·:[ Environmental News Bits ]:·
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Read the full story in the New York Times.

Home Depot’s move will create the nation’s most widespread recycling program for the energy-saving bulbs, which have to be properly disposed of since they contain small amounts of mercury.

Via Docuticker.

Trends in Sustainable Development 2008-2009
Source: United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development

Efforts to reduce poverty and improve food security in developing countries are hampered by declining support for strong agricultural growth, long considered a hallmark of successful poverty reduction strategies, according to the 2008 Trends in Sustainable Development report published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

The report highlights recent trends in agriculture, rural development, land, desertification and drought – five of the six themes being considered by the Commission on Sustainable Development at its 16th and 17th sessions (2008-2009).

Strong agricultural growth is four times more effective than growth in other sectors in benefiting the poorest half of the population, the report finds. However, while many developing countries have posted gains in agricultural production, distribution and exports, people living in areas of high inequality and in isolation from the broader economy typically benefit little from them.

+ Full Report (PDF; 3.6 MB)

Via Docuticker.

Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer (PDF; 119 KB)
Source: Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists)

Nanoscale science, engineering and technology — commonly referred to collectively as nanotechnology — is believed by many to offer extraordinary economic and societal benefits. Congress has demonstrated continuing support for nanotechnology and has directed its attention primarily to three topics that may affect the realization of this hoped for potential: federal research and development (R&D) in nanotechnology; U.S. competitiveness; and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns. This report provides an overview of these topics — which are discussed in more detail in current and upcoming CRS reports — and two others: nanomanufacturing and public understanding of and attitudes toward nanotechnology. The development of this emerging field has been fostered by significant and sustained public investments in nanotechnology R&D.

Nanotechnology R&D is directed toward the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers. At this size, the properties of matter can differ in fundamental and potentially useful ways from the properties of individual atoms and molecules and of bulk matter. Since the launch of the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2000, Congress has appropriated approximately $8.4 billion for nanotechnology R&D. More than 60 nations have established similar programs. In 2006 alone, total global public R&D investments reached an estimated $6.4 billion, complemented by an estimated private sector investment of $6.0 billion. Data on economic outputs that are used to assess competitiveness in mature technologies and industries, such as revenues and market share, are not available for assessing nanotechnology.

Alternatively, data on inputs (e.g., R&D expenditures) and non-financial outputs (e.g. scientific papers, patents) may provide insight into the current U.S. position and serve as bellwethers of future competitiveness. By these criteria, the United States appears to be the overall global leader in nanotechnology, though some believe the U.S. lead may not be as large as it has been for previous emerging technologies.

Some research has raised concerns about the safety of nanoscale materials. There is general agreement that more information on EHS implications is needed to protect the public and the environment; to assess and manage risks; and to create a regulatory environment that fosters prudent investment in nanotechnology-related innovation. Nanomanufacturing — the bridge between nanoscience and nanotechnology products — may require the development of new technologies, tools, instruments, measurement science, and standards to enable safe, effective, and affordable commercial-scale production of nanotechnology products. Public understanding and attitudes may also affect the environment for R&D, regulation, and market acceptance of products incorporating nanotechnology.

In 2003, Congress enacted the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act providing a legislative foundation for some of the activities of the NNI, addressing concerns, establishing programs, assigning agency responsibilities, and setting authorization levels. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate remain actively engaged in the NNI, holding hearings in 2007 and 2008 related to possible amendments to, and reauthorization of, the act. Policy issues related to the NNI may be addressed in this process or through separate legislation.

See also: Nanotechnology and U.S. Competitiveness: Issues and Options (PDF: 193 KB)

Read the full story in Modern Plastics.

No link in the plastics supply chain seems immune to price increases, with the avalanche of price hike announcements now joined by pronouncements from numerous additive suppliers. Even those sourcing basic materials from natural products rather than oil are starting to feel the pinch.

Read the full story in Waste Age.

Houston-based Waste Management has launched www.greenopolis.com, an interactive Web site for individuals, environmental organizations, schools and businesses to learn about the environment and earn rewards for their green behavior.

To protect our nation’s water supply for future use, the Environmental Protection Agency is promoting and enhancing the market for water efficient products through the WaterSense program. The latest is a draft specification for water-efficient new single-family homes. The specification will create standards that new homes must meet to be certified and labeled as WaterSense homes.

“WaterSense is a common sense ethic of efficiency for protecting water, America’s most important liquid asset. WaterSense certified homes will help homeowners save water, money and energy, and communities will have an important new tool for sustainable growth and water efficiency,” said Donald S. Welsh, regional administrator for EPA’s mid-Atlantic region.

The specification is designed to ensure sustainable, efficient water use, as well as a high level of performance and customer satisfaction. WaterSense labeled new homes will combine with other water efficient fixtures and practices to reduce water usage by approximately 20 percent.

Homes earning the WaterSense label must meet criteria for indoor water use, outdoor water use, and homeowner education. Third party inspectors will certify that homes meet all the required criteria.

EPA is inviting public comment on the draft specification. The comment period will end July 21, 2008. Please send any comments or suggestions to watersense-newhomes@erg.com

For more information or to obtain a copy of the draft specification for water efficient single-family new homes, go to http://www.epa.gov/watersense/specs/homes.htm

Read the full story in the Columbus Dispatch.

A method to remove mercury from Ohio’s streams and lakes relies on two unlikely partners.

Ohio State University researchers say combining sound waves and bioengineered algae could clean up our waterways and reduce the threat to human and animal health.

Read the full story in the McMorrow Report.

Most green cleaning programs focus on using less toxic cleaning chemicals. While using greener cleaning products contributes to a healthier and greener workplace environment, facilities managers can do so much more.

A whole systems green cleaning program embraces a systems view that encompasses all aspects of the building cleaning process: from the building’s initial materials design and use, to the disposal and reuse of the facilities’ entire custodial labor, including the entire material and equipment supply chain.  It is not a quick band-aid fix, but part of a long-term continuous green cleaning improvement process.

Read the full story in the McMorrow Report.

When you try to envision New York City’s first LEED-certified Gold-landmarked building, you probably picture Manhattan institutions such as the New York Public Library or the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But actually, in the greening of this city of skyscrapers and subways, of cultural icons and financial powerhouses, it is the lions who are leading the way. And you can see it for yourself, starting mid-June.

EPA is launching a broad effort to gain a greater scientific understanding of the potential health risks of formaldehyde’s use in pressed wood products. Through this process, EPA will develop risk assessments on the potential adverse health effects, evaluate the costs and benefits of possible control technologies and approaches, and determine whether EPA action is needed to address any identified risks.

The agency plans to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in fall 2008. The agency is pursuing this course of action following review of a petition submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The petition requested that EPA adopt nationally a California regulation to control formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products and extend the rule to include composite wood products in manufactured homes.

EPA carefully reviewed the TSCA Section 21 citizens’ petition, submitted by the Sierra Club, a number of other environmental organizations, as well as a large number of private citizens, and sought comment and additional information on the petition. EPA will work closely with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on issues related to manufactured housing.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/oppt/chemtest/pubs/sect21.htm

For a full-color, graphic version of this newsletter, go to
http://www.greenbiz.com/enewsletters/2008/greenbiz/index.html.

Green Law: Sustainability in the Legal Community
By Tilde Herrera
http://www.greenbiz.com/podcast/2008/06/19/green-law-sustainability-legal-community
Attorney David Scott joins GreenBiz Radio to discuss the Green Guide for Lawyers
and the ways in which his law firm is making its operations more environmentally
friendly

Solar Power Could Reach One-Tenth of Energy Supply by 2025: Report
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/17/solar-power-energy-supply-growth
A new study, released by Clean Edge and Co-op America, finds that utilities play
a vital role in helping solar power reach the same cost level as conventional
energy sources.

GM, GE and Ford Join DOE to Advance PHEVs
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/16/gm-ge-and-ford-join-doe-advance-phevs
The Department of Energy will dedicate $30 million toward advancing plug-in
electric vehicles through a partnership with General Motors, Ford and General
Electric. The goals are to make the cars price-competitive by 2014, and ready
for mass production by 2016.

Supermarkets Failing to Adopt Sustainable Seafood Buying Practices: Report
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/18/supermarkets-failing-adopt-sustainable-seafood-buying-practices-report
Grocery stores across the U.S. are contributing to the demise of global
fisheries by stocking shelves with fragile fish varieties and failing to develop
sustainable purchasing strategies, according to a new Greenpeace report. Even
the grocers that ranked at the top of the heap — such as Whole Foods and Ahold
USA — failed to score more than four out of 10 possible points.

Chevron Tops List of Calif. Companies for Sustainability Reporting
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/19/chevron-tops-list-calif-companies-sustainability-reporting
The Roberts Environmental Center of Claremont McKenna College studied the ways
in which public California companies used their web pages to communicate their
environmental and social efforts.

Honeywell Launches Green Power Evaluation Tool
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/19/honeywell-launches-green-power-evaluation-tool
The Renewable Energy Scorecard evaluates solar, wind, biomass and geothermal for
a given location and offers information for each on the payback, tax
implications, rebates, subsidies and other incentives.

New Guide Helps Companies Make the Most of Climate Partnerships
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/19/helping-companies-climate-partnerships
Developed by Business for Social Responsibility and the U.S. EPA, the guide aims
to be a one-stop resource for helping navigate and choose the most appropriate
of the EPA’s 35 climate-related partnership programs.

Honda Boosts Rail Transport Fleet
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/20/honda-boosts-rail-transport-fleet
Honda plans to take advantage of rail service to ship more than 80 percent of
its Honda and Acura cars across the U.S., the automaker said Thursday. The
company has deployed 400 Auto-Max railcars across the U.S., with each capable of
holding up to 22 vehicles.

CBS Joins Mayors to Green U.S. Cities
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/20/cbs-joins-mayors-green-us-cities
The project will draw from an earlier model tested in Miami with the support of
Mayor Manny Diaz. A private-public partnership there delivered a mass tree
planting, solar energy system, lighting retrofit and storm drain filter
installation, helping earn Miami the designation of ?America?s Cleanest City? by
Forbes.

Intel, IBM, HP Build Links Within the Solar Industry
http://greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/18/it-giants-build-links-solar-industry
The three tech giants are moving — or moving further — into the renewable
energy market as Intel spins off its photovoltaic business, while IBM and HP put
ink to new solar-power partnerships.

Confronting Energy Efficiency in an Election Year
http://greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/17/confronting-energy-efficiency-election-year
John McCain and Barack Obama would push energy efficiency as a means of
addressing future constraints and security, according to a series of speakers
who gathered at the 19th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum. The event’s theme
focused on the ways in which the next president will drive large-scale energy
efficiency programs based on current public and private sector initiatives.

Bay Area Getting $140 Million for Cleaner Freight Transport
http://greenbiz.com/news/2008/06/17/bay-area-cleaner-freight
Over the next four years public and private entities can receive funding for new
equipment to reduce emissions.

Energy and Climate Change: Creating a Sustainable Future
http://greenbiz.com/resources/resource/energy-and-climate-change-creating-a-sustainable-future
This book covers all aspects of energy, from the basics of what it is to how it
affects the environment, touching on sustainable energy sources and climate
change.

SMART 2020: Enabling the Low Carbon Economy in the Information Age
http://greenbiz.com/resources/resource/smart-2020-enabling-low-carbon-economy-it
This report from The Climate Group and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative
explores the ways that information technology can play a positive role in
fighting climate change.

Corporate Sustainability: It’s All About Survival
From Globe-Net
http://greenbiz.com/feature/2008/06/23/corporate-sustainability-survival
As a phrase with many meanings and many forms of expression, sustainability
involves organizations taking responsibility for the impact of their activities
people, communities and the environment. In practice it means survival, but many
CEOs still don’t get it.

The Latest Reports: Solar Utilities, Carbon Offsets, and the Emperor’s New
Clothes
By Joel Makower
http://greenbiz.com/column/2008/06/17/the-latest-reports-solar-utilities-carbon-offsets-and-emperors-new-clothes
The spring rains have yielded a bumper crop of new reports on the business of
green.

Five Ways Businesses Can Avoid ‘Green Fatigue’
By Preston Koerner
http://www.greenbiz.com/column/2008/06/23/five-ways-businesses-avoid-green-fatigue
Consumers are feeling overloaded by the constant barrage of environmental claims
being made by businesses. Here are five tips that can help companies cut through
the green clutter.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

Twenty years after turning climate change into breaking news, James E. Hansen will tell a House committee on Monday that it is not too late to defuse what he calls the “global warming time bomb.”

Read the full story in the New York Times Magazine.

The world’s oceans are filling with bottles, wrappers and other flotsam. Is there anything better to be done than picking it off the beach, one piece at a time?

Read the full story in the New York Times Magazine.

Why Jim Rogers says going green can save the energy business.

Read the full story in the New York Times.

Homes are a new arena for LEED ratings, environmental badges of honor usually given to commercial buildings.