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Greenpeace and Non-Violent Direct Action

Envirosafe Solutions keeps a close watch on environmental related events and decisions in Australia and beyond. A recent court decision in New Zealand may eventually influence our own country’s relationship with environmental organisations, their tactics and their status in terms of not-for profit entities.

A 2011 New Zealand High Court decision has stripped New Zealand’s Greenpeace of its “charity status.”  A May 6 appeal was rejected by Justice Paul Heath, who stated that Greenpeace’s “political activities can no longer be regarded as ‘merely ancillary’ to its charitable purposes and that the NZ Charities Commission had been correct in disqualifying it for registration for potentially illegal activities.”[1]

The decision centred around the notion of illegality in relation to Non-Violent Direct Action – a potent form of resistance and activism that hold the opponent morally accountable through a tactic of non-violent resistance. At issue in the New Zealand High Court decision was the specific tactic of “trespass” which has been used by Greenpeace at times.

Justice Heath went on to say that the NZ Charity Commission was “correct in holding that non-violent, but potentially illegal activities (such as trespass,) were designed to put (in the eyes of Greenpeace) objectionable activities into the public spotlight,” and that these “were an independent object disqualifying it from registration as a charitable entry.”[2]

Non-violent Direct Action has a strong history exemplified in the US Civil Rights Movement and the mass civil disobedience resistance lead by Mahatma Gandhi in India in the early 20th Century. It focuses on concentrated passive resistance and is closely aligned to Quaker philosophy and values. Violence is deemed unacceptable morally as a protest tactic. In 2007 John Hepburn, Greenpeace Energy Campaigner, spoke of this Greenpeace, approach as it applied in an Australian context. “There will be accusations of violence and of being ‘un-Australian.’ And the thing is we’ll need to remember what is actually important. Life. And our children’s future. The consequences of doing nothing on climate change are just far too devastating, violent and irresponsible to contemplate. So…Greenpeace will continue taking peaceful direct action as we have done for thirty years.”[3]

Only time will tell whether the New Zealand High Court ruling will have a seepage effect into the Australian context and on Greenpeace’s use of Non Violent Direct Action tactics here.  If this is the case in the future, the modus operandi of many charitable organisations linked with environmental change will be affected considerably.

One thing does remain clear and that is the need for consistent effort in relation to environmental concerns and issues worldwide. Each of us can play a small part, from more vocal and robust activism through to considered choices regarding the products we use in the home, in the office, in our schools and in our industry.  Each of us can join the Green Revolution.

Call Envirosafe Solutions and find out more about their range of quality Australian made enviro-friendly products  1300 88 90 70 .

[1] McBeth, P. “Greenpeace too political to register as a charity, NZ court rules.” Sourced: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1105/

[2] Ibid.

[3] Hepburn,J. Thirty years of Peaceful Direct Action. http://www.greenpeace.org.au/Australia/news-and-events/opinions/30-years-of-peaceful-direct-ac

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Green Travel

Envirosafe Solutions encourages all householders to consider their sustainability practices within the home, and also to consider the way in which they travel to and from work and to and from recreational activities or social events of a weekend. According to the Australian Government’s Living Greener website, “the average passenger car travels 13,700 kilometres per year and emits 3.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide. And, for every litre of petrol used in a motor vehicle, 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide are emitted from the exhaust.”[1]

In today’s world, we have an acute dependence on our cars and while they are convenient, mostly reliable and facilitate ease of travel, they are a grave threat to the atmosphere because of their CO2 emissions.  But there are a number of simple actions we can take that can reduce our own contributions to greenhouse gases and help shift the world towards a brighter and greener future.

  • When purchasing a new or a used car, be sure to research the efficiency of make and model on the Australian governments Green Vehicle Guide website. The site helps with a simple and effective rating system that is “calculated using data provided by manufacturers from testing the vehicle against Australian standards.” [2]
  • Use public transport. Every time you use public transport it makes a difference! It’s never too little…or too late. Have you ever noticed how many peak hour cars hold only one individual? Take a brisk walk to the train station or the bus or the ferry and read the paper on the way to work. You’ll get some exercise in as an added bonus.
  • Have you thought about car-pooling? Car-pooling is an extremely effective method of reducing emissions and costs to consumers. Are there a few employees in your place of business who live near each other? Perhaps you could settle on a collection point and take one car from there to your collective destination.
  • Ride a bicycle the whole or part of the way to work or to school. You’ll save a fortune in petrol and it will do wonders for your heart, lungs and general health.

Committing to a reduction in the use of a motor vehicle is not a “huge ask.” It simply requires forward planning and thinking, and a willingness to change some ingrained habits that are interlinked with our strong dependence on that motor vehicle out in the garage. Try a few small and simple changes to begin with and work up from there.  It’s never too late to join the Green Revolution.

For information on a green approach to work and household practices, call Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70

[1] http://livinggreener.gov.au/travel

[2] http://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au

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Graffiti – If you Spray You Pay

Graffiti continues to pose a substantial cost to local and state governments, nationally. Time and again, community members wake to find an expanse of pristine wall across the road from their homes or businesses, “tagged” with the latest spray painted graphics of street artists who use public and private wall spaces, roads and street surfaces as their canvases. It is an ongoing problem and an ongoing concern and costs the taxpayer millions of dollars each year.

In an effort to curb the problem, South Australian Police have proposed a new approach, stating that offenders should be made to pay compensation.

At the moment, the laws governing graffiti in South Australia are under review and up for consideration are ideas in relation to effective punitive measures that actually deter graffiti artists from tagging. South Australian Police Commissioner Mal Hyde believe “a HECS style scheme where offenders are made to pay compensation for the damage their graffiti causes, once their income is high enough,”[1] may be the way to approach it.

Director of the South Australian Youth affairs Council, Anne Bainbridge disagrees and says restorative justice s a more effective method of dealing with youth graffiti. “This entails young people who have committed graffiti vandalism being involved in cleaning the vandalism or restoring the vandalism, and also engaging with the broader community about the effect that behavior has on the community.”[2]

The problem is so significant Australia wide, that the New South Wales government has even issued a detailed publication on graffiti for use by local government, planners and designers. Titled the “NSW Graffiti Solutions Handbook,” it outlines the cost to the community, its sub-cultural value to youth as a component of contemporary pop culture, as well as various means and ways of addressing the management of graffiti and its removal, across the state.  Part of the approach entails educating youth on the development of legal pieces in designated local government areas or areas where youths might congregate such as youth centres, skate parks and recreational parks.[3]

Envirosafe Solutions has developed a highly effective and specialized graffiti cleaner that can remove tags and obtrusive and unwanted graffiti art from most surfaces. Extreme Green Graffiti Remover is an environmentally friendly alternative to older style graffiti removers that contained harsh, toxic acids that were unsafe and difficult to use.

It can remove liquid paper, crayon, whiteboard marker, permanent texta markings, ink and spray paint. And it can be applied to a variety of surfaces such as glass, brick wood, concrete, metals, masonry surfaces and plastic. It is suitable for use on just about any surface that has been vandalized by tagging and graffiti art.

If you require an eco-friendly graffiti remover for your surfaces, call Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70

[1] Haxton, N.Payback  Proposed to punish graffiti vandals. http://abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/113213566.htm

[2] Ibid.

[3] NSW Graffiti Solutions Handbook for Local Government, Planner, Designers and Developers. NSW Premiers Department. 2000.

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Getting Rid of Gunk the Enviro-friendly Way

A commercial kitchen is a bustling and bombastic environment, fuelled by hard work, creativity and the delivery of food products that are tasty, well prepared, and clean and visually appealing. And the kitchen site where food is cooked needs to be fresh, clean and free from grease and caked on gunk that can compromise health and safety for clients, management and for staff.

We’ve probably all seen a large scale industrial kitchen at some point. Perhaps we’ve worked in one or perhaps we’ve seen its machinations on television. It’s a large-scale orchestrated production with big pots and big pans and big stoves and big ovens. Everything is downright BIG. Imagine an army barracks, or a naval ship. Imagine a functioning mid-shift hotel kitchen or a nursing home or a hospital concern where meals are prepared by the hundreds and even the thousands. You get the idea. Everything – including mess – is go go go.

Raw ingredients and raw produce are in bulk, and the ingredients are prepped and heated on massive griddles and stovetops. And by the end of the shift – with all that slip and slop and slap – the kitchen gunk is well and truly grimed in.

Ordinary cleaning products will not do the job. You need an outstanding kitchen degreaser that can work wonders in minutes and do it in a way that is economically viable and also environmentally safe and sound. In today’s hospitality and services industry, this is what is expected. In today’s workplace climate, this is what is required.

Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green Kitchen Degreaser contains no petro solvents or harsh acids.  It easily dissolves kitchen grease, caked and burnt foodstuffs and encrusted carbon deposits on griddles, stovetops and spiders. Your work areas will sparkle and shine like new, and will be ready and rearing to go for the next shift. It can also be used on exhaust fans and extraction filters and because it does not contain caustics, you know you can switch on fans and filters without the usual first switch odour that is both unfavourable and potentially hazardous to your workforce.

With an Envirosafe Green rating for health, environment and transporting, you know you are using a product that achieves results and also respects the delicate balance of the planet and the immediate environment.

Just place griddles and spiders into soak tanks and dilute Extreme Green Kitchen degreaser in accordance with directions and soak tank size. Forget hours and hours of elbow grease and endless scouring. Envirosafe Extreme Green Kitchen Degreaser can do the job for you while respecting and sustaining our delicate and much loved environment.

Telephone Envirosafe Solutions now  1300 88 90 70

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Eye of the Tiger

Envirosafe Solutions takes a brief look at the plight of the endangered Sumatran Tiger.

For the past thirty years, Australia has had an ongoing love affair with the small island of Bali. It is now a major tourist destination for vacationers wishing to experience a brief glimpse of Asia and all it has to offer, whilst maintaining a steady connection with western style resort level accommodation and services.

But how many Australians actually move beyond this Hindu-based Island and venture further a field into the island regions of Sumatra, Java and the smattering of smaller islands than comprise this highly populated country? How many are aware that just a plane flight away, the great Sumatran Tiger is under threat of extinction?

Many indeed would be unaware of the plight of the Sumatran Tiger in the region of Bukit Tigapuluh. Bukit Tigapuluh is one of the last remaining remnants of lush rainforest that earned Indonesia the nickname “Jewel of the Equator” over seventy years ago. Most recently, World Wildlife Fund camera traps “recorded an astounding 12 tigers in just two months in this area, including two mothers with cubs and three young tiger siblings playfully chasing a leaf.”[1]

The sense of innocence this image conveys is palpable. Cubs and mothers in the wild, snatching and clawing at jungle leaves and fraying vines conjure an idyllic existence befitting the pride of the forest. And yet, there are only some 400 Sumatran Tigers remaining in the wild, along with another five surviving subspecies (Bengal, Amur, Malayan, Indochinese and Chinese.) Today, the total number of all these tigers is estimated to be as few as 3,200 which is a far cry from the 100,000 in existence around a century ago. WWF is working to build the political, financial and public support to double the number of tigers in the wild by 2022.

Around 10% – or approximately 30 – of the world’s remaining Sumatran Tigers inhabit the forest of Bukit Tigapuluh (or Thirty Hills, as it translates to in English.) Half of Bukit Tigapuluh is national park, but the flatland forest areas favoured by The Sumatran Tiger, the Orangutan and endangered elephants – those low lying areas outside of National Park control – “are under immediate threat from large scale commercial logging from the pulp and paper industry.”[2]

Envirosafe Solutions has a “think before you print” workplace approach, and prides itself on the development and maintenance of workplace practices that translate to recycling, sustainability and low paper usage. Envirosafe Solutions understands that we all have a choice, and when we purchase the typing paper that sits on our office desks and home work stations, we can check to see that it is sourced from recycled paper or from plantation timber rather than old growth forest areas.

The Sumatran Tiger faces extinction. Our work and home habits and practices can have a direct and indirect impact on the sustainability of threatened species in Australia and Indonesia and beyond.

An ethical approach to the environment is possible with Envirosafe Solutions.

Phone them for eco-friendly products on 1300 88 90 70.

[1] http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2011/WWFPresitem21209.html?intcmp=HPPolaroid-CaughtonCamera

[2] Last Chance to Save Bukit Tigapuluh. Sumatran Tigers, elephants orang-utans and indigenous tribes face extinction along with forest. KKI WARSI,  Frankfurt Zoological Society, Eyes on the Forest, WWF-Indonesia, 2010.

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Green cleaning products key to workplace safety

A global framework for the classification and labelling of chemicals is being adopted in Australia. It will be phased-in from 2012 and will form part of health and safety protocols within Australian workplaces. Chemical cleaning products are associated with skin and respiratory irritation for workers in cleaning, mechanical, mining and healthcare sectors. In addition the transportation and disposal of these chemicals create significant environmental impacts. Today we look at reducing these risks through the use of low-toxicity, natural-based environmental cleaning products.

Cleaning products can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation and are an important consideration in health and safety guidelines for Australian workplaces.

Workers in cleaning, healthcare and education sectors as well as mining, industrial and mechanical workplaces are exposed to toxic chemicals on a daily basis.

New labelling and safe handling guidelines are being adopted by SafeWork Australia, which will replace existing separate classifications for hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

The new model for workplace hazardous chemicals will utilise the Globally Harmonised System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, developed under the auspices of the United Nations. It will outline health and safety regulations and clear guidelines on correct labelling and material safety data sheets (MSDS). Its phased implementation will be rolled out from next year.

Health and environmental risks

Exposure to toxic cleaning products needs to be minimised to protect workers. According to the US EPA website – which promotes the use of eco-friendly cleaning products – the health and environmental risks from cleaning products include:

  • Contamination of wastewater through the rinsing and cleaning of sponges, storage containers containing residual product;
  • Risks to aquatic species and wildlife from wastewater contaminated with chemicals such as alkylphenol ethoxylates – a common surfactant in cleaners – which has been identified as an endocrine (hormone) disrupter;
  • Poor water quality caused by chemicals containing phosphorus or nitrogen;
  • Poor indoor air quality created by the release of volatile organic compounds (VOC) found in cleaning products.
  • Environmental risks associated with the transportation, storage and disposal of commercial cleaning products.

The US EPA states that actual risk from typical workplace exposure was uncertain but that: “Regardless of the expected risk levels… reducing the intrinsic hazard of a product is a desirable pollution prevention objective as part of decisions that also take into account other important product attributes”.

Benefits of ‘Buying Green’

Health and environmental concerns associated with workplace chemicals has led to the development of eco-friendly liquid products. Typical characteristics of environmentally friendly liquids are biodegradability, low toxicity and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) content.

Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been supplying Australian workplaces with safe, effective and affordable eco-friendly liquid products for more than 20 years. Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green cleaning alternatives, including its solvent-free degreaser, cater for the cleaning, industrial, mining, healthcare and government sectors. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://safeworkaustralia.gov.au/SafetyInYourWorkplace/HazardousSubstancesAndDangerousGoods/FAQs/Pages/FAQs.aspx

http://www.epa.gov/epp/pubs/cleaning.htm

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Today’s wastewater tomorrow’s drinking water

An ambitious city-wide water recycling program is being developed for Sydney to combat water shortages. The project aims to reduce demands on drinking water supplies and represents a growing trend towards recycling wastewater for irrigating lawns, parks and vegetation and more contentiously, drinking. Seawater desalination has become another tool to secure water and a new plant will supply drinking water to the city of Adelaide. Today we look at different water initiatives and the role of eco-friendly liquid products in limiting toxins entering wastewater that could be tomorrow’s drinking water.

Sydney has unveiled an ambitious water recycling plan which it claims will see it become Australia’s first city to develop a city-wide recycled water network.

The City of Sydney council has appointed a consortium to develop models for the project, which aims to reduce demands on drinking water supplies. The planning group consists of researchers, engineers and consultants.

Lord mayor Clover Moore said the water plan, part of the global Green Revolution, would provide a model for other Australian cities. “In the longer term our drinking water supplies will come under increasing pressure from a growing population and climate change with hotter and dryer weather predicted over the coming decades.”

The recycled water project would supplement water supplied to apartments, commercial and institutional buildings, which account for 80 percent of water usage in the Sydney area. The water plan will also incorporate projects that reduce pollutants from entering waterways. Eco-friendly liquid products limit toxic chemicals from contaminating wastewater.

Saltwater to freshwater

Further South, a seawater desalination plant is being commissioned at Port Stanvac to supply drinking water to the city of Adelaide. The $1.83 billion project uses reverse osmosis to treat seawater and has been earmarked for completion by December 2012. The first drop of water should be produced by the end of July this year.

The South Australian Government expects capacity at the plant to grow to 100 billion litres by the end of 2012

Perth was the first Australian city to receive desalinated water for large-scale consumption after its Kwinana plant began pumping desalinated seawater in November of 2006. It supplies an estimated 17 percent of the city’s water needs. A seawater deslination plant is being built in Victoria to provide an estimated 150 billion litres of water by the end of this year.

Across Australia government and industry have invested heavily in the treatment of greywater, effluent, stormwater and seawater to secure water resources for the future. Water recycling has also been adopted across other parts of the globe, including Singapore, California, Florida, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

Key to treating wastewater has been the issue of water quality and the contaminants regularly flushed into water systems, including debris, oils, and chemical pollutants.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been working with Australian businesses for more than 20 years providing biodegradable eco-friendly industrial liquids.

These products utilise natural cleaning agents, have a low-toxicity rating and are biodegradable. Envirosafe Solutions’ commitment to ecological sustainability supports industry and government efforts to reduce water contamination without sacrificing performance. Its range includes the mining and industrial environmentally friendly liquid Extreme Green Insect and Tar Remover, a fully biodegradable product which is effective even when heavily diluted. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.sydneymedia.com.au/html/4477-sydney-plan-for-australias-first-city-wide-recycled-water-network.asp

http://www.sawater.com.au/NR/rdonlyres/076CFEFE-B2E1-450F-83AE-A19B131649C9/0/MedRelADPDelayJan2011.pdf

http://www.watercorporation.com.au/D/desalination.cfm

http://www.melbournewater.com.au/content/water_recycling/what_is_recycled_water/what_is_recycled_water.asp

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Recycling wastewater combats water restrictions

New developments in regional and remote areas are utilising wastewater treatment systems to combat water restrictions and meet environmental guidelines. Local council regulations are increasingly stipulating the use of such systems for sewage and greywater for developments outside of common effluent schemes. The Australian Government has also launched a $200 million funding program to encourage industry to implement water recycling initiatives. Today we look at reclaiming and reusing wastewater and the role safe environmental cleaning products play in this process.

Parts of Western Australia experienced their driest winter on record in 2010 and ongoing water restrictions have highlighted the need for water conservation.

Despite floods and cyclones hammering Australia’s east coast in recent months permanent water restrictions also remain in place in Eastern states.

As the driest continent on Earth, Australia’s water resources and recycling initiatives have been high on the political agenda. The Federal Government unveiled a $200 million initiative in 2009 to fund stormwater harvesting and re-use projects. The funding was part of its $12.9 billion Water for the Future package.

Wastewater treatment systems offer solutions for commercial operations unable to tap into common effluent schemes or wanting to recycle water to irrigate lawns and gardens. They are being increasingly used by accommodation venues, function centres, mining camps, schools, factories and wineries, allowing operators to reclaim wastewater.

Wastewater treatment systems employ physical, biological and chemical processes to recycle rainwater, stormwater, greywater, blackwater (containing sewerage), groundwater and industrial water for irrigation of lawns and gardens as stipulated by local government.

New technologies are being developed to test the quality of treated greywater in light of the growing use of wastewater treatment systems. The CSIRO has been working to develop a national standard for treated greywater. This aims to iron out inconsistencies from separate state and territory legislation covering greywater collection, treatment and use. CSIRO Land and Water scientist Melissa Toifl said the protocol could be used to establish a national greywater treatment testing regime. “With this protocol we are anticipating a national approach in the way greywater treatment technologies are tested and regulated… (which could result in) increasing consumer adoption rates of greywater technologies.”

Combined septic and greywater treatment systems often employ aerobic treatment processes and require a delicate balance of bacterial flora. This can be upset by common cleaning chemicals. The use of environmental cleaning products is an important consideration for users of wastewater treatment systems.

Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions provides eco-friendly industrial liquids to industry and government sectors. Its products are low-toxic and biodegradable and include Extreme Green Solvent-Free Degreaser, Sanitiser/Mould Rid, Hard Water – Laundry Liquid, dishwashing liquid, anti-bacterial hand wash, dishwasher powder, disinfectant, dishwasher rinse aid, laundry powder and fabric conditioner.

Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green Waste and Odour Treatment can be used in septic systems, porta-loos, animal enclosures and food preparation areas to eliminate odours and reduce sludge build-up. The Envirosafe Solutions range of laundry products have been specially designed for use in remote locations and are completely safe for hardwater and septic systems while delivering powerful results.

Australia’s scarce water resources offer a challenge for government and industry and wastewater recycling has increasingly been viewed as a partial solution to water restrictions. Envirosafe Solutions commitment to providing eco-friendly industrial liquids supports water recycling initiatives. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/publications/urban/fs-water-treatment.html

http://www.environment.gov.au/water/policy-programs/urban-water-desalination/stormwater-reuse/index.html

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/minister/previous/wong/2009/media-releases/March/mr20090323.aspx

http://www.csiro.au/news/Greywater-treatment-technologies.html

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Best practice strategies key to mitigating mining risks

Energy production comes at a great cost to the environment and ultimately human life. BP’s  Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, New Zealand’s Pike River coal mine tragedy and Japan’s nuclear radiation problems are among the latest stark reminders of the risks involved. Yet global energy demands appear unstoppable. The need for best practice in such high-risk sectors is more apparent with each news headline. Today we look at best environmental practice for mining operations, including the use of safe environmental cleaning products such as Envirosafe Solutions Soil Wetta/Dust Suppressor to combat dust issues.

As one of the few developed nations dependent on mining for its economic stability Australia has been at the forefront of developing best environmental practice for mining.

It is not only the world’s leading coal exporter, but also exports its expertise in the areas of mining technology and environmental protection. The value of exports of high-technology mining products and services has been estimated at $2 billion a year. Mining and energy exports currently represent 37% of total domestic exports.

The wealth generated by Australia’s rich energy resources has historically been viewed as mitigating the considerable environmental costs of mining. It was not until the 1950s and 1960s that attitudes began to change and not until the 1990s that key measures were being taken to develop more sustainable mining practices. These included:

  • The publication of information booklets on Best Practice Environmental Management in Mining, produced by government body Environment Australia with the involvement of key stakeholders and experts.
  • The development of the Minerals Industry Code of Practice for Environmental Management, which outlines sustainable development, continual improvement, risk management, rehabilitation, environmental targets and reporting guidelines.

Best environmental practice guidelines cover every aspect of mine management including air emissions, noise and dust control, land rehabilitation, contamination, auditing and water management. It also addresses hazardous materials management, storage and disposal.

Letting the dust settle

The management of dust issues has been made easier by Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green Soil Wetta/Dust Suppressor, designed specifically for Australian mining conditions. The product tackles problems associated with poor water absorption in soils and road bases which cost time, money and precious water resources.

In keeping with the Perth-based eco-friendly industrial liquid company’s commitment to the environment, the Soil Wetta/Dust Suppressor is safe to be used in tankers which also carry drinking water.

Envirosafe Solutions’ supplies a complete range of environmental liquid products for mining operations including its fuel conditioner, Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions and kills diesel bug, helping reduce greenhouse gases and saving money. It also supplies solvent-free degreaser, radiator cleaner and rust converter to name but a few of the innovative products they supply.

Disasters in energy production are a timely reminder of the need to be vigilant in implementing best environmental practice. Leading Australian industrial liquid company Envirosafe Solutions has solutions tailor-made for the mining industry. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.ret.gov.au/resources/Documents/LPSDP/BPEMOverview.pdf

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

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/93136e734ff62aa2ca2569de00271b10

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Hand soap chemical Triclosan under scrutiny in the US

Frequent hand-washing is an occupational hazard for those in childcare, health and hospitality sectors. These workers share a common complaint: They are forever wiping noses, changing dirty nappies, handling bodily fluids, using chemical cleaners or handling food. One common chemical in hand soaps, triclosan, has come under recent scrutiny. Today we look at the need for safe, gentle antibacterial hand wash products for workers in these critical industries.

US authorities have been reviewing the chemical triclosan – common in antibacterial hand soaps – because of links to hormone dysfunction and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The product has come under close scrutiny by the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA). Australian authorities have currently ruled out any investigation into the chemical compound. Responding last year to the US review, the Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme said its investigations had found triclosan to be safe in small concentrations.

Triclosan is commonly found in antibacterial hand cleaners, cosmetic products and even disposable nappies. The US EPA and FDA are researching the effects of the chemical to better understand its endocrine-related effects, toxicological effects, antimicrobial resistance and to determine safe levels of exposure. The US EPA claims: “Animal studies have shown that triclosan alters hormone regulation. However, data showing effects in animals don’t always predict effects in humans. Other studies in bacteria have raised the possibility that triclosan contributes to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.”

Despite these concerns effective hand washing is critical to preventing the spread of germs and infection in hospitals, schools, childcare centres, and food and hospitality venues. Research has found:

  • The average person has between two and 10 million bacteria from their fingertips to elbow;
  • Damp hands spread 1000 times more germs than dry hands;
  • Germs can stay alive on hands for up to three hours.

Safe, gentle and effective antibacterial hand wash and industrial hand cleaner are essential products. Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has a range of hand cleaning products, all of which are triclosan-free. These include its:

  • Its Extreme green Anti-Bacterial Hand Wash: A perfume-free liquid soup which contains skin conditioning agents to guard against dermatitis and is highly-effective in killing germs;
  • Hands First antibacterial instant hand sanitiser: Alcohol-free and dries within 10 seconds. Unlike other hand gels, it will not irritate even the most sensitive skin types and has been designed with the food industry in mind, where hand sanitising is required up to 40 times a day;
  • Extreme Green Liquid Hand Soap: Lightly-perfumed and designed to leave hands soft and supple;
  • Extreme Green Industrial Hand Cleaner: Contains natural orange oil and polymer beads to remove oils, dirt, ink and grease without stripping hands of essential oils, ideally suited to farm and mechanical applications.

The constant demands of hand washing are a concern for Australian workers dealing with germs, chemicals, grease and biological hazards. Envirosafe Solutions range of hand cleaners – including its antibacterial hand wash – have been designed for frequent hand sanitisation. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/national/no-study-despite-concern-over-common-chemical-20100414-se5o.html

http://www.handhygieneeurope.com/acatalog/Information_facts_and_figures.html

http://healthimpactnews.com/2011/washing-your-hands-too-much-could-destroy-your-life/

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Fuel treatment reduces black smoke and cuts emissions

Vehicle exhaust fumes pose serious health risks and are a major contributor to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show fuel emissions have increased by nearly 30% during the past 20 years, and today account for more than 15% of Australia’s total greenhouse gases. The weight of health, environmental and cost pressures is turning attention toward innovative technology such as Envirosafe Solutions’ Diesel Bug Killer, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing dangerous emissions.

While the diesel-thirsty transport, mining and construction sectors count the financial costs of high fuel prices, statistics show the environment is increasingly choking under exhaust fumes.

In its most comprehensive inventory of national greenhouse gas emissions, the ABS has found that between 1990 and 2008 emissions from Australia’s transport sector increased by 29%. In 2008 exhaust fumes accounted for 15% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Of this, road transport accounted for 86%. ABS figures show that for every litre of diesel used, 2.7kg of carbon dioxide was released, compared to 2.3kg for a litre of petrol.

The race to develop alternate transport fuels could be the key to moving forward in the future. Second generation biofuels, from non-food matter including algaes, have generated considerable interest and offer the promise of a cleaner, more sustainable energy for the future.

Revolutionary fuel conditioner

Fuel additives have also been developed to produce cleaner fuel, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dangerous exhaust fumes, which contribute to air pollution and health issues. Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions has been supplying its revolutionary Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer to councils, road transport and marine operators for years. The eco-friendly liquid product completely removes water – and dissolved oxygen – from fuel sources. This process suffocates microscopic contaminant Cladisporium Resinae (‘diesel bug’) and prevents slime from clogging fuel lines and filters and acid from corroding metal engine parts.

Unlike other fuel conditioners on the market, the Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer does not contain hydrocarbons, acids or strong alkaline agents, as part of Envirosafe Solutions commitment to providing environmentally friendly liquids. It is suitable for cars, trucks, mining and earthmoving vehicles, trucks, buses, agricultural and marine equipment. Its proven benefits include:

  • Improving fuel efficiency;
  • Reducing maintenance issues and expensive downtime;
  • Reducing exhaust emissions;
  • Cleaning engine components;
  • Compatible with petrol, diesel, two stroke, gas oil and heating oil;
  • Economical and biodegradable;
  • Kills Diesel bug.

The way forward

Envirosafe Solutions director Murray Simon said new technologies were critical to supporting mining, construction and transport sectors reduce dangerous fuel emissions.

“Products such as the Extreme Green Diesel Bug Killer offers businesses cost savings by improving fuel efficiency and engine performance. This reduces consumption and produces cleaner emissions, which is critical as Australia moves to reduce its greenhouse emissions.”

Pollution from diesel exhausts is increasingly contributing to haze, smog and greenhouse gases. New technologies such as Envirosafe Solutions Diesel Bug Killer are helping combat the problem while offering cost savings to heavy fuel users including mining, construction and transport industries. For more information phone 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/productinnerpage.php?cat=14&product=12

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1370.0~2010~Chapter~Fuel%20consumption%20and%20emissions%20(4.9.4)

http://www.seaaus.com.au/content/view/383/145/

http://www.csiro.au/science/Diesel-Designs.html

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/fuel-reduces-carbon-emissions

http://www.mcarthurrivermine.com.au/environment_emissions.cfm

http://www.ozfuturefuels.com/explosive-fuels.php

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/environment/vehicleemissions/reducingdieselemissions.html

http://www.csiro.au/people/Tom.Beer.html

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The wonders of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is more than just a funny-looking plant with spiky leaves. A whole lot more, in fact. If you’ve ever snapped one of those fat, meaty Aloe Vera leaves in half, you’ll have noticed that there’s a clear gel substance inside the plant. To the untrained eye, this gel may appear to be nothing more than gooey plant slime. What you are actually looking at, however, is one of the most dynamic and adaptable natural ingredients found anywhere on Earth.

Aloe vera is perhaps best known for its medicinal and cosmetic properties. The plant’s gel has a soothing and relieving effect on burns, insect bites and blisters. If you’ve ever burnt your finger on the stove and then rushed around frantically searching for the burn cream, you’ll be pleased to know that aloe vera gel is just as effective. On the cosmetic side of things, aloe vera has emerged as a major ingredient in skin care products in recent years. Aloe vera is highly effective at removing and clearing away dead skin cells, rejuvenating the skin and keeping it fresh and smooth.

But it doesn’t stop there, not even close. Studies have suggested there are 75 (!!) active ingredients in Aloe Vera. One of these is a nifty little compound named Saponins. These chemicals form a soapy lather when combined with water – making Aloe Vera the perfect base ingedient for detergents.2 People are quickly discovering that Aloe Vera is the ultimate substitute for many traditional – and hazardous – detergent ingredients. Did we mention that aloe vera is also a dietary supplement? Rich in vitamins B1, B2, B6, and C, as well as many important amino acids. Taken in capsules, aloe vera can aid blood and lymphatic circulation, facilitate digestion and even treat the symptoms of lock jaw and cold sores. Now how many products at your local chemist can do all of that? When you add all of this up, plus a whole lot more, you start to see the big picture: Aloe vera is one of nature’s greatest gifts to humankind.

At Envirosafe Solutions we’re big on natural effective products. To create our products, we take all the ingredients from the earth. So when they eventually return to the earth, that’s exactly where they belong. Aloe Vera is one of the many incredible organic ingredients that we use in our range. Discover for yourself the amazing alternatives that nature has to offer.

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A Solvent-Free Future

It’s difficult to imagine a world without solvents. They’re everywhere we look. We’ve got solvent chemicals to thank for degreasers, paint thinners, perfumes, nail polish removers and a vast array of commercial cleaning products.

The most commonly used industrial solvents include turpentine, ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate. Without venturing too deep into the chemistry, a solvent is essentially any liquid substance that is able to dissolve another substance, which is why these chemicals are so useful for cleaning and removing paint and grease. There’s a multibillion dollar global market for solvent-based products, and scarcely an industry on earth that doesn’t make use of them in some way.

Which brings us to the problem. While solvents are a crucial tool for so many industries, they’re also some of the nastiest and most dangerous chemicals around. The health risks associated with solvent exposure are well-documented. Research has linked solvents to nervous system toxicity, respiratory impairment, liver and kidney damage and various types of cancer. Furthermore, most industrial solvents are highly-flammable and must be used with extreme care. These chemicals contribute to countless accidents in the workplace each year.  In short, solvents can spell very bad news for the people who have to work with them.[1]

Solvents don’t do our planet any favours either. They are a major cause of environmental damage, particularly soil contamination. Because solvent chemicals can migrate long distances, an accidental spill of even a small amount can affect large areas of land. A solvent spill can render soil highly dangerous to people and animals.[2]

Doesn’t sound very appealing, does it? Luckily for us – and luckily for the planet – we’re beginning to discover alternative solutions. Solvent-free products are emerging on the market, which perform the same function as traditional solvents without posing a threat to people and the environment. Research into these alternatives is gaining momentum, and we have every reason to be optimistic about a solvent-free future for Australia.

The importance of moving toward solvent-free alternatives cannot be understated. In the 21st century there is a universal need to break away from the hazardous and unsustainable materials of the past. Responsible businesses recognise this. Customers recognise it too, which is why green solutions are the smart business decision. Sticking with the dangerous pollutants of yesteryear will only turn people away.

Envirosafe Solutions strives to provide Australian industry with green options. We believe that a healthy business needs to do its bit for a healthy planet, and we are here to help make it happen. Start by embracing the possibilities of a Solvent-Free future.

[1] http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/solvents/index.html

[2] Hogan, Patmore, Latshaw and Seidman (1973). Computer modelling of pesticide transport in soil for five instrumented watersheds, ESL Inc., Sunnyvale, California

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The Danger of Using Phosphates

Phosphate chemicals have long been a core ingredient in soaps and detergents. Because of their capacity to mix with both water and fat, phosphates are  highly effective at dislodging fat molecules (oil, grease etc.) and dispersing them in water. If you’ve ever tried washing an oily plate with only water, and then again with water and detergent, you’ll know that the detergent makes all the difference. It’s phosphates and other related chemicals that make this possible.

The problem with phosphates is not so much the chemicals themselves, but the flow-on effects they create once they’ve been disposed of. When phosphates disappear down the drain, their journey is only just beginning. Once these chemicals are released into our waterways, a whole new process begins that can lead to all sorts of problems. Phosphates are rich in the types of nutrients necessary to support marine plant life. This means a glut of phosphate chemicals in the water can spur on huge growth in underwater plant life, radically upsetting the marine ecosystem.[1]

The biggest problem this creates is the growth of poisonous algae blooms. Algae thrive on phosphate nutrients, and certain varieties such as blue-green algae are toxic to humans and potentially very hazardous. Blue-green algae is known to cause nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and in extreme cases pneumonia and paralysis[2] – not the sort of thing we want in our water supply.

The drama doesn’t end there. Phosphates released into the water gradually build up over time into deposits, which contain high levels of naturally-occurring heavy metals like lead, nickel and chromium. We know well the hazards the these metals pose, particularly to children. Nervous system toxicity, memory impairment and severe brain damage have all been linked to heavy metal exposure.[3] With phosphate deposits in our lakes and rivers, there is a serious risk of heavy metals penetrating into our drinking water supply. The consequences of this are far-reaching and deadly – not even remotely worth the risk if we can avoid it.

All of this boils down to a simple truth: we need reduce our usage of phosphate-based products and find safer alternatives. The Envirosafe Solutions product range is 100% phosphate free, because we understand that the risks involved with using these products simply outweigh the benefits. We are constantly exploring enzyme technology and other alternative ingredients to produce the cleaning results without the negative effects of phosphates. Make sure that your business isn’t contributing to water pollution and public health risks by insisting on phosphate-free soaps and detergents. It’s time to think smarter about the cleaning products we use.

[1] http://www.howstuffworks.com/phosphate-info.htm

[2] http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/factsheets/pdf/water/w3.pdf

[3] http://pureflow.com.au/water-articles/heavy-metal-health-risks.php

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The Importance of Biodegradable Liquids

‘Biodegradable’ is a term that gets kicked around a lot in environmental discussions. For several years now the biodegradable label has been a major selling point for eco-friendly products. Most people these days would understand the basic concept: biodegradable products are derived from organic materials, which means they can be safely disposed of. These products “degrade” over time through contact with air and water, eventually being absorbed back into the earth. Conversely, non biodegradable products will float around for hundreds of years to come, creating huge landfills and polluting the environment.[1]

The dangers of non biodegradable plastics have been a prominent theme in environmental campaigning for a long time. The images that immediately jump to mind are those of polyethylene shopping bags floating in the ocean and turtles choking on plastic six pack rings. There has been a significant trend in recent years toward reducing the use of these plastics and finding biodegradable alternatives.

Less documented, but no less serious, is the danger posed by non biodegradable liquids. You can’t necessarily see liquid waste, but it certainly exists and is a serious problem. While it’s tempting to think that liquid products simply disappear once they’ve been washed away, in reality the chemical components can linger around in soil and water for years. Many of the chemicals used to make detergents and other cleaning products are inorganic, meaning they cannot be broken down and absorbed into the earth. These substances can remain active for long periods of time. Inorganic chemicals in our rivers and oceans cause serious damage to marine life, poisoning plants and fish.[2]

It’s not something we often think about when we wash our car or scrub the bathroom floor, but the products we use will eventually all wind up in the same place – our waterways. Australia is the driest inhabited continent on Earth, and we should be extremely wary of what we put into our water system. Can we really afford to pollute our most precious resource?

It is therefore imperative that we develop biodegradable alternatives to the pollutant chemicals that are currently used in so many industrial liquids. Envirosafe Solutions is at the forefront of research in this field. We believe that there is always a greener alternative, and we’re constantly exploring the possibilities. Biodegradable liquids are the future of Australia’s environment, and we’re hard at work to make this goal a reality.

[1] . Diaz, E. (2008). Microbial Biodegradation: Genomics and Molecular Biology (1st ed.). Caister      Academic Press

[2] . http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/environmental_management/water/caring_for_our_water/