Whaling has long been outlawed in the oceans off Australia. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) banned commercial whaling because of the real possibility of extinction that was facing many whale species. Stocks have eventually recovered enough to avert the threat of extinction, although the practice remains contentious and problematic and is under constant scrutiny on the world environmental stage.[1]

Historically, the practice of whaling has been linked culturally with a number of countries and indigenous groups, and it is argued this traditional mode has its place if instigated as part of a marine mammal management plan that safeguards against larger scale harvesting of the whale population. This model has been adopted in Canada where various cultural groups – including the Inuit – continue with small-scale whale harvesting as part and parcel of their cultural/eating practices.[2]

But elsewhere, the practice is far more widespread.

Australia is presently lodging a written submission to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and is arguing that Japan’s current whaling activities breach international obligations. The Australian Government is calling for Japan to finally cease its whaling program in The Southern Ocean, stating that it has sought to rely on an exception to the convention by erroneously claiming its activities are due to scientific research.

The World Against Whaling Organisation states that Japan currently kills 1500 whales annually, and that the supposed “scientific research” actually entails “dragging the harpooned whale on board and measuring it briefly before it is processed by the butchers in the ship factory.”[3] It also asserts that “the research is conducted under the auspices of the Institute of Cetacean Research. The “institute” in fact receives its funding from the whaling company Kyodo Senpaku and also from government subsidies. Kyodo Senpaku was formed in 1987 and conducts the collection, processing and selling wholesale of the whale specimens on behalf of the research institute. It sells roughly $US60million worth of whale products each year.”[4]

In 2008, two Japanese Greenpeace activists, Toru Suzuki and Junichi Sato, exposed a scandal involving government corruption entrenched within the tax-payer funded whaling industry. Their case highlights the entrenched resistance to any kind of challenge to the whaling industry in Japan.

The Faroe Islands has also received increasing pressure to cease its annual slaying of long-finned pilot whales. The use of YouTube, online videos and social networking has led to a proliferation of images depicting the mass slaughter of these mammals during the Faroe Islands’ summer months.

Most Faroese actually consider the mass hunt as an intrinsic part of their culture and history, stating because they use everything apart from the head and tail fin, they are therefore within their cultural rights to continue on with this tradition.  The species hunted – the long-finned pilot whale – is in fact a species of dolphin.[5]

Envirosafe Solutions supports a green approach to our oceans and ocean mammals. A healthy respect for these intelligent and fascinating creatures is required so that future generations can enjoy the spectacle and glory of majestic whales as they travel the southern oceans around our continent.

Join the Green Revolution, and support green industry.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70

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

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaling

[3] http://worldagainstwhaling.org/whaling-nations/japenese-whaling.html

[4] ibid

[5] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whaling#Faroe_Islands

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According to NASA, “green aviation is about taking responsibility for the impact of aviation on the environment, which includes carbon footprint, other emissions, and noise.”[1] And this view is backed up by President of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Gordon Page, who states he makes “no apology for highlighting the environment as the single most important issue facing the industry today.”[2] The society’s  position paper on Aviation Emissions and Climate Change notes the aviation industry generates some “31.9 million jobs, provides direct employment to a global skilled workforce of 5.5 million, is vital to the tourist industry and also creates 17.1 million direct and indirect tourism related jobs. It is also essential to business and trade. In 2008 alone, 2.2 billion passengers flew, and airlines carried more than 41million tonnes of cargo.”[3]

It also acknowledges that aviation has an adverse affect on the environment in terms of noise, local air quality and greenhouse gas emissions at a level of 2%.

But aviation is here to stay, and the challenge is to find new modes of energy to replace kerosene and to incorporate eco-friendly practices that are kinder to the environment.

The position paper notes there is in fact a significant opportunity for the development of bio-fuels in Australia, and that Australia has the potential to lead the way in this realm.

Envirosafe Solutions also supports the development of greener practices in the aviation industry, and offers a broad selection of suitable, eco-friendly products that are safe for aircraft and for airport use.

Products such as Extreme Green Rust Remover with its revolutionary water based corrosion treatment, and Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser which is free from petro solvents and harsh acids, can be used in the aviation realm in areas such as hangars, and even on motors, engine parts and heavy duty machinery.

Similarly, products such as the Extreme Green Toilet Bowl Cleaner and the Extreme Green Liquid Hand Soap are suitable for use in small and large aircraft toilet areas that require between flight cleaning and post-flight scrub downs.

The adoption of such practices and products such as those instigated by Envirosafe Solutions, supports and actively augments the current larger scale fuel considerations underway in the aviation industry. The use of eco-friendly products consolidates airline brand strength, sending a clear and visible message to the general flying public who now expect their airlines to “join the green revolution.”  For more information, or to speak with the Envirosafe Sales team, call 1300 889070.

[1] http://nasa.gov/centers/ames/greenspace/nasas-role.html#green

[2] http://www.raes.org.au/aviation-and-the-environment/

[3] http://www.raes.org.au/assets/Uploads/RAeS-Australian-Division-Position-Paper-Aviation-Emissions-Climate-Change.pdf

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The exact details of the plan are now public. A multi-party carbon pricing committee that included the Prime Minister, independents Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor, a number of Greens MP’s and a number of Labor Party ministers developed and negotiated the new scheme. The Liberal Party refused to be involved in the process, in spite of being invited. They declined their seats and cited disagreement with the introduction of a carbon tax for Australia as the reason behind their refusal.

Industries impacted

Large-scale industry will be most affected. The following will be included in the tax:

• Corporations, businesses and facilities that create at least 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.  However, some industries are exempt.
• 500 of the highest polluting businesses will pay the carbon price. This price will actually increase by 2.5% above inflation until 2015.
• In 2015, a market based emissions trading scheme will take over.
• $9.2 billion from the revenue stream will go to businesses and workers the scheme affects.
• The most polluting electricity generators in Australia will be shut down and will be replaced by gas-fired equivalents by 2020.
• Assistance for very high polluting industries that rely on exports will be via free permits. Industries affected by this will include aluminium, steel, flat glass making, zinc, pulp and paper-making.
• The transport industry – heavy vehicles such as semi trailers etc. – will pay carbon tax on diesel from 2014. Up until then, a two year moratorium will be in place.
• $300million will be set aside to support steel manufacturing and industry employment.
• $1.3 billion is set aside as a reward incentive to coal mines that reduce their emissions.[1]

Industry is also encouraged to source new technologies and green innovations, from the research and development through to marketing strategies. $3.2 billion has been set aside to develop a new agency that will develop these programs and ideas.

SBS Australia has stated that “several industry groups – including representatives of coalminers, aluminium producers and retailers – have criticized the scheme. The Australian Coal Association has even reiterated its vocal opposition and says the scheme will result in mine closures.[2] The industry is most concerned about the rising costs due to the tax.

Industries supporting the scheme

However, some industries are supportive. The Australian Geothermal Energy Association (AGEA) has said the scheme would provide a platform for the development of new clean energy projects.

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation also says the new tax will help their sector.[2]

Caltex Australia has also stated the scheme is sensible because the new tax does not apply to fuels used in light vehicles.

Envirosafe Solutions will continue to bring you relevant and updated information on the new scheme. Stay tuned for more reports on the impact on individual families and small business. Envirosafe Solutions continues to support a balanced and thoroughly negotiated approach to emissions trading and taxing. It also encourages the use of its environmentally friendly products that do less damage to the planet. For more information or for order and purchase enquiries, please phone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 889070

[2] http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1569273/latest-from-wire/

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History

The group was formed in 2002, and since then has been an instigator for change and spotlighting of various groundbreaking new approaches to land and water management in Australia. Their first major statement at that time was called Blueprint for a Living Continent and set out major issues some of which include:

• Restoration of environmental flows to stressed rivers
• Clarification of water property rights
• The end of broadscale land clearing of remnant native vegetation
• Paying farmers for environmental services (clean water, fresh air, healthy soils)

Its members comprise such notables as Dr Neil Byron, Professor Tim Flannery, Dr. Ronnie Harding and Professor David Kelly. It maintains that its three core objectives form the backbone of its approach and ideas in relation to the environment and Australia. These comprise:

• Driving innovation in the management of Australia’s land, water and marine resources
• Engage business and political and even community leader in conversation to source and also to implement solutions for the Australian environment
• Build capacity in Australia by mentoring young scientists, lawyers and economists to develop their skills and their understanding of public policy[2]
  

To date, the interdisciplinary body has delivered 8 seminal blueprints that have motivated various state and federal governments to act on such issues as a national water plan, a new model for landscape conservation, the need for optimizing carbon in the Australian landscape and the need for sustainable diversions in the Murray-Darling basin.

One of the most distinct and exciting aspects of the Wentworth group is the firm commitment to a Science and Mentoring and Master Class program to “enhance the ability of students, scientists and economists to engage in public policy on the future of our land, water and marine resources.”[3]Participants in these particular programs are given access and opportunity to work one-to-one with various members of the Wentworth Group so that they can apply their knowledge later on, to various public policy outcomes. This program is viewed as a symbiotic one, with a two way interrelationship, whereby the Wentworth Group members also experience the chance to learn about leading-edge research and in-the-field issues from the visiting participants.

The group also offers a series of scholarships with the aim to help young scientists understand the need to pull together both science and public policy issues in order to ensure that their research has relevance and potential for future decision making and science at a world class level.

With the Wentworth group, Australia can at least be partially assured against the mass migration of its young scientists overseas, as has been the case for many years. Traditionally, the opportunity for scientists in Australia has been fairly limited, as Peter Doherty, Australian scientist and Nobel Laureate has stated. “America for example,” he says, “simply spends a lot more on research than Australia does,” and this issue has led to the Australian brain drain, as it is now known.[4] Certainly,  the opportunities posed and presented by The Wentworth Group go some way in attempting to stem the flow, by attracting Australia’s young environmental scientists and thinkers to stay at home and develop their research and public policy approaches here, as opposed to overseas.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the work of groups such as the Wentworth Group, who are leading the way forward in the development of excellent environmental research and stellar opportunities for young Australian scientists.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions to learn more about their eco-friendly products, on 1300 88 90 70.

[1] http://www.wentworthgroup.org/about-us

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid

[4] Australian scientists overseas.

http://abc.net.au/rn/science/ss/stories/s279643.htm

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The UN’s Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log has announced that the situation continues to remain very serious, and may in fact be a worst case-scenario. On the 8^th May, the Japanese authorities announced that the situation goes beyond a mere meltdown scenario and may now be considered “ a melt-through.”  The nuclear fuel in 3 reactors has possibly melted through the tough pressure vessels and has now possibly accumulated in the outer containment areas.

On-site measurements continue to read high, despite minor fluctuations and minor decreases in levels.[1] In addition, food monitoring and food restrictions continue and the twenty kilometre no-go zone around the reactor remains virtually deserted, save for the occasional elderly Japanese villager, who feels too old and overwhelmed to leave.

In relation to food, restrictions continue to be placed upon milk, certain fish, turnips and ostrich fern in specific areas impacted by the nuclear accident. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also announced that head-type leafy vegetables such as cabbage, as well as flower head brassicas such as broccoli and cauliflower, and shitake mushrooms are also restricted regarding distribution and consumption. Marine and seawater monitoring has shown fluctuations in radioactive concentrations with rises registered at the end of May 2011. The offshore sampling positions have also shown the contamination of marine sediment and the need for possible removal of particulate matter in the future.

On the 1^st June 2011 the International Atomic Energy Agency released its Preliminary Summary on Fukushima disaster that occurred with the East Japan Tsunami. [2]

The paper announced that the main preliminary findings and lessons learned are as follows:

• “The  Japanese Government, nuclear regulators and operators have been extremely open in sharing information and answering the many questions the IAEA have had
• The response on site has been excellent and has resulted in the best approach to securing safety, given the exceptional circumstances.
• The Japanese Government’s longer term response – including evacuations – has been impressive and extremely well organized. A suitable and timely follow up program on public and worker exposures would be beneficial.
• The planned road-map will need modifications as new circumstances and scenarios are uncovered. International co-operation may be needed here.
• The tsunami hazard for several sites was under-estimated. In future, nuclear designers and operators should appropriately evaluate and provide protection against the risks of all natural hazards.
• Nuclear regulatory systems should address extreme external events adequately and should ensure that regulatory independence and clarity of reviews are aligned with IAEA safety standards.
• Severe long term combination of external events should be adequately covered in design, operations, resourcing and emergency arrangements
• Hardened Emergency on-site Emergency Response Centers should be provided for all major nuclear facilities with severe accident potential.
• Hydrogen risks should be subject to detailed evaluation and necessary mitigation systems provided
• Emergency arrangements for the early phases especially, should be designed to be robust.[3]

In short, the International Atomic Energy Agency has also maintained that the Fukushima accident offers an unfortunate and yet unique opportunity to develop and improve on worldwide nuclear safety strategies. With the latest news on the details of the melt-through still only scant, the world waits to consider the full developments and impacts of this situation.

Envirosafe Solutions provides regular updates on the Fukushima situation as these come to light. Updates are available on the Envirosafe Solutions News and Events section of our website. Support an environmentally safe world. Support environmentally safe industry and products. Call Envirosafe Solutions now on 1300 88 90 70.

[2] IAEA  http://www.iaea.org/newscentre/focus/fukushima/missionsummary010611.pdf

[3] Ibid.

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Bruce Thom is a busy man! He is a member of The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, is Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney and is also President of the Australian Coastal Society. In his role as ACS President, he delivered a simple six point plan, aimed to help Australia move beyond the current actions at federal and state levels, and introduce greater institutional changes that will help us contend with the increasing threat to our coastal livelihoods and lifestyles by way of population growth and climate change.

In National Coastal Reform – 2010 and Beyond[1] Thom relays the sad notion that climate science has in fact become a “combat sport” particularly since the failure of the Copenhagen Climate Conference in 2009. At that point, the tide turned somewhat, and the credibility of climate science was undermined to some extent, leading the way for the vocal onslaught from the climate science skeptics, both nationally and globally.

As a reply to the growing skepticism, his 6 point plan proposes 2 x 3 sub-plans – one of which focuses on the need for climate change driven adaptation initiatives, and the other focusing on coastal adaptation issues.  While he maintains none are necessarily original, they are at least sourced from novel ideas floated by such bodies as the House of Representatives Committee, The Wentworth Group, the Australian Coastal Society and the Sea Change Task Force.[2]

The six points are:

• A Futures Fund especially reserved to cope with the extreme impacts and tipping points associated with and arising from climate change. (Massive protective works may be needed in future to protect coastal regions and the coastal ribbon developments around Australia.
• Regionally Based Environmental Accounts developed into a national system – as proposed by The Wentworth Group.[3] These would reinforce consistent measurement of direction and rate of change in natural assets as the new climate era starts to really hit.
• Legal Reform so that coastal land can be reconsidered as “transient land” as opposed to a fixed entity. A new approach to land tenure, property law and common law rights that is more flexible and able to deal with the dynamic and shifting nature of coastal landforms and regions as climate change hits. (An extreme case of this is currently occurring in low-lying Pacific Islands that are already lost to water-level rises.)
• Coastal Reforms in the form of an intergovernmental agreement on coastal management and planning. In effect, what is required is a National Coastal Policy that unites state and federal governments in their approach to coastal management issues that impact the future.
• National Coastal Information System – based on the US model whereby techniques of various coastal and science bodies (Eg. CSIRO, AIMS, Geoscience Australia, various universities) pool and integrate information to underpin a sustained coastal observing system.
• National Coastal Commission to be based on a national coastal act that has the capacity to advise, act and technically support governments in a nationally consistent and coordinated manner.[4]

The 6 point plan pulls together a number of different ideas in order to propose a blueprint for unified national coastal management in the years to come, particularly as sea-levels begin to rise, and we are impacted increasingly by issues such as receding coastlines, land erosion and threat to property and coastal habitation.  Envirosafe Solutions has long advocated respect for the sea, hence the development of their eco-friendly liquids that are reduced in phosphates and other harsh chemicals that can impact the environment adversely.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions and speak with one of their friendly sales staff now. You will be supporting green industry practice. Envirosafe Solutions 1300 88 90 70.

[1] http://wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Coastal address in C2C 2010.pdf

[2] Ibid.

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

[4] Thom, B. National Coastal Reform 2010 and Beyond.  http://wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Coastal address in C2C 2010.pdf

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Trucks get downright dirty. Big trucks and small trucks, mining trucks and road transport vehicles all contend with the Australian dust and dirt and climate on a daily basis. So too does farm machinery as well as the good old Aussie car or 4Wheel drive or bus travelling along a coastal highway or a desert road. After a few days or even just a short distance, the dust and dirt can cake on and stick, and play havoc with visibility, duco and the shiny smooth surface of your much loved work or play vehicle.

Originally developed for machine washing of vehicles, Extreme Green Truck Wash can also be used to hand wash your truck or car, and because it is manufactured from an excellent blend of “high-foaming, grease loving surfactants and emulsifiers that effectively remove dirt, grease and grime,” you can be sure any vehicle you clean with this product will shine and glisten like new.[1]

There are a number of central benefits to Extreme Green Truck Wash. Because it is so highly concentrated, far less than usual is needed for the toughest of washing tasks, and this translates to greater cost-savings for you and your business. Additionally, it is safe to use on all hard metal vehicular surfaces and will not leave any film or streaking on the surface after rinsing. This actually cuts down on work and chamois time, and means that cleaning tasks are performed more quickly than when using lesser quality vehicle wash products.

And of course – as is the case with all the Extreme Green Envirosafe Solutions range, it is 100%  proudly Australian owned, which means that your spent dollars remain within the confines of the Australian economy and help to build a greener and more financially stable and independent nation that provides employment and opportunity to its inhabitants. Envirosafe Solutions is proud of its nation-building approach to business, and sees this as a brand point of difference that cannot be stressed highly enough in this era of frequent and pronounced off-shoring of business and industry.

Like other liquids from the Extreme Green range, Truck Wash is also fully biodegradable and phosphate free. Applied at a dilution ration of 1:50, it can be applied either manually or by pressure washer, foam fun, steam cleaner of car wash system. In the case of extremely encrusted grime and mud, there is no need to source a secondary product. Rather, Truck Wash’s unique formulation means that all that is required is a slight adjustment to dilution ratios so that the liquid concentration is higher in the water. A ration of approximately 1:10 should suffice in such cases. Where the encrustation is maximal and extreme, a “neat application” of Truck Wash – left for 5 to 10 minutes then removed, will shift stubborn encrustations and pave the way for a full surface clean.

If you require an exemplary truck or vehicle washing and cleaning liquid suitable for both light and heavy build-ups, do not hesitate to call Envirosafe Solutions to enquire about their 3 star green rating Truck Wash liquid product. Call an Envirosafe Solutions team member now on 1300 889070.

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Hard yakka and hard and heavy industry work requires heavy duty cleaning products that can deliver the job they promise. But in today’s ever changing environmentally conscious world, the old cleaning materials comprising harsh and yes – effective – but environmentally brutal solvent based products – are no longer acceptable. New alternatives and new technologies are required, and Envirosafe Solutions has been involved in the development of sound and environmentally safe industrial and home cleaning products that clean effectively without harming our precious environment.

Their Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is an extremely effective and highly active all purpose alkaline cleaner and degreaser, that can be used on hard to shift deposits in all kinds of industry. It is not only suitable for use on vehicle motors and truck machinery, but can also be applied to workshops and factory or industry areas or machinery where grease and grime build ups are a constant workplace reality. In fact, Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser can be used on just about all heavily soiled hard surfaces.

Envirosafe Solutions is proud to announce that this product is indeed alkaline based and also contains absolutely no petro-solvents or harsh acids whatsoever. It is also non-toxic and is extremely adaptable to a wide range of applications.

The only alteration to directions when using it in different applications is an alteration to the dilution ratios. For example:

• Greasy workshop floors- dilute at 1:25 with water
• Heavy duty machinery- dilute between 1:5 and 1:15 with water
• Motors and engines- dilute at 1:50 with water
• Shower and toilet areas- dilute between 1:50 and 1:100 with water
• Spray and wipe- dilute at 1:50 with water (1:10 for heavy duty)

Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is also offered in a range of packaging options. Large scale industries and business may take the 205 or the 1000 litre options, whereas smaller businesses and those sourcing this product for domestic use may want to purchase the 4 x4litre per carton option. For medium sized businesses or workshop concerns, the 10 and 20 litre packaging options are also suitable.

If you require an effective and extremely versatile alkaline cleaner and degreaser that will not damage or hurt the environment, try sourcing Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser.

The Envirosafe Range is tailored to suit Australian conditions and the Envirosafe Solutions development team understands the requirements and needs of our delicate and awe-inspiring continent. That is why the Extreme Green Range adheres to industry best practice when it comes to eco-friendly alternatives to traditional degreasing and cleaning products. To order your Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70.

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The Forest Code was passed in the 1930’s and states that “a landowner must keep part of their land intact. For land in the Amazon, 80% must be kept in its natural condition.”[1]

Just several weeks ago, on May 24 2011, members of the Brazilian House of Representatives swung in favour of alteration to The Brazilian Forest Code. There was a resounding vote in favour of changes that herald a new era of destruction for Amazon forest life.

The proposed changes – that will undermine Amazon biodiversity and environmental stability are:

• A full amnesty for those farmers and concerns that have already degraded land above and beyond the 80% protection level
• Reduction to the 80% protection level currently in existence. Natural vegetation on rural properties and along streams and rivers (the riparian buffer zone) are therefore under threat.
• Permits to be granted for tree lopping – including that of threatened species such as the Araucaria pine

Dr. Meg Symington, Managing Director of the Amazon Program for the World Wildlife Fund has said these alterations represent a “massive step backwards for Brazil in terms of its environmental policy and could lead to massive increases in deforestation.”[2]

Currently, deforestation worldwide contributes as much as 20% of global carbon emissions. Since the proposed changes to The Brazilian Forest Code were introduced, there has been a massive 540% increase in deforestation in the Mato Gross state alone, and it is believed this is due to “landowners anticipating no financial repercussion for lands already cleared, as is one of the proposed changes that are underway.”[3] She has also stated that “4-7% of today’s current global emissions come from the carbon dioxide releases as a result of deforestation in the Amazon.”[4]

The powerful Brazilian farming lobby supports the changes and says it would make Brazil’s agricultural sector far more competitive by increasing their access to productive and fertile lands.  The old 80% figure would be cut down to 20%, freeing up vast tracts of rainforest for further farming and agrarian pursuits.

The main threats, according to Greenpeace, come from soy and cattle producers as well as loggers. Their concern is not only for the wildlife and the delicate rainforest ecosystem, but also the indigenous communities whose cultures and way of life are at risk.[5]

The World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace, as well as many international and Brazilian based environmental organisations are increasing pressure on the Brazilian Government at present, in an attempt to alter or at least slow down the proposed changes to The Forest Code.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for responsible consideration of farming, deforestation and legislative practices worldwide to ensure the ongoing maintenance and survival of areas as precious and priceless as The Amazon.

Their own approach to environmental issues is strictly “low impact” and is designed to comprehensively deploy product approaches that minimise harm to the earth. Responsibility is the key.

Speak with one of the sales team to obtain Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green range of products. Join the Green Revolution!

Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid.

[5] http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/forests/amazon/threats-and-solutions/

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Deep sea mining in the Pacific is on the increase, with the number of firms seeking licenses growing very rapidly. New licenses have recently been granted for various areas surrounding Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Solomon  Islands.

Up until a few years ago, this type of deep sea mining for precious metals was deemed too costly, but with rapid advances and innovations in technology, new exploration processes and techniques have been developed, making this form of mining both profitable and feasible.

According to Steve Smith of Greenpeace, “seabed mining is an emerging threat to the world’s oceans, and Greenpeace is now working regionally here in the Pacific as that is where it is emerging right now. We are also working in the United Nations framework to ensure that the world’s oceans are protected for the benefit of the world’s people.”[1]

As the rise in license approvals increases, so too does the call for a more informed approach to underwater explorations. Various Pacific rights groups have also called for a moratorium on the granting of all future deep-sea mining licenses in the Pacific, and hope to generate debate on the subject. Media coverage of the subject continues and June 2011 will see the hosting of a Pacific regional meeting in Fiji which aims to map out the future of ocean mineral mining in the entire region. The world’s first commercial lease for deep-sea mining was granted in January to the Canadian based Nautilus Minerals firm, and will focus on the extraction of gold and copper from the sea bed, about 50 km off the Papua New Guinea Coast.[2]

However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has also weighed in on the debate and has stated that seabed mining may in fact be far less environmentally damaging than many forms of land-based mining. It adds also, that more work needs to be done to fully understand its full impact.  Dr. Jan Steffen, Marine Coordinator for the IUCN’s Oceania Division says the framework legislation to regulate deep-sea mining needs to be much the same as that for land-based mining. “Land-based mining has decades of experience and I think we would want to see the same rigour applied on the seabed, plus of course, the additional factors that come up when it comes to connectivity and the sea and the fact that many of the sea vent communities (where mining may occur) are unique, and so one would want to minimise impact.”[3]

A responsible approach to development and mining of the sea bed is likely to be the way forward and the reality. While many industry groups tout the primacy of the need for exploration and mining, and many environmental groups tout the need for a complete cessation on all developments, perhaps the real issue is for the development of ongoing responsible and sustainable exploration and approaches that support both industry and green groups.  The two do not need to be mutually exclusive!

Envirosafe Solutions supports a responsible consideration of all the facts involved when it comes to development, resources and industry.

For more information on the Envirosafe Solutions distinct Eco-friendly product range call 1300 88 90 70

[1] Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en

[2] http://abcasiapacificnews.com/stories/201106/3233315.htm?site=sydney

[3] ibid.

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