Dateline tonight

Channel 16 tonight on Dateline, paper or plastic.

Bag Confusions

Since San Francisco's plastic-bag ban, grocery stores have been distributing biodegradable plastic bags to consumers. Is this a solution? The answer is more complicated than a simple "yes/no" response.

To recap, the plastic-bag ban revoked the usage of plastic bags made from polyethelyne (i.e., crude oil and natural gas). That's good news because it lowers our dependency on non-renewable resources. Plus, shoppers in California have another bagging option (i.e., biodegradable bags).

So, what's the bad news?

Everyone's confused about which plastic bag is which. And for good reason: Those biodegradable bags look just like the old plastic bags.

This emerging confusion is problematic because mixing these "biobags" with ordinary plastic bags may cause havoc for the recycling industry. (There's another concern: some folks believe that using biodegradable bags may subsequently endorse littering.)

To alleviate mass confusion, the American Society for Testing and Materials Standards (ASTM) has created a logo for these new bags:

To be clear, this logo can only be placed on bags that have been certified by ASTM. (To see a current list of approved vendors, click here.)

But before you breathe a sigh of relief, consider this: A plastic bag may be degradable, but it's not necessarily biodegradable nor compostable.

In plain English, this is what it means:

• A biodegradable bag must be able to naturally degrade on a chemical level; this process may (or may not) result in toxic residues.
• A compostable bag must be able to naturally degrade on a chemical AND physical level; this process cannot result in toxic residues.

Whew...that's a lot of information, but I certainly hope this post will help clear-up those bag confusions!

Water Issues

First off, I would like to admit that I have been a little negligent about actually checking the blog, but boy, look what I was missing! I am a bit of a novice when it comes to blogging (case in point: this is really my first, err, second time), so I hope that you all will forgive me. After perusing the various postings I was astounded by the revealings of my peers, and I have come to the realization that this particular blog is quite resourceful; when it comes to environmental issues, consider me sold.

Recently, I had the opportunity to submit a research paper regarding the issue of water diversions out of the Great Lakes basin. It seems that as denizens of this region, not many people (myself included), were really inlcined to know much about the Lakes, so I decided to do a little bit of investigating. After reviewing some scientific literature, the inferences that I was able to procure were quite alarming. In lieu of trying to summarize all of my findings, I would definitely encourage you to do a little bit of surfing around. A great website for learning more about diversions and the immense capabilites that the Great Lakes system provides is available at the following:

http://www.glwi.uwm.edu/ourwaters/

The information was compiled by the Great Lakes Water Institute and I found it to be very insightful.

To tie this all back to Royte and sustainability, one very interesting fact that I was able to glean from my research deals with bottled water. Due to the seemingly vast amount of fresh water right next door and looming concerns over the issues related to water scarcity, some proponents of diversions see it as an opportunity to exploit the water and sell it as a commodity; even ship it overseas. Fortunately, there is some legislation to protect this from happening, but loop-holes do indeed exist.

According to some information from the GLWI website, "The 2005 Annex Implementing Agreements regulate new diversions and exports of water out of the basin in pipelines, canals, and containers larger than 5.7 gallons." Current legislation does not, however, contain a mandate on shipping water out of the basin in smaller containers, and the implications of such could be disastrous for our region. What we're talking about is the complete loss of habitat as the lake levels decline. This could ,in turn, play host to a number of malignant scenarios, any of which we would not wish to come to fruition.

To make matters worse, the U.S. alone has witnessed a marked rise in the consumption of bottled water. The GLWI provides that, "Americans drank 6.8 billion gallons of bottled water in 2004, compared to 15.3 billion gallons of soda. The Beverage Marketing Corps. predicts that bottled water will soon be Americans 2nd most popular beverage (soft drinks rank 1st)." The fact that the water is "bottled" only confounds our current plastic footprint. What on Earth are we to do?

Co-op America

While searching on the Internet for a new credit card that is socially conscious and not issued by Citibank, Chase, or some other mega corporation, I stumbled across this website. It has some interesting short articles on many topics that we've discussed on the blog such as biodiesel and composting. Here is the link if you're interested: http://coopamerica.org/pubs/realmoney/articles/

Twinkies, Carrots, and the Farm Bill

While eating lunch, I read this article in the New York Times (click here for a pdf copy). I didn't know how important the Farm Bill is to us. As the author, Michael Pollan, suggests, this bill should really be called a "food" bill because it affects every American.

So read all about it for yourself. And feel free to post your thoughts about this issue on the blog.

Paper Increase Passed to Us

This morning, I received a "FYI" email noting that Office Max has received an increase in the cost of paper from manufacturers (i.e., Boise, Domtar, and International Paper). As a result, this price increase will be passed onto consumers effective May 3rd. Lucky us!

Here are some highlights I gathered from reading the manufacturers' letters:

• There is a US $60/ton paper increase on copy paper
• This increase will raise prices to $1,020/ton
• Laser paper printing will increase 5.35%
• Inkjet paper printing will incrase 5.55%
• Printing on 30% recycled paper will increase 7.8%

Why the price increase?

According to Domtar Co., this increase is due to tight markets in the U.S. and to price increases already implemented in Europe.

So, what should we do?

According to Tom Westerhof, Staff Member of Purchasing and Contracts, we should, "please keep this increase in mind when reviewing your paper needs for the near future." In other words, it's time we conserve paper, too.

This Book is Not a Tree

That's the title of the first chapter in Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things, by McDonough and Braungart (2002). Instead of using paper to print their book, the authors used a polymer film. As a result, this book is not only readable, it's waterproof, too!

Anyway, I'm currently reading this book. It's a fascinating read, though you should be warned, it's not a "light" read. (In other words, this book is not like reading your favorite Cosmo magazine.)

I like this book because it explains the role of technology and the importance of product design on the myriad of artifacts we can't seem to live without. And it offers a hopeful, rather than a grim message, which I find refreshing.

This book clearly demonstrates an alternative printing method for the book publishing world. As Amy lamented in a recent comment, "...it seems that authors really are at loggerheads when it comes to [this] issue." Yet, this need not be the case. Cradle to Cradle really does offer innovative alternatives to reconciling these environmental and economic dilemmas.

Case in point: gdiapers.

Gdiapers is a company that offers an alternative to the cloth vs. disposable diaper issue. And it's the first company to receive a Cradle to Cradle certification for their product. (To see other companies with the Cradle to Cradle certificate, click here.)



Instead of continuing the same, tired debate (cloth vs. disposable), gdiapers gives us a third option: flushable diapers.

Skeptical? Read more about their product here.

I'm impressed by the fact that gdiapers are compostable (only the "wet" diapers, poo poo not allowed in the compost pile).

Anyway, knowing this information does give me hope. (And if I ever become a parent, I'll buy my diapers from this company.)

It also reminds me of our project. The media have done a fantastic job raising the "paper vs. plastic" issue. But they fail to discuss a third option: cloth bags. It's as though we only have two options, with no clear solutions. Yet, if you consider the third option, that's when the glimmer of hope arises. Too bad the media won't air my response when I've been asked this question.

Dioxin

When looking for information about my chemistry lab I found this pretty interesting site about dioxin and thought that I'd share it since I'm sure that I'm not the only one who had never even heard of dioxin before taking this class. Enjoy! :D

http://science.howstuffworks.com/question220.htm

Virginia Tech Candlelight Vigil

Folks,

Dane Blue contacted me this morning and asked if I would help him spread the word about tomorrow night's candle vigil, which will pay respects to the families and friends of the victims killed at Virginia Tech yesterday.

Dane writes:

This is Dane Blue
I am putting together a candle light memorial to remember those lost in the shooting today at Virginia Tech. It will be open to the public - please tell everyone!
Wed. 8:30pm
Near the library at the Peace Pole
Looking for people to speak, there will be a sound system and podium - open to conversation afterwards
Most of all, looking for people to show support to the families and friends of those lost by being present
For more info contact me.. Dane Blue Purdueblue@hotmail.com574 849 7306

Thank you
all much
love
dane

Information about Arbor/Earth/Herb Day

Folks,

Diana Mendelsohn, Representative of the Arbor/Earth/Herb Day Festival on April 21st, contacted me this morning to help her spread the word about this event.

In addition, she is looking for two models to sashay some clothes for the “recycled-content” fashion show! Please let me know if you're interested in participating with the fashion show and/or the event.

Here's more information. I've also added this event to our blog calendar (see below).

Arbor/Earth/Herb Festival for Saturday, April 21st at Howard Park

Diana writes:

Last week, I re-potted herbs into larger pots at the Potawatomi Greenhouse; we will sell the plants to benefit the Potawatomi Greenhouse Botanical Society.

We are having a “recycled-content” fashion show that day for fifteen minutes beginning at 10:00 am and are looking for two models. Would you pass this opportunity along to your students?

Mike Keen, a Prof at IUSB, will be bringing his car to the celebration and speaking.

Any way you and your students wish to share with or be a part of the April 21st event we would welcome.

Thank you for this consideration. Feel free to let me know of any questions.

Sincerely,
Diana Mendelsohn

Plastic Bags in the News

I was reading through the new issue of Time (April 16), and under the numbers section which is a list of interesting statistics there was a category about recyclables. It read,

"1,000 Estimated number of years a plastic grocery bag takes to decompose. About a 100 billion plastic bags are distributed annually worldwide. 95% Drop in Ikea plastic-bag use in Britain since the chain began charging for bags last spring. On March 15, Ikea introduced a 5 cent charge per bag in its U.S. stores."

The source was the Progressive Bag Alliance, their website www.progressivebagalliance.com was interesting to view.

Newspaper Bags

I just thought I would share with the class something I learned recently. For those of you who receive the South Bend Tribune, you can collect those plastic bags and give them back to your carrier. Apparently, the carriers are required to pay for those bags out of their pocket so they would appreciate having the bags back. That way, the bags get reused.

toilet paper fixation continuance...

Well, I had to give a persuasive speech (for speech class). I did mine about toilet paper. Well, okay, the "dangers" of virgin papermaking and the benefits of recycling, centered around a toilet paper theme. What can I say, Royte really inspired me; I never imagined I would develop a passion for bathroom tissue.

So, anyway, my speech got selected (23 out of 450) to be presented on speech night!!!! So, I get to "redo" the speech in front of a much larger audience. I asked my speech prof how many people would be there, she shrugged and said the room holds 250. (YIKES) and if I make it to finals (it's a competition) that's 2x the audience! I'm one part excited, 5 parts terrified, and 10 parts grateful I get to pass on this very important information I've been given.

The speech is Monday the 16th btw 4-6 in the recital hall (NS 158) if any of y'all wanna come by and hear the whole spiel.

Hooah!

Melis'

Manitoba in Canada bans plastic bags

Check out this link http://news.channels.aol.ca/news/article.adp?id=20070403095909990006

On this site you can even vote whether or not you think plastic shopping bags should be banned.

The BioBag

This past weekend, I did some grocery shopping at the Garden Patch, which is a health-food store located on Edison Rd. I purchased my first 4-pack of 100% recycled toilet paper (thank you Melissa, for the inspiration!), and I was in the process of looking for biodegradable kitchen bags.

The shopkeeper noticed; he asked, "is there anything I can help you find?" I asked him if they carried those kitchen bags. "No," he said, "I think it costs too much for us to carry at the moment because there isn't a demand for that product."

"Not yet," I countered hopefully. He smiled in agreement.

Ok, so I'm a psychologist, clearly not an economist or businesswoman. So what is it going to take to create a demand for this product? Am I the only person in South Bend who is interested in purchasing biodegradeable trash bags?

Hardly. I'm really not that special.

So I was thinking of trying an experiment. The question is: How long will it take for retailers, such as the Garden Patch, to start carrying this product? One month? Two? Three? A year?

And here's a related question: How does a "demand" begin? With repeated requests by one person or several people?

This is the product I want to buy: They're called BioBags, and they're kitchen bags not made from polyethylene (i.e., oil), but made from corn.

Well, I'm going to keep asking for this product, just to see if, statistically speaking, I can reject the null hypothesis--that is, repeatedly asking for BioBags will not result in the store carrying this product.

If you're interested in testing this hypothesis, I think that will help in stirring-up a "demand."

Here's the Garden Patch's phone number: (574) 255-3151 and here's their address: 228 W. Edison Rd.

Cloth Nappies? From New Zealand

In a moment of distraction, I encountered this video on YouTube. Maybe some parents out there would find this interesting. (Turns out, Royte begins Ch.10 with the diaper issue!)

:0) M

Plasticycle

Check this site. The other day when I found the list of sites. The next day I called many numbers. Starting with the South Bend waste, called Lansing Michigan-Envirnomatal Quality Department, berrien county recycle person, Reliable, and the Buchanan Landfill. Found out some information. But I found this site. It looks to good to be true. They say they pick up in 24hr nationwide. And they take all plastics in all shapes, sizes, forms, they take it all. I wish we could see more of these all over the country. They really want to change the problem with plastic waste. I will contact this site and find out more.
http://www.plasticycle.com/

I found a great Web site

So I posted some comments on the numbers that are on the plastic containers. In Berrien County, we only recycle the number 1 and 2. Well, I did a search and I found a great website. All I did was type in my zipcode and a list appeared on the recycling in my area. And the best part is there is a list of items that can be recycled. Just click on the item and a list will appear telling you where you can recycle that item. I didn't know that you can reuse the packing peanuts from packages, take them to the UPS stores, to be reused, how wonderful. Or those old VHS tapes; don't throw them away, find a place that will take them, like the recycling for Breast Cencer in California; they will mail you a pre-paid package to mail old cell phones, CD'S, DVD's and tapes. Well, I really wanted to tell you all about this site. It really is easier then we thought about recycling those items that you would throw away. And your household batteries can be taken to some ACE stores and some Radioshacks. This is so great tell all your friends and family. Let's put a stop to throwing away those items that can be used again. Go to earth911.com. Let me know what you find that is interesting to share.

Household Hazardous Waste

In reading one of my student's "Royte Response" commentary, a good question was posed: Where would I find a list of household products that contain hazardous waste?

That question inspired me to find out some answers. In the spirit of sharing information, this is what I learned from the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Management District. We apparently have a household hazardous waste collection facility in our community--fantastic!

Acceptable Items
Waste Oils & Lubricants - engine, gear
Paints & Solvents - paints, stains, finishing oils, thinners
Pesticides/Herbicides-week & grass killer, insect killers, garden chemicals
Poisons-mouse & rat killers, roach & ant killers
Waste Fuels-Charcoal lighter, fuel oil, gasoline
Aerosols-spray paint, insect sprays
Batteries - household
Corrosives-lye, acids, drain killer
Mercury - elemental, thermostats, switches & relays, vapor lamps
Tires *no rims* - St. Joseph County residents only
Corrosives-lye, acids, drain killer

E-waste
They do accept e-waste, but according to their site, businesses and organizations should call ahead to make arrangements. (It's ok for individuals to bring their e-waste to the site without calling first.)

Location
There's a permanent household-hazardous waste collection facility in Mishawaka:
1105 E. Fifth Street (between Dearborn Crane and Trailmaster).

Hours
They're open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Cost
It's free!!

Well, almost. Here's some "fine-print" information to note: It costs $12 (each) to recycle old computers, TVs, and video-game players. There's no cost to recycle cameras, radios, and cameras. Click here to see the comprehensive e-waste list.

Recycling Paper

I found these interesting statistics from the EIA (Energy Information Administration) web page. This web page gives information about official energy statistics from the U.S Government. If you want to see more information, go to http://www.eia.doe.gov/






In 2003, the paper industry in the U.S. reached its goal to recover 50 percent of all paper.By achieving this goal, 20 million more tons of paper were recovered. The industry has set a new goal of recovering 55 percent of used paper by 2012. Today, more than a third of all the paper recovered in the world is recovered in the U.S. Old corrugated containers (boxes) account for nearly 50 percent of the total paper that is recycled.