Thursday, March 16, 2006

[Organic farming] Study Confirms Ecological Value Of Organic Farming Organic farming has long been touted as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional agriculture. A new study provides evidence to support that claim. Writing in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), Stanford University graduate student Sasha B. Kramer and her colleagues found that fertilizing apple trees with synthetic chemicals produced more adverse environmental effects than feeding them with organic manure or alfalfa. [Source: Environmental Protection E-News, 3/16/06] Full citation "Reduced Nitrate Leaching and Enhanced Denitrifier Activity and Efficiency in Organically Fertilized Soils" Kramer, S.B.; Reganold, J.P.; Glover, J.D.; Bohannan, B.J.M.; Mooney, H.A. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(12), 4522-4527 (2006). 5:48:27 PM Google It!    [Climate change] NASA Study Links Smog To Arctic Warming A major form of global air pollution involved in summertime smog also has played a significant role in warming the Arctic, according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists. [Source: Environmental Protection E-News, 3/16/06] 5:37:30 PM Google It!    [Air quality] Reports Focus On International Air Quality Issues Clean air, accelerated economic activity and protection of Native American cultural artifacts are the topics of the latest report of the EPA advisory committee on the U.S.-Mexico border. Additionally, a U.S.-Canadian organization released a document conveying the views of organizations and individuals in Canada and the United States on the progress under the United States-Canada Air Quality Agreement. [Source: Environmental Protection E-News, 3/16/06] 5:35:41 PM Google It!    [Mercury] Indiana to pay 'bounty' for mercury switches A bill passed by Indiana legislators requiring salvage yards to remove mercury-filled light switches from junked automobiles will tap into existing state funds - at least temporarily - to provide a "bounty" for the switches. [Source: Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, 3/15/06] 5:33:09 PM Google It!    [Nanotechnology] $5 Million Awarded to Study Health and Environmental Effects of Nanotechnology [Source: U.S. EPA Press Release, 3/16/06] Nanotechnology has the potential to transform environmental clean-up, treat serious illnesses, and improve computer technology. EPA wants to see Americans benefit from this exciting new technology while ensuring that human health and the environment are protected. Therefore EPA has awarded 14 grants totaling $5 million to universities to investigate potential health and environmental effects of manufactured nanomaterials. By performing research on potential adverse affects, EPA is doing what is right for both human and environmental health and technological progress. Nanomaterials are created by working at the molecular level, atom by atom, and range in size from one to 100 nanometers. A nanometer is 80,000 times smaller than a human hair. Because of their small size and unique properties, more research is needed to learn if nanoparticles in manufactured products can enter the human body, and if so, how long they remain. Similarly, researchers will study the fate and transport of nanoparticles in the environment. "This emerging field has the potential to transform environmental protection. Researchers are now testing iron nanoparticles that could clean up pollutants in large areas of groundwater cheaper and more effectively than any existing techniques," said George Gray, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Research and Development. "At the same time, we must understand whether nanomaterials could negatively impact health or the environment. This research will help determine the viability of nanotechnology as a tool for protecting our environment." Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), EPA has a program to review and assess new chemicals prior to their entry into commerce. The agency is also working with a wide range of stakeholders to develop a stewardship program that will allow EPA to gain a better understanding of the benefits and risks associated with nanomaterials. The nanotechnology grants were awarded through EPA's Science to Achieve Results (STAR) research grants program in partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). To date, EPA has funded 65 grants for more than $22 million related to the environmental applications and/or implications of manufactured nanomaterials. In addition, EPA has awarded about $2.5 million for nanotechnology research to small businesses through its Small Business Innovation Research program. EPA Nanotechnology STAR Grants The grants funded by EPA were awarded to the following universities: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, Calif., $375,000 - Researchers will develop critical data and predictive tools needed to assess the health and environmental impacts of dendritic or highly branched nanomaterials. CIIT Centers for Health Research, Research Triangle Park, N.C., $375,000 - Scientists will develop models to predict the localized deposition of inhaled nanomaterials in the respiratory tract of rats and humans. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $375,000 - The objective of this research is to determine whether drinking water treatment will affect certain nanoparticles called fullerenes, molecules composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid or tube. Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Ga., $375,000 - The objective of this research is to investigate the fate and transport of fullerenes in soil. Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Albuquerque, N.M., $375,000 - Researchers will investigate whether the sizes and compositions of metal oxide powders influence their persistence and toxicity, and where they deposit in the body. NYU School of Medicine, Tuxedo, N.Y., $375,000 - Researchers will investigate the biological impacts of aggregates of nanoparticles in the lungs. Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, $375,000 - Researchers will develop Life Cycle Inventory data and thermodynamics-based modules for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with the synthesis and use of nanoclays and nanofibres. Rice University, Houston, Texas, $375,000 - Researchers will determine whether the structure of nanoparticles is related to their impacts on human health. Rice University, Houston, Texas, $375,000 - This study will improve our understanding of the chemical and physical factors that control nanoparticle mobility and bioavailability and their impacts on microbial activities, diversity and community structure. Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Ill., $375,000 - Researchers will determine whether certain nanoparticles affect the survival, growth, development, egg hatchability, and metamorphosis of the fathead minnow and a species of frog. University of Florida-Gainesville, Gainesville, Fla., $375,000 - The goal of this project is to develop an understanding of the potentially complex interplay between manufactured nanomaterials and the health of organisms and ecosystems. University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $363,680 - Researchers will determine whether particle size influences the bioavailability of nanosized zinc oxide and the potential for manufactured nanoparticles to be transferred through the food chain. University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., $375,000 - Researchers will study accumulation and release of a wide range of manufactured nanomaterials in the soil, emphasizing the interactions with air/water interfaces and specific mineral surfaces. West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., $375,000 - Scientists will determine the effects of commercially available nanomaterials on the human blood coagulation system. The grants funded by NSF totaling $911,640 were awarded to the following universities: Houston Advanced Research Center, Houston, Texas, $300,000 - Human cells will be exposed to engineered nanomaterials and their toxicity will be assessed using the innovative technology of high throughput gene expression microarrays. University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla., $261,640 - Researchers will determine whether the toxicity mechanisms of macro-sized dissolved heavy metals are similar to that of metallic nanoparticles. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., $350,000 - Researchers will explore the transport, transformation, and fate of manufactured nanomaterials in atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments. The grants funded by NIOSH totaling more than $654,299 million were awarded to the following universities: University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, $399,906 - Researchers are seeking to assess airborne levels of nanoparticles and to assess the efficacy of respirator use in controlling nanoparticle exposure. New York University School of Medicine, Tuxedo, N.Y., $254,393 - Researchers will develop a comprehensive, practical method for sampling, quantifying, and characterizing carbon nanotube particles in air. 5:31:31 PM Google It!    [Green lifestyle] The Service Economy: Car Sharing is the New Consumer Model The rapid growth of "car sharing" companies-five have sprouted up in the U.S. since 2000-do more than fill a growing niche market. Car sharing also reflects a green business trend called "product service systems" (PSS), otherwise known by its more ungainly iteration, "servicizing." Morph a product into a service, so the logic goes, and you reduce the ecological footprint of the product itself. By Linda Baker [Source: E: The Environmental Magazine] 5:27:21 PM Google It!    [Biomimicry] The Ultimate Flattery: Learning from Nature through Biomimicry Biomimicry is the concept of looking at natural systems to solve such problems as keeping cool in the heat, recycling toxic wastes or self cleaning. This new science doesn't involve taking any part from an existing animal or plant, but instead mimicking the means by which the problem has been solved over millennia. Unlike typical human solutions to natural problems, "biomimetics" copy natural designs, which by nature are usually non-polluting and use minimal energy. By Starre Vartan [Source: E: The Environmental Magazine] 5:25:48 PM Google It!    [Schools] Saving Water, Saving Resources When students arrive at Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island, Maine, many are chagrined to learn that they are restricted to two showers per week. In addition, those showers are taken in infamous "military style" -- no basking in warm water coursing over their bodies after a long day hopping from rock to rock and slogging through cold, salty waves. Instead, they turn on the water only when needed. Not their usual style of bathing. And the water in the toilets? Not freshwater, but salt. [Source: E: The Environmental Magazine] 5:23:11 PM Google It!    [Brownfields] 19 Toxic Legacies Reborn [Source: U.S. EPA Press Release, 3/15/06] Most people would be surprised to learn that giving a gate key to a model airplane club could transform a cleaned-up landfill into a flying park.  But, activities like this are taking place at cleaned up Superfund sites all around the country, and the results are benefiting human health, local communities, and the environment.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that it is helping communities reuse 19 cleaned-up Superfund sites. "President Bush and EPA are committed to putting both people and property back to work," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.  "Through our 'Return to Use Initiative,' EPA is helping communities across America convert environmental eyesores back into something of public pride." Part of EPA's multi-part Land Revitalization Initiative, the Return to Use Initiative focuses on Superfund sites that have already been cleaned up but remain vacant.  The Return to Use Initiative helps to remove real and perceived barriers to community use by addressing liability concerns and providing key information about the site and available uses that would not interfere with the clean-up remedy.  Returning the sites to beneficial use not only allows local communities to reclaim lost land, it can also lead to increased property values, a higher tax base and protected open space.  In addition, when local interests have a stake in the revitalized property, the chances are greater for continued productive use. The 19 new demonstration projects are located in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Utah. EPA launched the Land Revitalization Initiative in April 2003 to help communities restore contaminated properties to environmental and economic vitality.  EPA works with property owners and federal, state, and local partners to promote the reuse of sites as green space, or for recreational or commercial facilities, without posing any risk to human health or the environment. For more information: Superfund Return to Use Initiative demonstration projects http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/rtu/demos.htm EPA's Land Revitalization Initiative http://www.epa.gov/landrevitalization 5:21:48 PM Google It!    [Recycling] Eco-industry looking to launch in Superior Imagine a factory that takes in trash - like wood scraps and everyday garbage - and turns out products like fiberboard and ethanol, and even grows tomatoes. That's just part of what's planned in Superior, Wisconsin. The Twin Ports first eco-industry could be on-line in two years. [Source: Minnesota Public Radio, 3/15/06] 5:16:54 PM Google It!    [Heat islands] NASA assesses strategies to 'turn off the heat' in New York City The "heat is on" in New York City, whether it's summer or winter. This is due to a phenomenon called the urban heat island effect that causes air temperatures in New York City and other major cities to be warmer than in neighboring suburbs and rural areas. And, in a big city, warmer air temperatures can impact air quality, public health and the demand for energy. [Source: PhysOrg.com, 1/30/06] 5:15:35 PM Google It!    [Green roofs] Raising the (green) roof Anyone building a new home or business--or renovating an older structure--could slash their heating and cooling bills by 25 percent, double the life of their roof, reduce stormwater runoff, help clean the air, create urban wildlife habitat, and make their building look fabulous by changing just one thing. When it comes time to replace ugly asphalt shingles or a tar and gravel roof, do it with what's called a "green roof." It's a shallow expanse of garden that can be installed on any structure--house, office, school, factory, shopping mall. [Source: IndyWeek.com, 3/8/06] 5:14:00 PM Google It!    [Green building] Work Starts On A New Home For Olympic Winter Games Athletes The International Olympic Committee News just announced a Press Release on March 14 stating "Consistent with the approach to Games organisation encouraged by the IOC from bid phase onwards, the Olympic Village is being developed in such a way as to prove a model of sustainability after the Games, and that green roofs will cover 50% of the development and many new ideas are being tested on the site. 5:12:09 PM Google It!    [Water] World Water Day March 22 is World Water day. 5:10:27 PM Google It!    [Meetings] 2006 Great Lakes Regional Date Exchange Conference The 2006 Great Lakes Regional Data Exchange Conference is being held in conjunction with the 5th Annual NY State Remote Sensing Symposium. Take advantage of this chance to learn about remote sensing tools, geospatial applications and observing technologies that are being used to study, monitor and manage the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence River system. The conference will be held April 4-6, 2006, at the Clarion Riverside Hotel in Rochester, New York. 5:09:08 PM Google It!    [Green building] USGBC, Engineering Groups Partner on Baseline Green Building Standard The U.S. Green Building Council; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America have agreed to co-sponsor the development of a new minimum standard for high-performance green building. [Source: GreenerBuildings.com, 2/16/06] 5:07:35 PM Google It!    [Green building] U.N. Environment Program Launches Green Building Initiative A new international effort to "green" the multi-billion dollar building and construction sector has been launched with some of the biggest names in the business. [Source: GreenerBuildings.com, 2/24/06] 5:05:38 PM Google It!    [Green building] IRS Releases Guidance on Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Homebuilders The Internal Revenue Service has provided new guidance regarding the energy efficient homes credit available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. [Source: GreenerBuildings.com, 3/1/06] 5:03:38 PM Google It!    [Rainwater harvesting] Municipal Water Systems: Closing the Loop What government initiatives and standards exist for metropolitan rainwater harvesting and reuse? GreenerBuildings.com's Gil Friend answers the question. 5:00:42 PM Google It!    [Green building] America's Top 10 Green Hospitals There is a new trend in health care: greening hospitals to reduce toxins and provide a healthier, healing environment. By Kim Weller, AIA [Source: GreenerBuildings.com, 3/15/06] 4:47:20 PM Google It!    [Ethanol] Exxon Mobil CEO calls for an end to ethanol subsidies Exxon Mobil Corp., after posting a record $36.1 billion in profit last year from surging oil prices, said the United States should end 28 years of subsidies for a competing fuel made from corn because the subsidies benefit domestic growers. ... Tillerson rejected President George W. Bush's call for increased government aid for ethanol, a form of grain alcohol that's blended into about one-third of U.S. gasoline. Surging energy prices helped Exxon to the most profitable year ever for a U.S. company. Tillerson's comments drew the ire of corn and ethanol producers. "In the face of pornographic profits being made by oil companies and the reality of higher gas prices this year, it is outrageous for an executive for big oil to actually suggest getting rid of the tax credit for ethanol," said Brian Jennings, executive vice president of the American Coalition for Ethanol in Sioux Falls, S.D. ... [Source: Detroit Free Press via RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:45:40 PM Google It!    [Biofuels] Biofuel processor on way to UNH A partnership between the University of New Hampshire and a North Conway company could prove to be a major breakthrough in biofuel development and usage. MBP, Bioenergy has been awarded a contract to provide its patent-pending biofuel processor for use at the UNH campus in Durham. ... the processor will be used to process and convert waste vegetable oil produced in campus dining facilities into usable biofuels. The finished biofuel product, which is said to be 100 percent biodegradable, will then be used as fuel on campus in several different areas, including to heat Woodman Farm, greenhouses and select buildings, and to power off-road diesel equipment. [Source: Portsmouth (NH) Herald via RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/14/06] 4:38:13 PM Google It!    [Alternative fuels] Alternative Fuel Bill Heads to Governor's Desk in Indiana To study a variety of renewable energy resources, alternative fuel House Bill (HB) 1285 recently passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives by 86-0. It calls for the Environmental Quality Service Council (EQSC) to study the most effective way of implementing the Renewable Fuels Standards of the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005 for the State of Indiana. Such a standard would require all gasoline sold in the state to contain ethanol, which is made from corn, and all diesel fuel sold to contain biodiesel, which is made from soybeans. The bill will now move to Governor Daniels' desk for consideration. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/14/06] 4:36:38 PM Google It!    [Biofuels] Biofuels Mandated for Wisconsin State Agencies, Fleets Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle issued an Executive Order this week that expands the state's commitment to renewable fuels, takes an important step forward in making Wisconsin the nation's ethanol leader, and increases the state's independence from foreign oil. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:35:15 PM Google It!    [Renewable energy] Illinois Lt. Governor Stumps for Renewable Energy Standard Last week, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn supported the effort to implement a Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in the State of Illinois. Speaking at the American Wind Energy Association's national workshop on Renewable Portfolio Standards, Quinn urged state utilities to adopt standards such as those outlined in Governor Rod Blagojevich's Sustainable Energy Plan. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:33:54 PM Google It!    [Biofuels] Ford Executive Pushes for Biofuels in Senate Testimony Policies are needed to support an aggressive, integrated approach by industry and government stakeholders to develop renewable fuels and advanced technology vehicles to overcome the nation's future energy needs. In the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, a Ford executive called on lawmakers to "act with urgency" to implement rapid production of renewable fuels, and the infrastructure to support them. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:31:16 PM Google It!    [Fuel cells] Fuel Cell Research Projects in Ohio Receive Grants More than $6 million in grants have been awarded to seven Ohio companies and research collaborations to assist in the commercialization and adaptation of fuel cell technologies through the Third Frontier Fuel Cell Program (TFFCP), announced Ohio Governor Bob Taft. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:27:36 PM Google It!    [Schools] High Marks for Solar Schools in California Schools across the state are using solar power to cut energy consumption and save money. Thirty-one California schools were awarded more than $4.2 million from the California Energy Commission's (CEC) Solar Schools Program. [Source: RenewableEnergyAccess.com, 3/10/06] 4:25:11 PM Google It!

© Copyright 2006 Laura L. Barnes. Last update: 4/6/2006; 2:30:08 PM.