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National P2 News Archive    (From Last 14 days)      Browse by : Funding | Mercury | Tribal

EPA, DOE Announce New Steps to Strengthen ENERGY STAR(03/18/2010)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy today outlined a series of steps to further strengthen the trusted ENERGY STAR? program. This action comes at a critical time for American consumers, many of whom struggle to keep up with their monthly energy bills. In addition to third-party testing already underway, EPA and DOE have launched a new two-step process to expand testing of ENERGY STAR qualified products. This week, DOE began testing of some of the most commonly used appliances, which account for more than 25% of a household's energy bill, and both agencies are now developing a system to test all products that earn the ENERGY STAR label. The steps are part of an overall effort by the Obama Administration to improve the energy efficiency of homes and appliances to save families money. "Energy efficiency is more important than ever to American families," Gina McCarthy, EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation said. "As our economy gets back on its feet, ENERGY STAR is an easy way for consumers to save money and help fight climate change." "Consumers have long trusted the ENERGY STAR brand for products that will save them energy and save them money," said Cathy Zoi, DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. "The steps we're taking now will further strengthen and improve the program, building on the results that consumers have come to expect." Click on the link to read the complete article:

Navy Selects 'Green' Mobile Wastewater Treatment System(03/16/2010)
The U.S. Navy has purchased a mobile and self-contained wastewater treatment and recycling system for the San Diego-based Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations. Global Water Group claims it is the "greenest" wastewater system that produces high-quality drinking water. The transportable 8-ft. container, touted as a prototype for future military systems, will be used by the Navy to recycle water for maintenance and toilets. However, Global Water says the recycled water is comparable in purity and taste to natural spring water and will exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's potable drinking standards including NSF-Standard 53. It also has "zero environmental problems." Click on the link to read the complete article:

Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi to Standardize Electric Car Recharging(03/15/2010)
Trying to spread adoption of electric cars, five major Japanese firms have agreed to set a unified standard for electric vehicle recharging stations. First, the companies will address a Japanese national standard, then they will push for an international standard, reports Reuters. The group is comprised of Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Fuji Heavy Industries and Tokyo Electric Power -- Japan's biggest utility. Click on the link to read the complete article;

Kansas: Parkinson signs chemical ban bill(03/12/2010)
TOPEKA -- Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson, on Wednesday, signed a bill into law today that will ban certain chemicals that are used to create synthetic cannabinoids. This brings the total number of bills signed during the 2010 legislative session to seven. "This legislation has received overwhelming support by Kansas law enforcement and the legislature," Parkinson said. "It will help improve our communities by better equipping law enforcement officers in addressing this issue and deterring Kansans from drug use." HB 2411 would amend the Kansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act to expand the list of Schedule I controlled substances to include certain synthetic cannabinoids -- the chemical compounds HU-210, JWH-018, JWH-073, BZP, and TFMPP. The bill would make it illegal to possess, use, or sell these drugs. The legislation goes into effect upon publication in the Kansas Register. "We've drawn national attention to the dangers of synthetic drugs. This is a win for Kansas," said Rep. Rob Olson, R-Olathe, who introduced the bill. "Not only did we raise awareness about this issue among Kansas parents but we've also helped legislators and families in 49 other states protect their children today."

NEW EPA LEAD SAFE RULES TAKE EFFECT APRIL 22(03/11/2010)
EPA's new lead renovation, repair and painting rule goes into effect on April 22 to better protect public health from dust disturbed through renovation. Any contractor disturbing painted surfaces in pre-1978 built housing and child occupied facilities after that date must follow the new lead safe work practices, be legitimately certified, follow recordkeeping requirements, and provide tenants with a "renovate right" booklet prior to beginning work. (Violations are subject to a maximum penalty of $37,500 per day, per violation). To read the pamphlet, click on the link:

How to Measure the ROI of Your Sustainability, CSR Efforts(03/11/2010)
Environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) among businesses are no longer "nice to have" ideologies. They are important parts of a company's overall growth strategy. A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers study documented ways in which companies that report their sustainability efforts get better returns on their assets than companies that do not. Also according to a TIME poll conducted in 2009, 40 percent of consumers said they bought products or services because they liked the social or political values of the company. Nearly half of Americans in the poll said protecting the environment should be given priority over economic growth, and this comes in the midst of a recession. So what are the best ways to measure the ROI of a company's sustainability and CSR efforts and effectively convince senior management these activities are worth the investment? Click on the link to read the complete article:

Green Teeth? Dentists Embrace Sustainability (03/11/2010)
According to the EDA, a green-certified dental practice has to meet eight qualifications: ?Sustainable Location, which pertains to the building housing the dental practice. Considerations include whether the site is a certified green building and its proximity to public transportation. ?Waste Reduction in all activities associated with a dental practice from business operations to dental materials and processes. ?Pollution Prevention, which includes consideration of indoor air quality, sterilization methods, green cleaning and disinfecting of surface and equipment lines as well as front and back office practices. ?Energy Conservation in office and operatory-room lighting, equipment, HVAC and amenities. ?Water Conservation in dental processes, fixtures throughout the dental practice and outdoors if the office include external property and landscaping.

Method 'Green' Household Cleaners Try to Take Market Share from Clorox(03/09/2010)
Method's "green" household cleaning products made from non-toxic, plant-based materials have made their way onto the shelves of dozens of retailers including Target, Whole Foods and Lowe's, reports Forbes.com. But they have a lot of competition from Clorox and Procter & Gamble, as well as smaller competitors Seventh Generation and Mrs. Meyers Clean Day. Method's products are stocked at 160 retailers across the U.S. and are available in Canada, England, Australia, France and Japan, on Amazon.com and its own Web site. The maker of "green" bathroom cleaners, dish soap and hand soap in January expanded its product line with the introduction of an environmentally-friendly laundry detergent. Method differentiates its packaging by providing products in sleek, and sometimes, clear plastic bottles, reports Forbes.com. Click on the link to read the complete article:

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