Tag: Green Revolution

The Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) has become embroiled in a heated dispute with traditional land owners in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

The mining company, headed by Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest, is seeking access to land in the Pilbara for the planned Solomon Hub mining project, which is expected to provide several decades of iron ore production.

Yet the plan has met with fierce opposition from sections of the Yindjibarndi community, who are the traditional custodians of the land where FMG is planning to build. While some Yindjibarndi people are understood to support the Solomon Hub project, others have criticised the offer from FMG as too low.

FMG has offered $4 million per year in royalty payments for the Solomon Hub project, as well as approximately $6 million more in housing, training and business development for local people.

The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation has been highly critical of the offer, and described FMG’s manoeuvres as the “great native title swindle”. The Aboriginal Corporation has published online material claiming that FMG is attempting to rort them out of the native title rights.

FMG has weighed into the online battle too, releasing video footage of a meeting between company executives and Yindjibarndi people, which allegedly demonstrates that a significant number of local people support the Solomon Hub project. The Aboriginal Corporation has responded to the video, claiming the footage is heavily edited and not a true representation of community sentiment.

The youth activist organisation GetUp has also become involved in the dispute, campaigning online against FMG, on behalf of the Yindjibarndi people. With both sides aggressively pushing their own version of events, the conflict shows no signs of abating in the near future.

Plastic shopping bags will be banned across the Northern Territory from September this year, as part of a wider plan by the Territory government to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Environment Minister Karl Hampton has announced that the total ban will come into effect in on September 1, with a gradual phase out beginning in May.

“Approximately 40 million single-use plastic bags are consumed in the Territory each year, creating landfill, litter and killing our wildlife,” Mr Hampton said.

Territorians are being encouraged to buy reusable shopping bags at the supermarket, in the hope that this practice will become habit by the time the full ban comes into effect.

The NT Government plan sets a hopeful precedent for other jurisdictions in Australia. Eliminating disposable plastic bags is an important step toward a sustainable future.

As an environmentally-conscious business, we at Envirosafe Solutions will be watching how the NT scheme unfolds with keen interest. We hope that the plan will succeed and a similar strategy will soon be adopted by state governments around the country.

The federal Climate Change Minister has hinted that the top fifty emissions-intensive companies in Australia will pay the majority of the government’s proposed carbon tax.

In a speech to the National Press Club on April 13, Greg Combet suggested that roughly two thirds of the carbon tax revenue would come from the fifty biggest emitters in Australia, such as electricity generators, miners, metal producers and airlines.

“When you exclude sectors that will not be covered by the carbon price, the 50 largest polluters will be responsible for around two-thirds of carbon liabilities,” Mr Combet said.

Yet Mr. Combet was quick to reiterate that the government will be providing substantial assistance to big emitters in trade exposed industries.

The speech comes as the government tries to ease fears of rising household bills and demonstrate that big business will be shouldering the majority of the carbon tax burden, rather than Australian families.

As the federal government works feverishly to sell its carbon tax, independent MP Tony Windsor – whose vote will be crucial to pass the legislation in the minority parliament – has warned that he may not support the proposal if the government cannot provide more details on the tax.

It’s a fact!

Did you know airborne mould found outdoors poses little threat to human health? But source that same mould indoors in our building and internal environments, and you have a recipe for disaster. Indoor mould may have radically altered composition, and the implications for humans are alarming.[1] Respiratory problems, increased risk of asthma, skin irritations, disrupted concentration, headaches and fatigue are all symptoms of indoor mould exposure. Envirosafe Solutions understands the problem of internal-environment mould, and has developed Extreme Green GelClean Sanitiser to help combat this malevolent little fungus.

In the 2007 SBS television series “Is your House Killing You,” Dr. Peter Dingle from The School of Environmental Science at Murdoch University in WA, and Dr. Cedric Cheong, also from Murdoch University, took us through the hazards of mould infestations in homes, outlining their unsightliness, effect on the health of householders, and in particular the respiratory problems faced by younger members of a suburban family.[2]

So what can we do to address this common problem?

Successful treatment of a mould infestation requires a substance that not only eradicates mould and mildew but also restores the infected environment to a pre-mould pristine condition, free of spores and the potential to reproduce again. Extreme Green GelClean Sanitiser contains absolutely no petro-solvents or harsh acids and its viscous, super-concentrated composition means it is extremely economical to use, reducing down the drain wastage found in more fluid mould cleaning agents. In addition, it is free-rinsing and non-toxic which means it is safe to use around family and/or employees.

With a 6-12 month shelf life when stored appropriately in a cool, dry area Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green GelClean Sanitiser is one of the most suitable and effective mould, mildew and residue removers on the market in Australia. And it can also be used on masonry and stone and general household or industrial areas. A dilution ratio of 1:25 will suffice and a simple broom/brush or mop and pressure washer application means it is not only effective but also extremely simple to apply and remove. Just leave for several minutes after application and then wash down.[3] Extreme Green GelClean Sanitiser will eradicate mould, mildew and grime in bathroom, toilet and refuse areas, restoring these environments to a mould-free state for your family or employees.

To purchase or enquire about Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green GelClean Sanitiser, phone our sales team on 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] Australian Mould Guideline. Editors, Dr. Peter Kemp and Dr. Heike Neumeister Kemp.  Mycologia Australia. 2005.

[2] Is Your House Killing You? SBS Television, 2007.

[3] http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=12&product=5

In early 2011 Western Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Lyn Beazley stated “the only way to change how our culture thinks and acts on conserving biodiversity is through eco-education.”[1] Education and consequent alteration to our industry, business and home practices is vital if we are to survive as a planet in the coming centuries.

So, what can industry do to be a part of this change?

At Envirosafe Solutions, the issue of Eco-Education is taken extremely seriously. And, as a result, it has positioned itself as an industry leader in relation to environmentally safe and sound practices, with a twofold rationale.  Envirosafe Solutions is not only committing to an active and strategic response to the current global environmental crisis, (which management regards as both a moral and ethical duty,) but it also exemplifies a “lead by example” model that has the capacity to influence other companies, clients and industries to follow a similar line. Its strategies and approaches to environmental issues therefore have an educational role and component – one that “brushes off” on other businesses and industries and in turn acts as a catalyst and motivator for ongoing green culture evolution in the Australian business and industry sector.

The West Australian Government’s Department of Environment and Conservation has recently set up the Eco-Education program with an aim to foster appreciation for the natural environment.” [2] While this program primarily targets school-aged children of primary and high school age, it also emphasises in the field experience and excursions/programs for students and their teachers. And the implications for future industry and business practice are huge. “The programs are designed to generate interest in and action for biodiversity conservation, sustainable living and practical ways to act on conservation issues,”[3] which  in turn, translates to a more biodiversity- aware adult working population in Western Australia in years to come.

As Professor Beazley noted as the Mid West Science Summit in Geraldton in 2010, “…it is important we continue raising awareness of the importance of bio-diversity for human well-being.”[4] Maintaining our biodiversity is key to our ongoing survival, and this is particularly relevant to West Australian business and industry because of the state’s reputation worldwide as a biodiversity hotspot. “Rich biodiversity environments are also important for economic wellbeing, with industries such as tourism and fishing and pearling among them,[5] ” Professor Beazley concluded.

Our future depends upon eco-education programs and approaches such as those developed by the West Australian government, and by companies such as Envirosafe Solutions, respectively. Across the board multi-generational education and influence is undoubtedly the way forward, particularly in Australia, where our reputation as a biodiversity hotspot has implications for the economic, industry and health standards of the population.

When you use Envirosafe Solutions range of Extreme Green products, you can be assured you are using products that augur well for the future biodiversity of Australia and our planet. Call Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70

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[1] http://www.sciencewa.net.au/environment-and-climate/eco-education-vital-for-biodiversity-conservation.html

[2] http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/ecoeducation/

[3] Ibid.

[4] http://www.sciencewa.net.au/environment-and-climate/eco-education-vital-for-biodiversity-conservation.html.

[5] Ibid.

These days we all seem to be raging germaphobes. Everyone is a bit paranoid in the wake of SARS, bird flu, swine flue and all the other nasty bugs getting around. Hand sanitisers have begun popping up left right and centre. You’ll find foam dispensers in schools, offices, kitchens – everywhere. More and more people are carrying those little bottles of sanitising gel.

The attraction of these products is obvious. They are instant, no-fuss germ killers, and don’t even need to be rinsed off with water. Who wouldn’t take advantage of such convenience? There is one serious problem with hand sanitisers, however. Most of them are alcohol-based and potentially very dangerous if used improperly.

While the ethanol and propanol in hand sanitisers are very effective at killing bacteria, they pose all the same risks as any other alcoholic product. Many sanitisers contain upwards of 60% alcohol, and some contain as much as 90%.[1] These products are comparable in strength to kerosene and methylated spirits – controlled substances which are sold in childproof bottles with big ‘POISON’ labels on them. That’s a connection that may be lost on some people: alcohol-based hand sanitisers are a poison like any other.

You wouldn’t let your kids get into the liquor cabinet, and you definitely wouldn’t let them near a bottle of metho. Unfortunately, leaving alcohol-based sanitisers lying around can be just as dangerous. There is a high risk of alcohol poisoning from accidental ingestion – and we all know kids love sticking strange things in their mouths. Even sucking thumbs and biting fingernails is risky business if those hands are exposed to alcoholic sanitisers.

Alcohol also poses a serious risk of eye damage.[2] If you’ve ever accidentally rubbed your eyes with fresh sanitiser on your hands, you’ll know that it’s not a pleasant experience. In larger quantities your eyes will suffer more than just irritation. Children are particularly susceptible to this type of mishap.

Pretty grim stuff, but there is some good news. Very good news, in fact: Alcohol-based sanitisers are completely unnecessary. The same antibacterial power can be found in various organic biocides, such as benzalkonium chloride. These agents are lethal to bacteria and completely safe for humans. Studies have even suggested that non-alcoholic sanitisers are more effective at killing germs and viruses than their traditional ethanol and propanol-based counterparts.[3]

So there really is no sense at all in continuing to use poisonous alcoholic sanitisers. Envirosafe Solutions has an alcohol-free alternative that will keep you and your loved ones safe and germ-free. Do your family a favour and make the switch today. Call them on 1300 88 90 70

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[1] http://www.sweetadditions.net/health/dangers-of-hand-sanitizer-to-children

[2] http://ezinearticles.com/?Allergies,-Headaches,-Dizziness-and-Nausea-From-Using-Classical-Chemical-Disinfectants—Another-Way?&id=4075519

[3] http://www.prlog.org/10293424-alcoholfree-hand-sanitizer-proven-more-effective-than-alcohol-based-brands.html

The ice is melting.  Polar caps are shrinking, and sea levels rise incrementally year by year. Our beloved Happy Feet fellows – the large Antarctic penguin colonies – are under threat, with researchers predicting nesting and feeding grounds virtually non-existent within a few generations.[1]

The evidence is there – our world is warming – and yet debate continues to rage within the scientific community in relation to reasons, scientific evidence and most importantly, sound, solutions based approaches to this pressing issue.

While Prime Minister Gillard firmly espouses the pressing needs for a climate tax in order to reduce greenhouse emissions, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott maintains the Liberal Party stance with a point-blank refusal to succumb, citing the effect on Australian Industry would be too gutting. Independent MP Tony Windsor believes first phase of the solution lies in a more eclectic approach involving full discussion of all options, with a combination of carbon tax and investment in renewable energies paving the way for the stimulation growth of a new green and renewable industries sector in Australia. [2]

Dr. Megan Clark, CEO of Australia’s National Science agency, the CSIRO, follows an even more holistic line with the Integrated Carbon Pathways model, launched at Greenhouse 2011 recently (4^th April 2011.) As well as providing integrated assessment frameworks and models, Integrated Carbon Pathways will also see a range of projects focused on developing a deeper understanding of particular science areas such as climate systems, carbon cycles, water and heat exchanges, and marine and terrestrial ecosystems, to name but a few.[3]

Bjorn Lomberg,[4] adjunct Professor at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark and Director of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre maintains the real solution must be found in the development of new and exciting breakthrough technologies in the next twenty to forty years. And whether one agrees with Lomberg or not, cutting edge approaches certainly seem viable as a component part of the solution.

Envirosafe Solutions is one such company working with the environment and its current challenges, as opposed to against. Standing at the forefront of cutting edge approaches to industry in the green era, Envirosafe Solutions produces sustainable, green products that are eco-friendly, thereby increasing your own business reputation, and tangibly reducing your environmental impact in real and meaningful ways. It is an approach that may well already accord with an integrated pathways model, which seeks to develop a holistic and viable approach to the pressing environmental issues facing Australia and the planet.

Call Envirosafe Solutions now on 1300 88 90 70.

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[1] Joellen Williams, ABC Science Show with Robin Williams, ABC Radio National. http://www.abc.net.au/environment/topic.html?t=climatechange&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=Corp_InnovEnvironment2011_Adwords&gclid=CPTV8dmKlagCFQrzbwod_wtHCg

[2] ABC Radio National, 7 April 2011. ABC National Rural News. http://www.abc.net.au/environment/topic.html?t=climatechange&WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=Corp_InnovEnvironment2011_Adwords&gclid=CPTV8dmKlagCFQrzbwod_wtHCg

[3] http://www.csiro.au/science/Integrated-Carbon-Pathways.html

[4] Lomberg, Bjorn. The Skeptical Environmentalist, Cambridge University Press, 2001.