Curiosidades

“Significant progress has been made in raising recycling levels of construction and demolition waste”, so said Mr. Batt O‘‘Keeffe, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in Athlone at an information seminar to promote a unique voluntary construction industry initiative aimed at the …

The trading scheme, to be introduced in April 2005, is a further step in the drive to move to more sustainable waste management practices, like composting, for biodegradable waste, such as kitchen and garden waste. It will benefit councils, such as Isle of Wight District Council, Windsor and Maidenhead Borough …

The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 designated certain electronic products as being covered by a fee and payment system to encourage the proper recycling of the products when they become waste. As of July 1, 2004, “covered electronic devices” and “covered electronic wastes” include televisions and computer monitors that …

Most electronic devices contain a variety of materials, including metals, that can be recovered for recycling. Recycling your waste electronics saves resources and protects the Earth because new metals don‘‘t have to be mined. In addition, some electronic products contain high enough levels of certain materials, such as lead, that …

E-waste is a popular, informal name for electronic products nearing the end of their “useful life.” Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are common electronic products. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. Unfortunately, electronic discards is one of the fastest growing segments of our …

Environmentalists and other stakeholders gathered in Lagos, recently, to present recommendations for a national plan for the environmentally sound management of used oils in the country as well as suggest ways for the development of used oils partnership in the African region. This Day in Lagos reports that they also …

A draft report from the US. Green Building Council‘‘s (USGBC) PVC Task Group finds that the environmental and health impacts of vinyl used in building products are comparable to those of competing materials, according to the US Vinyl Institute. The Task Group, which for nearly two years studied vinyl and …

A study commissioned by a group promoting reusable plastic pallets and containers (RPCs) claims an environmental advantage with their products compared with the use of cardboard boxes. US consultants Franklin Associates reviewed the shipment of ten items over the entire life cycle of reusable plastic and single-use corrugated containers. The …

Japan‘‘s NEC Corp. intend to use a new type of biodegradable plastic for their notebook personal computer parts. Japan for Sustainability report that this biodegradable plastic is made from polylactic acid with kenaf fiber as a reinforcing material. Conventional biodegradable plastics, or bioplastics, made from polylactic acid derived from corn …

Officials suggest that residents take note of what they purchase, according to the StatemanJournal in Oregon. The people in charge of residents‘‘ garbage and recycling collection don‘‘t just want people to recycle more. They want them to buy less garbage. “If there is any improvement or emphasis … it should …