Month: January 2012

Probiotics and probiotic organic materials are used every day to help facilitate the thousands of tiny eco systems on our planet, including the systems within our bodies. Probiotics are essential forms of good or positive bacteria which actively work against and protect against negative or bad bacteria. The flora in our human stomachs is one form of probiotics. Protective layers of algae is another form. When gardeners use small types of worms to eat compost and produce refined excrement of nutrients for their soil, they are using a tiny man-supervised eco system to make better compost for their plants. Probiotics have many uses, including eradicating species of parasites, eliminating plant disease or parasites, and protecting against creatures which normally would steal or eat farmer’s crops.

In the eco friendly world, probiotics are often used instead of harmful, hazardous, or non-biodegradable chemicals, especially regarding anything organic or which may come in contact with humans. Florists sometimes use natural, eco friendly stabilizers and plant food for their blossoms in order to protect any customers who may be sensitive to chemicals or who may have allergies. This is part of increasing global health, but it is also part of maintain positive relations with their customer base.

Even such simple actions as filling up a nearly empty milk jug with water and using the milky solution to water your plants in your home is a form of probiotic use. You are using the natural lactobacilli (milk bacteria) to facilitate break down of organic matter into nutrients for your plants. The same process occurs in your body when you drink acidophilus. Probiotics found in nature include dead and decaying animals and plant material, fungus, the nutrients derives from a mother’s milk, and simply being slowly and carefully exposed to an outside member of the ecological system until tolerance is developed and plants and animals adapt to include the newest member to their world. This is sometimes referred to as the survival of the fittest. Whoever and whatever can adapt to changes in their environment the fastest and the best are the organisms which are most likely to live the longest and die the hardest.(+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Landscaping companies and contractors worldwide encounter specific challenges and tasks which are identical across their industry. Their main task is to find a suitable compromise and a win-win situation between their clients’ needs and desires and what they have to work with on the property.

Some common tasks include dealing with location specific textures and contents of soil, depth and quality of soil, weather concerns for a specific area, which plants are native and therefore more hardy to that area, and the balance between purely aesthetic visual appeal and obtaining shrubbery and plants which require less water and less long-term care. Of course, depending upon the hired groundskeeper and caretaker of the estate, certain plants with more visual appeal but which are more taxing to take care of may be an option. Some gardeners take their jobs seriously enough that they welcome a challenge in keeping difficult-to-care-for greenery in perfect condition. It is an effective team that consists of a high quality initial landscaper paired with a passionate long-term groundskeeper.

Many companies, businesses, estates, and individual or family clients require that their building and property upkeep follow in the same footsteps as their normal, environmentally friendly business practices. In these cases, landscapers must be well versed in which products are not only safe for the earth, but are also high effective to use in a multitude of situations. This is why Envirosafe Solutions offers a 30 day money back guarantee on all of our products. We want our clients to test our products, evaluate their effectiveness, and draw their own conclusions, without having the pressure of monetary loss if our standards are not up to par. That is how confident we are that our eco friendly soil treatments, disinfectants, and problem removers are both ecologically sound and highly effective as consumer products.

Landscapers must juggle what will work with the condition of the property they are in charge of and what will be most pleasing to their clients. Envirosafe Solutions is proud to say that all of our products will meet the needs of both landscapers and their clients. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Whether you own a gardening company, a produce company, or you are simply looking to meet your personal plant care needs, it is important to fully understand all of the ways that your plants soak up nutrition, release oxygen into the air, grow bigger fruit, and produce healthier compost.

The first thing to consider is what type of herbicides and pesticides you will be using on your flowering or fruiting plants. This is important not only for the sake of human health and human exposure, but also for the sake of biodegradability and earth friendly compost and organic break down. When you use eco friendly agricultural and gardening products, they get the job done, but they also contribute to the process of organic decay after the plant has died or been harvested. This organic decay is essential in maintaining a healthy crop next year or next season, since it puts nutrients back into the soil for future plant growth.

The second thing to consider when caring for your plants is their soil treatment. Roots require both air and water to grow, and too little of either can be detrimental and cause puny development or even cause the plants die off if they do not receive enough of either resource. This is why even basic, small gardening pots contain specific potting soil which allows air to be trapped in the soil and aerate the roots, as well as providing moisture from watering. Many first time gardeners have made the mistake of digging up soil from their back yard to put into their gardening pots, but this soil does not always contain enough air for deep root growth and the initial shoots often die off before they even become full grown.

Lastly, one must consider how current plant growth can contribute to and affect future generations of plants or crops. This means that crop rotation must be carefully planned and executed, especially in consecutive dry seasons when not a lot of extraneous moisture is being returned to the soil, and it means that what you treat this season’s crop with must be adaptable to both the soil and next season’s crops. This means that biodegradable agricultural products really must be used from beginning to harvest time, or you may have unwanted leftover chemicals which will work their way further into the soil. Contact Envirosafe Solutions today for more information about eco friendly soil treatments: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

It’s an interesting thought… powering remote coal, gas or uranium mines with renewable energy. Yet according to a new study, eco-friendlyenergy (fromindustrialliquid biomass, wind and solar) could supply up to 500MW to the Pilbara and Mid West region. The only stumbling block for extreme green energy is concerns over cost and reliability.

Remote mining provinces in WA have been identified as key areas for the deployment of renewable energy.

A new study commissioned by the Australian Centre for Renewable energy and conducted by consulting group Evans and Peck has looked at renewable energy options for the Pilbara and Mid West regions.

It has concluded that up to 500MW of renewables could be could be deployed in the Pilbara by 2020. Up to 150MW could be deployed in off-grid locations in the Mid West.

Powering remote mining sites with renewable energy would be more environmentally friendly. Liquid biomass, solar and wind renewables can be costly compared to fossil-fuel based energy sources, but in remote areas these costs can be kept more competitive.

“There appears no better place for renewables to compete on cost,” the report states.

Opposed to change

A culture of adversity to change presents one of the greatest barriers to mining companies adopting renewable energy sources.

The report identified a perception by mining companies that renewables posed “unacceptable risk” in terms of reliability.

“The appetite for novelty is low… the Pilbara is a location where things have to work well and there’s little time for those that cannot demonstrate this.”

Olympic Dam

The report highlighted BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam uranium mine in South Australia as an example of a mining project which had been prepared to consider using renewable energy alternatives.

The mining giant has identified renewable energy as a key possibility for reducing the environmental impacts of its Olympic Dam expansion. As part of its commitment to the green revolution, it will consider renewable energy to power its desalination plant and pump stations.

“BHP Billiton recognises the potential of local solar energy, regional geothermal and the State’s wind resources and has had discussions with many specialist renewable energy companies,” the company has stated.

Leading Perth-based supplier of eco-friendly liquid products Envirosafe Solutions hassupported efforts to make remote mining sites more environmentally friendly. Liquid cleaners including hardwater laundry liquid and porta-loo treatments designed for remote areas often contain toxic chemicals which can contaminate soil and water.  Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range is safe for greywater and septic treatment systems.

Tapping into renewable energy sources to power mining operations is another step toward a greener mining sector. For more environmental mining solutions call 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/can-miner-conceive-solar-grid

http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/aboutus/regulatory/Documents/Olympic%20Dam%20Supplementary%20EIS/Information%20Sheets/BHP%20Billiton%20Olympic%20Dam%20Expansion%202011%20Summary%20Booklet.pdf

A new offshore exploration permit has been granted near Western Australia’s Ningaloo Marine Park. The recently-listed World Heritage site has also been under threat from increased marine pollution which includes oil spills, fertilisers, chemicals found in non-environmental cleaning products and plastic waste.

The Federal Government has awarded Woodside Petroleum an exploration permit for 480 square kilometres near the prized Ningaloo Marine Park.

The permit area is near the much larger exploration permit approved for Dutch petroleum company Shell by the Government in July. The location of the Shell permit, 50 kilometres west of the marine park, generated heavy criticism from green revolution proponents.

Environmental activists claim exploration activities could impacton the reef and rare marine life, including dugongs, sea turtles and whale sharks, and are not eco-friendly. Industrial liquids including chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides also wash into the coast from inland waterways, polluting the now-Heritage Listed reef.

Woodside Petroleum and partner Mitsui E&P have revealed plans to spend more than $42 million exploring the permit, near its Vincent and Enfield oil operations. This will include drilling operations.

The Conservation Council of WAsaidthe 2011 round of exploration leases – which will be up for approval next year – would increase drilling along the Ningaloo coastline. It claims the permits awarded to Woodside falls within 20km of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Other leases to Woodside and Shell are offshore from the pristine Rowley and Shoals coral reefs.

Council Marine Co-ordinator Tim Nicol has called for an increased buffer between the Ningaloo Reef and mining activities to make offshore exploration more environmentally-friendly. Liquid oil spills remain a critical concern, he said.

“We are calling on the Government to put some balance into the management of our Northwest oceans by creating a marine sanctuary offshore from Ningaloo Reef that will provide a permanent buffer against the impacts of oil drilling and the risk of spills,” Mr Nicol said.

“No one wants to see a Gulf of Mexico or Timor Sea oil spill right off the coast from Ningaloo Reef.

“The waters off our Northwest coast are some of the most unique and pristine tropical marine areas in the world. We need a much more responsible approach to balancing development with protecting this fragile marine environment.”

The Federal Government has committed to increasing regulation of the offshore industry by establishing a petroleum safety watchdog on January 1. Woodside has promised to be vigilant in ensuring non-eco-friendly industrial liquids do not spill into the ocean.

“A two barrier standard applies to all Woodside-operated drilling operations, which ensures there are at least two tested barriers in place at any time to prevent reservoir fluids flowing to the external environment,” a Woodside spokesperson said.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions supply non-toxic alternatives to traditional industrial cleaning liquids. Its Extreme Green range is ideal for use in remote mining sites and has given the industry a valuable tool in improving environmental outcomes. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/new-oil-permit-next-to-ningaloo/story-e6frg2r3-1226200089784

http://ccwa.org.au/media/new-oil-leases-threaten-ningaloo-reef

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-25/ningaloo-coast-gets-world-heritage-listing/2771264

Australia’s great gold rush of the 1850s saw it produce one third of the world’s gold. In little more than a decade, coal seam gas mining has become the nation’s latest mining boom. Queensland and New South Wales are in the grips of a fierce debate over this relatively new industry.

Coal seam gas mining has grown at a phenomenal speed over the past decade.

The controversy surrounding mining operations down the Queensland and New South Wales coastline has been extreme. Green activists have joined farming communities to protest the impact of the mining method on groundwater tables, pollution and the disposal of non-environmentally-friendly liquid waste.

Fracking water

A major concern has been the impact of coal seam gas water extracted during the fracking process (where water, sand and chemicals are forced underground to release trapped methane). Queensland authorities have been forced to investigate the disposal of non-eco-friendly industrial liquid waste into the Condamine River.

It granted permission to Origin Energy and ConocoPhillips to release water from its coal seam gas operations into the river. The water comes from a desalination plant servicing coal seam and natural gas plants.

It has been reported the treated coal seam gas water was a non-eco-friendly liquid product containing chemicals and heavy metals at levels considered toxic to animals, plants and microorganisms.

Groundwater

Groundwater pollution and overuse has concerned agricultural communities – it has been reported the coal seam gas industry draws 300 gigalitres of water from the ground each year.

There has also been debate over the rights of farmers to block access to miners, with talk on all sides of politics for legislation to protect landholders.

Miners

The mining sector has maintained that coal seam gas mining offers a greener energy choice. Its ‘We Want CSG’ website claims the message from green revolution proponents is misleading and that:

• Coal seam gas produces 70 per cent less emissions than coal;
• Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a process which has been safely used around the world for more than 60 years;
• Queensland and NSW have banned the use of chemicals benzene, tolulene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in fracking.

Debate over coal seam gas mining has been heated and environmental impacts include depleting groundwater levels and pollution from non-environmentally friendly liquids.

Yet the industry has defended its environmental performance, claiming coal seam gas offers a greener energy option which produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than coal.

Monitoring and reducing harmful environmental impacts will be critical to the sustainability of this fast-growing industry. Reducing the use of harmful chemicals at mining sites can improve performance while preserving valuable water and soil resources. For information on the Extreme Green range of eco-friendly liquid products available from Envirosafe Solutions’ contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bligh-bans-urban-csg-mining-abbott-throws-debate-back-states

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-24/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers-map/3664318

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Allegations-unfit-CSG-water-was-dumped-in-river

http://www.wewantcsg.com.au/coal-seam-gas/the-facts

A recent spill from a 25,000 litre freight train containing the non-environmentally friendly liquid household bleach sodium hypochlorite forced the closure of a railway station north of Sydney. It highlighted the risk posed by the transportation of chemicals.

Emergency services were called to Morisset station north of Sydney after track workers noticed a liquid chemical leaking from a private freight train.

The spill from the tanker, carrying sodium hypochlorite, on November 19, 2011 caused delays for commuters and forced the station to shut down while emergency workers contained the leak.

Sodium hypochlorite is bleach found in common non-environmental cleaning products including laundry liquid and disinfectant. While considered safe to use in low concentrations, it is a strong oxidizer and can cause burns when in direct contact with skin or eyes.

When combined with organic chemicals including surfactants and fragrances found in non-eco-friendly liquid cleaning products it can react to produce chlorinated volatile organic compounds. If inhaled these vapours can be extremely toxic (which is why bleaching products should never be mixed with cleaning agents).

While the railway chemical spill was contained within hours, it raised concern about the safe transport and storage of chemical products, including eco-friendly industrial liquids.

Perth-based company Envirosafe Solutions has been an industry leader in developing clear hazard ratings designed to improve safe handling and transport of industrial liquids.

While its products are low-toxic and free of traditional harsh cleaning agents, director Murray Simon said it was important that hazard information was clearly displayed.

“We have had each of our products independently tested and labelled with health, environment, transportation and storage hazard ratings,” Mr Simon said.

“In addition we have recently taken the decision to include a Greywater and Septic Safe rating on our labels to make choosing the right product for your business even easier.

“It’s our belief that both traditional cleaning products and eco-friendly industrial liquids should carry clear, independent ratings so that operators know the risks involved in handling and storing these products.”

According to the Federal Government’s chemical accreditation guidelines released this year (RTC3705A) the risks posed by transport and storing chemicals include:

• Potential risk to worker’s health during transport due to spillage, accident or poisoning;
• Public health risk through possible cross-contamination of produce and damage to the environment through leakage and chemicals flowing into drains, water sources or horticultural land.

It is recommended workers handling chemical products familiarise themselves with Material Safety Data Sheets and take precautions against direct skin contact, inhalation of fumes and ingestion.

Chemical spills such as the freight train leak north of Sydney demonstrate the risks posed by the transportation of common products, including fertilisers, pesticides and other hazardous liquids. Contact Envirosafe Solutions for information on low-toxic cleaning products and industrial liquids by calling 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/chemical-spill-shuts-down-railway-station-20111119-1no7x.html