Canadian Mining Encounters Mexican Protest

Laundry Powder, Dust Suppressor, Fuel ConditionerWhat do you do when a site rich for mining is in the same location as endangered and religious-based eco systems for local wildlife and indigenous tribes? That’s a tough question, one which is faced by First Majestic Silver Corp., a Canadian mining company looking to mine the area of Wixariko, Mexico for rich quantities of silver and gold. This question is neatly balanced between Canadian interests in the mining potential of the lustrous area and the religious, cultural, and monetary interests of the local populace of Wixarika, or the Huicholes as they are best known. Both sides of the issue are complex and in need of further investigation. Sustainable and eco friendly facets are also a consideration, since this area is an endangered ecological system.

First Majestic Silver Corp. has already been granted six thousand hectares, most of which lies within this reserve, for twenty-two mining concession give to them. The mining company would provide jobs for local residents, something which is sorely needed since only a few sources of income are available in the area, including tourism, which would be negatively affected by the mining operations. First Majestic Silver Corp. is offering large concessions to the Wixarika, including seven hundred and sixty one hectares of land set aside for their sacred springs and willingness to completely give up access to Cerro Quemado mountain. An old former mine which was in operation several decades in the past will be reactivated, and as much of the old traditions observed, as possible. Juan Carlos Gonzalez is manager of the Minera Real Bonanza, which is a subsidiary of First Majestic, handling operation on the Real de Catorce project. He emphasizes that he wishes to run a sustainable, eco friendly management of the mining in that area with as little impact to the local people as possible.

The Huicholes have put their foot down, saying that this is non-negotiable. They cite the Mexican President’s promise to protect their cultural and religious areas. Their sacred sites include Wirikuta, a place of regular pilgrimage for the Wixarika, which they believe to be the birthplace of the sun. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) declared in 1998 that Wirikuta is one of the world’s fourteen natural sacred sites which needed to be protected. The matter is being investigated by James Anaya, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Issues.

For more information on environmentally friendly mining practices, including industrial cleaning products, contact Envirosafe Solutions at: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

“Battle for ‘birthplace of the sun’ in Mexico – Features – Al Jazeera English.” AJE – Al Jazeera English. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2011. http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/10/20111027125212764306.html?utm_content=automateplus&utm_campaign=Trial6&utm_source=SocialFlow&utm_medium=MasterAccount&utm_term=tweets.

Can A Company Be ‘Guaranteed Green’?

Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Fabric Conditioner, Laundry Powder“There’s no such thing as a sure thing.” This is often quoted by the cynical and the skeptical, and most people do not go so far as to believe in absolutes, like a guarantee. We are all aware of human nature and the potential for messing up the best laid plans. Some of us are naturally hopeful and some of us are naturally doubtful, but none of us ever really believe in human perfection…at least, not in this life. So can a company be completely environmentally friendly? Can an eco friendly business actually guarantee the economics of their product or service?

The answer is: No. Due to our all-too-apparent human fallibility, no company can make such a guarantee and follow through with perfect exactitude. At Envirosafe Solutions, we offer environmentally safe cleaning solvents and products for your corporate and industrial needs. We have a solid reputation and a long line of satisfied customers. However, we do not claim to be infallible. We do offer a 30-day Money Back Guarantee, though. You must have used less than 1/10th of the total product and you must write to us with a reason for return within 30 days of the date of sale. We will pay the shipping to send you replacement products, but you must pay the return shipping for unused product, unless it is actually defective.

How is Envirosafe Solutions able to make such a guarantee, when anyone could return our products after using a small portion of them? We are so confident in the effectiveness of our eco friendly Extreme Green cleaning solutions, that we know that you will be a lifelong customer of ours. Alright, alright, we have given you a Money Back Guarantee, but what about our example? Do we actually use our own products in our own business?

You bet. We only use our eco friendly liquid products in our company. You can come by our offices and see for yourself. We are Unit 12 of 3 King Edward Road in Osborne Park, Western Australia. We would love to see you! If you do not fancy a drive to our physical location, give us a call at: (+61) 1300 88 90 70. If you are trying to make your company more eco friendly, the easiest way is to begin using our Extreme Green cleaning products in the care and maintenance of your worksite.

Biodegradable Solvents Are Safe to Store

Rust Remover, Radiator Coolant,Dishwasher Rinse AidWhether you own a large manufacturing plant or are looking to degrease your home garage, you will need a heavy duty solvent which can clean up petroleum based products, such as diesel, petrol and kerosene, and any type of engine oil, such as transmission oil, hydraulic oil, antifreeze and motor oil. Unfortunately, in the case of large chemical storage, petro solvents can be highly dangerous and corrosive. Transportation could fix this problem by only delivering the solvent when necessary, but this can become expensive and you may need to clean up toxic spills right away. Storage of petro solvents can be both expensive and hazardous, since the caustic chemicals will cause damage to health if spilled. It is recommended to use our eco-friendly Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner and Degreaser to solve this problem.

Our heavy duty degreaser is designed to be non-toxic and safe because it lacks dangerous petro solvents or corrosive acids. This makes our products safe to use, easy to store for long periods of time, and if an accident occurs, our cleaner/degreaser will not be hazardous to your employees’ health. On-the-job accidents and chemical spills can cost your company a great deal in liability, but this cleaner willreduce injuries and legal repercussions because it is safe both for the environment and for humans.

Because our Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner and Degreaser is water based, it will not leave a film on applied surfaces and will quickly and completely wash off by spraying your floors, walls or equipment down. This makes our degreaser great for oil and petrol workshops, auto repair shops, decorative brick paving, concrete sidewalks and even bathroom areas. Heavy duty machinery will require daily or weekly maintenance, especially in the mining industry, and our eco-friendly solvent will remain safe in closed spaces where clean breathing is vital. You can buy it in a variety of amounts, from single use or test run sizes to bulk liquid amounts. Click here for direct ordering information.

In large manufacturing and distributing companies, it is necessary to store many chemicals for operation onsite and in bulk amount due to daily consumption. Cleaning is necessary to keep expensive equipment and work spaces in good order. Envirosafe Solutions offers a wide variety of cleaning products which are environmentally safe, highly effective and which cut down on the waste produced by your individual organization. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70

Are ‘Green’ Products Just As Effective As More Hazardous Materials?

Rust Converter, Dishwasher Powder, DisinfectantWe live in a world in which we are able to get the job done right the first time and there are few exceptions which will justify not doing so. Our chemical products, whether they are toothpaste, dishwashing liquid or drain cleaner, must be up to the task, or the brand itself can lose all credibility overnight. At Envirosafe Solutions, we absolutely must guarantee that our eco friendly products are as effective, if not more so, as petro solvent and dangerously acidic chemicals. Our brand must support this goal or we would go out of business.

At Envirosafe Solutions, our Extreme Green products are designed by specialized scientists who seek to make biodegradable solvents and cleaners which are just as reliable as their toxic alternatives. We offer a 30-day Money Back Guarantee on all of our products if for any reason a product delivered to you is in any way defective. Our heavy duty glass cleaners are great for the hospitality industry, whereas our Graffiti Remover is perfect for cleaning up leftover paint from finished construction sites. Industrial solutions in bulk amounts are ideal for factory maintenance, and our Dust Suppressant is perfect for the agricultural industry.

Whether you use our environmentally safe products in your own household or for daily heavy machinerymaintenance, our cleaning solutions are here to reduce hazardous waste, control bio waste spills, and to continue to help your company be as ‘green’ as possible. Cleaning staff do not have to hold their breath or wear masks while using most of our products and accidental product spillage is not cause for concern. You see, our reputation is at stake, and in business, perception equals reality. If our customers were not happy with our products, then we would not be able to remain in business. Fortunately, our eco friendly solvents, degreasers, glass cleaners and rust removers are just as effective as their non-green counterparts. In this way, you can achieve results, reduce human health hazards, reduce company liability, and safely store our products for long periods of time without worrying about corrosion or dangerous caustics. This is especially helpful in closed spaces where your cleaning staff would otherwise be breathing in toxic fumes.

At Envirosafe Solutions, our testimonials speak for themselves. Large industrial organizations and small private businesses alike recommend our products and feel better handling a safer, biodegradable material. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Australian scientist heads international mining research centre

Disinfectant, Rust Remover, Radiator CoolantImproving energy efficiency and scientific research in mining has been the impetus for a new project between Australia and Chile. A new research centre in Chile will help address common environmental and technological challenges. This latest example of mining innovation and teamwork is a step forward for the green revolution.

A leading Australian CSIRO scientist will head a new international mining and research processing centre to be based in Santiago, Chile.

Dr Neal Wai Poi has been appointed to lead the project, which was developed by the CSIRO in collaboration with the University of Chile and the Chile International Centre of Excellence in Mining and Mineral Processing.

He said he welcomed the opportunity to help tackle some of the common challenges faced by mining industries in Australia and Chile.

“Australia and Chile have many common current and future challenges that their mining industries need to address,” he said.

“These include processing lower-grade ores, improving water and energy efficiency in remote areas and deeper open-cut and underground operations.

“The Centre for Excellence will have extensive benefits for Australia, including creating new bilateral business opportunities for service companies, improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the industry and advancing scientific research.”

Leading the way

The Australian mining industry has been recognised as world leaders in new technologies and developing environmental standards. Recent innovations include:

  • Research showing mining waste can be used to filter water;
  • Reduced water and soil contamination through the use of eco-friendly industrial liquids;
  • Dust reduction (using wetting agents such as the Extreme Green Dust Suppressor/Soil Wetta);

In an address to the mining industry in June, Opposition leader Tony Abbott applauded its commitment to innovation.

“The Australian mining industry is a world leader at observing the best environmental standards, we are setting new standards in environmental care and concern and increasingly the mining industry is deeply respectful of indigenous culture,” he said.

Despite these commendations, the mining industry continues to come under scrutiny for environmental breaches and disasters.

The high-risk sector needs continued research and the foundation of a new international centre in Chile offers hope of better environmental and health outcomes.

Envirosafe Solutions has been proud to supply the mining industry with environmental cleaning product solutions. Its Extreme Green range includes eco-friendly industrial liquids designed specifically for remote mining sites. From everything from fuel treatments (Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer) to dust suppressors and laundry powders, it has green alternatives to traditional harsh cleaners.

For more information on Envirosafe Solutions’ environmentally friendly liquids for the mining industry contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.csiro.au/news/CSIRO-leading-international-research-centre.html

From Denmark to India, carbon taxes around the world

Dishwashing Liquid, Glass cleaner, Diesel Bug Killer, Anti-Bacterial Hand WashAs theproposed carbon tax continues to dominate headlines the real question for Australian households and businesses is whether it will reduce greenhouse emissions. Today we take a look around the globe at other countries which have already introduced a carbon tax.

TheFederal Government’s planned carbon tax has divided Australians.

Green revolution proponents believe the tax will provide the impetus for polluters to reduce their carbon emissions by developing new technologies and more sustainable energy sources.

Opponents, including mining giants BPH and Rio Tinto, claim it will reduce their ability to compete for lucrative contracts against overseas companies.

Households and small business fear the cost of rising electricity bills under the new system will add to their financial pressures.

At its core the tax – which will encompass stationary electricity, transport and industrial sectors – aims to put a price on the carbon released into the environment when fossil fuels are burned.

While the Gillard Government has not announced the per tonne price it will set for carbon pollution, it has promised to lock-in the initial price for the first three to five year period. During this period the Government intends to establish an emissions trading scheme to cap total carbon emissions.

A carbon tax has already been introduced in other countries, mainly small European nations but also emerging market India. South Africa, like Australia, is poised to introduce a tax.

  • Finland was the first country to set a price on carbon in 1990 and taxes carbon emissions at 20 Euros per tonne;
  • Sweden introduced a carbon tax in 1991 and between 1990 and 2006 cut its carbon pollution by nine percent;
  • Norway introduced a carbon tax in 1991 and between 1991 and 2008 recorded a significant increase in its emissions;
  • Denmark introduced a carbon tax in 1992. Its industries are taxed according to whether a company employs energy efficiency measures and what it produces. Per capita carbon dioxide emissions in 2005 were 15% lower than in 1990;
  • The Netherlands has a tax on all processed fossil fuels based on energy and carbon contents;
  • Switzerland introduced a carbon incentive tax in 2008. It also has an emissions trading system. The country’s greenhouse gas emissions were stable between 1990 and 2007;
  • Ireland introduced a tax on oil and gas in 2010;
  • Costa Rica introduced a tax in 1997 which raises money to fund the protection of forests.

A quick glance at carbon tax schemes across the globe shows different countries have taken a variety of approaches to taxing emissions and the outcomes for Australia’s proposed carbon tax remain unclear.

Environmental cleaning products firm Envirosafe Solutions has watched the carbon tax debate with interest. Its corporate commitment to green revolution practices includes offsetting its own emissions by donating two per cent of profits to Carbon Neutral.

It supplies eco-friendly industrial liquids such asits Extreme Green fuel conditioners and treatments to heavy emitters including the mining and transport sectors. From hand cleaners to radiator cleaners, its range of environmental cleaning products has been tailored to help industry employ more sustainable practices.

Australia’s proposed carbon tax indicates a commitment toward reducing greenhouse gas pollution. For more sustainable business solutions contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.mpe-magazine.com/comment/time-to-act

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1492651/at-a-glance-carbon-taxes-around-the-world

http://www.miningweekly.com/article/sa-moves-to-finalise-carbon-tax-this-year-despite-global-loose-ends-2011-03-16-1

New taxes fail to dampen mining investment

Environmentally Friendly Liquids, Soil WettaFears a looming mining profits tax and carbon tax would deter investment by Australia’s mining sector appear unfounded – at least for the moment. The latest report from the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resources, Economics and Sciences (ABARES) shows total expenditure for minerals and energy was $173.5 billion in April.

Australia’s mining boom continues even in the face of mining profits and carbon taxes earmarked for July 2012.

Latest figures from ABARES show record $173.5 billion expenditure from minerals and energy in April, up 31 per cent on October 2010. It represents four times the average yearly expenditure from the past 30 years.

This apparent financial optimism flies it the face of industry concerns that proposed new taxes would stifle investment, according to ABARES acting deputy executive director Terry Sheales.

“The significant increase in planned capital expenditure reflects the mining industry’s confidence in the medium and long term outlook for Australia’s mineral and energy commodities.”

Green revolution wants super profits tax revival

Greens leader Bob Brown has pushed for a revival of the failed super profits mining tax, credited with causing the collapse of former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s leadership.

He has argued the new Mineral Resources Rent Tax fails to go far enough and that most mining profits go overseas because foreign ownership. A report commissioned by the Australian Greens, the Foreign Ownership of Australian Mining Profits, has shown that $50 billion from Australia’s mineral resources would go offshore in the next five years.

Industry claims wealth ‘wide-spread’

The view has been disputed by Minerals Council chief Mitch Hooke who said the wealth generated by Australian mining was shared by Australian shareholders and employees and businesses that supplied or service the mining sector.

“Millions of Australians share in the wealth generated by Australian mining operations, either as direct or indirect shareholders of the 750,000 directly engaged employees.”

But while green revolution proponents and industry continue to battle over the mining profits tax and carbon tax – now set at $23 per tonne of carbon emissions – environmental issues remain the most glaring problem for future generations.

Striking a balance

As an environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been proud to supply Australia’s mining sector with eco-friendly liquid solutions to industry needs.

Like many ordinary Australians, the environmentally friendly liquids supplier remains hopeful that politics will drive positive environmental change. This requires a balanced approach – one that neither stifles investment nor indulges corporate heavyweights.

The challenge for mining is to minimise its environmental footprint by employing best practice. The switch to eco-friendly industrial liquids instead of toxic chemicals which pollute soil and waterways is one small but significant step forward. For advice on eco-friendly liquid products for the mining sector contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://econews.com.au/news-to-sustain-our-world/mining-tax-doesn%E2%80%99t-deter-capital-expenditure/

http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/Greens-claim-rapid-foreign-takeover-J9UZM?OpenDocument

http://bob-brown.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/australia%E2%80%99s-foreign-owned-mining-industry-ship-50b-dividends-offshore

Mining ban sparks environmental debate

Soil Wetta, Insect & Tar Remover, Dust SuppressorA piece of wilderness in the north of South Australiahas been declared out of bounds for mining. The landmark decision to protect Arkaroola from mining has been a costly blow for explorer Marathon Resources but has been applauded by the green revolution.

After years of debate the unique Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges has been declared a mining-free zone.

Premier Mike Rann made the announcement on July 24 and won widespread community support for the environmental stance, although concerns have been raised about potential compensation costs.

Mining company Marathon Resources and its legal team have entered discussions with the State Government after investing heavily in mining exploration in the area. Shares in the junior explorer fell after the mining ban was announced.

Marathon was granted an exploration license for the uranium-rich area this year, after being banned for dumping waste in 2008. It had been preparing to start drilling in what it has described as the ‘fifth-biggest undeveloped uranium deposit in Australia’.

Walking the tightrope

The Arkaroola ban has highlighted the balancing act involved in exploiting the nation’s rich natural resources while protecting vulnerable and unique environments.

Australian mining companies are widely regarded as world-leaders in establishing best practice mining.

The industry has a code of practice governing site restoration, air emissions, contamination, water and hazardous materials management. Switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids instead of harsh chemicals (such as the popular Extreme Green range which includes dust suppressors and non-toxic cleaners) or finding uses for mineral-rich mining waste are significant steps forward.

Yet mining continues to leave a heavy environmental footprint – soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, water contamination from non-eco-friendly liquid products and native vegetation removal are part of the price.

These concerns prompted the decision to protect Arkaroola, which will be excised from the State’s Mining Act and nominated for National Heritage Listing.

The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy has labelled the decision short-sighted, claiming it failed to accommodate future technological advances, such as mining without surface disturbance.

Compensation talks continue but for the South Australian community support for the mining ban remains high – it appears the public wants a line to be drawn in the sand. Some areas just shouldn’t be touched.

The way forward lies in developing improved technologies and continuing to implement best practise across Australia’s mining sector. Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions proudly supports the mining sector’s green efforts by supplying the industry with its Extreme Green product range.

For more information on eco-friendly industrial liquids designed for remote mining sites contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.businessday.com.au/business/arkaroola-mining-ban-a-slap-in-the-face-20110722-1ht1c.html

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/companies/marathon-resources-to-make-its-case-on-arkaroola/story-fn91v9q3-1226102342836

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/arkaroola-wilderness-mining-ban/2805642

Sustainable farming the new Green Revolution

Soil Wetta, Dust SuppressorPopulation growth will force food production to double over the next 50 years, according to a leading Australian scientist. The cost of high-yield farming – which became widespread during the so-called Green Revolution of the 1960s – has been poor soil quality and water scarcity, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices in the future.

Food production demands are coming at a heavy environment cost and a new approach is needed to secure sustainable farming in the future.

This is the view of leading agricultural scientist Dr John Williams, a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists.

Dr Williams has discussed the threats facing farming in a paper titled Environmental Farming, the New Agriculture. He says that in the past the ‘easy answer’ to increased food production demand was to farm new land. Today, he argues, the land itself has come under threat through urban development, land degradation, water scarcity and poor soil, including low levels of phosphorous.

He has argued the case for science to play a growing role in farming practices, to improve both productivity and sustainability. The willingness of dryland grain farmers to adopt conservation farming such as no-till techniques has been an example of more sustainable farm techniques.

“(This has) improved agronomy through more sophisticated crop rotations and integrated weed and pest management options that rely less on chemicals,” Dr Williams said. “These have all been in response to environmental stresses such as soil erosion, dryland salinity, more frequent drought and declining rainfall generally.”

A more holistic, sustainable approach to farming involves a review of chemical use in both crop and soil management.

Envirosafe Solutions has worked successfully with mining, transport, government and industrial sectors to reduce their reliance on toxic chemicals by switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids.

The Perth-based supplier of environmental cleaning products has a soil agent designed to work with Australia’s arid conditions. The Extreme Green Soil Wetta has been successfully applied in road construction and earthworks but is also suited to agricultural soil wetting applications.

It has been designed to offset problems caused by poor water absorption in soils, which effects crops, costs money and wastes scarce water resources. It will allow farms or plant nurseries to save water and helps break up soil clods. Unlike acid-based soil wetting agents on the market, the Extreme Green Soil Wetta is completely safe to use – tanks used to apply the product can still be used for drinking water purposes!

Extreme Green Soil Wetta can be used with any type of water. For safe, sustainable long term agricultural applications, 100 ml of the product can be diluted with 100 litres of water and spread over one acre.

Science has called for sustainable farming practises to be introduced as population growth drives up demands on food production. This includes reducing reliance on chemicals. For advice on eco-friendly liquid products for farms and nurseries contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.wentworthgroup.org/uploads/Williams-CollisACIARarticle.pdf

Airing your dirty laundry in public shows eco-credentials!

Soil Wetta, Insect & Tar RemoverEco-products help green up your next load of laundry

Throwing a load into the washing machine will leave your sheets or clothes a lot cleaner but the environment a little dirtier. Each load can produce up to 3.3kg of carbon emissions according to UK statistics – but this can be heavily reduced by washing in cold water with eco-friendly laundry products and hanging the washing out to dry.

The modern obsession with cleanliness has a significant impact on the environment. Sheets must be washed weekly, towels get thrown in the dryer to keep them soft and dry in winter, clothes end up in the wash basket daily.

And that’s just around the home. Work sites, hotels, hospitals and aged care facilities with strict hygiene regulations have created a giant laundry industry with many outsourcing their washing.

According to statistics published by the UK Guardian newspaper, the carbon footprint of a humble load of laundry can be as high as 3.3kg of carbon emissions:

  • 0.6kg of carbon produced by washing at 30 degrees and line-drying;
  • 0.7kg of carbon produced by washing at 40 degrees and line-drying;
  • 2.4kg of carbon produced by washing at 40 degrees and tumble-drying in a separate vented dryer;
  • 3.3kg of carbon produced by washing at 60 degrees and drying in a combined washer-dryer.

The figures clearly show that washing in colder temperatures and air-drying – either inside or on an outside line – is significantly better for the environment.

While white sheets and lightly soiled clothes may come out clean in cold water with mild detergent, what about oil and grease stains? Bodily waste and fluids? Some loads undoubtedly need hot water and tough-acting cleaning products to kill germs and viruses and leave the washing clean and reusable.

Eco-friendly liquids and powders are available, but do they have what it takes to produce clean clothes and linen in really tough conditions such as a remote mining site or workshop?

The answer is yes.

Leading environmentally friendly products such as the Extreme Green laundry range – supplied by Australian company Envirosafe Solutions – has been developed with industry in mind.

It works effectively in locations where the mineralisation and calcification of hardwater means many standard commercial laundry powders fail to get hardworking clothes clean. Biodegradable and safe in all septics, the Extreme Green range has a reduced-phospate content to protect waterways.

“We have vastly reduced the phosphate content of the product and re-invented the process with other boosters that are safer to our surroundings to still attain the results that a challenging workplace requires,” Envirosafe Solutions managing director Murray Simon explained.

Next time you throw a load into the machine, think about the environment. Make the switch to effective, safe environmentally friendly laundry products, peg the washing outside to dry, switch to a cooler water setting and make sure you only wash with a full load.

For more information on Envirosafe Solution’s range of environmental cleaning products contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/nov/25/carbon-footprint-load-laundry

http://www.home-energy-savings-advice.com/laundry-tips.html

http://www.tourism.australia.com/en-au/documents/Corporate%20-%20Industry/TACA4047_Water_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Green business choices reduce costs, boost market share

Extreme Green , Environmentally Friendly LiquidsGoing green and making sustainable business choices has become a public relations winner for big business. But is the corporate green revolution just another cost burden for the small retailer or service provider in Australia? Not according to environmental activist John Dee, who cites research showing sustainability can improve business performance.

Sustainable business decisions can reduce overheads, increase market share and attract high quality staff, according to a leading environmentalist.

Australian of the Year John Dee has pulled together research from Australia and internationally to argue the case for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to make green business choices (such as switching to environmental cleaning products).

He credits green decisions as reducing overheads by cutting electricity costs and waste. Sustainable organisations are also more attractive to employees, especially those with higher educations and greater social awareness.

Dee claims corporate sustainability allows business to reduce risks from resource price hikes and improve relationships with suppliers and customers. An improved public image gives green businesses an advantage in winning a greater market share.

The argument for business sustainability among SMEs has been made in Dee’s e-book Sustainable Growth, a free resource available on the Just Do Something website.

“SMEs that are proactive on environmental and social issues are attractive to larger companies that have a sustainable procurement policy. If your business is supplying larger companies then there is significant potential in this space to ‘go green’ and benefit through increased market share.”

Short-term cost cutting measures such as using poor quality goods or services could cost a business heavily in terms of its reputation.

“The 1990s (saw) companies exposed as using overseas suppliers who used child labour, cheap labour or unfair working practices. Knowing where the goods and services in your supply chain are coming from is vital if you want to minimise threats to your corporate reputation.”

A study of 800 Australian SMEs (Net Balance/Australian Fieldwork Solutions SME Sustainability Index) across 14 industries showed many companies were reluctant to embrace sustainability.

  • Six out of 10 SMEs did not consider energy efficiency a major concern when it came to saving money;
  • Only one in three SMEs were concerned about waste management;
  • Only 25 per cent of SMEs were concerned about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Green business choices include reducing energy and resource consumption and switching to environmentally friendly products.

Australian eco-friendly industrial liquid company Envirosafe Solutions not only sells green products to Australian business but has embraced sustainability on a corporate level.

It uses its own environmentally friendly liquids (effective cleaners which are biodegradable, free of toxic chemicals, harsh solvents, strong acids and contain low or no phosphates).

Its commitment to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions includes donating two per cent of profits to Carbon Neutral to offset its energy consumption.

Dee cites Global Footprint Network projections as showing that by 2035 and 2050 humankind will reach a point where it needs two planets to sustain it.

Businesses that fail to embrace sustainability are living on ‘borrowed credit’. For advice on eco-friendly liquid products or Envirosafe Solutions sustainable corporate policies contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://about.sensis.com.au/IgnitionSuite/uploads/docs/Sustainable%20Growth%20-%20chapter%201.pdf

Buy green to cushion carbon tax costs

eco-friendly industrial liquids, Extreme GreenThe business community is bracing for the cost of next year’s $23 per tonne carbon tax. While households and larger polluters will receive financial assistance, small to medium business will not be cushioned against rising costs. Planning ahead, reducing energy use and buying green including environmental cleaning products will help soften the blow.

After much debate the carbon tax details have at last been revealed, giving business the opportunity to take steps to reduce its financial impact.

The latest advice from green business experts is to look beyond the cost of rising power bills and fuel prices.

A holistic policy based around buying green products (such as environmentally friendly liquids) and services will also reduce the impact of the carbon tax.

This corporate philosophy – dubbed sustainable procurement – has been adopted by larger organisations and government bodies but has not yet been embraced by the wider business community.

Green procurement expert and advocate Hugh Wareham has called for business to plan ahead, claiming sustainable purchasing will help avoid rising costs expected under the carbon price. Joining the green revolution will also provide a positive boost to corporate image and consumer confidence.

“The carbon price will impact prices across every sector of manufacturing and business, so companies should also expect increases in the cost of all their input goods and services,” he said in a column for industry news site Environmental Management News.

“While there are some tax breaks for small business, the majority of organisations will have no direct financial assistance to offset the impact of this new tax and will need to seek opportunities for minimising their costs.

“Green purchasing is a key way to reduce an organisation’s exposure to the hidden costs of the carbon price.”

Calculating greenhouse emissions

Greenhouse emissions resulting from the direct use of electricity, gas and fuel can be calculated by referring to fuel and utility bills for consumption rates. Online calculators, such as the Federal Government’s NGERS calculator can help convert energy consumption into emissions. Applying the $23 per tonne carbon emission price will show the increased cost of direct energy use.

This is only part of the picture. The cost of goods and services are also expected to rise as suppliers try to offset their own cost increases. In fact, a study by the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research found that half of all carbon consumed by Victorian households was embodied in goods and services.

Environmentally friendly products

The carbon tax may be a sound impetus for changing to green products and services, but the benefits do not end with financial savings.

Leading environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has not only embraced sustainable procurement at a corporate level but has been proud to help industry avoid the environmental and health hazards posed by toxic chemicals.

Its Extreme Green range can be used to replace nearly all industrial and commercial cleaning products. Formulated to reduce toxic chemical build-up and soil and water contamination, these eco-friendly industrial liquids carry an independent safety rating for environmental, health, transport and safety purposes.

For the carbon tax to work people need to change their spending habits and use less energy. Green products such as Envirosafe Solution’s environmental cleaning products are a great way to join the green revolution. For more information contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.emn.net.au/

http://www.liberal.org.au/Latest-News/2011/06/28/Leader-of-the-Opposition-Address-to-the-Association-of-Mining-and-Exploration-Companies-Convention.aspx

From biofuels to eco products – greener skies for aviation industry

Environmental Cleaning Products, Eco Friendly Industrial LiquidAustralia could develop an aviation biofuels industry that was both economically and environmentally sustainable according to a new report by the CSIRO. The study highlights new opportunities for the aviation industry to reduce fossil fuel reliance. Teamed with other environmental initiatives (such as eco-friendly industrial products) it promises a greener way to take to the skies.

An Australia-New Zealand aviation biofuels industry could cut greenhouse emissions by 17 per cent and reduce Australia’s aviation fuel imports by $2 billion over the next 20 years.

The new industry would also generate more than 12,000 jobs.

The CSIRO study paints a promising outlook for aviation at a time when air travel has come under increased scrutiny over carbon emissions. The green revolutionof tomorrow’s aviation industry incorporates new, more aerodynamic aircraft technology.

“This study (the Flight Path to sustainable Aviation) highlights promising options for the aviation industry,” CSIRO project leader and economist Paul Graham.“It also identifies the market, infrastructure and governance changes that will be required for success.

“Through the uptake of sustainable bio-derived jet fuel, together with next generation aircraft and engines, the industry can reduce both its emissions and its reliance on imported fossil fuel.”

While biofuels and aircraft design look set to shape the future of sustainable air-travel, simple changes today also promise to make an environmental difference.

Initiatives such as carbon offset flights have allowed air passengers to reduce their carbon footprint as they travel the globe.

By paying a voluntary charge when booking tickets, passengers on many of Australia’s airlines – including Qantas and Virgin – can contribute to carbon reduction schemes.

Airlines can also employ best environmental practice at airports and hangers to reduce environmental footprint.

A switch to environmental cleaning products can make a big difference to air, soil and water pollution, better protect equipment and improve safety for staff and passengers.

Eco-friendly industrial liquids are biodegradable, safe and minimise the build-up of residual toxicity, which contributes to corrosion on plant and equipment –a significant safety concern for those in charge of aircraft maintenance.

Harsh solvent-based cleaners or products containing fluoride or chlorine can be replaced by environmentally friendly cleaners to reduce environmental impacts.

Leading Australian supplier Envirosafe Solutions has products which can safely and effectively replace most traditional aircraft and airport cleaners.

Its range includes the fully biodegradable and non-toxic Extreme Green Insect and Tar Remover. Safe for use on all painted surfaces and plastic and rubber components, it should be applied diluted at 1:10 parts water and left for five minutes before being wiped off with a clean, dry cloth. It makes an economical all-purpose spray and wipe cleaner when diluted at 1:50 parts water.

Research into sustainable technology – including biofuels – and a simple switch to safe, biodegradable eco-products promises a greener future for Australia’s aviation industry. For advice on eco-friendly aviation liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.csiro.au/news/New-sustainable-bio-derived-jet-fuel-industry-is-achievable.html

http://www.mechanicsupport.com/aircraft_cleaning.html

http://www.pacificflyer.com.au/articles/2007-02.htm

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/industries.php?page=industries&id=7

Russia and the Environment

Eco Friendly, Eco Friendly Liquid ProductsThe Green Movement in Russia is not the strongest. Corruption, big business and a devaluation of environmental concerns is the predominating approach to environmental issues.

The country faces serious ecological challenges and according to Alexei Yablokov, the problems “are exaggerated and exacerbated by state authorities that still view environmental cost as part and parcel of “the quest for economic gain.”  What is required, he maintains, “is a significant change in mindset towards the environment in both the Russian power-structures and the wider society in order to arrest the trend of environmental neglect” across the country.[1]

Experts in the country claim that 90,000 of Russia’s 180,000 per annum miscarriages are due to environmental causes and that the reason for a reduction in life expectancy over the past 20 years (Russia is the only developed nation in the world to have a declining life expectancy) is also in part due to environmental problems.

Other figures also reveal that approximately 60 million Russians live in areas of high-very high air pollution and that half the total population is negatively impacted by extremely high concentrations of solid particulate matter in the air.

Environmentally Unfriendly Technology

In other parts of the world, environmentally unfriendly technology is on the way out or challenged significantly by green groups, green politics and the mainstreaming of environmental issues. In Australia this is very much the case. The carbon tax, the focus on the environment, the approach of companies such as Envirosafe Solutions all indicate a transformative shift that augurs well for the future. But in Russia, the situation is still very different.

For example, “the dumping of inadequately treated industrial, agricultural and municipal waste and the uncontrolled flow of such polluted waters has led to widespread water pollution” and is still common practice.[2]

Over 8 years ago, BBC correspondent Steve Eke ran a story that outlined the disastrous environmental issues faced by Russia.[3] Even then, the situation was deemed to be getting worse, and little has been done in the interim years to alleviate the problem. Drinking water was unsafe in half the country’s regions in 2002, and today, this is still the case. Only 12-14% of Russia’s lakes and waterways are ecologically clean and the quality of the groundwater is also decreasing as the years go by.[4]

De-Environmentalism Policies

A policy of de-environmentalism underpins this poor environmental record.  Presidents Putin and Medvedev have continued a relentless drive towards natural resources exploration and development, without necessary environmental safeguards such as those in Australia, other areas of Europe and America.

Additionally, the following policy strategies have been implemented, which further weakens any legislative foundations for green change in the country:

  • Dissolution of the Russian EPA in 2000
  • De-strengthening of environmental protection legislation in forestry, water and urban planning sectors between 200 and 2006
  • De-strengthening of state environmental controls since the new millennium
  • Reduction in power of environmental impact assessments
  • Obstruction and disempowering of environmental non-government organisations since the new millennium
  • Reduced funding for environmental programs (since 1995.)[5]

Alexie Yalbakov states that strengthened legislation and the restoration of federal agencies that protect the environment is the only solution to this massive issue. Clean industry and energy practices need to be developed and initiated and introduced, so that Russia is once again on par with other western nations when it comes to addressing the important issue of the environment.

Envirosafe Solutions supports proactive green industry and business and believes real change is possible through a considered approach that is business and government based.

Join the green revolution and use Envirosafe Solutions Eco-friendly products. Telephone 1300 889070 for more information.


[1] http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Digital-Library/Policy-Briefs/Detail/?lng=en&id=116687

[2] ibid

[3] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2512697.stm

[4] http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Digital-Library/Policy-Briefs/Detail/?lng=en&id=116687

[5] ibid

Laundry in remote Australia

Hard Water - Laundry Liquid, Porta-Loo TreatmentIt’s a completely different scenario. It’s a completely different set of factors and circumstances. Every aspect of life is different to that of urban and city dwellers, from social communication, levels of sociability and anonymity (and lack thereof,) isolation, climate, topography, culture and lifestyle and even laundry and cleaning.

For city dwellers the practice of doing the daily or weekly laundry amounts to turning on the taps, getting water from the city supply and pushing a button to get the washing machine to start and work through its load. It’s an easy, often “taken for granted” approach.

Simple and convenient.

But in remote areas it is a very different scenario.

Laundry in harsh conditions

One of the main problems with doing washing and laundry in remote Australia is the quality of the water. Unlike that sourced in the cities, most water used in remote areas is hard water – or water that is obtained from underground sources and from bores.

This type of water is particularly harsh on clothes because it contains mineral deposits that stay in the fabric. This causes them to fade, yellow and also to wear and tear. This consequently reduces clothing lifespan.[1]

According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, (that has produced sound academic research on the subject,) “there are three ways to help control water hardness when doing the laundry. These are:

  • Use adequate amounts of an appropriate detergent and water as hot as is recommended for the fabric
  • Install a water softening unit
  • Use a packaged water softener.[2]

Minerals in the water supply can adversely affect the laundry results in these areas. Calcium and magnesium are of particular concern, as are high concentrations of iron. The latter causes hard water staining and rust streaks which can ruin and destroy clothes.

Envirosafe Solutions has specifically designed a number of laundry products suitable for remote use and hard water. These products are especially tailored for the unique circumstances of hard water laundry us, and will deliver results on par with laundry results with soft water.

The Extreme Green Fabric Conditioner is a concentrate and softener used for final rinse cycles with hard water. It can also be used in soft water and is economical and phosphate free. It is best used in conjunction with the Extreme Green laundry products such as the Extreme Green Hard Water Laundry Liquid – Special Remote Area Formulation and the Extreme Green Hard water Laundry Powder.

They are boosted for optical brightness and extra grease removal and will not damage septic or sewage plant systems found at mine sites and in large scale agricultural areas.

For more information about these products please telephone Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070


[1] http://www.ehow.com/how_2084907_do-laundry-hard-water.html

[2] http://www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/publicat/wqwm/tc1.html