.htm, http://www.alternet.org/story.html?StoryID=13530.

Diazinon Found in Boise Wastewater

Diazinon, a common pesticide being phased out of residential use in the United States and Canada due to its toxic effects, has been found in samples from one of Boise's wastewater treatment plants. Due to its toxicity to children and the risks it poses to workers, drinking water supplies, birds and other wildlife, the producers of diazinon products have agreed to completely eliminate diazinon for residential use by December 31, 2004. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-15-09.asp#anchor5.

Humans Running An Overdraft With the Earth

A new report from the environmental group WWF predicts that global living standards will fall rapidly from 2030 unless urgent action is taken to address unsustainable consumption patterns. "Significant" efforts to improve resource efficiency could stave off this doomsday scenario and limit the world's huge resource consumption "overdraft," WWF says. More at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-09-03.asp.

California Law Will Limit CO2 Emissions From Cars

In an update to a story from last month, California's Governor has signed a new landmark law that makes California the first in the nation to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. California ranks second in the nation - behind Texas - in overall emissions of CO2, the most common greenhouse gas. Most of California's emissions of CO2 comes from transportation and almost 40 percent is from passenger vehicles. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07232002/s_47915.asp and http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-22-06.asp.

UPCOMING EVENTS

4th Annual Oregon Brownfields Conference

When: August 5 - 6
Where: Portland, Oregon

Sessions include the federal brownfields law, sustainability, managing environmental liability, environmental cleanup and cleanup techniques as well as federal and state assistance and resource programs. For more information, contact Steven Santos at 503-986-0102, or to register, contact Cara Bergeson at 503-227-6361. The conference brochure is available online at http://www.nebc.org/Announce/BFConferenceBrochure.pdf.

Video Conferences on Washington Solid Waste Rule

When: August 6, 1 p.m.
Where:
* Spokane, Washington - 1101 N. Argonne, Ste. 109.
* Lacey, Washington - 710 Sleater Kinney Rd. S.E., Ste. Q.
* Renton, Washington - 1107 S.W. Grady Way, Ste. 112.
* Yakima, Washington - Yesterday's Village, 15 W. Yakima Ave., Ste. 220

Department of Ecology is asking the public to review a proposed rule that will replace outdated regulations for collecting and disposing of solid wastes. Existing regulations are 14 years old and, need to be updated to make the rule language easier to understand, to take into account new technology, and to implement legislation intended to streamline the system for permitting waste- handling facilities. Either comment in person at the video conference, or submit comments by mail, fax, or email by 5 p.m. on September 4. For more information contact Mike Hibbler at 509-456-3270 or Wayne Krafft at 509-456-2995, or visit http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/304revisions/.

Partnership for Environmental Technology Education Conference

When: August 7 - 10, 2002
Where: Tri Cities, Washington

This meeting provides opportunities to network with environmental educators, trainers, and industry peers and provides a unique opportunity to visit the nation's largest and most complex environmental remediation project - the cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site. Visit http://www.ateec.org/pete/nwpete/nwpete.htm for more information.

Sustainable Design Workshop

When: August 23
Where: Bainbridge Island, Washington

Bert Gregory, President of Mithun, will discuss current sustainable design principles and applications and how these were applied to the PSELC building. A tour of this building will be conducted in the afternoon. For more information, call 206-855-4333 or email registrar@pselc.org.

National Pollution Prevention Week 2002

When: September 16-22, 2002
Where: Everywhere!

Renewable Energy Festival

When: September 20 - 22, 2002
Where: Walla Walla, Washington

This meeting will educate and inform people in the Northwest about renewable energy, energy conservation, and how renewable resources can be implemented today and in the future. Amory Lovins will be the keynote speaker. More information is available at http://www.nwrefest.org/.

G/Rated Tour of Green Homes

When: September 21
Where: Portland, Oregon

Homeowners who have participated in the G/Rated case studies project will be opening their homes for one day. Tour homes include innovative examples of salvage and re-use, new heating systems, rainwater harvesting, certified woods, PGE 'Earth Advantage' houses, and much more. Homeowners will be on hand to show visitors around and answer questions. Information materials will include case study documentation and details about each project. Call Mike O'Brien for more information at 503-823-5494.

Preparing Your Horse Farm For Winter

When: September 21 (Part 1) and October 26 (Part 2)
Where: South Whidbey Island, Washington

This free workshop will show how to reduce mud, manage manure, prepare pastures for winter and more. Part I covers pasture management, weed control and wildlife enhancement. Part II covers mud and manure management options. Workshop is free. For more information, visit http://www.wa.gov/puget_sound/Events/Events.htm.

Bioenergy 2002: 10th Biennial Bioenergy Conference

When: September 22 - 26
Where: Boise, Idaho

This conference aims to highlight the latest bioenergy technologies; showcase existing and near term biomass opportunities; provide an overview of near-commercial bioenergy programs; identify common goals in renewable energy such as climate change; highlight the common bond with agriculture where biomass meets the road (agriculture plus energy); and educate people who could benefit from bioenergy. For more information call, 208-885-7906 or 208-327-7692 or visit the web site at http://www.bioenergy2002.org/.

The Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate Program

When: October 18, 2002 - June 2003
Where: Seattle, Washington

The Sustainable Building Advisor Certificate Program is a nine- month, specialized training program, designed to enable graduates to advise employers or clients on strategies and tools for implementing sustainable building. For more information, call 206-842-8995 or visit http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/light/conserve/sustainability/cv5_scc.htm.

Sustainability and Heavy Construction Conference

When: December 3 - 4
Where: Portland, Oregon

Demand for understanding of green building and sustainable construction practices is on the rise. Green building practices make sense because they not help the environment but also improve the bottom line for owners and operators. Cities such as Portland and Seattle are investing heavily in green buildings and consequently developers and contractors are racing to learn and implement building practices that incorporate sustainability principles. For more information contact Lauren Heine at 503-279-9383 or lheine@zerowaste.org or Stephanie Sanford at 541-737-5861 or stephanie.sanford@orst.edu.

WHO WANTS MONEY?

RFPs for Oregon Wind Farm Development

The Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) recently announced it has issued a request for proposals to develop new wind power projects in Oregon. ETO said it is seeking one or more new or expanded wind energy projects in the state that will have the capacity to produce 25 to 100 MW of electricity. The group also said the project or projects must be initiated by 2004 to qualify for the federal government's wind production tax credit. Proposals are due by August 21. For more information, contact Jan Schaeffer at 503-493-8888 or visit http://www.energytrust.org/programs.

WHO DESERVES RECOGNITION?

Mercury Phase Out

Do you know of a hospital that has successfully eliminated mercury use in the labs (including lab chemicals)? If so, please contact Neha Patel, Oregon Center for Environmental Health, Program Manager, Phone: 503-233-1510, neha@oregon-health.org, http://www.oregon-health.org/.

P2 FACTOID QUIZ OF THE MONTH

A chemical engineer from the University of Delaware recently filed a patent that described a new generation of microchips. The patent proposes to replace silicon -- which has long served as the basis for microchips -- with another material. This material is:

A. Used deep-fryer oil (of vegetable origin)
B. A composite made from fingernail clippings
C. Chicken feathers
D. Recycled glass

Answer below at end of bulletin

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

GreenClips

This site includes a summary of news on sustainable building design and related government and business issues. New information is published every two weeks, and distributed by email, although readers can access all the same information from the web site as well. If you're interested in green building, this site is extremely informative! Check it out at http://greendesign.net/greenclips/.

P2 FACTOID QUIZ ANSWER

Believe it or not, scientists at the University of Delaware's Affordable Composites from Renewable Sources (ACRES) project are looking at chicken feathers (answer C) as a silicon replacement. They say the chicken-feather microchip is not as weird as it sounds: electric signals travel most quickly through air because it provides almost no resistance. Chicken feathers contain lots of air, and might just allow electrons to travel faster than through many other materials. Indeed, preliminary tests say about twice as fast as through silicon! Read more at http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A36816-2002Jul7.

July 2002, Number 48

CORRECTION

Seattle's 2002 BEST Awards Winners

The winner of Seattle's 2002 BEST Water Conservation Award is the Landscaping Department of the Port of Seattle, not the Port itself as PPRC indicated in our last issue. Our apologies for any confusion!

NEW P2 RESOURCES

Oregon DEQ Adopts Cathode Ray Tubes Policy

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality adopted an interim policy for businesses and other non-household facilities that must deal with cathode ray tubes (CRTs) as a hazardous waste. CRTs are most commonly found in computer monitors and television sets. There's been increasing concern recently about CRT disposal because of the lead content of CRTs. Read the press release at http://www.deq.state.or.us/news/prDisplay.asp?docID=1023 or view more information at http://www.deq.state.or.us/wmc/electronics/.

Washington Department of Ecology Develops CRT Interim Policy

This interim policy is intended to provide regulatory relief for those that recycle their CRTs, and this document provides additional information relevant to the topic, including web links to additional sources of information. Take a look at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0204017.pdf.

Mercury in Dentistry Report

The Mercury Policy Project and Health Care Without Harm recently released a report about the uncontrolled release of dental mercury. The report, "Dentist the Menace?", indicates that dentists are now the third largest users of mercury in the U.S. and the single largest polluter of mercury to the nation's wastewater treatment plants. The full report can be accessed at http://www.mercurypolicy.org/new/documents/DentistTheMenace.pdf.

Update on Washington's Solid Waste Plan Revision

The state's solid waste plan sets statewide public policy on solid waste management and issues, establishes goals and ways of measuring progress, and creates an action agenda to attain goals. Over the past year, some joint planning has occurred between solid-waste and hazardous-waste planning efforts under the project name: "Washington's Beyond Waste Project." Read more at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/beyondwaste.

Latest Toxics Release Data Shows Mixed Results

Data reported in the latest EPA Toxics Release Inventory shows an 8-billion-pound increase in total toxic waste production in 2000. Total releases of toxic chemicals into the environment, however, dropped by about 700 million pounds that year. Read more at http://www.ProcessRequest.com/apps/redir.asp?link=XbdeffbcCB,YdggbjeiaDH&oid=UbiefBI.

US CO2 Emissions From Energy Sources

The Energy Information Administration, an independent statistical and analytical agency in the U.S. Department of Energy, released its an online estimate of U.S. CO2 Emissions from Energy Sources for the year 2001. See the data at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/flash/flash.html.

Water Quality Trading Program in Works at EPA

EPA wants to speed the cleanup of the nation's waterways and encourage P2 and remediation innovations by creating a water quality trading program. The program would mimic EPA's successful SO2 and NOx emission trading programs. Under the proposed policy, industrial and municipal facilities would first meet technology control requirements and then could use pollution reduction credits. There would be no change to regulations or standards currently in place. Find out more at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/trading.htm.

EPA's 2002 Compliance Assistance Activity Plan

This report presents a "snapshot," as of February 2002, of the compliance assistance activities that EPA intends to undertake this fiscal year and contains 455 activities and projects from seven EPA headquarters program offices and all ten regional offices. For more information, contact Robyn Meeker, EPA Region 10 Compliance Assistance Coordinator at 206-553-7154 or meeker.robyn@epamail.epa.gov or view the report at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/resources/publications/assistance/planning

UNEP's Cleaner Production Global Status Report

The draft final report from the United Nations Environment Programme includes information about the global status of cleaner production (CP) as well as country specific compilations of CP initiatives taken in various countries. See the document at http://www.emcentre.com/cpglblstatus/.

Annual Environmental Trends Report Released from Worldwatch

Savvy consumers with environmental protection at heart are having a positive impact on the Earth's "vital signs," according to a new report from the Worldwatch Institute. Pressure on the planet's land, air, and water are still unsustainable, but the Washington based research organization has found some healthy signs in this year's annual survey. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-25-03.asp.

Green Home Living Online Magazine

Online "green" products retailer Green Home has just launched an online magazine that's worth checking out. The first issue tackles environmentally friendly cleaning in the home, and includes recipes for non-toxic cleaners. Visit at http://www.greenhomeliving.com/.

The Message From McDonough

Familiar with what Bill McDonough has to say about the new industrial revolution? If not, this is an easy-to-read discussion about architecture, recycling, economic growth, and the future of the planet. The full article from the New Yorker is available at http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/?020506ta_talk_surowiecki.

What Environmental Managers Can Do For Security

In the wake of the September 11 attacks on the United States, use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists has become a real threat. James P. Zeigler, Ph.D., a 22-year veteran of DuPont, explains how environmental professionals working in industry can prepare for the worst and prevent it in this article: http://www.processrequest.com/apps/redir.asp?link=XbdeffbeCD,YdggbjeiaDH&oid.

Environmental Management Accounting Web Site

This website is intended to be a source of comprehensive information on Environmental Management Accounting for the international community. The site includes a searchable library of over 170 annotated entries (75 available for immediate download), including books, reports, journal articles, training materials, case studies. See the site at http://www.emawebsite.org/.

Recommendations From International Environmental Conference

In May, 400 children aged 10 - 12 from around the world attended the International Children's Conference on the Environment. At the end of the conference, they issued a challenge to the governments and the people of the world. Here are a few of their recommendations: * Be good environmental role models for everyone. * Tax people who waste non-renewable resources. * Limit the number of factories in a city and fine cities that have too many. Close all industries for one day a year and penalize industries that use fossil fuels. Read the rest at http://www.iccCanada2002.org/challenges.html.

Education and Sustainability Stories

The IUCN Commission on Education and Communication released a new book, "Education and Sustainability Responding to the Global Challenge," that tells the stories of people who work with communities to motivate them to create a more sustainable future. The book provides a platform for people from around the world to tell their stories in education for sustainability and share lessons learnt since the Rio Summit. The stories range from engaging communities through theatre to a revival of indigenous stories to pass on good environmental practice as well as how to mainstream sustainable development principles in organizations. The full report is online at http://iucn.org/cec/news.cfm?id=43&newid=279.

P2 TOOLS

"Real Time" Air Quality Monitoring

The Washington State Department of Ecology is developing an online tool that allows citizens to get up to the minute information about the air quality in many regions of the state. Currently undergoing quality assurance testing, it is available for use in an un-validated form. Take at look at http://airr.ecy.wa.gov/Public/databyarea.html.

Water Strategy Tool for Businesses

Balancing the sometimes-conflicting demands of business profitability and growth with environmental responsibility can be challenging. "Connecting the Drops Towards Creative Water Strategies: A Water Sustainability Tool," should help with this task. It aims to assist businesses in building a well-tailored water strategy that meets a company's particular needs. Take a look at http://www.gemi.org/water/overview.htm.

Green Building: TargetFinder

TargetFinder complements energy simulation modeling and the LEED rating system. It takes rudimentary building and occupant data and yields the annual energy use value required if the building is to perform in the top 25 percent of U.S. building stock. See it at http://yosemite1.epa.gov/Estar/business.nsf/content/nbd_targetfinder.htm. Internet presentations on the tool will be offered on both 7/31 and 8/28, and registration is required. These talks will present strategies that will enhance performance and illustrates how building owners and designers can readily evaluate and achieve energy-based design targets. Decision-makers will learn how to set realistic goals for energy use and compare simulated results to their target.

P2 NEWS

16 Toxic Air Pollutants of Concern in Oregon

National estimates of toxic air pollution indicate that people living in both urban and rural areas of Oregon are exposed to toxic air pollutants at levels that exceed health-based benchmarks. For more information, take a look at the press release from Oregon at http://www.deq.state.or.us/news/prDisplay.asp?docID=1020.

Wind Power As An Economic Development Strategy

The Rosebud Indian Reservation has begun a pilot wind project that will provide a model for other Indian tribes and others. It will also be the beginning of what is expected to be a 50-megawatt wind farm on three locations on the Rosebud reservation. See the story at http://www.indiancountry.com/?1021988177.

US Mayors Disagree With Parts Of Bush Agenda

The nation's mayors disagree with the Bush administration on a number of environmental issues, judging by the resolutions made at their 70th annual meeting over the weekend. The U.S. Conference of Mayors resolved to oppose cross country nuclear shipments, and to support action on global warming and power plant emissions. More at http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-20-06.asp.

Australia Dumps Kyoto

Australia, the world's largest coal exporter, announced that it will not ratify the Kyoto climate change treaty aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Australia's rejection of the Kyoto treaty came a day after Japan ratified the treaty and urged nations like Russia and the United States to sign up. Prime Minister John Howard said: "It is not in Australia's interests to ratify the Kyoto protocol," and cited job losses and damage to industry. Howard has gradually backed away from the treaty, which Australia signed but refused to ratify, since Washington abandoned the pact, saying it would harm its economy, and instead drew up a voluntary domestic plan. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/06/06062002/reu_47461.asp.

EPA & Enviros Disagree on Computer Projections of "Clear Skies"

The Bush Administration produced computer projections Monday that claimed dramatic health and environmental benefits nationwide if its proposal to cut pollution from power plants is adopted. More information is available at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07022002/ap_47715.asp.

The Big Apple Scales Back Recycling

New York City - the largest city in the United States - will no longer recycle residential glass or plastic wastes. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has cut the money losing recycling program, saying the city can no longer afford the program in the wake of the deadly and costly September 11 terrorist attacks. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2002/2002-07-01-06.asp.

California Passes Landmark Greenhouse Gas Bill

The California Assembly has narrowly approved legislation that would regulate greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light trucks, becoming the first state to do so. The bill is now headed for the desk of Governor Gray Davis, who has supported the concept of greenhouse gas regulation but has not specified whether he will sign the bill into law. If signed, this bill could spur other states to adopt similar regulation, moving the action on this issue from a federal level to a state level. Read more at http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?ContentID=2168.

Oceans Need P2 and Restoration, Too

"We have long thought of the oceans' bounty as limitless, and of the oceans' capacity to absorb waste as infinite. We were wrong. Today, the oceans are in serious trouble," Denis Hayes told the U.S. Commission on Oceans during its Northwest regional meeting. The resulting report urges P2 and other solutions. Read more at http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-13-02.asp.

Largest Solar Power Facility in the Northwest Goes Online

The 38.7-kilowatt White Bluffs Solar Station is now online in Richland, Washington. The largest such facility in the Northwest, the solar station is owned and operated by Energy Northwest. The Bonneville Power Administration will integrate the power from the system into its electrical grid, and the Bonneville Environmental Foundation will sell green tags from the project. More at: http://www.bpa.gov/corporate/kc/media/NewsRelease.cfm?ReleaseNo=304.

DOE Aims to Buy Nearly 5% Green Power by 2005

The Department of Energy intends to draw on renewable energy sources to provide at least 140 million kilowatt-hours of electricity for the department by 2005 according to Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. That represents nearly 5 percent of DOE's electricity use, which totaled about 3 billion kilowatt-hours in 1999. Abraham noted that DOE used 43.5 percent less energy in 2002 than it did in 1985, and expects to further increase its energy efficiency by 2 percent per year in the years ahead. More at http://www.energy.gov/HQDocs/speeches/hqspeeches.html. (click on June, 6/12 remarks)

Power Deregulation Fueled Pollution, Says NAFTA Agency

North American power companies, the continent's biggest polluters, slashed spending on energy efficiency programs by 42 percent between 1995 and 1999, in part because of the deregulation of electricity markets. Read more at http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/06/06182002/reu_47573.asp.

LEED Application to Get Easier

Concerned that the extensive documentation requirements of the LEED 2.0 Rating System are an obstacle for users, the US Green Building Council plans to release an update with simpler documentation requirements. After the USGBC releases the new LEED 2.1 system in late July or August, projects will have the option of using either the 2.0 or 2.1 requirements for their application materials. Read more at http://www.buildinggreen.com/news/leed_streamlining.html.

Global Warming and Disease Epidemics

The changing, warming climate around the globe is triggering unprecedented numbers of disease outbreaks in both land and ocean based wildlife populations in habitats ranging from coral reefs to rainforests. Ecologists and epidemiologists express concern over this rising trend in a new report in a recent version of the journal "Science." Read more from http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-25-06.asp.

Anheuser Busch & Sustainability: An Interview

Anheuser Busch is discussing continuous environmental improvement. The executives say that from a bottom-line perspective, linking environmental and business objectives is simple: efficient operations mean minimum resource consumption and waste production. Read more at http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2002/06/06262002/s_47565.asp.

Shaklee & Carbon Offsets: An Interview

Four years ago, the Shaklee Corporation began a ground-breaking partnership with the nonprofit Climate Neutral Network by developing a unique portfolio of carbon-offset projects that delivered both environmental and socioeconomic benefits in the communities they served. Hear more about the effort at http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2002/05/05292002/s_47296.asp.

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Greening of Cement Seminar: How to Properly Use Fly Ash in Your Concrete Mix

When: July 12th, 2002
Where: Portland, Oregon

This free two-part seminar will explore cement in green building and road construction, and include a pizza lunch. Topics will include cement production, embodied energy, fly ash substitution, specifying climate friendly cements, overcoming obstacles to blended cement, as well as cement vs. asphalt in road building from an environmental perspective, ASTM standards, recent life cycle studies on roads and overcoming obstacles to blended cement. Due to limited space, to attend the meeting, please RSVP to Terry Miller at tmiller@ci.portland.or.us or 503-823-7109.

2002 Seattle Nonresidential Energy Code Training Sessions

When: July 12 and again on July 24, 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Where: Seattle, Washington Key Tower, 700 5th Avenue, Rooms 4050/4060 on the 40th floor

Each session is limited to 50 participants, will cover the same material, and will focus on the 2001 and 2002 changes to the Seattle Energy Code. Copies of the 2002 Seattle Insert pages will be distributed to all who attend. Additional training dates will be scheduled in August and September, so if you miss these dates there will be other opportunities. To attend, send an email with your phone number to: Michael Aoki-Kramer, Code Development Analyst, 206-684-7932.

Environmental Purchasing & Practices Conference and Vendor Expo

When: July 18, 2002
Where: Waikiki, Hawaii

This conference will address how and why to buy environmentally preferable products, and participants will learn what is available, how agencies and private industry have incorporated these ideas into their projects and programs, what greening the government, hotels and other buildings means, and how to do business with GSA. Breakout sessions will address Energy Efficient Products and Services; Environmental Purchasing and Programs, Tools, and Strategies; Green Fleets and Fleet Maintenance; and more. For more information, visit http://www.hawaii.gov/dbedt/ert/epc02/.

SolWest Renewable Energy Fair

When: July 26 - 28 , 2002
Where: John Day, Oregon

SolWest is an occasion for learning, networking, and supporting all types of renewable energy. It will feature information about energy efficiency, solar and wind energy, alternatively fueled vehicles, and more. More information is available at http://www.solwest.org/.

Partnership for Environmental Technology Education Conference

When: August 7 - 10, 2002
Where: Tri Cities, Washington

This meeting provides opportunities to network with environmental educators, trainers, and industry peers and provides a unique opportunity to visit the nation's largest and most complex environmental remediation project - the cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site. Visit http://www.ateec.org/pete/nwpete/nwpete.htm for more information.

National Pollution Prevention Week 2002

When: September 16-22, 2002
Where: Everywhere!

Renewable Energy Festival

When: September 20 - 22, 2002
Where: Walla Walla, Washington

This meeting will educate and inform people in the Northwest about renewable energy, energy conservation, and how renewable resources can be implemented today and in the future. Amory Lovins will be the keynote speaker. More information is available at http://www.nwrefest.org/.

WHO WANTS TO MAKE A PRESENTATION?

Air & Waste Management Association Regional Meeting

The Pacific Northwest International Section (PNWIS) of the Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) is planning their 42nd Annual Meeting in Tacoma, Washington on November 5-8, 2002. They are accepting speaking proposals through September 5th on topics including air quality management, industrial air quality issues, P2, transportation impacts/management, and more. See a full list of topics, as well as instructions for how to submit an abstract, at http://www.pnwis.org/PNWIS2002/call.htm.

Some Tips For Handling Public Environmental Meetings

A public meeting to discuss off-site releases of contaminants can result in heated exchanges -- or worse. A recent article offers tips keeping these meetings educational and productive. Take a look at http://www.ProcessRequest.com/apps/redir.asp?link=XbdfgidjDF,YdggbjeiaDH&oid=UbiefBI.

WHO WANTS TO MAKE A P2 COMMENT?

EPA Proposes Stormwater Runoff Rule For Construction Sites

EPA is seeking comment on three different approaches, plus variations, to reduce water pollution associated with construction. Read more and link to EPA's site from http://www.ProcessRequest.com/apps/redir.asp?link=XbdfgidiDE,YdggbjeiaDH&oid=UbiefBI.

P2 FACTOID QUIZ OF THE MONTH

While fans cannot replace air conditioners, they can provide supplemental cooling, especially on mild summer days. Substituting fans for air conditioners can reduce energy use by...

A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 45%
D. 60%

Answer below at end of bulletin

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

OIT's Energy Efficiency Case Studies

The Department of Energy's Office of Industrial Technologies offers a library of informative energy efficiency case studies. They're categorized for easy browsing, and the menu at the left side of the page offers a keyword search of all the case studies. Check it out at http://www.oit.doe.gov/bestpractices/case_studies.shtml.

P2 FACTOID QUIZ ANSWER

Substituting fans for air conditioners can reduce energy use by 60% or more by increasing occupant comfort and reducing the demand on air conditioning units. For more tips on reducing the energy use of your AC, check out http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/consumer_information/airroom/roomlower.html