TIGblogs - Sustainable Solutions Community's TIGBlog http://vkam.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us Recyclable Paper Laptop http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4931477


http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/11/03/disposable-paper-laptops/

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Related Links:

Eco-Friendly Company Makes Paper Out of Elephant Poo
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/04/22/eco-friendly-company-makes-paper-out-of-elephant-poo/

Jeans go Green
http://www.metronews.ca/toronto/life/article/939726--blue-jeans-green-cards-grow-goodwill-business--page0

6 Weird Eco-Friendly Products
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-weird-eco-friendly-products.html?page=2

8 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Recycle
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/8-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-recycle.html

15 Creative Ways to Recycle and Reuse (2 videos)
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/surprising-things-to-recycle-video-2.html]]> Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:08:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4931477 DIY Recipes: Insect Controls amp; Mosquito Repellents (自製香草檸檬蚊怕水) http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4853621
1.Prepare a lemon (peels only), 2 pcs of dried Rosemary Lavender or 4 drops of essential oil.
2.Put all cleansed ingredients in a glass container, mixed with 300mL boiling water, and cover it up for 12 hours (and up to 3 days).
3.Filter pour out only the liquid portion into a spray container. Ready to use!
Tips: Spray every 2-3 hours for maximum effects.

自製香草檸檬蚊怕水

坊間售賣的蚊怕水含眾多化學物，多用對身體沒有好處。近兩年來我只用自己調的天然香草檸檬蚊怕水，材料間單，造法容易，效果也很好！

材料：
*一個檸檬的檸檬皮，不要肉，切幼絲
*兩支Rosemary迷迭香（如花園沒有，西人超市菜部有賣）
*兩支Lavender薰衣草（如花園沒有，可用香薰油四滴代替）

造法:
1. 所有材料洗淨後，放有蓋的容器裡，加一大杯（若300毫升）沸水。蓋好後浸過夜（最少12小時，最多3日）。
2. 浸好後隔渣注入噴壺即可用。平時放陰涼處即可。
你會發覺嗅上去和買回來的蚊怕水很相似。其實未有DEET等化學劑之前，人們就是用這些材料驅蚊！這個天然的自製版本，持久力不比化學劑，所以每兩小時左右便要補噴，但因為家中有小狗，後園又有養魚，不想用太多化學東西。始終是毒藥嘛！兩個夏季來，我家兩口子和客人都是用它的呢！

http://www.ccue.com/tips/?p=19785

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Related Links:

Control Insects Without Chemicals
http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/deets-eco-friendly-bug-repellants

6 Ways to Beat Mosquitoes Naturally
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-ways-to-beat-mosquitoes-naturally.html

5 Natural Ways to Keep Ants at Bay
http://www.organicauthority.com/sanctuary/5-chemical-free-ways-how-to-naturally-wage-war-on-ant-invaders.html]]> Sun, 26 Jun 2011 06:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4853621 Japan-quake Highlights Nuclear Dilemma http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4491829
EU to Test Nuke Plants

Shocked into action by Japan's atomic crisis, European energy officials agreed last week to apply stress tests on nuclear power plants and Germany moved to switch off seven aging reactors - one of them permanently.

The European Union's energy chief called for a reassessment of the 27 nation bloc's energy policy, and questioned what role nuclear power should have in the future.

"We have to ask ourselves: Can we in Europe, within time, secure our energy needs without nuclear power plants?" EU energy comissioner Guenther Oettinger told German ARD television.

Energy ministers, nuclear regulators and industry officials meeting in Brussels found "general agreement" on the need for tough tests to check whether the EU's 143 nuclear reactors could withstand earthquakes and other energencies, Oettinger said.

The stress tests will be devised using the "strictest" nuclear standards in the bloc and be applied in the second half of the year, he said, adding that plants that fail the tests would have to shut down. He invited non-EU nations including Russia and Switzerland to join the initative.

http://euobserver.com/9/31992
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/16/us-japan-quake-sites-idUSTRE72D53P20110316

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Related Links:

Nuclear in the Spotlight on March 30th - a chance to express hope for Japan and a green future
http://www.planetfriendly.net/calendar/events.php?id=13988

Artists Help Japan – Earthquake Tsunami 2011
http://give2asia.org/artistshelp?sms_ss=livejournalat_xt=4d7d58904f763fd9%2C0]]> Sun, 20 Mar 2011 12:03:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4491829 “Beach Garbage Hotel” Built In Spain http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4396923
The un-conventional hotel has been made out of the detritus that has been deposited by the tide of the beaches of Europe. Garbage that is found in the dumps and items that are bought at flea market have been brought to build this hotel. The hotel has recently been opened in Madrid. According to sources, the walls of the hotel have been adorned by plastic drums, musical instruments, wooden frames, striped sock, children’s books and tyres. Ha Schult who is credited for having built this unusual hotel says that his motif behind the act was to make people aware of the increasing pollution that is filling up the beaches of the world. People do not even think twice before dumping a waste in the sea or on the beaches as a result of the oceans have turned into a heap of trashes.

The hotel is a temporary guest house comprising of five-bedrooms located at the central Plaza de Callao. The “Beach Garbage Hotel” has been built as a part of the International Tourism Fair that is currently being hosted in Madrid. Reports claim that almost 40% of the objects that the hotel has were found on various beaches of UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany.

http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/hotel-made-of-garbage-built-in-spain_100492256.html]]> Mon, 21 Feb 2011 07:02:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/4396923 International Recall Of 1 Day Acuvue Contact Lenses By Johnson amp; Johnson http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/2232157
This recall was initiated on Thursday 19 August 2010, due to overseas reports of eye irritation or discomfort as a result of using this product.

There were complaints regarding unusual stinging or pain upon inserting of lens that were reported in Japan, which included eye pain, redness and irritation.

Investigations by Johnson Johnson found an issue in the lens rinsing process during a certain timeframe on a particular manufacturing line.
The contact lenses were manufactured in Ireland and the following 13 affected lot numbers that were distributed in Singapore are : 4922380103, 4922510105, 4922860803, 4922861008, 4922861107, 4922870109, 4922880504, 4922881006, 4922821200, 4922801103, 4922520201, 4922540105 and 4922540103.

The lot numbers are the first 10 digits that are printed at the side of the product box and on the individual blister packs.

Globally, there are additional lots that are affected. However, these lots were not supplied in the Singapore market.

In Singapore, no reports of adverse events arising from use of these contact lenses have been received so far.

So far, 914 boxes of the affected lots have been distributed to optical outlets in Singapore, each box contains 30 lenses.

In its press statement, HSA said that it has directed the company to cease supply of all affected lots, inform all retailers to stop the sales of these lenses, and to remove the affected stocks from the shelves. This recall is expected to be completed by next week.

The HSA also advises consumers to stop using the affected lots of the contact lenses. Those who are in doubt of the lot number of their purchase should also cease using the product.

The recall, which initially only affected Japan and some other Asian countries, is now extended to Australia, Germany, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

Those who purchased the lenses overseas should contact Johnson Johnson Vision Care.

Consumers who experience symptoms of eye irritation or feel unwell after using the affected lots of this product should also consult a doctor.

This is JJapos;s ninth recall of a consumer health product in one year.

JJ say that approximately 100,000 boxes are affected. Each box carries 30 or 90 lenses.

Background Information:
1-Day Acuvue TruEye, the worldapos;s first daily disposable contact lens, is manufactured using a new breathable silicone hydrogel material - Narafilcon A - a new silicone hydrogel material saturated with a locked-in super smooth wetting agent. The lenses are designed to be worn only once, and are then discarded - so users do not have to be concerned about soaking solutions or lens cases.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/198776.php
http://www.asiaone.com/Health/News/Story/A1Story20100820-233130.html]]> Wed, 25 Aug 2010 11:08:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/2232157 100,000 People March Against Nuke Energy in Germany http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958865
Around 120 thousand people formed a 75-mile human chain between two nuclear power plants in the north of Germany on Saturday, making it the largest anti-nuclear demonstration in the country to date. The human chain stretched from the Brunsbüttel nuclear power plant at the mouth of the river Elbe, down past Hamburg to the Krümmel nuclear plant. Both facilities have been plagued by frequent accidents in recent years. Anti-nuclear demonstrators are angry about the centre-right governmentapos;s intention to extend the life of its 17 nuclear power plants. Chancellor Angela Merkel wants to revoke the nuclear phase-out law where all nuclear plants would be shut down by 2020. Tina Löffelsend from Friends of the Earth Germany says that the massive turn-out of people on Saturday sends a clear message to the government.

"I think they can hardly ignore this public protest. And even those that are pro nuclear energy certainly heard this very loud voice of the movement. I do believe it has an impact and this will certainly not be the last protest we will stage against nuclear this year."

The German government intends to finalize its national energy plan in October. Cinnamon Nippard, FSRN, Berlin.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0426/chernobyl.html]]> Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:04:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958865 Unclogging a Toilet/Drain Naturally...Make Your Own Drain Cleaner! http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958871
When clogged drains or toilets have you stuck, make this quick and easy home remedy for getting things moving again.

Things Youapos;ll Need:
Measuring Spoons
Sealable Container
Two Cups Boiling Water
One Cup Salt
1/4 cup cream of tartar
Measuring Cups And Spoons
One Cup Baking Soda

Steps:
1.Boil two cups of water on the stove.
2.Mix together 1 c. baking soda, 1 c. salt, and 1/4 c. cream of tartar.
3.Pour dry ingredients into a glass or plastic sealable container and stir until well mixed
4.Measure out 1/4 c. of the dry ingredients and pour into clogged drain.
5.Pour two cups of boiling water into drain.
6.Let stand for 30 minutes.
7.Flush the toilet or run fresh water through the drain.

Tips:
To help avoid clogged drains, pour 1/4 cup baking soda down weekly. Rinse throughly with hot water.]]> Wed, 21 Apr 2010 08:04:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958871 Eco-Talk@AM Radio1540 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958873
Broadcasting Time: Mon April 19 - Fri April 23 @13:00-13:15
Hosts: Leslie Yip with Guest Speaker Vanessa Kam (aka Sammi)

Be in the know! Starting Monday April 19th, tune in at 1pm after the news for a special 5-part series to commemorate the 40th Earth Day Celebration on April 22nd. Get the latest scoop about many environmental issues and practical tips solutions you can do on a daily basis to improve your health, environment while saving money!

Listen Online: http://www.ccue.ca/toronto/radio

Guest Speakerapos;s Profile:
http://www.creatingourparadise.org/pages/about]]> Sun, 18 Apr 2010 10:04:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1958873 Go Local: Providence Organic Farm is Now Open! http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1829413
After a season of experimental organic farming, we decided to establish a CSA community in the Greater Toronto region to enroll ~10 CSA members for the first year.

In the growing season, we plan to deliver organic vegetables to the members weekly. The flat fee for the planned 12-week deliveries of a regular share is $300 ($25/week), available for pickup from North York or Downtown Toronto locations. The home delivery fee is $5/visit. Our deliveries will also include the home-tested successful cooking recipes.

In this year, we have ordered or harvested over 80 vegetable seeds in both Western and oriental species. Besides tasting of our seasonal organic products, the CSA members are welcome to visit our farm to learn our organic farming process, experience and enjoy the farm life.

We plan to host two parties for the CSA members, one in the summer in peak growing season and the other in the fall before the first frost to celebrate the harvest. The member families will also have priorities in taking vacations in the farm, which will be an educational and inspiring event for kids to work closely with and learn from nature. Organic, recycling and sustainable growth is the dogma of our farming practice.

http://providence.moonfruit.com/
Tel: 416-300-8910 e-mail: providence2010@live.com

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Related Links:

Transition Ontario
http://transitionontario.ning.com/

Transition Toronto
http://transitiontoronto.ning.com/]]> Sun, 17 Jan 2010 06:01:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1829413 Invest in Community Solar: Only One Week Left! http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1826139
Thanks to a world-class Green Energy Act and feed-in tariff programs, homeowners, businesses and communities all across the province are now hard at work building green energy projects in their own backyards. One such pioneering project that has recently received media coverage ( http://www.ontario-sea.org/Page.asp?PageID=347ContentID=2317 ) is an initiative of the Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation to install a 20 kW solar array on the roof of its Toronto church.

The Congregation is offering the public the chance to invest in its grid-tied photovoltaic array by purchasing debentures in increments of $1000 that will pay 5% interest annually for 20 years. Already, more than 80% of the 110 debentures have been sold but there is still time to invest. The deadline to buy a debenture is January 20th - only one week away!

For more information about the terms and conditions, please visit the Congregation’s website at:
http://www.nuuc.ca/solarpanels.htm

You may also contact Rick Salay, chair of the Congregation’s greening committee, at:
rsalay@sympatico.ca]]> Thu, 14 Jan 2010 09:01:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1826139 Health Canada Seeks Input On Adding Anti-Cancer Drug To Junk Food http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1814475
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consultation/init/_2009-asparaginase/prop-asparaginase-eng.php

Health Canada is inviting public comments until February 21, 2010 on its idea to have small amounts of the enzyme asparaginase put into foods like potato chips and french fries. On its website, Health Canada says its scientists have finished a detailed safety assessment on the enzyme and havenapos;t found any health or safety concerns.

At issue is the chemical acrylamide, which is found as a cooking byproduct in the production of foods like french fries and potato chips and has been linked to cancer in animals. Research suggests asparaginase reduces acrylamide production. Health Canada notes the enzyme is used in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark, and has been given a favourable evaluation by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/health/Health-Canada-seeks-input-on-adding-anti-cancer-drug-to-junk-food.html]]> Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:01:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1814475 **Updated: quot;Green Events Listing amp; Green Job Boardquot;** http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1382845 http://groups.google.ca/group/sustainable_sos/web/current-event-listing]]> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:11:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1382845 Space Elevator amp; Elephant Poo Paper http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1382849
The company likes to make the paper-making process clear to everyone, since itapos;s novel and, well, might be considered kind of gross to some.

The company likes to make the paper-making process clear to everyone, since itapos;s novel and, well, might be considered kind of gross to some.

"Since an elephantapos;s diet is all vegetarian, the waste produced is basically raw cellulose. Thoroughly cleaned and processed, the cellulose is converted into a uniquely beautiful textured product, marketed as "Ellie
Pooh Paper". This acid free, linen-like papyrus-type paper can be formed into art and construction projects, notebooks, cards and assorted gift items where the only limitation is ones imagination. These products have
proved extremely popular among many in the local population and among foreign tourists."

The collection and use of the dung creates an economy around it that can help offset costs farmers incur when elephants ruin a crop. The run-ins are inevitable, but at least with farmerapos;s being compensated, the likelihood of elephant deaths is reduced. We wrote about Mr. Ellie Pooh back in June, so to see them at the Green Festival was encouraging.

Check out the beautiful products.



http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/11/sf-green-festival-09-elephant-poo-paper-saves-pachyderms.php


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Related Links:

Fireworks Go Green!
http://www.thegreenguide.com/home-garden/holidays/green-july-fourth

Space Elevator: Science Fiction or Global Warming Cure?
http://www.pcworld.com/article/170199/space_elevator_science_fiction_or_global_warming_cure.html

Cork Bamboo: Pave the Way in Sustainable Flooring
http://www.livinggreenmag.com/archives/natural_home_garden/cork_bamboo_floor.html]]> Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:11:00 -0500 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1382849 Tim Flannery in conversation with CBC Radioapos;s Anna Maria Tremonti http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1332493 Tim Flannery in conversation with CBC Radioapos;s Anna Maria Tremonti Oct.nbsp;13, 2009 | Bram amp; Bluma Appel Salonnbsp;

Tim Flannery, scientist, activist and author of The Weather Makers innbsp;conversation with CBC Radioapos;s Anna Maria Tremonti about his new callnbsp;to action, Now Or Never.nbsp;

Watch the 5 part series on Youtube (45 minutes total).nbsp;

http://www.youtube.com/p/A23C9CE05364E564amp;hl=enamp;fs=1

]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:10:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/1332493 Not Far from the Tree: Harvesting Fruit from Homeownersapos; Trees for People in Need http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/809701
What to do when the trees in your yard bear more fruit than you can handle? Laura Reinsborough, founder of the not-for-profit organization Not Far From The Tree, has come up with a solution, and is changing the way Toronto residents think about the city’s abundant fruit trees.

Not Far From The Tree is working to break down the fruit-tree barriers. Rather than seeing our local fruit trees as a burden, the organization is attempting to instill a sense of pride in these trees by teaching Torontonians that the fruit in their backyards is healthful, easily accessible, good to eat – and can provide local produce for those in need.

To share your own fruit tree runneth over, please visit the following websites and fill out the "Share Your Fruit" form:

*Not far from the tree (Toronto)* notfarfromthetree.org/
*Hamilton Fruit Tree Project (Hamilton, Ont.)* hamiltonfruittreeproject.blogspot.com
*Lifecycles – Fruit Tree Project (Victoria, B.C.)* lifecyclesproject.ca
*The Summerland Fruit Tree Project (Summerland, B.C.) The Fruit Tree Project (Vancouver)* sadi.ca
*The Guelph Fruit Tree Project (Guelph, Ont.)* appleseedcollective.org]]> Sun, 20 Sep 2009 11:09:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/809701 Clean Energy Bill amp; Emerging Contaminants Program http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/719479
The Emerging Contaminants program, an Innovations in American Government Finalist, presented before the National Selection Committee in May 2009. The program promotes proactive, integrated risk management of chemicals used by Department of Defense to facilitate informed risk-based decisions that better protect the environment and serve the Departmentapos;s operational capacities.

Watch this on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RBiKLzK4MA

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House Passes Historic Waxman-Markey Clean Energy Bill

The House of Representatives passed the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act, sponsored by Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Rep. Edward J. Markey, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.

This landmark bill will revitalize our economy by creating millions of new jobs, increase our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and preserve our planet by reducing the pollution that causes global warming.

"Today we have taken decisive and historic action to promote America’s energy security and to create millions of clean energy jobs that will drive our economic recovery and long-term growth," said Chairman Waxman. "After more than three decades of being held hostage to the influence of foreign energy suppliers, this legislation at long last begins to break our addiction to imported foreign oil and put us on a path to true energy security."

"Today the House has passed the most important energy and environment bill in our nation’s history," said Chairman Markey. "Scientists say that global warming is a dangerous man-made problem. Today we are saying clean energy will be the American-made solution. This legislation will create jobs by the millions, save money by the billions and unleash investment in clean energy by the trillions."

The bill contains the following key provisions:

* Requires electric utilities to meet 20% of their electricity demand through renewable energy sources and energy efficiency by 2020.

* Invests $190 billion in new clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, including energy efficiency and renewable energy ($90 billion in new investments by 2025), carbon capture and sequestration ($60 billion), electric and other advanced technology vehicles ($20 billion), and basic scientific research and development ($20 billion).

* Mandates new energy-saving standards for buildings, appliances, and industry.

* Reduces carbon emissions from major U.S. sources by 17% by 2020 and over 80% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels. Complementary measures in the legislation, such as investments in preventing tropical deforestation, will achieve significant additional reductions in carbon emissions.

* Protects consumers from energy price increases. According to recent analyses from the Congressional Budget Office and the Environmental Protection Agency, the legislation will cost each household less than 50 cents per day in 2020 (not including energy efficiency savings).

http://energycommerce.house.gov/]]> Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/719479 The Upside of a City-wide Garbage Strike... http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718909
"Itapos;s an unexpected consciousness-raising event," says Mark Winfield, professor of environmental studies at York University.

"When youapos;re faced with a storage problem, it makes you appreciate how much stuff is coming in and out (of your home). You have to ask the bigger question about the role of this stuff and how much of it you really need."

The prospect of smelly garbage piling up on his neighboursapos; porches convinced Graeme Hussey to finish building the row of backyard compost bins heapos;d recently started. He invited four neighbouring families to drop off the kitchen scraps that normally would have gone out with their green bins.

"I went to get sushi last night and brought a Tupperware container because I didnapos;t want to have the garbage at home," says Hussey, development director of the Parkdale environmental charity Greenest City. "Itapos;s interesting how (the strike) is really making you think."

http://www.thestar.com/article/658121


Related Link:

The Top 10 Ways to Reduce Your Garbage
http://www.thestar.com/Article/658123]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718909 CFC Lightbulbs Poison Workers http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718907
Large numbers of Chinese workers have been poisoned by mercury, which forms part of the compact fluorescent lightbulbs. A surge in foreign demand, set off by a European Union directive making these bulbs compulsory within three years, has also led to the reopening of mercury mines that have ruined the environment.

Doctors, regulators, lawyers and courts in China - which supplies two thirds of the compact fluorescent bulbs sold in Britain - are increasingly alert to the potential impacts on public health of an industry that promotes itself as a friend of the earth but depends on highly toxic mercury.

A survey of published specialist literature and reports by state media shows hundreds of workers at Chinese-owned factories have been poisoned by mercury over the past decade.

In one case, Foshan city officials intervened to order medical tests on workers at the Nanhai Feiyang lighting factory after receiving a petition alleging dangerous conditions, according to a report in the Nanfang Daily newspaper. The tests found 68 out of 72 workers were so badly poisoned they required hospitalisation.

A specialist medical journal, published by the health ministry, describes another compact fluorescent lightbulb factory in Jinzhou, in central China, where 121 out of 123 employees had excessive mercury levels. One man’s level was 150 times the accepted standard.

The same journal identified a compact fluorescent lightbulb factory in Anyang, eastern China, where 35% of workers suffered mercury poisoning, and industrial discharge containing the toxin went straight into the water supply.

It also reported a survey of 18 lightbulb factories near Shanghai, which found that exposure levels to mercury were higher for workers making the new compact fluorescent lightbulbs than for other lights containing the metal.

Full article:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article6211261.ece


Related Link:

CFC Bulbs Risky: Health Canada to Study Ultraviolet Emissions Mercury Poisonings
http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2009/06/29/9967011-sun.html]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718907 Emerging Contaminants Program http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718875
The Emerging Contaminants program, an Innovations in American Government Finalist, presented before the National Selection Committee in May 2009. The program promotes proactive, integrated risk management of chemicals used by Department of Defense to facilitate informed risk-based decisions that better protect the environment and serve the Departmentapos;s operational capacities.

Watch this on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RBiKLzK4MA]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/718875 Sheppard LRT Receives Provincial, Federal Funding http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/689651
Spacing has also learned that the TTC will receive the money it has already spent preparing for the beginning of the Sheppard line construction from the provincial government through Metrolinx. Although Spacing has been given the impression that there is not a significant amount of money allocated to Sheppard in the TTC/City of Toronto capital budgets, we are still trying to confirm whether money had been planned for Sheppard in the 2010-2014 five-year capital plan. This post will be updated if/when that information is available to us.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuinty this morning announced that the Sheppard LRT line would be funded through the provincial and federal economic stimulus programs.

The $950 million for the Sheppard line of Transit City will be two-thirds provincial money and one-third federal money. That money includes the funds required to pay for the streetcars expected to run on the new line.

The City of Toronto’s request for provincial and federal money continues to be considered by officials at both levels of government, however, no announcement was made on that front this morning.

Mayor David Miller announced on his Twitter feed that he and Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be at the Hillcrest TTC compound at 11AM for a good news announcement. While Mayor Miller didn’t say which project would be funded, Spacing has learned that the project is likely Transit City’s Sheppard line.

Although streetcar funding is a key priority for the TTC and was presented to both the provincial and federal governments in the hope of receiving stimulus funding, it is most likely that the TTC will receive Transit City funding for the Sheppard Line. It has been expected that the Sheppard LRT would have its contracts tendered during summer 2009, however, the April 1 announcement of provincial funding for Transit City excluded the Sheppard Line. This would explain why.

While the smart money is on a Sheppard LRT announcement, it is possible that a streetcar announcement will also be made given that the TTC’s deadline to order streetcars is fast approaching.


http://spacing.ca/wire/2009/05/15/breaking-news-sheppard-lrt-likely-to-be-funded-tomorrow-maybe-streetcars/]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/689651 The Plate Program - An Eco-friendly Food Court Experience http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/689653
"At Oakville Place, we want to treat our customers to a more sophisticated shopping experience, and the first step in the Food Court is to enjoy a meal on real dishes. Once customers are finished their meal, we will remove their plates and tray – and we do the dishes!" says Jenny Jovanovic, Marketing Coordinator for Oakville Place.

The plate program was developed as a service to customers, but also as an earth friendly initiative. The new energy efficient dishwasher, the reduction in water use (only 4 liters of water per wash), and the huge impact it will have on the levels of garbage generated in the Food Court are all eco-driven. Oakville Place plans to expand this program to include other restaurant quality components in the future.

"It is a simple idea, but one that can make a big difference," Jenny says "and our goal is to build on our current programs. As a shopping centre, Oakville Place is committed to finding new ways to reduce energy and waste."

Environmental responsibility is a continuing priority for Oakville Place. The shopping centre purchases energy from Bullfrog Power, uses an electric car for exterior security patrols, switched to apos;pesticide-freeapos; landscaping and has a full service organic and recycling program. This new program is the start to reducing Food Court waste by 50% within the next year.

Based on calculations that the average school child with a disposable lunch generates 30 kilograms or 67 pounds of waste annually, and that this works out to 737 kilograms or 1,625 pounds of waste per year for every 25 students**, the waste reduction is expected to be substantial.

Oakville Place Shopping Centre is located at the Trafalgar Road exit on the Q.E.W., 25 minutes west of downtown Toronto and convenient to the Oakville GO station. For further information call Oakville Place at (905) 842-2140 or go to www.oakvilleplace.com.

Through implementing a landmark, earth friendly strategy, the Food Court at Oakville Place shopping centre is dishing up a lot less waste! As of May 1 diners have the option of selecting their own restaurant quality, washable plate, reducing the amount of waste generated by disposable plates. Don’t worry! It doesn’t mean having to wash your own dishes!

http://thegreenpages.ca/portal/on/2009/05/oakville_place_introduces_dine/]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/689653 Home Energy Efficiency Incentive Program http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686003
At that time the proposed program was contemplated to be a revolving loan fund. In light of the changing economy and associated drop in interest rates, staff recognized that an alternative program design would be required because owners of low-rise residential buildings now have access to low interest loans and would not seek assistance from the City for similar loan rates. Therefore, this report recommends that the program be shifted from a revolving loan fund to a grants program in order to: address the availability of low interest loans; keep administrative costs to a minimum; and maximize participation by eligible residents.

By establishing an incentive program geared towards encouraging implementation of the more significant energy retrofit measures by homeowners, the City will be helping those homeowners leverage up to an additional $6,000 per home in Federal and Provincial financial resources and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling their home by an estimated additional 0.5 tonnes.

Backgrounder:
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2009/bu/bgrd/backgroundfile-21113.pdf

Eligibility:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/ecoenergy.shtml

Eligible Energy Advisor (Listing):
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/new-home-improvement/contact-advisors.cfm

Ontarioapos;s Home Energy Audit/Retrofit Grant Program (Application):
http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/english/pdf/homeenergyontario/heo_grant_application.pdf]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686003 A first for North America - Ontarioapos;s Green Energy and Economy Act http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686007
"We applaud the government and the NDP members of the Legislature for passing this groundbreaking legislation. Today, Ontario enters a new energy paradigm," said Deb Doncaster, Campaign Chair of the Green Energy Act Alliance. "The Act is a clear signal to the global renewable energy community that Ontario is open for business."

"The American Council on Renewable Energy congratulates Ontario and all of Canada for this outstanding leadership on the adoption of renewable energy," said Michael Eckhart, President of the American Council On Renewable Energy. "This kind of policy leadership is beneficial not only from a climate and environmental point of view, but it is also an investment in new companies and new jobs."

The Act aims to improve conservation programs, promote investment in renewable energy projects through North Americaapos;s first feed-in tariff program, and create green jobs. The Act, introduced in November 2008, is the cornerstone of the governmentapos;s plan to put Ontario on a path towards reducing Ontarioapos;s greenhouse gas emissions, while becoming a leader in the emerging global renewable energy sector.

"Less than a year after our World Wind Energy Conference in Kingston, the government of Ontario kept their promise and laid the foundation for a boom of renewable energy in the province, based on the first feed-in tariff legislation in North America," said Stefan Gsänger, Secretary General of the World Wind Energy Association. "Todayapos;s passing of the Ontario Green Energy Act represents an historic international milestone as the Act promises to be the most advanced piece of renewable energy legislation in North America."

"Todayapos;s adoption of the Green Energy Act by the Ontario Legislature represents an historic paradigm-shifting legal milestone in the imperative transition to a renewable energy system in North America," said Dr. Hermann Scheer, General Chair of the World Council of Renewable and Member of the National Parliament of Germany.

"This is an exciting time for Ontario; itapos;s never been clearer that environmental solutions and economic solutions are one and the same," said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence. "Today, Ontario not only takes action on its international obligation to reduce greenhouse gases and pollution, it becomes a leader in an emerging industry."

A recent report released from the Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst estimated that 90,000 jobs per year could be created through investments in conservation, renewable energy and upgrades to Ontarioapos;s electricity grid. The investment criteria used in the report is similar to the level of investment expected under the new Green Energy and Economy Act.


http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2009/14/c4101.html]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686007 Retire Your Ride Program http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686005
Managed and delivered locally by the Clean Air Foundation, Retire Your Ride effectively and efficiently recycles 1995 model year or older vehicles in an environmentally-responsible manner. This national initiative is an effort to improve air quality and encourage the use of sustainable transportation.

Seventy-five per cent of an average car’s content by weight can be recycled: All cars retired through Retire Your Ride are sent to a certified, environmentally-sound recycler, ensuring responsible recycling.

Contact Retire Your Ride at 1-877-773-1996 or log on to www.retireyourride.ca. Note — vehicles must be “live” (in running condition, as well as registered and insured for the last six months).

Program participants are eligible to receive a number of different rewards, including $300 cash. The Retire Your Ride network is continuously working to add new and improved incentives to its roster.

http://www.retireyourride.ca/
http://www.retireyourride.ca/rewards.aspx]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686005 Study Claims TV, Cellphone Use Offset Energy Efficiency Gains http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686009
A report by the Paris-based energy adviser urged governments in 28 developed countries to keep pace with the invention of new consumer devices when crafting efficiency standards, as well as asking consumers to make thriftier purchases.

Without such changes, the energy used by household electronic devices could triple by 2030, according to the IEA report.

Because most electricity is generated from burning high-carbon fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, energy consumption is associated with carbon emissions.

However, IEA analyst Paul Waide noted that the world doesnapos;t have to curb an insatiable appetite for more clever, exciting or fashionable gadgets, provided people chose the most efficient versions available.

He stated that consumers can still enjoy the latest technology by being much more proactive on efficiency.

"We can hold total consumption at todayapos;s levels by using best available technologies, despite a dramatic growth in use," he added.

Since these types of products change so much from year to year, Waide said governments have been reluctant to introduce policies that regulate their use.

The report found that for most appliances, technologies were already available to improve efficiency by at least 40 percent, but uptake depends on the choices of the consumer.

It stated that the extent of savings is large, yet the energy and financial savings on individual residential appliances often appear insignificant to most consumers.

In the face of an upcoming global climate pact to replace the Kyoto Protocol, rising home energy use underlines how dramatic action on climate change would need action by individuals as well as governments.

As peopleapos;s lifestyles become increasingly more affluent, the report underlined the difficulty this may cause in the mission to cutting greenhouse gases.

The IEA showed that since 1990 residential electricity consumption has been growing in all regions of the world at an average of 3.4 percent a year.

While the electricity use of appliances like refrigerators and clothes washers in many rich countries, which had previously accounted for most usage, are falling, growth in use of electronic devices such as iPods, video games, televisions, personal computers, modems, mobile phones and printers more than offset those falls.

Electricity consumption by television sets in the U.S. more than tripled in the past 10 years, and personal computers (PCs) showed sharp rises.

Power use for heating and refrigeration fell, however.

Estimates show the number of people using a PC would pass one billion this year, according to the report.

Currently, there are nearly 2 billion television sets in use and over half the global population subscribes to a mobile telephone service.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/1688377/study_claims_tv_cellphone_use_offset_energy_efficiency_gains/index.html?source=r_technology


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Related Link:

Gadgets and Gigawatts: Policies for Energy Efficient Electronics (IEA Report)
http://www.iea.org/Textbase/publications/free_new_Desc.asp?PUBS_ID=2098]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2009 04:06:00 -0400 http://vkam.tigblog.org/post/686009