Curiosidades

Japan – timber from thinned forests used for disposable chopsticks

Japan is a land endowed with a rich natural environment, with about 70 percent of its land covered by forest. Japanese planted forests are, however, in critical condition as a result of lack of necessary maintenance work in the country‘‘s extensive area of these forests, which require thinning at least …

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Wales to ban plastic bags

A ban on plastic bags was placed firmly on the table by the Welsh Assembly Government yesterday. The Western Mail reports that the Welsh Government puts green issue at forefront of its new powers. The move, possibly by next March, could be the first under high-profile new law making powers. …

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India – UK firm plans to set up integrated waste-to-energy plant in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal given his in principal approval to a UK-based company to set up a Rs 3,000 crore Integrated Waste-to-energy plant in the state with a capacity to convert 1500 tonnes of waste per day into thermal energy and power. Newkerala.com reports that the approval came …

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Kenya – retailer Nakumatt to introduce re-usable carrier bags

An interesting transition from single use plastics to single use bioplastics, to reusable plastics in a couple of years, apparently impelled by an economic instrument. Kenya‘‘s biggest supermarket retailer, Nakumatt Holdings, is to launch a reusable carrier bag, following a Government move to levy 120 per cent excise duty on …

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USA – New Hampshire passes demolition debris ban law

Gov. John Lynch of the US state of New Hampshire has signed a law banning the burning of toxic construction and demolition debris. Fosters Online reports that Vermont has a similar ban while Maine allows the debris to be burned with some restrictions. New Hampshire‘‘s ban takes effect Jan. 1. …

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UK recycling is not enough – we need to consume less

Recycling rates have risen, and the UK is on schedule to meet EU targets, but the key to dealing with our escalating waste problem lies in changing our buying habits and our attitudes to consumption, according to the authors of a new Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) publication. The …

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Reciclagem de lâmpadas fluorescentes: uma idéia luminosa

O sistema de coleta seletiva de lâmpadas fluorescentes criado pela Prefeitura do campus de Ribeirão (PCARP), pioneiro na Universidade, completa três anos. A preocupação com o destino deste tipo de lâmpada surgiu pois, apesar de mais econômica em termos energéticos, contém mercúrio metálico, que é nocivo ao ser humano e …

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World – international youth survey reveals confidence future growth of the recycling industry

Teenagers agree climate change is greatest global challenge but still expect better lifestyle than their parents. According to a new international study from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), two thirds of teenagers today see the recycling industry as the most likely to enjoy the greatest growth in the …

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Canada – sustainability report for the 2010 Olympics

GLOBE-Net reports that the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) has released its first Sustainability Report, outlining the games‘‘ environmental, social and economic impacts as well as related sustainability strategies. The report provides great detail on VANOC‘‘s efforts, and will add significantly to the debate on how the games are being …

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UK – Government to create London Waste and Recycling Board

Plans to set up a statutory London Waste and Recycling Board have been announced by the Government. The Board will help deliver increased sustainable waste management in London. It will manage the London Waste and Recycling Fund, and may also provide advice on strategic London waste issues to London Boroughs …

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