Month: July 2011

SC Johnson Exceeds Climate Leaders Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

In Partnership with the EPA, Company Exceeds its 2010 Goals by More Than 19 Percent
SC Johnson announced today that it achieved its greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goal set through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program. The company achieved a 27.4 percent absolute reduction, exceeding its goal to reduce total GHG emissions by eight percent from 2005. This marks the second time that SC Johnson has surpassed its GHG reduction goal.
“SC Johnson is committed to lightening our impact on the world, and exceeding our greenhouse gas reduction goals demonstrates our progress,” said Kelly M. Semrau, Senior Vice President – Global Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability. “We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we’ll continue to set goals to reduce our resource use worldwide.”
As a charter member of the Climate Leaders program, SC Johnson pledged to reduce its U.S. GHG emissions by eight percent from 2000 to 2005. By the end of 2005, greenhouse gas emissions had been reduced by 17 percent; more than double the absolute reduction target. The company then set a second goal of eight percent to be achieved by 2010 and again exceeded the goal, this time by 19.4 percentage points.
“We congratulate SC Johnson for meeting their goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Climate Leaders Program,” said Beth Craig, EPA’s Acting Director of the Office of Atmospheric Programs. “They are proving that they can be both industry leaders, and leaders in the fight against climate change.”

Coal Ash/Groundwater Contamination – Report: 33 Active Toxic Dumps in 19 States Endangering Water

A large number of active coal ash disposal sites in 19 states may be violating a federal ban on open dumping, according to a major new analysis released today by the Environmental Integrity Project (EIP). Ironically, a House Subcommittee voted yesterday to prohibit federal enforcement action against coal ash disposal sites that violate these rules.
EIP found levels of groundwater contamination at 33 coal ash landfills or impoundments nationwide that are high enough to trigger the “open dumping” provisions of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Based on a review of recent (though limited) groundwater monitoring data from state agencies, the 33 active coal ash disposal sites in 19 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Texas — meet the open dumping criteria for one or more of the following coal ash-related pollutants: arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, fluoride, lead, mercury, and selenium.
This list includes chemicals that cause cancer, neurological damage, developmental problems, and other diseases. Groundwater that meets the open dumping criteria is toxic and unsafe to drink.

Sustainable Seafood from UC Berkeley: A Game Changer

Wow, folks! Let's dive into this ocean of awesomeness that is UC Berkeley's sustainable seafood certification! Picture this: The iconic UC Berkeley campus stands proud in the background, its buildings practically glowing with eco-friendly pride. But what's really catching everyone's eye is the massive platter of seafood in the foreground. We're talking a smorgasbord of ocean delights - plump salmon, sleek tuna, flaky cod, and shellfish that look so fresh, you can almost smell the sea breeze! Now, here's the kicker - that big blue Marine Stewardship Council label is waving like a victory flag over the whole scene. It's like Mother Nature herself is giving UC Berkeley a high-five! But wait, there's more! A diverse group of students are gathered around this feast, their faces lit up with excitement. You can almost hear them chatting about sustainable fishing practices between bites. It's like a party where everyone's invited, and the guest of honor is our oceans! The whole image is awash with vibrant colors that'll make your eyes pop. There are even little ocean waves lapping at the edges, reminding us of the big blue we're all working to protect. And for all you fact-lovers out there, keep an eye out for those nifty infographics scattered around. They're dishing out bite-sized facts about sustainable fishing faster than you can say "Pass the tartar sauce!" This image isn't just a picture - it's a celebration of UC Berkeley's commitment to our oceans. It's got all the energy of a campus rally, the deliciousness of a seafood feast, and the importance of a world-changing initiative all rolled into one. So, what do you think? Does this image make you want to dive into sustainable seafood choices? Because let me tell you, every time I look at it, I can almost taste the difference we're making for our oceans, one certified fish at a time!

Sustainable Seafood from UC Berkeley Hey there, eco-warriors and seafood lovers! Get ready to dive into some fin-tastic news that’ll make you flip like a happy dolphin. UC Berkeley is making a splash in the world of sustainable seafood, and I’m here to spill all the delicious details! A First for Public Universities Guess what? […]

Green Building Innovations Changing Construction Today

Modern sustainable building featuring living green walls, rooftop solar panels, rainwater collection systems, and large energy-efficient windows, surrounded by community gardens with people engaging with various eco-friendly features in natural sunlight.

Breaking the Mold: Green Building Innovations Beyond the Basics I’m absolutely thrilled about the remarkable green building innovations happening in sustainable construction right now! While most green building initiatives focus on the standard elements like energy efficiency and recycled materials, I want to share some exciting developments that go far beyond these typical considerations. Moreover, […]

Canada’s Environment Minister Announces Start Date for Biodiesel Requirement

Description Biofuel picture from La Jolla. La Jolla is biotech mecca... The 92121 zip code, just North of San Diego, has the most biotech companies, 2.8x that of second place (South San Francisco). Fuel efficiency

Canada’s Environment Minister, the Honourable Peter Kent, today announced that the Government is moving ahead with the 2 percent renewable content requirement in diesel fuel and heating oil.
“Our Government will continue to ensure that protecting our environment, while balancing economic growth and prosperity remains our priority”, said Minister Kent. “The steps we are taking on renewable fuels, combined with those of the provinces, will ensure a volume of renewable fuel that will reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by about four megatonnes a year—the equivalent of removing one million vehicles from the road.”
“This requirement will further strengthen the market for renewable fuels, which is good news for our farmers and the environment,” said the Honorable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board. “Increased demand for feed stocks like canola will ensure an even stronger bottom line for farmers and a stronger agricultural sector.”
The regulatory amendment to the Renewable Fuels Regulations will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, in the coming weeks. The coming-into-force date for the requirement is July 1, 2011. A non official, pre-published version of the regulations is available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/energie-energy/default.asp?lang=En&n=0AA71ED2-1.