Tag: Fabric conditioner

Infectious disease occurs all too often in childcare facilities and that’s because childcare centres are germ breeding grounds. Your child will come into regular and close contact with a large number of other children – maybe for the first time – leading to the spreading of infectious germs.

While there is no proven way to control all infectious diseases from spreading in childcare centres, you can greatly lower the risk using certain methods to control the spread of germs.

How Do Infectious Diseases Spread?

The National Health and Research Council has identified four major steps in the spread of infectious diseases and germs.[1]

• The infected person spreads germs (releases them into the environment)
• The germs continue to exist in the environment
• A second person contracts germs through hard surfaces, water, air, or food where the germs thrive
• The second person is infected by the germs

Each of these steps can be halted in most cases when proper precautions are taken by childcare workers and children. One of the most important precautions for infectious disease control requires using proper cleaning methods that break this cycle.

Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease

How can the spread of infectious germs be halted? In addition to identifying the way infectious diseases spread, the National Health and Research Council also recognises three methods to keep the spread of germs to a minimum.[2]

• Washing hands
• Prohibiting sick childcare workers and children from interacting
• Immunisation

Due to the fact that germs have the ability to spread silently, or before a person exhibits any sign of illness, washing hands is one the first barriers to the preventing the spread of infectious germs. The trick is to wash hands completely with the proper hand cleaning product.

To wash hands correctly takes ten to fifteen seconds. First, run hands under water to wet and add liquid soap. Hands should then be rubbed together and attention must be given to under the fingernails and between fingers. Next, rinse the hands completely. Finally, dry the hands with paper towels.  Experts suggest using a soap dispenser that does not require pumping so it’s a hands-free device and using paper towels when touching the faucet after rinsing hands.

Children and staff should wash hands with the right cleanser after going to the toilet, blowing their nose or coughing, coming into contact with raw food, changing diapers, and before eating.[3]

Remember, children must be taught proper hand washing. Young children may require supervision.

When to Stay Home

Because childcare centres are germ breeding grounds it is important to know when to stay home. When sick staff and children are present it increases the risk of others getting sick.

Childcare centres should have a written exclusion policy to avoid complications with parents. A child or staff member should be excluded if they present with an infection that has the ability to spread to others. Overall, staff and children who are not healthy should stay home.

The length of exclusion is variable. For example, a person with measles should stay home for a minimum of four days after the first signs of the disease while a person with influenza need only stay home until well enough to function without strain.

Immunisations

You can greatly reduce and in some cases prevent the spread of infectious germs with immunisations. Childcare centres should keep a record of a child’s immunisations on file.

Even with proper hand washing, immunisations, and a strict exclusion policy some infectious germs will find their way into childcare centres. Childcare centres are germ breeding grounds, but the danger can be greatly reduced with attention to cleaning and the use of proper cleaning products, a strict exclusion policy, and immunisations.

Envirosafe Solutions (www.evss.com.au) can recommend the right hand and surface cleaners that are effective at preventing the spread of germs. The cleaners are environmentally safe while being highly effective.

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References

[1] Staying Healthy in Childcare. (2005, December). Retrieved from National Health and Medical Research Council: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/ch43.pdf

[2] Ibid

[3] Antibacterial Cleaning Products. (n.d.). Retrieved from Better Health Channel: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Antibacterial_cleaning_products

Overfishing and offshore oil drilling and are among the threats facing Western Australia’s marine environment. Cleaning products, plastic rubbish and other pollution are also spoiling WA’s big blue backyard. Conservationists believe it’s time to take action.

Marine parks are needed along south-west coast of Western Australia to protect ‘globally-significant’ hotspots, according to one Australia’s peak conservation groups.

The Australian Conservation Foundation has called for marine national parks to be established in the Kalbarri to Eucla region, which includes the Perth Canyon. The green revolution movement is aimed at protecting vulnerable species, which have faced increased pollution from non-eco-friendly industrial liquid waste.

“This is one of only two feeding sites in Australian waters for the critically endangered blue whale, the world’s largest animal,” said an ACF spokesperson.

“It features the southernmost major tropical coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and Australia’s highest underwater mountain range.”

The region is also home to the white shark and the leatherback turtle and provides an annual harvest of about 25,000 tonnes of seafood, including western rock lobsters. According to the CCWA, marine parks would ease pressures on vulnerable and threatened marine species and keep the coastal region environmentally friendly. Liquid and hard waste add considerable pollution to the once-pristine ocean.

“Western Australians can see that all is not well in their big blue backyard, they have observed the decline of water quality, marine life and habitats and the loss of seagrass nurseries for fish,” the ACF continued.

‘Vulnerable five

Big reef fish species – referred to as the Vulnerable Five – are believed to be at risk from overfishing. They include the West Australian dhufish, baldchin groper, breaksea cod, pink snapper and red snapper.

Offshore oil and gas drilling projects are also on the rise and bring with them an increased risk of oil spills

Despite the push by conservationists for the creation of marine parks (a no-go area for fishing and mining activities), opponents argue they would threaten the viability of professional and recreational fishing.

WA Fisheries Minister Norman Moore has said WA’s fish stocks were “some of the best managed in the world” and that the state’s marine environment was eco-friendly. Liquid products including fertilisers, pesticides, industrial waste and non-environmental cleaning products contribute to marine pollution.

One of Australia’s leading suppliers of eco-friendly cleaning and industrial products believes reducing reliance on toxic chemicals is an easy way for Australian businesses to support the marine environment.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions has alternate products which work just as effectively as traditional cleaners and industrial applications. Its Extreme Green range is safe to use, transport and store. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=2148

A decision to sell uranium to India has reignited a heated debate in Western Australia. The state’s Liberal Government overruled a controversial uranium ban in 2008 but opposition to the mining of the radioactive element remains extreme. Green conservationists warn opening the door to India sets a dangerous precedent.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Australian Labor Party voted to lift a ban on uranium sales to India in December.

The policy-shift made headlines around the globe as Australia has some of the world’s richest uranium and mineral deposits. Removing the ban paves the way for sales of uranium to India, which is not a signatory to the international nuclear weapons Non Proliferation Treaty.

The move has reignited debate over uranium mining in Western Australia, which despite driving Australia’s current mining boom has left its rich uranium deposits – including Kintyre and Yeelirie – untapped. Radioactive uranium is not seen as an environmentally clean product, due in part to the impact of mining, including non-eco-friendly industrial liquid waste.

WA Opposition leader Eric Ripper has signaled the Labor party’s intention to make uranium mining a major issue at the next election. The WA Labor Party has remained firmly opposed to uranium mining, despite the decision by Federal Labor to allow sales to India.

“The next election is possibly the last chance to stop uranium mining in WA,” he said.

Premier Colin Barnett dismissed the possibility of uranium mining becoming a major election issue.

“This is a mining state; I think people are well educated, they understand that uranium and particularly nuclear power generation is a reality,” he said.

Mr Barnett said it was likely a uranium mine would be under construction in WA by the next state election, in 2013. South Australia has the world’s largest known uranium deposit, being mined by BHP Billiton at Olympic Dam. Another large-scale uranium mine is at Ranger, within the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park. The mine has been plagued by spills requiring environmental cleaning production.

Green revolution lobbyists have warned the decision to allow uranium to be sold to India sets a dangerous precedent.  Conservation Council of WA campaigner Mia Pepper has argued that Australia’s disregard for the non-proliferation treaty sent a message to fellow signatories including China and Russia and non-signatories such as Pakistan and Israel.

“This is a dangerous precedent to set and one that undermines the only international agreement we have limiting the spread of nuclear weapons,” Ms Pepper said. “This decision also undermines the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty as India continues to test long range missiles and it undercuts the Roratonga Treaty, implicating the Pacific in an illegal trade of uranium.”

Last year’s Fukushima nuclear power plantdisaster highlighted the dangers posed by nuclear energy yet the prospect of safe nuclear energy generation remains tantalising. Creating a greener mining industry through better environmental practices, including the use of environmental cleaning products, is a step in the right direction. Envirosafe Solutions has a range of eco-friendly liquid products designed to eliminate the need for toxic chemicals at remote mine sites. For more information contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://ccwa.org.au/blogs/nuclear-disaster-federal-labor

http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/premier-unafraid-of-fighting-election-on-uranium-mining-20111115-1ngz8.html

http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/japanese-disaster-hurts-was-uranium-support/story-e6frg2r3-1226094838478

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1610027/alp-votes-to-lift-india-uranium-ban

A peak Western Australian environmental group has called for a review of fertilisers and other non-eco-friendly industrial products because of impacts on river health. The Swan River program has highlighted the risk posed by toxic chemicals on soil and water health and promoted the use of environmental cleaning products.

A ‘cocktail of environmental pollutants’ are to blame for the poor health of the Swan River, according to the Conservation Council of Western Australia.

The green revolution lobbyists have launched a campaign to make the iconic river more eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste including fertilisers and other pollutants have been blamed for poor river health.

“The main cause of the river’s chronic poor health can be traced to a cocktail of environmental pollutants entering the river system from a range of industrial, agricultural and urban sources,” according to the CCWA. “These pollutants’ impact is exacerbated by climate change as we receive less rain in the catchments to flush the nutrients out to sea and higher temperatures aid algal growth.”

The CCWA claims toxic algal blooms have increased dramatically along the Swan River in the past five years.

Warm temperatures and high-levels of nutrients make waterways more prone to outbreaks of algae (the greenish blue slime which sits on the surface of the water). Non-environmentally friendly liquids including fertilisers and domestic and industrial products such as laundry powder contribute to algal blooms, which kill fish life and can pose a threat to other animals.

Choosing products low in phosphorous and nitrogen can dramatically reduce the risk of pollution from non-environmental cleaning products entering catchment areas.

Phosphate and nitrogen-rich fertilisers applied to the sandy soils of the Swan Coastal Plain enter the river through groundwater and surface flows.

According to the recent Swan Canning Water Quality Improvement Plan nutrients entering the Swan River are twice the maximum levels allowed for the river health to be restored.

The CCWA has been lobbying for greater awareness and better waste management.

“Nutrients that are not used by garden plants or agricultural crops and pastures are a wasted resource.. we know that alternative, slow release fertilisers can have the same, if not greater, results in promoting plant growth without the pollution.”

Alternative environmental cleaning products in industrial factories, workshops and farms can also reduce water and soil contamination.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range of eco-friendly industrial liquids are highly-effective and unlike traditional cleaning solutions are safe to use, improving workplace safety and reducing storage risks. Its environmentally responsible range includes Soil Wetta-Dust Suppressor (ideal for use on farms, mining sites and transport depots), industrial hand cleaners including anti-bacterial hand wash, low-phosphate laundry liquids and powders as well as specialist cleaners such as rubber remover. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://ccwa.org.au/issues/swan-river

Water security remains a major challenge for Australia. As the driest continent on the planet, our inland waterways are a precious yet threatened resource. Pollution from non-environmental cleaning products and overuse from thirsty industries present a tough challenge for policymakers.

The latest report card into Australia’s environmental health has identified climate change as the biggest threat facing inland water systems.

It has called for better management to sustain our river systems and keep them environmentally-friendly. Liquid pollution, including waterways contaminated by non-environmental cleaning products, are also threatening the health of our rivers and lakes.

The State of the Environment 2011 report was released by the Gillard Government in December.

The independent assessment – the fourth in a series tabled in Federal Parliament every five years – examines the state of the atmosphere, land, biodiversity, coast and marine environment, inland waters, heritage and built environment and the Antarctic.

It looks at the impact of climate change and population on the environment.

Environment Minister Tony Burke said development had taken a significant toll on Australia’s natural resources. Major environmental cleaning productions are needed in some areas to restore water and land habitats.

“The report provides a big-picture view of what Australia’s doing right, what we could do better, and what more we need to know to target our management responses,” Mr Burke said.

“We are turning things around on some counts but, on others, we are still facing challenges with the legacy of centuries of over-consumption and pollution of our environmental resources.”

Green revolution lobbyists warn the report sounds an “urgent alarm’ about the health of Australia’s environment.

“The report itself states that ‘the prognosis for the environment at a national level is highly dependent on how seriously the Australian Government takes its leadership role,” Australian Conservation Foundation campaigns director Denise Boyd said. She said the most urgent findings included:

• Identifying climate change as the ‘largest future threat’ to inland water sources remaining eco-friendly (industrial liquids including fertilisers also continue to contaminate catchments);
• Land clearing had continued at a rate of one million hectares per year for the past decade;
• Since 2006 the East Antartic Ice Sheet had lost about 60 billion tonnes of ice each year; and
• The Southern Ocean is warming faster than anywhere else in the world.

Inland water threat

The report identified increased demand for water as a major challenge facing Australia.

Fresh inland water supplies have been under threat from years of drought and restoring environmental flows was critical to keeping systems eco-friendly. Liquid products including desalinated sea water and recycled wastewater would reduce reliance on river and lake systems but would carry other environmental costs, including increased energy consumption.

The 2011 State of the Environment Report is another warning card for Australian policymakers. Water-thirsty industry – from irrigators to miners – will need to continue to find water-saving measures to ensure future water security.

Reducing water pollution is another step toward preserving our waterways. Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solutions has a range of non-toxic, biodegradable products to replace toxic chemicals including anti-bacterial hand wash, rubber remover and fuel conditioners. For more information contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=3585

http://www.environment.gov.au/soe/2011/report/key-findings.html#inland-water

http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/burke/2011/mr20111212a.html

The trucking industry has been making inroads into reducing its impact on the planet. From cleaner fuels and eco-driving strategies to using environmental cleaning products, this heavy-polluting sector is building a greener image. It has called for increased government support as it prepares for the impact of the carbon tax.

The trucking industry has called for amendments to a government grant scheme aimed at softening the impact of the carbon tax.

Peak industry body the Australian Trucking Association has released an extensive submission on the draft guidelines for the Energy Efficiency Information Grants Program.

The $40M Federal Government scheme is aimed at offsetting some of the costs of the $23 per tonne carbon tax, which comes into effect from July this year.

In its submission, the ATA has drawn on key contributing factors that lead to the success of its TruckSafe program. The program has helped make small-to-medium sized operators more environmentally friendly Liquid gas (LNG), better driving techniques and more modern systems have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

ATA chief executive Stuart St Clair said the grants were designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

“Trucking businesses will face higher costs from 1 July 2012 when their suppliers put up their prices to respond to the carbon price. The Government plans to impose the carbon price on the fuel used by trucking businesses from 1 July 2014, although the ATA will continue arguing against it,” Mr St Clair said.

“Trucking operators will need to pass their increased costs on to their customers, but their ability to pass on their costs will be limited by their existing contract arrangements and lack of market power. Many trucking businesses are locked into long term contracts. Small trucking businesses often feel forced to accept the rates they are offered, even if the terms are unfavourable.”

The trucking sector faces many challenges as it strives to become more eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste and greenhouse gas emissions are major polluting issues.

Mr St Clair said the grants would not only help operators join the green revolution, but also help soften the impact of carbon tax pressures.

“As well as providing advice on energy efficiency, industry associations need to be able to provide their members with advice on how to improve their business practices to cope with the carbon price. This could include guidance on best practice contracts, adjusting fuel levies and the law relating to carbon price claims.”

In its submission the ATA has called for the scheme to be broadened toinclude energy efficiency standards and audit tools for industry-run accreditation programs.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the transport sector to provide eco-friendly liquid products to replace harsh chemicals. From dust-suppressors to glass cleaner, radiator coolant, rust remover and industrial hand cleaners there’s a solution for every problem. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.atatruck.net.au/media/media-releases/use-energy-efficiency-grants-improve-business-practices

A review into groundwater allocations by the Western Australian Government has highlighted concerns over its ‘first-in, first-served’ approach. Conservationists argue big mining companies are taking too much and that to be more environmentally friendly, liquid groundwater should be reserved for food production and ecosystems.

Groundwater resources are being drained by mining projects at the expense of farming, according to conservationists.

The Conservation Council of WA has launched a campaign to protect groundwater as part of a State Government review into the system.

Concerns over the scarcity of water resources and poor quality – due to contamination from non-environmental cleaning products and other pollutants – continue to dominate water policy debate.

“Without groundwater in Western Australia we cannot produce food, and our ecosystems cannot survive,” according to the CCWA.

“Yet the State Government is giving away billions of litres of our precious groundwater for free to the mining industry under a water allocation policy that prioritises mining over the environment and food production.”

Water requirements are high at remote mining sites and contribute to the sector’s non-eco-friendly image. Industrial liquid waste and the vast amounts of water required for washing iron ore are among the issues facing mining.

The CCWA said that mining activities placed a significant drain on groundwater resources and that:

• A single mine was allocated nearly 90 per cent of an entire Mid-West Aquifer (five billion litres of water per year) to wash iron ore at the expense of farmers in the region;
• The collie coal industry used nearly 50 billion litres of groundwater each year, which was not eco-friendly.

Liquid products used by the sector also contributed to soil and water pollution (although environmental cleaning products such as solvent-free degreasers were helping to address this).

WA Water Minister Bill Marmion said that under the current groundwater allocation system, access to groundwater was granted on a ‘first-in, first-served’ policy.

“As more of our groundwater and surface water areas come closer to full allocation, and as competition for water increases, this policy is becoming less effective for making sure we get the best value from our water resources,” he said.

A discussion paper into groundwater allocations has proposed using market mechanisms such as an auction once resources reached 70 per cent of their capacity.

Opposition to current allocation policy has been extreme. Greens MLC Alison Xamon said the decision to grant Mid West miner Gindalbie Metals access to more than 80 per cent of water allocation rights to a local aquifer highlighted the problems.

“There doesn’t seem to have been any consideration of the future of the community who live above the aquifer,” Ms Xamon said. “As a result of this decision, the future expansion of agriculture in the region has been hamstrung.”

Leading Perth supplier of environmental cleaning products, Envirosafe Solutions, has been working with the mining sector to reduce water and soil contamination. Switching from toxic cleaners to eco-friendly industrial liquids has helped the sector improve its environmental credentials. For more information on Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://ccwa.org.au/content/protect-our-groundwater-environment-and-food-production

http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/default.aspx?ItemId=144207

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/regional/countryman/a/-/news/10308580/probe-on-wa-water-allocation/

The company behind a major Queensland gas project is making its groundwater testing results public. Gas giant Santos has announced it will publish water quality test results online to allay community concerns over coal seam gas mining and environmental impacts. Like cleaning products, chemicals used in the process can taint precious waterways.

The results of water testing near a major Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project at Gladstone in Queensland will be made public.

In what has been hailed an Australian-first, resources giant Santos has launched an online portal (http://www.santoswaterportal.com.au) showing Surat and Bowen Basin water testing results.

“From today, all members of the community will be able to access the results of all our water quality and bore level testing thoughout our CST operations in the Surat and Bowen  Basins,” Santos GLNG president Mark Macfarlane said.

The coal seam gas industry has been plagued by concern over the possible contamination of underground water aquifers as a result of the mining technique, known as fracking. Critics claim the process of forcing water, sand and chemicals into rock seams to force out trapped methane is not eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste management is a key issue as is the contamination of water supplies from the non-environmentally friendly liquid fracking cocktail.

Mr Macfarlane said the new online water results portal brought a new level of accountability to coal seam gas mining.

“We have done this because we want to be completely open and accountable with the community in relation to the impact of CSG activities on water quality and groundwater levels,” he said.

“We are confident these results will show that our work is not adversely impacting the aquifers from where farmers draw their water. We believe it will demonstrate that CSG can proceed in a sustainable way, in a manner that will have no impact on the viability of the Great Artesian Basin, as extensive scientific research has concluded.”

Gladstone LNG project

The Gladstone project will convert the methane from coal seam gas mining into LNG, which has become a major export for Australia.

The first cargoes of LNG from the project are earmarked for 2015. The project is a partnership between Australia’s largest domestic gas producer, Santos, Malaysian LNG producer Petronas, French oil and gas company Total and major LNG buyer Kogas.

The project is predicted to produce between 7.8 and 10 million tonnes per annum of LNG.

The industry claims LNG has less environmental impacts than other fossil fuels, producing substantially less greenhouse gas emissions.

The green revolution movement has rejected this, claiming CSG mining (and its related non-eco-friendly liquid products) and LNG conversion, storage and transport carry enormous environmental risks.

Concern over long-term impacts of toxic chemicals has been a major motivator for leading Australian environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solution. The Perth-based supplier has an Extreme Green range including rust remover, radiator coolant and rubber remover. For information on eco-friendly mining products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.santoswaterportal.com.au/

http://www.glng.com.au/Content.aspx?p=55

http://www.glng.com.au/library/Santos%20GLNG%20Water%20Portal%20Media%20Release.pdf

It appears most Australians are sympathetic to the plight of farming communities in NSW and Queensland opposed to coal seam gas mining. A recent opinion poll has shown support for a moratorium on the controversial process – at least until environmentally-friendly liquids are used to extract the methane trapped deep underground.

Most Australians support the push for a moratorium on coal seam gas mining, according to a new Galaxy poll released by the Australian Greens.

A poll of 1048 people has found that 68 per cent of us want coal seam gas projects to be halted until environmental impacts are better known.

This includes the possible contamination of underground water aquifers due to the extraction process, known as fracking. Critics claim this is not eco-friendly: Industrial liquids forced into the gas seams in underground rock contain water, sand and chemicals.

This chemical cocktail has been linked to contamination of groundwater in Wyoming by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Community concern

Greens leader Senator Bob Brown said of those polled, 70 per cent wanted an outright ban on CSG mining in cities and towns. He said the poll was conducted across age groups and that those surveyed were a cross-section of the community, including rural, regional and city areas of each state.

“There is overwhelming support from the Australian people for a moratorium on this potentially devastating industry,” Senator Brown said.

Queensland Greens Senator Larissa Waters said protecting groundwater in agricultural areas was critical to Australia’s food security.

“The stampede for profits from coal seam gas risks Australia’s best food-growing land and its underground water supplies – food security should be beyond politics,” Senator Waters said.

“You can’t eat coal and you can’t drink gas.”

What are the risks?

Coal seam gas industry players argue methane produces greener energy than coal-fired power.

There have been moves to make the fracking process more eco-friendly. Liquid fracking products using a group of volatile organic compounds known as BTEX have been banned in Australia. A new more environmentally-friendly liquid using sand, salts, polymers and water is being hailed as ‘greener chemistry’.

Critics still argue this fracking cocktail is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste from drilling wells is highly saline and needs to be properly managed.

They are concerned that any contamination of groundwater or surface water is hard to contain. Green revolution proponents point to the irony of drilling for methane on prime farming land – claiming methane can be better produced from cow, pig, chicken or vegetable waste.

Chemicals can have a devastating environmental and health legacy. Envirosafe Solutions is a leading supplier of environmental cleaning products. The all Australian company has an Extreme Green range which delivers effective results while being gentler on the environment. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://greens.org.au/content/survey-shows-majority-want-coal-seam-gas-moratorium

http://directaction.org.au/issue29/growing_opposition_to_coal_seam_gas_mining

Concern over the environmental impact of coal seam gas mining is rising. Communities affected by the new mining boom in Queensland and NSW have welcomed a recent Senate committee report calling for a moratorium on all new projects pending scientific research, particularly into the non-eco-friendly industrial liquids used.

A moratorium should be placed on any future coal seam gas mining projects until more scientific research is conducted, according to a Federal Senate committee.

The committee’s interim report was handed down in late November, 2011 with a final report due in June 2012.

The 24 recommendations contained in the report are aimed at addressing concerns over coal seam gas mining, which critics claim is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste water is highly saline and can contain chemical residues, which must be disposed of carefully.

The process for extracting the coal seam gas, known as hydraulic fracturing or fracking, involves forcing a cocktail of chemicals, water and sand into rock cracks to pump out trapped methane.

While methane produces 40 per cent less greenhouse gases than coal-fired power, mining it is not eco-friendly. Liquid products forced deep underground to extract the gas have been linked to pollution of underground water aquifers.

Debate over fracking is extreme. Green MPs, environmental activities and farming communities have called for an immediate halt to any new developments pending more research into whether it’s environmentally friendly. Liquid groundwater contamination would be dire in key farming areas and near drinking water supplies and rivers.

The Senate report has recommended:

• A moratorium on future CST mining pending an independent assessment of Earth surface movements and whether salt and brine residue can be removed;
• Due consideration of the impact of CSG mining on surrounding areas with a permanent ban in strategic cropping land;
• The area where the Murray-Darling Basin and Great Artesian Basin overlap should be off-limits pending the results of at least two scientific studies;
• A review of the chemicals used in the fracking process (like non-environmental cleaning products, some of these chemicals are carcinogenic).

A ban has been placed on the most dangerous batch known as BTEX. These volatile organic compounds –  benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene – have been used in non-eco-friendly industrial fracking liquids. The fracking process itself has also been found to release naturally occurring BTEX, according to the Greens.

The senate committee has acknowledged community opposition to CSG mining, but argued that with careful controls the sector could co-exist peacefully with farmers.

It has said communities should reap the benefits of the booming CSG industry, which it predicts may only last for another 50 years.

Chemicals used in coal seam methane extraction, like non-environmental cleaning products, risk groundwater and soil pollution.

Leading supplier of eco-friendly industrial liquids Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the mining sector to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Its Extreme Green range includes solvent-free degreasers, hard-water laundry liquid, industrial hand cleaner and fuel conditioners and treatments. For information on non-toxic solutions to reduce your environmental footprint contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/senate-committee-wants-csg-mining-to-halt-20111130-1o6ll.html

http://greens.org.au/content/greens-welcome-belated-btex-ban-csg

A NSW coal mine has been fined for polluting a nearby creek with wastewater containing detergent and effluent. The contamination has highlighted the need for the mining sector to take its environmental obligations seriously. Switching from toxic chemicals to environmental cleaning products is a simple step toward a greener industry.

The operators of the Austar Coal mine in NSW have been fined more than $115,000 over pollution which leaked from its site into a nearby creek in July 2010.

The company was convicted in the NSW Land and Environment Court on December 12, 2011.

It was ordered to pay $75,000 toward environmental rehabilitation of the contaminated site and $42,000 in legal costs.

The mine operates about 10km south-west of Cessnock in NSW’s Newcastle Coalfields. Wastewater containing detergent and effluent leaked into nearby Bellbird Creek, creating a toxic environment for aquatic life.

The mining sector has struggled against public perception that it is not environmentally-friendly. Liquid waste management can be more effectively tackled when eco-friendly industrial liquids are used instead of dangerous chemicals.

EPA chief environmental regulator Mark Gifford said the fine “reflected the need for companies such as Austar to take every precaution to ensure that pollution doesn’t occur”.

“The wastewater contained detergent and effluent from bathhouse facilities located on the Austar site and caused large clumps of white foam up to two metres high to be washed downstream,” he said.

“The elevated levels of detergent, nutrients and faecal matter along approximately 2km of Bellbird Creek were toxic to aquatic life.”

“This incident could have been prevented if Austar had an appropriate system in place to inspect, monitor and maintain the 90-year-old onsite septic system.”

Leading Australian environmental cleaning products supplier Envirosafe Solutions’ director Murray Simon said that there were alternative products available that reduced the risk of chemical pollution.

The Perth-based company has recently incorporated a greywater safety rating on its product labels.

“Choosing environmentally friendly liquids over more toxic chemicals is one really easy way to improve your environmental credentials and reduce your impact on our precious waterways,” Mr Simon said.

“None of our products contain any added sulphate or other cheap but unnecessary fillers.

“One example is our low-phosphate laundry-powder, which is still highly effective in hardwater conditions common at remote mining sites.

“Australian soils are mostly deficient in phosphorous so there are possible benefits from phosphorous in greywater discharge, but if this finds its water into waterways it can promote toxic algal blooms.”

For more information on reducing the risk of chemical pollution by switching to eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Coal-mine-fined

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia11121301.htm

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/about_menu.php?id=11

http://www.austarcoalmine.com.au/

The threat to fish stocks from commercial fishing has prompted a raft of conservation measures. Proposed marine parks along sections of Australia’s coastal waters are aimed at restoring delicate ecosystems and environmental conservation. Cleaning product chemicals and pollution combine with overfishing to present a challenge for conservationists.

Proposed marine parks aimed at preserving fish stocks have been opposed by Western Australia’s Fisheries Minister.

Norman Moore has said the impact of a marine park network would be extreme. Greenactivists have welcomed government plans to introduce the parks to restore fish stocks.

Mr Moore said WA’s fisheries were “some of the best managed in the world” and that its marine environment was “well-managed” and eco-friendly. Liquid products including chemicals found in industrial and household wastewater, plastic pollution and oil spills also threaten marine environments.

Conservationists have argued for the formation of the marine parks to provide a protected habitat for fish and other marine species.

Mr Moore has argued against a ban on fishing in these zones.

“I do not see the need for the extensive network of ‘no take’ zones proposed by the Commonwealth,” he said.

“WA’s fisheries are regarded as some of the best managed in the world. I do not support the ‘lock up’ of an area if other management systems and processes can be implemented to protect certain species and biodiversity values.”

In recent years catch quotas for rock lobster and demersal scalefish have been halved to ensure commercial fishing sustainability.

Conservationists believe the catch reduction shows local fish stocks have been overfished beyond what is considered environmentally-friendly. Liquid marine breeding sanctuaries would provide a breeding ground for threatened species.

“There doesn’t appear to be any evidence that rock lobster are recovering,” University of WA Oceans Institute research professor Jessica Meeuwig has said.

“There’s been no published evidence on the recovery of dhufish, baldchin grouper and these are species only found in WA. Of the four local shark species, two are at unacceptable levels of breeding stock.”

Commercial fishing activities are not the only threat to fish stocks, according to the WA Conservation Council’s Tim Nicol. He says research points to recreational fishing as having a significant environmental impact. Cleaning products and other pollutants are also threatening ocean health.

“In WA the most researched and threatened fish are the demersal reef fish and in particular the WA Dhufish,” Mr Nicol said.

“Estimates in 2005/2006 show recreational fishers took 319 tonnes of fish compared to commercial fishers who took 163.9 tonnes – meaning recreational fishers took 66.1 per cent of the catch.”

Improving ocean health and fish stocks requires a concerted effort by commercial and recreational sectors as well as polluting industries, including off-shore mining operations.

Eco-friendly industrial liquids offer a solution to the traditional chemicals which add to marine pollution. Leading environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range includes biodegradable marine glass cleaner and solvent-free degreasers. For more information on safe, hardworking environmentally friendly liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/dont-lock-up-our-fisheries-urges-minister/story-e6frg19l-1226171095771

http://ccwa.org.au/blogs/does-recreational-fishing-impact-fish-stocks-and-environment

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) has been heralded as an alternative to diesel for the fuel-thirsty transport industry. The opening of the first Micro-LNG processing plant in Tasmania in February was touted as a step toward a more eco-friendly industry. Liquid natural gas appears promising but questions remain over its environmental credentials.

The opening of a new micro-LNG plant in Westbury, Tasmania, in February was a milestone for a technology which could potentially transform Australian transport industry.

LNG has emerged as a promising alternative fuel source to replace diesel for the heavy vehicle transport sector. Promoted as an environmentally friendly liquid, LNG has been limited by a lack of a distribution network.

The development of the micro-plant and associated supply chain was described as a significant achievement.

“Developments such as this micro-plant and associated supply infrastructure reduce the ‘chicken and egg’ nexus between fuel and vehicle supply that has stymied the uptake of LNG in the past,” Federal Minister for Resources and Energy martin Ferguson said.

“LNG can help the heavy-duty vehicle transport industry achieve significant fuel savings and emission reductions compared with diesel.

“Australia’s LNG production is going from strength to strength and projects such as this one which bring together innovation and investment are an example of the many opportunities on offer in the industry.”

What is LNG

LNG is a natural gas consisting primarily of methane which has been cooled to minus 161 degrees to reach a liquid state. Considered to be an environmentally-friendly liquid, the product is reduced in volume from its gaseous form by more than 600 times.

It is considered a safe environmentally-friendly liquid because it is not flammable or explosive.

LNG exports

Australia has become a major exporter of LNG and has been tipped to become the world’s biggest exporter by 2020.

LNG exports for 2009-10 were valued at $7.8 billion and new investments such as the micro-LNG plant in Westbury are increasing its availability to local networks.

Environmental impact

Oil giant BOC (the company behind the Westbury plant) describes LNG as an environmentally-friendly liquid releasing up to 20 per cent less greenhouse gases than diesel.

It has identified LNG as the cleanest burning fossil fuel which could reduce carbon dioxide emissions and provide an economical and environmental alternative for the transport industry.

Opponents argue the resources being pumped into LNG will reduce the viability of more sustainable, renewable energy sources in the future. They cite production of LNG as a major contributor to greenhouse gases including:

• Extraction techniques in particular coal seam gas mining;
• Production plants and the process of transforming the gas into a liquid;
• Transportation including exports overseas;
• The need to turn LNG back into a gas;

Methane, a major component of LNG, has also been described as more potent a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.

The way forward

Despite still being considered by some as another dirty fossil-fuel, LNG looks set to offer a viable alternative to diesel for Australia’s transport sector in the future.

While not totally environmentally-friendly, liquid natural gas developments signal a commitment toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other measures include switching from traditional chemical cleaners and treatments to eco-friendly industrial liquids.

Perth-based environmental cleaning products suppliers Envirosafe Solutions has been working with the heavy transport industry to deliver powerful, non-toxic products ideal for the workshop. Its Extreme Green range includes fuel treatment Diesel Bug Killer, which improves performance while reducing emissions. For more information on Diesel Bug Killer or other environmental cleaning products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

Transport

http://www.primemovermag.com.au/news/article/cleaner-greener-transport

http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/upstream_petroleum/australian_liquefied_natural_gas/pages/home.aspx

More heatwaves and severe cyclones have been forecast by what has been described as the definitive verdict on climate change. More than 100 authors have contributed to the Special Report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). A summary of the 800-page tome presents a grim scenario.

Climate change is resulting in more extreme weather events according to a landmark report released by the IPCC in November, 2011.

The report brings together the work of more than 100 authors from across the globe, including Australia, and has been regarded as the final word on climate change, despite continued scepticism by green revolutioncritics.

The report claims:

• Temperatures have become more extreme – hotter and colder days are being experienced across the globe due to rising greenhouse gases;
• The frequency of hot days will increase by a factor of 10 in most regions of the world;
• More intense and longer droughts have been observed;
• Tropical cyclones are expected to become more severe, with heavier rain and stronger winds although their frequency is likely to remain the same or decrease.

IPCC Working Group II co-chair Chris Field said while the scenarios contained in the report were grim, there was scope for environmentally friendly action. Liquid acid rain, air pollution, rising ocean levels and water shortages should trigger reform, not despair.

“We hope this report can be a scientific foundation for sound decisions on infrastructure, urban development, public health, and insurance as well as for planning – from community organisations to international disaster risk management,” he said.

Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Efficiency minister Greg Combet welcomed the release of the Special Report.

“This report demonstrates that globally, climate change is likely to lead to more heatwaves, heavy rainfall and coastal inundation and droughts and tropical cyclones are projected to become more intense,” Mr Combet said.

“Australians are well acquainted with the devastating impacts of extreme events. In the past two years, much of the eastern states have been significantly impacted by events including heatwaves, bushfires, extreme flooding and cyclones.”

Climate change has been compounded by other environmental challenges, including increased pollution. The rise of a so-called ‘throw-away society’ has increased plastic waste while non-environmental cleaning products has contributed to water and soil pollution.

While threats are extreme, green activities believe positive social and policy change can stem climate change impacts.

“”The Government is working to reduce the severity of these impacts by reducing our carbon pollution as part of international efforts to tackle climate change, and adapting to the impacts that cannot be avoided,” Mr Combet said.

The green revolution underway among everyday Australians has been noticeable.

Australian environmental cleaning company Envirosafe Solution believes environmental concerns are driving the business sector toward more sustainable practices.

“The green revolution is becoming more mainstream,” Envirosafe Solutions director Murray Simon said. “There is a real acceptance that as consumers of the Earth’s natural resources we have reached a critical point. Small changes to the way we live our lives and run our businesses are creating positive change.”

For more information on making the switch away from harsh chemicals toward eco-friendly industrial liquids contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/greg-combet/2011/media-releases/November/mr20111119.aspx

http://ipcc-wg2.gov/SREX/images/uploads/SREX-SPM_Approved-HiRes_opt.pdf

In the past decade, both steel and lumber companies have received a great deal of bad press and publicity due to their seemingly detrimental effects upon the earth. While an argument can be made in support of either side, it is especially important to examine just exactly how these companies run their operations. Even ecologically sensitive people know that sometimes we need good steel and lumber, and sometimes these materials can be recovered and renovated from old structures to use in new structures. In fact, many current home improvement and home building television shows active illustrate how they took wood or steel from a previous, dilapidated building or home and reused it, with just as much practicality, in a new construction project. Environmentalists the world over often protest at how much waste can be avoided by using recovered and reestablished materials from torn down buildings or places which have fallen into disrepair.

While industrial steel used in foundations and in core structures of buildings is typically brand new, many companies, interior decorators, and architects are recommending, using, and publicly supporting the use of recovered wood and steel in the use of non-supporting facades, stylistic design, and even in core branding. Companies enjoy doing this because their headquarters can sometimes be lavish, seemingly costly structures which may not appeal to more hardcore environmentalists, but the use of recovered materials often softens their public image and helps them to seem more earth friendly. As any marketing strategist can tell you, in the eyes of the consumer, perception IS reality. If a company is perceived as eco friendly, or at the very least lenient on the subject, their image is more approachable, cleaner, and safer in the minds of their customers.

Envirosafe Solutions supports all use of effectively and safely recovered material in the use of new building and construction projects. We can take better care of our planet if we watch how well we manage our resources. For more information on using eco friendly surfactants, degreasers, and glass cleaners in your business, call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.