Month: August 2011

Envirosafe Solutions Focus on one Australian’s contribution to The Equinox Summit, in June 2011:

The Equinox Summit is run by Canada’s University of Waterloo Global Science Initiative and draws together leading scientists, future leaders and experienced advisors “to share insights in a spirit of open collaboration…in order to envision a low-carbon, electrified future coupled with a growing to expand the capacity, increase the resilience and security, and improve the efficiency of our energy systems.” [1]

The summit draws on experts from around the globe, including such luminaries as Alan Aspuru-Guzuk, a Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University who is currently working on next-generation solar technology innovations. It also includes Australia’s Cathy Foley who is Deputy Chief of Science, Material Science and Engineering at the CSIRO. As a physicist, she is focusing on superconductivity that could lead to technological leaps in how we produce and distribute our electricity.”Along with practical applications for mineral exploration and electricity transmissions, her research is also bringing the world closer to the development of fusion as a groundbreaking future energy resource.” [2]

Another Australian scientist who is a key contributor at the Summit is Emeritus Professor Maria Skyllas-Kazacos from the University of New South Wales. Her 1980’s invention of the Vanadiam Redox Battery has the potential to revolutionise the way we store energy and has groundbreaking potential for the future. “This type of battery is a unique type of flow battery that can repeatedly absorb and release huge amounts of electricity, making it possibly the best partner for renewable energy in the future.”[3]

Professor Skyllas-Kazakos says “The ability to store energy has been the missing link in efforts to incorporate renewables into out grid. But now, storage systems with the capacity to extend the usefulness of intermittent energy sources (such as solar and wind) are now becoming a reality. Storage systems – such as her battery – can ensure that the electricity generated when the wind is blowing or the sun is shining can be stored and used later, when the air is still or the sun is behind clouds.”[4]

Governments are now realizing that ongoing feasibility of these in terms of stable supply to the grid, must involve storage, and it is Professor Skyllas-Kazakos’ storage batteries, that may help to solve the problem.  “Storage will need to be an important part of any smart grid in the future,” she says. “I believe that by 2030, we could change that by simply turning our attentions to a long neglected aspect of the power system – namely storage.”

Clean energy modes are important and paramount. But it is also the need for storage that will provide a missing link if these modes of energy are able to be embraced globally in the future. Professor Skyllas-Kazakos is also of the view that while “early renewable energy mandates have assisted in the development of the wind and solar power industries, without storage, further penetration of renewable energy into the grid will be at the expense of reliability. Without this driver, the renewable energy industry will remain fragmented and other competitive greenhouse gas abatement technologies (including carbon dioxide sequestration) will continue to attract an unreasonable level of government support despite their high technical, safety and financial risks.”

She has also stated that it is only relatively recently that governments – including the USA – have finally begun to realize the central importance of storage in the new energy age.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the groundbreaking work done by Australian scientists and believes in our nation’s ability to contribute to energy solutions in practical and meaningful ways. Support green change and support green industry. Telephone Envirosafe Solutions for more information on their range of outstanding environmentally friendly products. Envirosafe Solutions 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] Waterloo Global Science Initiative. http://wgsi.org/content/about-summit

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid.

New vehicles sold in Australia will have to meet tougher emission standards. The new rules have already been adopted by other developed nations and are aimed at cutting dangerous emissions which contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory illness. The new guidelines are a coup for the green revolution and public health but will not be completely phased in until 2018.

The Federal Government unveiled new rules in June to combat air pollution from new cars, utes and SUVs sold in Australia.

The regualtions will force car manufacturers to use technologies which produce cleaner emissions. In particular, they will target diesel engine emissions, which have been classified as carcinogenic.

Manufacturers will have to fit filters to reduce the amount of fine particles, known as particulate matter, which attach to exhaust gases and can cause lung disease when inhaled. These filters will not be compulsory in new diesel vehicles until 2018 although in the meantime the availability of fuel conditioners (including eco-friendly industrial liquid Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer) can help produce cleaner emissions and improve vehicle performance.

The Federal Government has conceded the new standards (termed Euro 5 and Euro 6) are likely to push up prices by about $1000 for a diesel vehicle. The new regulations will be phased in over the next seven years, with the less-stringent Euro 5 regulations in effect from November 2013.

The same standards have already been introduced in the US and Canada, Japan and South Korea. Europe is on the brink of introducing the new emission controls.

The Federal Government believes the new standards will save more than $1.5 billion from public health spending over the next 20 years by cutting smog-associated illnesses. The extreme green Euro 6 emission guidelines (in place from 2018) will:

• Cut hydrocarbon emissions by 50 per cent;
• Reduce nitrogen oxides by 70 per cent;
• Cut particulate matter by 90 per cent.

Vehicle emissions contribute to photochemical smog, levels of which in Sydney regularly exceed national and World Health Organisation goals.

A new report by the United Nations has reinforced the need for reduced vehicle emissions. The report, by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), has found that cutting exhaust fumes could help limit global warming while boosting food production and reducing heart and lung disease.

Green car technologies being embraced in Australia and other parts of the globe have become a focal point in the battle to curb greenhouse gases. New exhaust emission standards and technology such as biofuels and hybrid electric cars look to be the way of the future.

The reforms have been welcomed by Envirosafe Solutions, a Perth-based supplier of environmental cleaning products which has been working with the transport industry to help reduce environmental impacts. One of its products – the Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer – was designed primarily to produce cleaner fuel emissions while reducing costly maintenance and vehicle down-time. To find out more contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.caradvice.com.au/122835/new-car-emissions-cut-for-australia-finally/

http://www.news.com.au/national/car-pollution-crackdown-to-save-lives/story-e6frfkvr-1226073347555

http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/curb-soot-smog-to-help-keep-earth-cool/story-e6frfku0-1226075198193

Scientists have discovered innovative uses for the mountains of mining waste produced in Western Australia. CSIRO research has identified mining by-products as a rich source of minerals capable of filtering phosphorous and nitrogen – common in detergents and fertilisers – from river systems. Removing these nutrients would reduce the risk of toxic algal blooms and help mining companies join the green revolution.

In November of 1991 Australia experienced the largest recorded toxic river algal bloom in history. It turned a 1000km stretch of New South Wales Barwon and Darling rivers into what was described as a ribbon of ‘pea soup’ and resulted in a state of emergency being declared.

The threat to livestock and residents led to emergency water-filtration equipment being installed to provide drinkable water. Blue-green algae (more correctly referred to as cyanobacteria) can produce dangerous and even fatal toxins – causing vomiting, diarrhoea or death. It also strips oxygen from water killing fish and other aquatic life.

Research into mining by-products has found iron oxides, aluminium oxides, calcium and magnesium in mining waste can effectively filter, absorb or neutralise a range of nutrients in water sources.

Algae flourish in Australian conditions

High levels of the nutrients phosphorous and nitrogen, combined with warm weather and low water flows, create perfect conditions for the spread of blue-green algae. These nutrients build up in waterways from stormwater run-off from factories, farms, gardens and parks.

River bank erosion has also been found to increase nutrient levels.

Common sources of phosphorous and nitrogen include fertilisers and household detergents such as laundry powder (Australian supermarkets are currently phasing out phosphate-based laundry powder in favour of environmental cleaning products). In fact, the use of eco-friendly industrial liquids has a significant role to play in reducing soil and water contamination.

Filtering out nutrients

CSIRO scientist Grant Douglas said introducing this mining waste into waterways was not as simple as pouring it into a river from the back of a truck. It must be carefully introduced into soils. Diverting water through wetlands enriched with mining by-products could filter nutrients and reduce the risk of algal blooms.

He said while the research had been conducted in Western Australia it would be applicable to mining waste produced in other states or countries.

“A few years ago we looked at Western Australia and decided, well, WA is a large mining state and we’ve produced many millions of tonnes of by-products (and few) had ever really been looked at closely and certainly not with a view to possible reuses in environmental amendments.”

Choosing environmental cleaning products

The role of chemical compounds on water and soil quality has increasingly been recognised by industrial operators, who are turning to eco-friendly industrial liquids to replace traditional cleaners.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions provides a comprehensive range of environmental cleaning products to the mining and industrial sectors. Its water-based Extreme Green Solvent-Free Degreaser provides a powerful, economical solution to grease on surfaces and engines. This biodegradable cleaner is so safe it can be used on everything from auto workshops to commercial kitchens.

Reducing the use of solvents and phosphates by selecting environmental cleaning products helps prevent waterways from becoming a perfect breeding ground for blue-green algae. For advice on Envirosafe Solutions products phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.csiro.au/multimedia/mining-by-products.html

http://www.science.org.au/nova/017/017key.htm

Fish species are under threat from rising ocean temperatures, according to research by the CSIRO. A recent study has highlighted the effects of global warming on a long-living fish species off the coast of Tasmania. Combined with ocean pollution – from disastrous oil spills to plastic waste and non-eco friendly industrial liquids – threats to fish stocks are a major cause for environmental concern and the future of sustainable marine industry.

Research by Australian scientists has led to the first reported example of a fish species being threatened by southern hemisphere ocean warming.

The findings were published in April and suggest a marked decline in the health and reproductive rates of the banded morwong species.

The CSIRO has been monitoring sea temperatures at Maria Island, east of Tasmania, and has recorded a rise in surface water temperatures of two degrees Celsius during the past 60 years. This rise has had a negative impact on the banded morwong, a species known to live up to 100 years and remain in the same waters their entire lives.

The concern for proponents of the green revolution is that this new research shows the stresses climate change can induce in fish species. CSIRO marine ecologist Ron Thresher co-authored the study and said that significant changes in temperature were detrimental to fish species.

“Generally cold-blooded animals respond to warming conditions by increasing growth rates as temperatures rise but theory and laboratory studies show this has a limit. As temperatures get too high, we begin to see increased signs of stress, possibly eventually leading to death. We are looking at whether climate change is beginning to push fish past their physiological limits.”

Ocean pollution – our dirty secret

Fish stocks and marine plant and bird life have been exposed to increasing threats over the past century and not just from a warming planet.

The ocean has become a vast dumping ground. It has been polluted by oil spills, nuclear and radioactive waste, demolition materials, discharge from ships and stormwater run-off containing toxic fertilisers and other non-environmentally friendly liquids used by industry.

While many countries have put in place regulations or signed international treaties such as the London Convention to control ocean dumping, every part of the industrialised life has come at a cost to this precious resource.

Agricultural and industrial practices have a high impact on the quality of waterways as stormwater run-off washes residue fertilisers and chemicals into rivers and oceans.

Switching to environmental cleaning products is a small change that can have big results. Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions supplies a comprehensive range of eco-friendly industrial liquids to all industries as well as government enterprises. Its range includes the Extreme Green Marine Glass Cleaner, a fast-acting, biodegradable and non-toxic cleaner designed to remove salt residue from all type of marine and aircraft equipment.

Research shows climate change is adding to the threats facing fish and marine life. Small changes such as using environmental cleaning products will help create a sustainable marine environment. To find out more contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.csiro.au/news/Ocean-warming-and-inshore-fish-species.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/CR0215471/ocean_pollution.htm

http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php?title=Ocean_dumping#International_Treaties_and_Policing

Energy production and road transport are among the fastest growing sources of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions according to the latest National Greenhouse Accounts. The reports show passenger car emissions have increased nearly 20 percent in the past 19 years, a trend echoed by the heavy transport sector. As the Federal Government battles the introduction of a carbon tax, we look at the latest greenhouse gas emission figures and a revolutionary environmentally friendly liquid fuel treatment helping to reduce fuel emissions.

Carbon pollution in Australia continues to rise according to the latest figures released by the Federal Government in April.

In the year to December 2010 carbon emissions increased by 0.5 percent to 543 million tonnes. Federal Climate Change and Energy Efficiency minister Greg Combet said the data, contained in the National Greenhouse Accounts, showed that Australia’s 2009 carbon pollution levels were at 103 percent of 1990 levels.

Mr Combet said Australia’s Kyoto target was that for the 2008-2012 period carbon pollution would not exceed 108 percent of 1990 levels.

“Despite a temporary, short-term dip in carbon pollution as a result of reduced demand for Australian goods following the Global Financial Crisis, significant challenges remain in all sectors to reduce our carbon pollution into the future.”

Mr Combet highlighted a 44 percent rise in emissions from the energy sector as a strong incentive for climate change action, including the proposed carbon tax.

“For example, the increase in carbon pollution from the energy sector between 1990 and 2010 was 44 percent. This significant source, which comprises pollution from stationary energy, transport and fugitive emissions from fuels, makes up around three-quarters of Australia’s total levels of carbon pollution.”

The National Greenhouse Accounts have been submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Major greenhouse gas contributors

The main contributors of carbon emissions have been outlined in the National Greenhouse Account reports, which state that:

• Energy production is the largest single cause of stationary energy emissions, accounting for 206.7 million tonnes or 37.9 per cent of national emissions in 2009;
• Fuel combustion in mining non-energy commodities, manufacturing and construction industries accounted for 8.2 percent or 44.5 million tonnes of national emission in 2009. The iron and steel sector accounted for the largest increase in these emissions;
• Residential, commercial and institutional sectors and agricultural, fisheries and forestry equipment combined contributed to 20.3 million tonnes or 3.7 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions, up 37.9 percent on 1990 figures;
• Transport emissions contributed 83.6 million tonnes in 2009 or 15.3 percent and are one of the strongest sources of emissions growth in Australia.

Road transport takes toll on environment

Exhaust fumes from cars, buses and trucks have risen sharply over the past 20 years and pose one of the greatest challenges to the environment and to government road and infrastructure planning.

Road transport accounts for the majority (86.3 percent) of transport emissions. Passenger car emissions rose by 17.6 percent from 1990 to 2009 while emissions from heavy duty trucks rose and light commercial vehicles also rose strongly.

A cleaner, more sustainable option

Fuel conditioners and treatments offer an effective solution for improving fuel efficiency and reducing toxic emissions for transport companies or indeed any organisation which stores or uses fuel.

A leading supplier of eco-friendly liquid products, Envirosafe Solutions has worked with councils, road transport and marine operators to help tackle the financial and environmental cost of contaminated fuel. The Western Australian company’s Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer can be used in all fuel sources and treats and prevents the common problem of ‘diesel bug’, which creates slime that blocks lines and filters and corrodes metal engine parts. Importantly it also reduces dangerous fuel emissions.

Envirosafe Solutions’ biodegradable eco-friendly liquid products range includes its Extreme Green Insect and Tar Remover and its Extreme Green Radiator Cleaner, formulated without solvents, mineral acids or phosphates.

Australia’s rising carbon emissions are a key concern for government and heavy pollutors such as road transport. Envirosafe Solutions is strongly committed to helping combat climate change through its environmental cleaning products as well as its innovative workplace policies. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/greg-combet/2011/media-releases/April/mr20110418.aspx

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/~/media/publications/greenhouse-acctg/nggi-2011.pdf

From paper cuts to cancer clusters, office workplaces are affecting the health of Australian workers. In recognition of the hazards facing indoor workers, today we turn our attention to the green revolution underway in Australian offices. It is no coincidence that measures to improve the health of the environment also improve workers’ wellbeing and the company bottom line.

Everyone from the boss to the office cleaner can benefit from a green, healthy, low-impact workplace. Reduced costs, improved staff wellbeing and morale and of course a healthier planet are benefits which come hand-in-hand with sustainable office practices.

Measures to reduce the ecological footprint of corporate Australia have gathered momentum across the country. Progressive companies are showing their environmental conscience by investing in green energy. At Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions, two percent of all sales is donated to Carbon Neutral, an Australian not-for-profit organisation working to reduce carbon emissions.

From switching computers to energy-efficient settings to substituting harsh, solvent-based chemicals with environmental cleaning products, there are a myriad of simple steps which improve workplace conditions.

Cost savings of going green

Reducing paper use and cutting energy consumption can quickly save thousands of dollars. Eliminating exposure to toxic chemicals – many progressive workplaces insist on eco-friendly liquid products – as well as minimising vehicle use and encouraging healthy morning teas costs nothing but fosters a nurturing, safe workplace environment. Boosting staff health and morale has been shown to have a significant effect on productivity.

Simple steps to a better future

Some of the best tips for joining the green revolution at work can be implemented with very little cost or effort. These include:

• Redesign the workplace with recycled, ergonomic office furniture and make use of natural light and ventilation. This will not only improve staff comfort and indoor air-quality but will also reduce reliance on expensive artificial heating and cooling;
• Install energy-efficient hot water units, consider investing in solar panels and remember to switch off lights and heating or cooling in unused rooms.
• Reset the thermostat each season – workers dress according to the seasons so there is no need to keep office temperatures constant all year round. Increasing the air-conditioning temperature from 18 to 24 degrees in summer will instantly save energy and cut power bills.
• Adjust computers to energy-saving settings and remember to shut them down at the end of the day. The use of ‘stand-by’ power – including printers, scanners and faxes – consumes considerable energy;
• Despite the digital age of email, text messaging and social network message boards, paper use remains high. The greenest paper is in fact no paper, so where possible cut back – think twice about printing out emails and back-up computer files electronically to reduce paper filing;
• Choose recycled paper (but remember this still uses energy, water and chemical resources). Recycle and reuse office paper and packaging and print double-sided;
• Carpool, use public transport or cycle or walk to work if you can and think twice before getting behind the wheel to go on a coffee-run – just think how much better the fresh air and exercise will make you feel;
• Use sustainable materials including biodegradable anti-bacterial hand wash and dishwashing liquid. Not only do these environmentally friendly liquids reduce the chemical pollution in waterways, they improve health conditions for staff;

The green revolution underway in Australian offices has not only the planet breathing a little easier but has saved business money and improved health conditions for office workers.  Envirosafe Solution – a proud supplier of Australian-made environmental cleaning products – has been leading by example in implementing sustainable work practices. For more information on its sustainable workplace initiatives or its range of eco-friendly liquid products contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.energyrating.gov.au/library/pubs/greenofficeguide.pdf

http://about.sensis.com.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/SENS0047_Book_ONLINE_v4a-Chpt07.pdf

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/how-to-go-green-at-work.php

Whether graffiti is art or vandalism may lie, like beauty, in the eyes of the beholder. Yet this urban scrawl – which appears on public buildings and amenities in every town and city – is a financial burden for councils and business operators forced to remove it. South Australia’s police chief has called for a HECS-style debt payment plan for graffiti vandals. Today we look at this graffiti, its environment impact and an eco-friendly liquid product which successfully removes it.

South Australian police commissioner Mal Hyde has called for graffiti vandals to foot the clean-up bill from their work once they have an income.

The plan is similar to the HECS-style payment plans available to university students.

In a submission to the State’s attorney general, Mr Hyde said the compensation would help recoup the expensive clean-up bill left by graffiti. He said courts often failed to order minors to pay removal costs because they were obliged to consider the offender’s ability to pay.

“The offender should retain an obligation to pay compensation in a similar way that a tertiary student has a long-term compulsion to pay the Commonwealth Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS). An offender may not have the means to pay compensation at the time of the offence but may have the means many years later.”

Councils spend millions of dollars each year to remove graffiti – for the Adelaide City Council alone this bill was $338,000. The City of Charles Sturt removed 9173sq m of graffiti in 2009/10 or 14,235 ‘tags’. This cleaning process itself often strips original paintwork, costing more time and money, although this risk can be reduced by using an environmental cleaning product such as the Extreme Green Graffiti Remover.

Counting the environmental cost

Solvent-based spray paints leave an environmental legacy. The production of spray paints creates highly toxic wastes, which bio-accumulate and must be carefully managed. Rapidly drying spray paints favoured for graffiti often contain more toxic solvents than house paint.

Removing graffiti tags involves the use of chemical cleaners or eco-friendly industrial liquid and high-pressure water sprays, which draw on valuable water resources and add to contamination of waterways.

Removing offending graffiti ‘tags’

Youth advocates have argued for dedicated spaces for graffiti tags, where new work could simply be painted over any offending tags, eliminating the need for any clean-up.  Others believe this approach would fail to prevent graffiti vandals from defacing public and private property.

The task of removing graffiti – which falls heavily on councils, business operators, schools and other public bodies – has traditionally involved contact with toxic harsh acids. An alternative eco-friendly industrial liquid has been designed to offer users a safe, sustainable yet powerful multi-purpose graffiti remover.

The Extreme Green Graffiti Remover (formerly Exit Tag) effectively removes spray paint, ink, permanent texta, whiteboard markers, crayon and liquid paper on a wide range of hard surfaces. It works quickly – needing less than three minutes to penetrate – to reduce the risk of damage to any original paintwork.

Its non-toxic formula contains user-friendly non-hazardous solvents, making it safer to use and better for the environment. For more information on the cost-effective Extreme Green Graffiti Remover or other environmental cleaning product contact Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/police-chief-mal-hyde-proposes-hecs-style-debt-payment-plan-for-convicted-graffiti-vandals/story-e6frea83-1226052891233

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_is_graffiti_bad_for_the_environment