Solutions for Green Chemistry

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is setting the first standards that will reduce emissions of formaldehyde, benzene, acrolein and other toxic air pollutants from certain stationary diesel engines. These pollutants are known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health problems and environmental damage.

"Improving air quality is one the agency's top priorities," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Controlling emissions from these engines will save lives and protect our communities from serious health problems, including heart attacks, asthma and other respiratory illnesses."
   
The emission limits apply to existing diesel engines meeting certain criteria for age, size, and use. EPA estimates that more than 900,000 of the engines generate electricity and power equipment at industrial, agricultural and other facilities. The engines also are used in emergencies to produce electricity and pump water for flood and fire control. Emergency engines used at most residences, hospitals and other institutional facilities, and commercial facilities such as shopping centers are not covered by this rule.

To meet the emissions requirements, owners and operators of the largest of the engines will need to install emissions controls, such as catalysts, to engine exhaust systems. Emergency engines covered by this rule need to comply with operating requirements that will limit emissions.

EPA estimates that the rule will reduce annual air toxics emissions by 1,000 tons, particle pollution by 2,800 tons, carbon monoxide emissions by 14,000 tons, and organic compound emissions by 27,000 tons when fully implemented in 2013.
 
EPA will issue final emissions standards for similar existing stationary engines that burn gasoline, natural gas and landfill gas, known as spark ignition engines, by August 10, 2010.  

More information: http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/new.html

TitrIC combines the advantages of direct measurement of pH value and conductivity, of titration and ion chromatography in a single system that provides fully automatic drinking water analyses.

All ionic components are determined reliably, quickly and reproducibly. The results are saved in the integral database and can be processed to produce a combined report. Intelligent control and thoroughly tested technology guarantee reliable analyses regardless of the time of day or night. Up to one hundred samples can be analyzed fully automatically. This reduces the time required and inreases the precision of the measurements.

Metrohm is a worldwide leading manufacturer of precision instruments for chemical analysis. In the field of electrochemical ion analysis Metrohm has been the leader for many years. This is reflected in the company's comprehensive product range:

• pH meters, ion meters, conductometers
• Potentiometric, thermometric and Karl Fischer titration
• Polarography, voltammetry and CVS
• Ion chromatography
• Stability measurement of fats, oils and biofuels
• Process analysis
• Automation in titration, voltammetry, ion chromatography and process control

Metrohm offer much more than just instruments. In their laboratories they develop customized applications to help their customers safeguard the quality of their products, comply with regulations and optimize processes.

Metrohm is exclusively represented in more than 80 countries, in more than 40 of which they have their own subsidiaries. This guarantees a tight network for sales and service.

Head office: Herisau CH-9101 Switzerland 

Paper has a long history of "grass" based feedstock -- think papyrus and even cotton!  Maybe it's time to rethink trees as the best natural resource for papermaking.  The chemicals used to convert wood into pulp requires enormous quantities of very caustic, very toxic chemicals. Green chemistry could be a way of exploring other fibers that require less chemicals and less toxic chemicals for the papermaking process.    

Canopy has launched an online survey to gather information that will help assess market interest in North America for papers made with agricultural residues.

Agricultural Residues such as Wheat Straw

"This study is the first of its kind in North America. Up until now, information about the market viability of non-wood paper has been anecdotal," says Neva Murtha, Second Harvest Campaigner with Canopy. "When done, we'll be able to translate demands for eco-paper into initiatives that help make straw papers a North American reality."

Straw Based Papers

Last year's successful trial of the Wheat Sheet issue of Canadian Geographic showed that non-wood papers pass the technical and quality requirements of the North American market. Also apparent during last year's trial was a significant level of interest by large paper consumers in agricultural residue paper alternatives such as the Wheat Sheet. With environmental concern on the rise, so is support for innovative business solutions that alleviate the stress on intact and endangered forests and the climate. Diversifying North America's paper fibre basket to include agricultural residues rather than carbon and species rich forests is one such solution that could also help ensure a secure supply of fibre for domestic producers.

Environmental Paper

This study is designed to help Canopy identify new and emerging opportunities for environmental paper. The survey will provide further information about what level of support exists for non-wood paper development in North America - a key element in new pulping capacity being developed in the US and Canada.

All survey input shall remain confidential and only used in aggregate numbers, unless otherwise approved by participating companies. Data collection will be targeted primarily at large paper consumers, such as publishers, printers, office retailers, and will capture data such as demand tonnage, priority grades, and how participants would like to engage in further stages of non-wood paper development.

To complete the survey about agricultural residue paper


For more information:
Canopy's work to build a market for agricultural residue papers, please visit their website.
For more information on the Wheat Sheet
CONTACT:
Neva Murtha, Second Harvest Campaigner
604-817-4974 | neva@canopyplanet.org 

Paper has a long history of "grass" based feedstock -- think papyrus and even cotton!  Maybe it's time to rethink trees as the best natural resource for papermaking.  The chemicals used to convert wood into pulp requires enormous quantities of very caustic, very toxic chemicals. Green chemistry could be a way of exploring other fibers that require less chemicals and less toxic chemicals for the papermaking process.    

Canopy has launched an online survey to gather information that will help assess market interest in North America for papers made with agricultural residues.

Agricultural Residues such as Wheat Straw

"This study is the first of its kind in North America. Up until now, information about the market viability of non-wood paper has been anecdotal," says Neva Murtha, Second Harvest Campaigner with Canopy. "When done, we'll be able to translate demands for eco-paper into initiatives that help make straw papers a North American reality."

Straw Based Papers

Last year's successful trial of the Wheat Sheet issue of Canadian Geographic showed that non-wood papers pass the technical and quality requirements of the North American market. Also apparent during last year's trial was a significant level of interest by large paper consumers in agricultural residue paper alternatives such as the Wheat Sheet. With environmental concern on the rise, so is support for innovative business solutions that alleviate the stress on intact and endangered forests and the climate. Diversifying North America's paper fibre basket to include agricultural residues rather than carbon and species rich forests is one such solution that could also help ensure a secure supply of fibre for domestic producers.

Environmental Paper

This study is designed to help Canopy identify new and emerging opportunities for environmental paper. The survey will provide further information about what level of support exists for non-wood paper development in North America - a key element in new pulping capacity being developed in the US and Canada.

All survey input shall remain confidential and only used in aggregate numbers, unless otherwise approved by participating companies. Data collection will be targeted primarily at large paper consumers, such as publishers, printers, office retailers, and will capture data such as demand tonnage, priority grades, and how participants would like to engage in further stages of non-wood paper development.

To complete the survey about agricultural residue paper


For more information:
Canopy's work to build a market for agricultural residue papers, please visit their website.
For more information on the Wheat Sheet
CONTACT:
Neva Murtha, Second Harvest Campaigner
604-817-4974 | neva@canopyplanet.org 

In an ongoing effort to increase recycling in California, support environmental education and keep litter out of our waterways, the American Chemistry Council (ACC)  joined LA City Councilman Ed Reyes and representatives of the Los Angeles Conservation Corps on the banks of the LA River to announce a $100,000 contribution from ACC's Plastics Division, Progressive Bag Affiliates and Plastic Foodservice Packaging Group to the LA River Keepers program.

LA River Keepers Program

This program, developed in partnership with the Los Angeles Community Development Department and the Bureau of Sanitization, works to restore and revitalize sections of the LA River.

Remove and Recycle Litter and Debris from LA River

"Thanks to this new partnership , the LA River Keepers program will be able to continue its efforts to remove and recycle litter and debris from the LA River and promote environmental education, as well as provide ongoing opportunities for job skills training for our area youth," said Bruce Saito, Executive Director of the LA Conservation Corps.

The LA River Keepers' vision lies in the premise that the Los Angeles River environment is an excellent location for training, education and green job skill development through classroom and outdoor environmental restoration projects.

"This generous donation from the American Chemistry Council pumps much-needed dollars into two of the City's most valuable resources--our youth and our environment," said Councilmember Ed P. Reyes, who spearheaded the City's Los Angeles River Revitalization Master Plan to transform the concrete-corseted L.A. River into a continuous greenbelt linking communities.

The L.A. River Keepers, mostly inner-city young adults, pick up trash, remove bulky items and provide an ongoing presence at the River as it undergoes revitalization. 

The LA River Keepers provides these service projects:

• watershed education
• native plant landscaping
  
• weekly restoration work including removal of debris and illegal dumping,
• removal of graffiti
• recycling,
  
• fire hazard and fuel reduction
  

"The LA River Keepers program will help increase recycling, improve environmental education, and keep litter out of our waterways, which are goals we all share," said Sherri McCarthy, Manager, State Affairs, American Chemistry Council. "We're very pleased to support this program and to help increase awareness of the many plastics that can be recycled in Los Angeles."

Recycling Programs to Collect Plastic Debris

The LA Conservation Corps is the latest partner to join the statewide recycling awareness campaign, "Plastics. Too Valuable to Waste. Recycle.(SM)," which has found success in a variety of areas. The campaign began in 2008 when representatives from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, ACC and Keep California Beautiful (KCB) launched a recycling program that placed - and continues to maintain - hundreds of permanent and seasonal recycling bins at State Parks sites in the Los Angeles and Central Coast areas. The program soon spread to State Parks beaches in the San Diego, Monterey and Santa Cruz areas, the City of Woodland, California, and to California highway rest stops through its new partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 

About the LA Conservation Corps:

The LA Conservation Corps was founded in 1986 with the primary mission to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community. Over the past 24 years, the Corps has grown into the largest urban conservation corps in the nation with a full-time staff of over 150 employees serving over 17,000 young people each year

About the American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division:
The American Chemistry Council, whose members include major plastics manufacturers, recognizes the importance of keeping plastics out of the marine environment best management practices. 

Web Site: http://www.2valuable2waste.com/

The United States is dipping its toe into the "green chemistry" trend, but where does the world stand?  Will the world suffer or benefit from chemical products of the future in our manufacturing of vehicles, electronics, even food and drinks?  Because rapidly rising economies such as China and India are entering the manufacturing marketplace, their chemical proficiency becomes a global issue because winds carry toxins to neighboring regions, waters carry toxins, and lands harbor toxins  -- known and yet to be discovered and evaluated -- for centuries.

Globalization Trends

Globalization is one of the most important megatrends currently affecting society. Its impact on the chemical industry is far-reaching, being both a source of opportunity but also a driver for change in the industry itself.

Globalization can create growth opportunities for many chemical companies, who are actively looking for ways to enter into the higher-growth regional markets of the world. Meanwhile, India is forecast to become a low cost manufacturing hub for passenger vehicles in the coming years, and trends such as this will have a major impact on where materials need to be supplied to in the future.

Urbanization Trends

And alongside globalization, the related trend of urbanization is also creating its own set of opportunities for chemical companies.

Consumer awareness and action will grow as chemicals accumulate in our environment, our food supply and our water supply.  Solutions are needed... BEFORE problems are created.  Regulation of chemical products is a new challenge that we must face, as difficult as it is to understand the technical language used to obfuscate understanding of what's in our products, and the waste stream affected by un-tested product ingredients.

Frost & Sullivan's Global Chemicals and Materials team have completed extensive analysis on Global Chemicals market.

As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson's commitment to strengthen and reform chemical management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new policy in January 2010 to increase the public's access to information on chemicals.

EPA has announced its intention to reject a certain type of confidentiality claim, known as Confidential Business Information (CBI), on the identity of chemicals.

 The chemicals that will be affected by this action are those that are submitted to EPA with studies that show a substantial risk to people's health and the environment and have been previously disclosed on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Inventory.  This action represents another step to use the agency's authority under the existing TSCA to the fullest extent possible, recognizing EPA's strong belief that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform.
 
"Assuring the safety of chemicals is one of Administrator Jackson's top priorities for EPA's future," said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances.  "The American people are entitled to transparent, accessible information on chemicals that may pose a risk to their health or the environment. We will continue taking steps that increase transparency and assure the safety of chemicals in our products, our environment and our bodies."
 
Under TSCA, companies may claim a range of sensitive, proprietary information as CBI.

Under Section 8(e) of TSCA, companies that manufacture, process, or distribute chemicals are required to immediately provide notice to EPA if they learn that a chemical presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment. 

The Section 8(e) reports are made available on EPA's Web site. However, until today, companies would routinely claim confidentiality for the actual identity of the chemical covered by the Section 8(e) submission, so the public posting of the information would not include the name of the chemical. The new policy announced today ends this practice for chemicals on the public portion of the TSCA Inventory.

This new policy will increase the amount of information available by granting the public access to the chemical identification information submitted, along with other health and safety data under Section 8(e).

In the coming months, EPA intends to announce additional steps to further increase transparency of chemical information.
 
EPA's new policy on TSCA Section 8(e) submissions is being published in the Federal Register.
 
More information on the new toxic substance policy
 
More information on EPA's principles for comprehensive TSCA reform

California Department of Toxic Substances Control Director Maureen Gorsen explains how, by using wiki technology, California shares with the public at large its mandate to create Green Chemistry regulations.

Director Gorsen also instructs wiki users on how to participate in this innovative approach to advancing California's green product revolution. California is implementing the first body of green chemistry law in the world and DTSC, the agency charged with its implementation is making history by writing the regulations on real time along with stakeholders and the people of the State of California.


Wiki for Green Chemistry

The Green Chemistry Revolution: A New Paradigm for Reducing and Managing Hazardous Wastes - 2008
 
An hour long panel discussion about the manufacture of goods and affect chemical waste. The linkages of product design, production, distribution and use around the world.

California's green chemistry initiative grew out of a legislative mandate based on a worker poisoning problem in 1977-78.

Problems that lead to clarification of the chemical issues facing us:

• Chemical regulatory policies and controls
• Safety problems for workers
• European Union has directives (hazardous substances, cosmetics, REACH initiative) for chemical policies that have brought economic ties and impact to the US

Motivations for rethinking chemical policies

• Total daily California sales of chemicals
• Total tanker trucks rolling through the state
• Product waste is a huge problem
• Global transport of hazards
• Hazardous waste sites leaking into groundwater
• 600 new waste sites will be needed every month until 2033
• 94% of hazardous waste sites pose health hazards
• Chemicals are found in breast milk
• Global chemical production is doubling very 25 years
• Accountability gaps
• Difficulty to find what's in chemicals
• Very little incentive for investment in green chemical alternatives
• Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 has some data gaps and regulatory gaps.
  

The release of the California Green Chemistry Initiative Final Report in December 2008 signified the beginning of the Department of Toxic Substances Control's efforts to implement a comprehensive green chemistry program in California. The Final Report for the California Green Chemistry Initiative culminated in six policy recommendations that are aimed at ushering in a new consumer products economy that will focus on inventing, manufacturing and using toxic-free, sustainable products. These landmark policy recommendations will continue California's leadership in fostering innovation, prompting market changes, and building on current environmental protection laws.