Tag: Fabric conditioner

Extreme weather has forced one Northern Territory gold mine operator to flush acidic water from a holding pond into a nearby river. It’s just one example of the difficulties facing the mining sector when it comes to eco- management, which can be improved through the use of environmentally friendly liquids.

From floods to train derailments, the potential for environmental fallouts from mining has been highlighted in the Top End recently.

Heavy flooding in the Katherine region forced mining company Vista Gold to release acidic water from a retention pond at its Mount Todd gold mine in late December.

The Northern Territory Department of Resources has been monitoring the overflow into Edith River, which a Vista Gold spokesperson said was an appropriate measure in light of heavy rains from ex-Tropical Cyclone Grant.

The company said the flush was in line with government licensing requirements. Wastewater management is critical for the gold mining industry’s credentials as environmentally-friendly. Liquid waste from mining processes (known as tailings) poses one of the greatest eco-friendly challenges for the sector. Tailings can leach acid into soils and waterways.

The use of environmental cleaning products low in phosphates and toxic chemicals further reduces the risk of contamination and improves worker safety.

Dust mitigation is another critical issue which can be tackled through filters and spraying eco-friendly industry liquid dust suppressors.

Train derailment

A train derailment along the Adelaide-to-Darwin line prompted more environmental concerns for the Edith River in the same week as the Mount Todd retention pond flush.

As much as 1200 tonnes of copper concentrate was reported to have spilled into the Edith River after a derailment which resulted in an investigation by authorities.

The mining industry has taken environmental management more seriously in recent decades and measures such as dust and waste water management has become a growing concern.

Switching to eco-friendly liquid products has improved environmental accountability and reduced workplace health and safety hazards.

Perth-based eco-friendly industrial liquids supplier Envirosafe Solutions has been leading the challenge to reduce reliance on toxic chemicals.

Its Extreme Green range has been developed with the mining industry in mind and includes dust suppressors, workshop products such as rust removers and coolants and laundry and kitchen cleaners.

Floods and rail disasters highlight the risks inherent in mining processes and products. Switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids is one step toward more eco-friendly practices. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-02/overflows-continue-at-top-end-gold-mine/3754942?section=nt

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/oz-minerals-insurance-claim-for-derailment-loss-may-face-complication-over-pollution/story-e6frg9df-1226234407238

Europe’s carbon tax scheme has hit strong turbulence, with countries including the US, China and Australia opposing the measures. Today we look at how simple, affordable measures including the use of environmental cleaning products, can produce a more sustainable aviation industry

Qantas has opposed a new carbon tax on airlines introduced by European Union as part of its Emissions Trading Scheme.

The airline has said its passengers would now face carbon taxes in Australia, Europe and New Zealand. The cost of the European carbon charge will add a $5 levy to the cost of a one-way fare to Europe. Australia’s carbon tax will be offset through a $3.50 levy on domestic fares.

The Federal Government has also opposed the EU carbon tax and instead called for a global tax to be levied through the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

The United States and China continue to oppose the tax, with China banning its national carriers from complying.

Eco-friendly industry

Eco-friendly carbon tax schemes levied on fuel, gas and coal are aimed at promoting environmental change among heavy polluters.

Australia’s aviation industry has already adopted sustainable measures, including the investigation of new technologies such as biofuels made from plant matter and best-practice flights that reduce emissions.

Research has shown that reducing air-time by even a few minutes can produce significant fuel savings.

Small changes on the ground such as choosing eco-friendly industrial liquids can also reduce environmental impacts. Environmental cleaning products can also boost eco-friendly credentials and improve health outcomes for staff.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions is a leading supplier of eco-friendly liquid products which are not only safe for the environment, but for aircraft. Corrosive cleaners can damage a plane’s bodywork over time and create safety risks.

Insect and Tar Remover

The Envirosafe range includes its popular Extreme Green Insect and Tar Remover which safely and effectively removes debris from windscreens, lights and paintwork. It is safe to use on all paint, plastic and rubber components when used as directed.

Kitchen cleaners

The Extreme Green kitchen range is an ideal choice for airports and includes non-caustic, non-foaming dishwasher powder which is safe for septic systems.

Difficult bathroom stains, such as shower scum, can be easily tackled with the Extreme Green GelCleanSanitiser, which penetrates quickly to clean away unsightly and unsanitary stains without harsh acids or petro-solvents.

Initiatives such as carbon tax schemes demonstrate a commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions but have financial impacts on heavy polluting industries and consumers. Simple measures such as switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids and cleaning products offer an affordable way to boost environmental credentials while creating a more eco-friendly legacy. For more information on environmental solutions for the aviation industry, contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/business/eu-carbon-tax-turbulence-hits-qantas/story-fn7j19iv-1226238582629

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/carbon-fuel-spur-qantas-airfare-hikes/story-e6frg95x-1226261271134

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jxhgu4TYLiAzmg8-7kX5pMAiWBKw?docId=CNG.7e2f54df1b9c336e0daa5210d53c3682.6a1

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=29&product=1

Alternative fuel is here to stay. Over time, we have come to think of bio fuel and bio diesel as not only a possible concept, but a probable one. While it would be better if we were already on cheap, low-cost, sustainable fuel right now in its entirety, we have definitely come a long way from the petroleum based fuels of yesterday. Every day, we get closer to this hopeful solution. Sometimes, looking at our past progress brings new hope for the future. Let’s look at some ways in which alternative fuel has advanced in the past.

Advances in Ethanol

In 1908, Ford Motor Company used an ethanol based fuel in its very first Model T. In 1920, Standard Oil used ethanol in its gasoline to help with engine knocking. In the 1980’s, ethanol was part of ETBE, which was an oxygenate added to gasoline. By 2006, new blends of petroleum based fuels using ethanol were reported as being harmful to auto and marine engines.

Advances in Petroleum

The mid 1850’s found kerosene in widespread use in lamps. Petroleum was found to be lighter and more easily compressed than coal, and its use was found to be less dangerous than working with coal fire and combustion. While coal was used for many decades after that, for both fuel and heat, oil became the new standard, and coal began being weaned out, much like petroleum is being weaned out today, due to ecological concerns.

Advances in Gas

Natural gas consists primarily of methane and the concentrations of this are found to be different in different areas, and includes other gases, such as nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, carbon monoxide (poisonous), and occasionally hydrogen sulfide. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is often used in areas where natural gas is not available, and can be maintained under relatively low pressure. Both natural gas and LPG are used as fuel, in heating, and sometimes for other, smaller uses. However, they are both dangerous to use improperly because they are highly flammable and poisonous to breathe, so they must contained properly or humans could die from suffocation.

Energy Development over Time

Energy has been acquired and used over time in many different ways and new changes and advances in different types of fuel have been refined in the past several decades. Unfortunately, the same amount of time may be required to find alternative fuel sources which are non-petroleum based and which are healthy for the earth and for plant and animal life on the earth.

Envirosafe Solutions is happily doing our part in alternative chemicals, of both household and industrial strength, by offering a variety of sanitizers, laundry products, kitchen products, degreasers and rust removers which are all eco friendly. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.fuel-testers.com/ethanol_fuel_history.html

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/fuel-oil-history.htm

http://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/articles/history_and_nature_of_fuel_gases

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_cell

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_development

A 30 per cent mining tax is set for July this year after being passed through the lower house on November 23. The controversial legislation was given the green light after the Government made agreements with key independents to secure its passage. Debate over the tax remains extreme. Greens MPs want it broadened before passing it through the Senate.

A tax on iron ore and coal mining profits has been predicted to raise $7.7 billion in its first two years.

The new revenue stream was approved in November following deals struck between the Government, key independents and the Greens.

The tax threshold was increased to $75 million (up from $50 million) to secure the support of Andrew Wilkie. The Government has committed $200 million toward scientific research into coal seam gas mining impacts on groundwater and farming in a compromise to MPs Rob Oakeshott and Tony Windsor. NSW and Queensland communities are engaged in a heated debate over the impact of the controversial gas mining process.

Concerns centre over the mining sector’s claims that CSG process is eco-friendly. Liquid products from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and fears of groundwater contamination have prompted a moratorium on the technique in NSW.

Mining response

The mining tax has been designed to tap into the booming mining industry and was negotiated with global mining giants BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Xstrata in 2010.

The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies has pushed for the tax to be based on a production threshold instead of a profit threshold.

“Iron ore prices are not going to stay at high levels forever, they have already fallen quite a lot and the profitability levels of companies are all different,” chief executive Simon Bennison has said.

The mining tax at a glance

• The Mining Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) will start on July 1, 2012;
• The tax rate will be 30 per cent, which will be phased in when profits reach $75 million and paid in full at $125 million;
• Between 20-30 companies will pay the full rate;
• The tax is estimated to raise $7.7 billion in its first two years;

The Greens have pushed for the tax to be lifted to 40 per cent and to be applied to uranium and gold mines. The bill will need Greens support to pass through the Upper House in early 2012.

Critics of the tax claim it favours big miners over small and medium sized operators and that the provision to offset future state royalty increases against the tax will impact budget figures.

Green revolution proponents have pushed for the mining tax to fund better environmental outcomes.

The wealth generated by Australia’s non-renewable resources should be used to safeguard the future for everyone, which requires a genuine commitment to be environmentally-friendly. Liquid waste from mining sites, greenhouse gas emissions and land degradation are key challenges for this fossil-fuel dependent industry.

Environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solution has tailored its products to help mine sites become more eco-friendly. Industrial liquids including solvent-free degreaser, rubber remover and soil-wetta/dust suppressor are part of its Extreme Green range. For more information on environmentally safe, high-performance cleaning solutions contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/labor-set-to-clinch-mining-tax-20111121-1nr0i.html

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/federal-govt-wins-crucial-support-mining-tax

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/canberra-will-struggle-to-raise-111bn-from-impost/story-e6frg9df-1226202983591

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/MRRT–Too-taxing

It’s easy to take for granted, but clean drinking water is essential. Warnings of groundwater pollution from non-eco-friendly industrial liquids are alarming for residents living in affected areas. A damning US report has this month linked coal seam gas mining to groundwater contamination.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has found a likely link between groundwater pollution and chemicals used in fracking.

It announced in December that compounds associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) – the process of forcing water, sand and chemicals deep underground to release methane – had contaminated groundwater in Wyoming.

Residents in Pavillion in the mid-western US state claim their water wells ‘reek of chemicals’.

The announcement has been welcomed by green revolution proponents and strengthens claims by environmentalists that coal seam gas mining was not environmentally friendly. A liquid cocktail containing chemical compounds is used to extract gas during the controversial mining process.

While the US EPA’s findings were not conclusive they have put a strong dent in the arguments that the depth of the fracking process would keep contaminants separate from drinking water supplies.

Gas and oil mining operations are not the only threat to the safety of groundwater plaguing the environment. Cleaning products and industrial chemicals (such as radiator cleaner, rubber removers and other non-eco-friendly liquid products) continue to cause contamination concerns across the country.

Adelaide car plant

Residents living near a major car manufacturing plant in Adelaide’s northern suburbs were advised this year not to draw water from the underground aquifer. The EPA said chemicals from the Holden factory had contaminated groundwater about 20 metres below the surface.

The car giant said it believed chemicals involved in manufacturing and non-environmental cleaning products were likely to have caused the contamination. Both Holden and the EPA agreed it was likely the contamination was a result of past practices prior to 1995.

Perth landfill site

Landfill chemicals contaminated groundwater into two Perth suburbs near the city’s Mirrabooka dump.

Testing of bore water near the site found it had been contaminated by arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Residents were warned not to use bore water for drinking, cooking or to fill swimming pools.

US findings that chemical compounds used in fracking are likely to have contaminated groundwater will send an ominous warning to Queensland and NSW communities affected by the gas mining process. It’s a reminder of the threats posed by toxic chemicals.

Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions remains committed to finding non-toxic alternatives for the mining and industrial sectors. Its Extreme Green range of products is designed to biodegrade to reduce soil and water contamination. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/12/08/bc-fracking-groundwater-epa.html

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-11/holden-groundwater-bowden-remediation/3659548

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/investigators-probe-spread-of-contaminated-water-in-dianella-and-mirrabooka/story-e6frg19l-1225854629816

Are you aware of the health dangers of persistent toxic exposure? The cleaning products you use in your home or office can literally be poisonous. They can cause health problems when ingested, when inhaled, and even if they come into contact with your skin. Some of the cleaning products being used may be the most toxic items in your house or office. The solution to protecting your family and workers is switching to green cleaners.

Dangerous Cleaners

Common cleaning products used to clean toilets, ovens, and drains are considered the most dangerous and the most toxic products used regularly. For example, standard drain cleaners contain corrosives that can result in burns when they come into contact with your skin, are swallowed, or even inhaled. Common complaints from people using these products are breathing problems, burning eyes and skin irritation.

Ammonia and products with chlorine bleach also pose severe health hazards. People who have respiratory problems, asthma, or heart problems are at high risk for health problems from these chemicals. In addition, many standard cleaning products contain irritating fragrances. These fragrances can add to health problems and cause allergic reactions.

Chronic health care problems can also result from the use of standard cleaners. Products containing diethanolamine and triethanolamine have been shown to correspond to increased risks of cancer and hormone imbalance. Butyl cellosolve is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin that is also in some all-purpose cleaners. The problem with scientific research is that it takes years before permanent damage to the human body can be statistically verified through product use.

The Environment

The danger of toxic chemicals found in household and office cleaners does not stop once the product is used. These chemical often seep into the environment and cause further dangers to your health and the health of community members and the natural environment.

While some toxic chemicals, when washed down your drain, may break down, others do not. These toxins are treated at water plants and eventually flow into our waterways. When this occurs the fish and wildlife are threatened.

Phosphates are a problem in many waterways. Found in dish detergents and other products, phosphates increase algae growth in water. The excessive algae growth lowers oxygen level which results in killing fish and other organisms.

Solving the Problem

Homeowners and businesses may think commercial cleaners work better. However, the opposite is true according to author and cleaning expert Shannon Lush. She recently reported in an interview that green cleaners are better than you may think.

“They (green cleaners) usually work better than what you buy in a supermarket”.[1] She goes on to state that while we may desire the smell of chlorine and fragrances to make us feel our homes (and offices) are clean, in reality these smells mean the opposite. Residual smells after cleaning mean there is residue left behind.

Unfortunately, some reports indicate that Australia generates the most pollution of any developed country.[2] That’s why the government is undertaking green measures to reduce the amount of pollution in Australia. However, the program can only be successful if each person and each business does their part.

Making a Change

You can make the switch to green cleaning and improve the health of your family and staff. Green cleaners are non-toxic and good for the environment. How do you know if a cleaning product is green and safe?

First, read the labels on all products. Green products that are safe will not contain toxins such as ammonia and chlorine bleach. Stay away from products with warnings for burning, skin reactions, and harmful vapours on the label.

Choose cleaning products that are biodegradable. Biodegradable products break down safely in the environment. These products do not contain phosphates, solvents, or other toxins. Many biodegradable cleaning products are plant based.

Green cleaning products will improve your health and your environment. The health dangers of persistent toxic exposure are real and dangerous. It’s easy to ignore the dangers because exposure to dangerous chemicals doesn’t lead to immediate health issues in many cases. It takes long-term exposure before the full consequences to human health are known.

Envirosafe Solutions (www.evss.com.au) offers a full line of environmentally safe products for home and office. Employers serious about developing work safe environments must consider the chemicals used by workers as well as the air quality.

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References

[1] Cleaning with Toxins Isn’t Really Cleaning. (n.d.). Retrieved from Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/environment/cleaning-with-toxins-isnt-really-cleaning/2007/08/13/1186857429027.html

[2] Reduce Your Carbon Footprint. (n.d.). Retrieved from Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Effeciency: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/en/what-you-can-do/individual/carbon-footprint.aspx

Have you thought about ‘going green’ but haven’t taken the first step? If so, you’re not alone. Buzzwords are tossed about, but how do you actually implement a green lifestyle? It begins with a different mindset. The fact is that now is the time to make simple changes that will improve your health and lifestyle and the environmental quality for workers while caring for the environment. You may already recycle but going green is so much more. Let’s look at why going green requires a different mindset and is not just a matter of sorting paper and plastic into bins.

Going green is a habit you must develop. A green mindset involves thinking green so that thoughts are converted into acting green. In other words, you don’t just think about it; you take steps to make green living a reality at home and work. Going green is a lifestyle and not insulated acts.

It takes twenty-one days to develop a new habit or break an old one. If you start today – thinking green and acting green – you can develop a mindset in less than a month.

When developing this new healthy and environmentally safe method of thinking you will have to slough off years of doing things the ‘old way’. It will take some effort like most important changes in life – like purging your cabinets of old, toxic cleaners and replacing them with environmentally safe products for you, your home, and your office. It will require new procurement policies and procedures so that green product purchases take priority. Going green also will require staff education so that a green culture mindset is developed within the organisation.

Green Resources

Green cleaning is defined as, ‘cleaning products and processes that achieve hygienic outcomes, while demonstrating a substantially reduced risk to health and impact on the environment’.[1]

The first rule to developing a green mindset is to be thankful for Australia’s natural resources. There are many resources that we use every day that can be conserved. For example, we are fortunate to have clean fresh water anytime we turn on a faucet. Many people in the world do not have this luxury? For Australians, the green mindset asks this: How can you be thankful for clean water while at the same time conserving as much water as you can?

Asking yourself simple questions like this on a daily basis will get you on the road to green. Turning off lights when you leave a room, using green cleaning products around your home or office, and carpooling are easy ways to implement a green lifestyle.

An Easy Fix

One of the easiest ways to reinforce your new green attitude is to use green cleaners and other products in your home and office. Green cleaners and other products are safe for the environment and safe for you and your family.

When shopping for green products ensure you buy the best. There are no governmental labelling standards for green products so do not be tricked into buying products that claim to be green. A recent study revealed that people sometimes find it difficult to differentiate which cleaning products are green.[2]

Look for green products that are environmentally rated by the maker. For example, a reliable company puts all of their products through strident environmental safety testing and can document the results. Any company can claim their products are ‘green’ but it’s important for consumers and business procurement professionals to verify the claims are accurate and justified. Reading the ingredient labels and not just accepting the advertising claims is necessary.

From Your Home to the World

The small changes you make today will improve your lifestyle, your home environment, your work environment, and even provide benefits to the earth we live on. Going green requires a new and improved mindset requires thinking in terms of “green’ every time a product or lifestyle decision is made.

Small changes can begin with the purchase of products from Envirosafe Solutions (www.evss.com.au or http://www.evss.com.au./ which are designed to protect users from exposure to chemicals. Using environmentally safe products is a simple way to make a significant contribution to the environment while improving employee safety.

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References

[1] On the Road to Green Cleaning. (Facility Management Magazine). Retrieved from http://www.fmmagazine.com.au/features/on-the-road-to-green-cleaning/

[2] Greening the Cleaning Contract. (n.d.). Retrieved from Government News: http://www.governmentnews.com.au/files/GN%20DEC-JAN%20pg44-45.pdf

Why is green cleaning such a topic of interest today? There are two very good reasons. Standard cleaning chemicals can create smog and can also create an unhealthy environment. Cleaning with green products alleviates harmful toxins that enter the air while keeping your home or office clean and healthy.

The goal of green cleaning is to eliminate dust and grime in addition to viruses, allergens, bacteria, mould, and other harmful substances. This will result in better health for everyone.

With the intense focus on green cleaning, experts are redefining indoor air quality. Indoor environment quality, also known as IEQ, takes into account the use of volatile organic compounds, (VOCs), thermal comfort, glare, mould, formaldehyde, and even noise.[1] Green cleaning focuses on eliminating cleaning products that can cause smog in the environment.

Is Green Better?

While the news is flooded with information about green cleaning, many people remain wary. They wonder if green cleaning products will actually perform and eliminate germs and diseases. However, a look at the many health problems resulting from common pollutants is staggering:[2]

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Respiratory illness
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Carcinogenic exposure
• Viruses like the clod and the flu

Each of these health problems can be treated and in some cases eliminated when properly using green products to clean your home.

Ordinary cleaners release smog into your home or office every time they are used. Standard detergents, floor cleaners and finishes, furniture polish, and disinfectants are all on the list of offending products. They produce harmful compounds such as fluorocarbons, acetone, and ethanol. When they evaporate they combine with the air in your environment (the ozone) and are the cause of health problems.

Simple changes to green cleaning products can immediately make a difference. It’s important to look for green cleaning products that are non-toxic. Many green cleaners are biodegradable, and some are made from renewable resources.

Going Green

Going green will require you to make some changes in your cleaning supply cabinet. Many of the cleaners you currently own contain chemicals that have been manufactured such as phosphates found in detergents and volatile organic compounds found in solvents.

When replacing your old cleaning agents with green cleaners, it’s crucial to ascertain that they are free of pollutants that cause indoor smog by reading the labels carefully. Here are a few hints to get you started:

• Dishwasher soap often includes phosphates. These chemicals should be avoided.
• Buy cleaning products that are free of petroleum.
• Avoid bleach by using products with borax.
• Use furniture polish that does not list phthalates.

A good rule of thumb to remember: if you can’t say it, do not use it.

The Careful Green Consumer

While the interest going green is growing, there are no standards in labelling for green cleaning products. Consumers must take the time to ensure that what they buy is truly a green cleaning product.

Fortunately, there are excellent green cleaners available. Because so many false claims have been made in order to sell products, companies are beginning to take matters into their own hands. For example, one company has created its own rating system for their cleaning products, proving they are safe for the environment. It follows a strict protocol created to ensure product safety for your home.

You can also alter other green common behaviours to improve the air quality in your home or office:[3]

• Give your cleaner time to work instead of using more. You can soak baked on grime in pots using a green dish detergent or use a damp cloth with a green cleaning agent on hard to remove grime on hard surfaces.
• Clean your home or office on a regular schedule to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
• Keep a cleaning tool kit stocked with the right brushes, cloths, and other implements.

Cleaning chemicals can create smog by releasing chemicals into the air. Fortunately, it’s easy to lean up the air in your home or office today by making the switch to green cleaning. Products like those sold by Envirosafe Solutions (www.evss.com.au) are safe to use and won’t lead to air pollution.

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References

[1] Is Green Air Clean? (n.d.). Retrieved from AIRAH: http://www.airah.org.au/imis15_prod/Content_Files/EcoLibrium/2011/May2011/2011_05_F01.pd

[2] Brisbane City Council Green Home Fact Sheet – Clean Home Indoors. (n.d.). Retrieved from Brisbane City Council: http://www.sustainablehomebrisbane.com.au/bcc1.pdf

[3] Green Cleaning. (n.d.). Retrieved from Penrith City Council: http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/index.asp?id=2867