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UK – new paper from straw technology wins invention of the year at Observer ethical awards

provides a revolutionary treatment to efficiently turn its waste into energy and chemicals for re-use in paper making. The Observer Ethical award was presented in June at a ceremony in central London, which rewarded those doing their part for the planet. There were thousands of nominations for the category, which …

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UK – Londoners canvassed on plastic bags

Londoners are being invited to help shape the capital‘‘s future environmental policies by deciding whether or not to introduce a London-wide levy – or even an outright ban – on throw away shopping bags. London Councils has launched a public consultation to give Londoners the opportunity to tell them what …

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USA – bacteria transform by-product into biofuel

With US biodiesel production at an all-time high and a record number of new biodiesel plants under construction, the industry is facing an impending crisis over waste glycerine, the major by-product of biodiesel production. Environmentalresearchweb.org reports that researchers from Rice University, US, believe they have found an answer to this …

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World – Coca-Cola and Pepsi shake up recycling strategies

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are stepping up efforts to recycle plastic containers amid a growing backlash against the sale of bottled water in the US and the UK. MSBN reports that authorities including San Francisco‘‘s city government and the UK‘‘s Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, have recently raised …

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UK – new analysis highlights mixed track record of waste processes ‘

The results of a comparative evaluation of the track record of more than 300 waste processes from more than 25 countries has been announced by consultants Juniper. They found widely varying performance in key parameters, that affect the ‘deliverability’ and ‘bankability’ of AD, plasma, MBT, gasification and incineration processes. The …

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World – countries seek to crack down on gas ‘flaring‘ waste

Dow Jones reports that the world‘‘s energy industry has never been keener to tap the commercial potential of natural gas. But some nations are wasting more gas than ever before as producers burn it off straight into the atmosphere. A World Bank-financed study released this month found the industry burned …

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Finland – shortcomings found in recycling system for old cars

The recycling system for disused vehicles is not working properly in Finland. Many of the cars that are scrapped have not had hazardous materials properly dealt with before being recycled. Helsingin Sanomat reports that the normal handling involves removal of the car battery, as well as oil and fuel, after …

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Canada – Quebec weighs tax on plastic bags

The McGill Daily reports that with the environment in disarray, the Quebec government is exploring the merits of a provincial tax that will undoubtedly reduce our waste, yet hit consumers where it hurts most: their wallets. Targeting the extravagant use of plastic bags and hoping to motivate the public to …

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UK – McDonald‘s waste to power buildings

Buildings such as hospitals and theatres will be powered by rubbish from McDonald‘‘s restaurants in a new pilot scheme. The Press Association reports that eleven fast-food restaurants in Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley, South Yorkshire, will take part in the initiative, which will turn waste into electricity and heating for 130 …

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World – waste reduction is top environmental concern for manufacturers globally

Waste reduction is the most important environmental issue facing manufacturing businesses today, according to an international study on sustainability and environmental trends conducted by Harris Interactive for Dow Corning Corporation. Eight out of ten managers and professionals in the USA; Brazil; Italy & Germany rank it as a higher priority …

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