Month: July 2011

The Murray –Darling is under threat. Water continues as a hot topic in Australia and around the globe. It is no longer considered an unlimited natural resource – a fluid manna from the Gods– and in this age of environmental concern and global warming, it has been recontextualised as a precious commodity of limited supply that requires thought, planning and government intervention in relation to equitable water management.

In 2010 The Murray darling Basin authority released a landmark plan in an effort to secure the long-term health of the iconic Murray-Darling river system. The plan is in fact the first phase of a 3 tiered approach aimed at addressing the many and varied issues that have plagued the system for decades.

The Murray darling itself covers over 1 million sq kilometres which equates to 14 % of Australia’s total landmass. It reaches across the majority of states and also includes the nation’s most significant food production region which is heavily dependent upon irrigation for its ongoing survival.

Problems addressed?

While recent rains in early 2011 helped to ease the drought and have flushed parts of the Murray-Darling system, ongoing concerns remain, particularly regarding water allocation and state facilitation and allowance of water removal to support farming, agriculture and other concerns along the system.[1] The plan had hoped to recover between 3,000-4,000 gigalitres of water back to the environment from the allocations, but this has been revised (May 2011) to 2,000 gigalitres after pressure from agriculture groups.

Amanda Young, from Environment Victoria has said the reduction will mean there will not be enough returned water to help with improvement and maintenance of the system’s health. “We’re very concerned,” she said, “because we do not believe that amount will restore economic connectivity of these very, very important sites. The Act clearly states the plan must secure the ongoing future health of the RAMSAR-listed wetland sites.”[2]

RAMSAR listed sites are those that are covered by the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands – “an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.”[3] Wetlands in the Murray Darling Basin are listed in the convention.

In a recent twist, (June 21 2011) irrigators along the system called for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Board to be sacked because of new MIB contracts that re-allocate water away from the irrigators and back to the board.  Scientists from the high profile Wentworth Group, including Professor Tim Flannery have also walked away from discussions concerning the Murray Darling Plan because of the 1,000 gigalitre water revision that Environment Victoria also objected to. Professor Tim Stubbs from the Wentworth Group said that the worse-case scenario is “that in 6 years time when we have another drought we’ll be in the same situation as we are no, and we’ll be seeing the same impacts as we have seen in the recent drought. We will have spent $10 billion. I don’t think it is a good outcome for anyone.”[4]

Time will tell with regards to the final Murray-Darling Basin Plan and outcome later in 2011. In the meantime, Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for prudent and responsible research into and management of what has become one of the globe’s most precious resources. Watertight? We will see….

Telephone Envirosafe solutions for more information on their environmentally friendly products and range. Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/10/06/3030629.htm

[2] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/27/3228944.htm

[3] http://www.ramsar.org/cda/en/ramsar-home/main/ramsar/1_4000_0_

[4] http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3224798.htm

Over the past few months Envirosafe Solutions has been keeping a watchful eye on the United Nations Environment Programme,(UNEP) which aims to “provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.”[1] UNEP incorporates a number of agencies, advisory groups and partnerships and seeks to combine these in an accessible and proactive manner that serves the global environment and population.  UNEP states that its core “objective is to serve as an authoritative advocate for the global environment dimension of sustainable development within the UN system.”[2]

In 2010, UNEP’s annual report catalogued and announced the beginnings of a new transformative and changing direction. This Medium Term Strategy, as it is known embraces the period 2010-2013 and outlines significant strategic planning approaches in 6 key areas. These are:

• Climate change
• Disasters and conflict
• Ecosystem management
• Environmental governance
• Harmful substances and hazardous waste
• Resource efficiency
• Sustainable consumption and production

The report also focused on these issues against a backdrop of increasing natural disasters and tumultuous weather patterns which included the Haiti earthquake. It also sought to develop an advisory role for nations keen to evolve towards greener and more sustainable economies.

Harmful Substances

The issue of harmful substances is a fact of everyday modern life, and today, there are over 100,000 different substances in use. These play a vital role in industry, business, production and the modern world, and yet mitigating their deleterious effects is essential given the current environmental issues facing mankind. UNEP has four specific goals that are central to its harmful substances management approach:

• Scientific assessments  – these are conducted globally by UNEP
• Legal instruments – assisting governments to “develop appropriate policy and control systems for harmful substances
• National implementation – methodologies, tools, technical aid to help countries activate, finance and design harmful substance/hazardous waste strategies
• Monitoring and evaluation – promotion of best practice to help countries monitor and report on their national programme.

The work implemented by UNEP on the global level can only be successful with the proactive cooperation of organisations that are placing environmental change at the forefront of their business schemes and methods.

Many of these key areas are incorporated into the Envirosafe Solutions business model and product approach. Its eco-friendly liquid products and its Extreme Green range are designed and manufactured with the reduction of harmful substances and hazardous waste, climate change and sustainable consumption and production in mind. This green model has been well considered and mapped, and Envirosafe Solutions is proud of its adherence to these issues. For more information on their range of products call 1300 889070 .

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[1] http:www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=43

[2] http://www.unep.org/publications/contents/pub_details_search.asp?ID=4186

Envirosafe Solutions encourages individuals within the community to contribute to a greener and healthier environment. You too can make a difference, and it all starts with the humble bicycle.

You want to make a difference…but you don’t know how. You often think you would like to reduce your own carbon footprint…but you are so busy you don’t have time to really do so. You look at your children in the evening and you wonder what the future will hold for them on their 30th or 40^th or 50^th birthday. What will the planet be like then? How will they live? How will global warming affect their daily life? What will they eat and drink and do?

It is possible to make a change and make a difference. And it starts with the implementation of  a few small changes in daily life. Simply go out to the garage, dust off that old two wheeler and the helmet hanging on the hook. A bit of oil, a bit of adjusting, pump up a tire or two….

And away you go….

One of the easiest and most effective ways we can reduce our own carbon footprint is to replace motoring with cycling. It does not have to be an everyday all day replacement, and it does not mean one abandons the family car forever. But here and there, it is possible to utilize two wheeler transport and therefore reduce your impact on the environment and your own petrol consumption. And it may also help you to get a little fitter.

Sarah Goodyear, reporting from London states that bikes are beginning to take over the streets as a preferred mode of commuter transport. According to 2011 London transportation department figures “there is a huge boom in the number of two-wheeled commuters.” [1] The Times has even reported that “on Cheapside, cycles now make up more than 50% of commuter traffic, according to official data, and account for up to 42%of traffic on Southward Bridge across the Thames. In one Bristol suburb, more than one in four people cycle to work….”[2]

In Australia, a similar momentum is beginning to build but requires further development and planning. The 2009 Cycling Infrastructure for Australian Cities indicates that the Australian Government has sought advice in the past few years on how best to facilitate a modal shift towards cycling as a viable and sustainable means for commuting. Australia still lags behind Europe and the UK regarding two wheeler commuting.  But the shift is occurring and our country is now “taking heed of the nations that have successfully increased cycling as a mode share as well as the specific strategies, measurable policies, cross-integration of relevant government agencies that have been implemented in those countries.”[3]

Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for greater infrastructure development to support the shift to commuter cycling as has occurred in Europe and the UK.

Their approach to green lifestyle and green industry is steadfast and authentic.

Phone Envirosafe Solutions for more information on their eco-friendly products on 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.grist.org/biking/2011-06-21-in-london-bike-commuters-are-the-majority-in-some-pla-outnumbers

[2] http://thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/

[3] http://www.infrastructureaustralia.gov.au/publications/files/Cycling_Infrastructure_Background_Paper_16Mar09_WEB.pdf

Rust drastically affects machinery and the workings of many businesses and industries. It is activated and produced when red oxides are formed due to contact with water or air moisture or other strong acids and also some acids. It can also arise when iron and chlorine combine underwater. Most commonly however, it “consists of hydrated iron (lll) oxides andiron-oxide-hydroxide and given sufficient time” these will corrode and flake away, causing damage to your machinery, your structures, and your metal materials.[1]

According to Corrosion Cost – a website dedicated to the economic cost of corrosion, the United States spends $276 billion per annum fighting and dealing with rust and corrosion.  Transportation, utilities, production and manufacturing and Government and infrastructure are all impacted with the largest sector – utilities – comprising 34.7% or $47.9 billion of the total outlay.[2]

It is estimated the annual cost in Australia may be around $13 billion according to some sources.[3] The CSIRO also states that the presence of sodium or salt, will greatly exacerbate corrosion and rust,  and because Australia is a coastal development country, rust is a feature of life in major cities and towns right around Australia from Sydney to Perth, to Darwin and as far south as Tasmania.

The Dangers of chromates

The mitigation of rust and corrosion in a safe and effective manner has been of increasing concern over the past several years because of awareness of the dangers of chromates. These were often used as protective coaters and surfactants, but are now being phased out because of their toxic and carcinogenic potentials.

The Envirosafe Solutions alternative

Envirosafe Solutions has developed a highly effective and Extreme Green alternative to chromates with its Multi Purpose Lubricant. It is a product that is suitable for many applications and is specifically designed to displace moisture as well as penetrate rusted areas and slow down and impede the spread of corrosion. It is especially effective and suitable in any area where salt is present, such as coastal areas, and the mining and marine industries. It contains “no silicones, no kerosenes and no acid-forming compounds and will not dry out in normal use.”[4]

It has a range of specific and more general benefits such as:

• A reduction in maintenance and upkeep expenses
• A reduction in downtime due to machine malfunction, servicing or seizure
• Extremely safe for operators to apply and use
• An easy application – spray or brush onto areas needing treatment
• Also suitable as a soaking agent

If your equipment and machinery is unduly affected by rust and corrosion, and you require an effective and sound alternative to the old, be sure to contact Envirosafe Solutions and obtain a list of their rust removing and rust prevention products. Their friendly staff are able to assist with your enquiries. Telephone 1300 889070.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust

[2] http://www.corrosioncost.com/home.html

[3] http://www.infospec.com.au/

[4] http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=18&product=17

Envirosafe Solutions takes a close look at the human refuse impact that extends beyond the planet. Yes…sadly it is true. We have even managed to pollute space with a vast array of objects and particles that are now orbiting the earth!

Humans have not only managed to pollute the earth. We have also successfully managed to rubbish space with a fair amount of debris and space junk. According to The Future of Things website, “The recent collision between a dysfunctional Russian satellite and an American communications satellite illuminates a growing danger that threatens those who dare to venture outside the boundaries of the atmosphere – namely space junk floating above the earth!”[1]

At present, it is estimated there is in the vicinity of over 500,000 pieces of space junk larger than one centimeter are circling the earth in different orbits at speeds ranging from between 20,000 and 30,000 km per hour. And millions more pieces smaller than this size and speeding at phenomenal speeds are also circling.

Neglect is at the centre of the problem. Over many decades, several thousand satellites and spacecraft have been launched with only a small portion of them landing back on Earth or being burned in the atmosphere. Most are in fact discarded and abandoned and are continuing to orbit. Space expeditions have also discarded and cast off equipment, refuse and objects. For example, “astronauts from the MIR space stations threw out over twenty massive garbage bags into space” during their missions, with little thought or concern for the long-term whereabouts or longevity of the space junk.[2] Other lost or discarded objects recorded as space junk even include a lost glove by astronaut Ed White, a camera from the Gemini 10 Mission, a wrench and a toothbrush discarded by Sunita Williams of the STS-116 mission as well as pliers, tool bags and other tools.[3] It’s all floating out there.

CanadianBusiness.com reports that “those pieces of space junk larger than a baseball are floating around the earth and threatening Canadian satellites that provide valuable information. The space junk has even left dents on the International Space Station.”[4] A recent international conference at the Canadian Space Agency focused on the increasing threat with NASA’s Nicholas Johnson (Chief Scientist for Orbital Debris) stating that some of the debris had been circling earth since the 1950’s and that with an increase in the garbage, comes an increased risk of high-velocity collisions which can destroy and damage satellites and spacecraft.

The European Space Agency representative at the conference, Heiner Klincrad, also stated that “two recent collisions in space are a sign of things to come. Satellites will not be able to function at certain altitudes without encountering a certain risk.”[5]

It seems humans are even littering the pace area around the planet, to such an extent we are potentially threatening our own telecommunications and satellite requirements which are dependent upon clean space, in much the same way we require clean air and less litter here on the planet.

Envirosafe Solutions supports a self-responsibility approach to the environment and pollution. It believes individuals, businesses, industries, states and nations can continue to develop eco-friendly practices that serve the planet and our increasingly frequent forays into space. Each one of us can do our bit and “join the green revolution.”

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions for more information on their eco-friendly liquid products on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://thefutureofthings.com/column/6513/the-orbital-menace-space-garbage.html

[2] Ibid

[3] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_debris

[4] http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/30813–space-junk-conference-hears-how-man-made-debris-is-making-a-mess-in-the-cosmos

[5] Ibid

Envirosafe Solutions focuses on Hands First Foaming Hand Sanitiser and the recent World Health Organisation and national handwashing campaigns that have been activated in Australia in the past few years.

What is the single most effective and assured method of preventing the spread of bacteria, germs and illness? It’s certainly not taking copious quantities of expensive vitamins, and it is not hiding away like a Howard Hughes germophobe, unable to engage in life and all it has to offer.

Yes…you guessed it. It is the simple and easy practice of washing our hands.

According to Hand Hygiene Australia, “hand hygiene” is a general terms applying “to the use of solution/soap (non-antimicrobial or antimicrobial) and water, or a waterless antimicrobial agent to the surface of hands. And, in Australia, hand hygiene practices have been universally poor among health care workers because of:

• Heavier workloads – the busier one is, the less likely he/she is to wash hands
• There is not enough time to wash hands as frequently as is required
• Hands do not appear dirty and therefore one assumes there are no bugs”[1]

The World Health Organisation also supports thorough hand washing and has issued two posters to highlight the need for vigilance. It also states that “clean hands protect against infection” and has attempted to “embed hand hygiene promotional activities as a national priority in countries around the world,” of which Australia is one.[2] Its ClearingHandsNet Campaign began in 2007 and gained momentum in 2009 with The World Health Organisation’s Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care which made the following recommendations to nations:

• Make improved hand hygiene a national priority
• Support strengthening of infection control capacities
• Promote hand hygiene at the community level
• Encourage health care settings to use hand hygiene as a quality indicator[3]

Envirosafe Solutions actively supports the WHO program and our own national hand washing campigns, and has developed a quality hand washing liquid product that is alcohol free and non-flammable and non-toxic. Its Hands First liquid handwashing product also contains aloe vera and is fragrance free, making it particularly suitable for those suffering allergies or other sensitivities. It also contains natural ingredients such as grapefruit seed extract and uses Benzalkonium Chloride as its base, which has “long been deemed safe for human use” and has the capacity to kill germs for up to 4 hours after being used.[4]

Envirosafe Solutions Hands First Antibacterial handwash is available in small carry all and counter top quantities (50ml and 200ml respectively) as well as larger quantities of up to 2 litres for sanitiser refills.

Please contact Envirosafe Solutions to order your Hands First antibacterial handwash. Our friendly staff are ready to help you with your order now on 1300 889070.

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[1] http://hha.org.au/AboutHandHygiene.aspx

[2] http://www.who.int/gpsc/national_campaigns/background/en/index/html

[3] http://www.who.int/gpsc/national_campaigns/background/en/index/html

[4] http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=17&product=60

Envirosafe Solutions considers the natural process of coastal erosion in light of global warming and a subsequent rise in extreme weather patterns and processes. The impact of extreme weather on coastal habitation in Australia is here. What does it really means to specific communities along Australia’s shoreline?

Coastal erosion is nothing new. According to OzCoast, the Australian Government’s online coastal information site, coastal and beach deposits are “dynamic sedimentary systems that experience a natural phasing of erosion and accretion that operate over a range of time intervals.”[1] Here in Australia, we are coast-huggers. We live and play and work predominantly along the coast, and have developed a coastal lifestyle that has largely assumed a kind of stasis when it comes to fixed habitation and coastal development.

Of most concern is the newly considered relationship between coastal development and climate change in relation to global warming. An increase in the frequency of major coastal storms or a rise in relative sea-level can in fact speed up or accelerate coastal erosion, as well as triggering the wearing away of dunes immediately behind a beachfront.  Along the coast of Australia at present, various urbanized areas are under threat, with scientists pointing to a distinct relationship between current coastal erosion hotspots and the projected sea level rises and extreme weather associated with a heating planet.[2]

The battle over what to do about coastal erosion has reached crisis point in Byron Bay on the NSW far north coast, with lawyers for a number of Byron Bay residents actively challenging Byron Shire Council so that residents can deal with the erosion issue along The Belongil Spit. Currently The Byron Shire Council has a policy preventing waterfront homeowners from building walls to stop erosion.[3] Residents of the shire however, believe the recent link between increased erosion and global warming gives them more leeway to erect coastal walls that will protect their properties from what they perceive as the fallout from global warming.

According to The Stern Report, Australia is one of the most vulnerable countries in relation to the effects of global warming and “strategies for mitigation and adaptation must be put in effect to safeguard its future.” [4]

Across the continent in Western Australia, particular coastal erosion hotspots that are of concern are located in the local government areas of Busselton, Mandurah, Rockingham and Bunbury and have the highest level of risk, collectively representing over 60% of residential buildings at risk in WA.  In Busselton alone, “Between 7,900 and 8,700 residential buildings in the local government area may be affected by sea-level rise by 2100.”[5]

Envirosafe Solutions has long supported the use and adoption of environmentally sound business and domestic practices that can help to slow the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Clear, sound and eco-friendly habits and practices on the personal and business level can help to serve and respect our environment. For more information on the Extreme Green range of environmentally friendly liquid products produced by Envirosafe Solutions, call 1300 889070.

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[1] www.ozcoasts.org.au

[2] www.environment.nsw.gov.au/coasts/coastalerosionmgmt.htm

[3] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/28/2911712.htm

[4] http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/climatechange/governance/foreign/stern.htm

[5] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/publications/coastline/~/media/publications/coastline/5hsection519WA.ashx

How does the carbon tax affect you?  How much will it cost you and your family per week? Will you be ok under the new system?

Envirosafe Solutions outlines the impact of the new carbon scheme on Australian families. Will it be financially negligible as the Labor Government will have us believe, or is it, as Tony Abbott describes, a “new socialist tax” that will unfairly target those who cannot afford it?

Since the release of the specifics of the carbon tax on July 10, the media has been frenzied, reporting on the two sides of the debate and the real impact for Australian families. Regional newspapers in Lismore and Toowoomba, as well as other papers in South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, are decrying the new tax and its impact on the hip pocket of average families.[1]

But one easy way to get the facts is to log onto the Australian government’s new site and use the cleanerenergyfuture household estimator. This will feed back comprehensive data based on the individual circumstances you enter into it. And it will give you the details you need to decide how the new tax will specifically affect you.[2]

Household Estimator[3]

The estimator is a clear guide that helps you to comprehend the affect of the tax on goods and services and the assistance that given to Australian families to cover this added financial burden. Enter your statistics and family household type details into the estimator and you will be given information that most closely fits your circumstances. While these are only indicative, they give you a close profile of what you and your family can expect once the carbon tax takes effect in 2012. The estimator process takes about 5-10 minutes and is possibly the best way for you to obtain information you need about your own family circumstances.

Envirosafe Solutions has compiled some important main details from the package. These may also help you understand the main features of the carbon tax:

• Half the money from the tax will go back to assist households.
• 90% of households will get tax cuts and payments to help
• 4 million households will get assistance over and above the tax cost to them. (20% extra)
• 6 million households will be assisted to meet the average cost of the tax.
• 8 million will get some form of assistance

Case studies

You can also access case study scenarios on the cleanerenergyfuture website that may also help you. The following case studies are profiled to help you:

• Two adults both working, with 2 children
• Aged pensioners – two elderly pensioners receiving full pension
• Self-funded retirees
• Disabilities and carers
• Student assistance
• Low income assistance[4]

Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for a green future. Change and evolution can sadly come at a cost. Righting the wrongs and ignorance of past environmentally harmful practices requires stringent measures now, to ensure safety for the future and for our children.

Support the green revolution. And use products that will help you to reduce your household’s carbon footprint. For more information call Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

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[1] http://www.thechronicle.com.au/…/2011/…single-wage-family-not-yet-convinced-of-benefit/

[2] http://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/

[3] https://www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au/helping-households/household-assistance-estimator/

[4] http://www.cleanerenergyfuture.gov.au/helping-households/