Dehydration and the Dust Bowl

Dust Suppressor, Environmentally Friendly Liquids , Soil WettaFrom 1930 to 1936, the Canadian and U.S. prairie lands suffered major ecological damage through heavy wind erosion. This was known as the Dust Bowl, and it would cause massive amounts of earth to be carried off by the wind, inhibiting breathing and preventing crops from growing and preventing basic human habitation. Many individuals and families living on prairie lands could not breathe unless they tied damp cloths over their mouths and noses, and the cloths would typically by muddy by the end of the day. In some extreme cases, the dust was so bad that the cloths would be muddy within an hour, and had to be replaced. The Dust Bowl was a major ecological phenomenon which resulted primarily from poor or nonexistent crop rotation, and secondarily from drought. The drought took advantage of the rootless soil which was easily blown away in the wind when it was so very dry. The more the wind was able to pick it up, the larger the amount of soil which was carried off at any one time. Crop rotation is essential for maintaining healthy lands and allowing the soil to rest and recuperate after being harvested. Organic material and roots help to hold the soil in place and vast, untouched prairie lands often have long, wild, dehydration-resistant grass to keep everything together.

Dehydration does more than cause difficulties for human habitation. Dehydration erodes good gardening soil, drops planar elevation in uneven areas, and it prevents healthy plant and human cells from taking up enough nutrients to feed the cell and help it to properly reproduce. We have all read the warning signs on cigarette packs, telling of the danger of pregnant women giving birth to smaller babies due to smoking. This is partially due to the severely dehydrating effect that smoking and alcoholic drinking both have on both the body of the mother and the body of the fetus. The same thing occurs in organic plant life. It is not simply a matter of the plants needing enough water. Water enables them to uptake nutrition from the soil and they literally starve if they are unable to do so. This is why using biodegradable and eco friendly soil treatments is so important. Envirosafe Solutions offers completely effective and earth friendly soil treatments for your garden, crops, or your agricultural operations. We offer both Soil Wetta and Dust Suppressant for your agricultural needs. Contact us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Corporate Recycling and Economy Sustainability

Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Fabric Conditioner, Laundry PowderIn businesses all over the world, recycling has taken a back seat in comparison to recycling and returning former end-of-life products to the workplace. Corporations which can maintain this high level of organization are able to measure how much product usage and waste can cost them financially and environmentally. Instead, they are returning recycled products to their own offices by creating a closed system in which they can dramatically reduce costs of new products and replacement products. This creativity and innovation is best mimicked when a minimum of 70% of end-of-life products are returned to these businesses. Financially, environmentally, and creatively, this is an excellent way to be eco friendly, portray your company as effectively “green” to your customers, and to help reduce product turnover costs, which can be high when added up.

Roland Geyer and Tim Jackson investigated supply loops and their various constraints, showing how recycling and reuse can be one of the best ways companies can make their systems cost effective and eco friendly. This is called creating forward supply chains. You are pushing your innovative creativity into future supply chains by breaking down used materials and creating recovery of value and usefulness to be turned around and put back into the business. This idea is not only a safe business decision, but it’s also good for our earth. One of the concerns which might be presented in implementing these steps is: how are we going to do that?

Many companies exist today which take your recyclables and turn them into value-added products which you can use again in your business. A lot of these organizations are local businesses which can service your business specifically, rather than your city or state regulated recycling efforts. This can save you a great deal on buying new products and, while there is a  cost in doing this, it can still be a great deal cheaper than taking care of old waste and buying new office supplies. It is certainly worth a little bit of research to find organizations which would provide this service for your company.

Envirosafe Solutions offers liquid cleaners, corrosion treatments, and lubricants, all of which are environmentally safe and completely biodegradable. While you are searching for a good recycling and “up-cycling” organization, also check out what we can do for you: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

“Supply Loops and Their Constraints: THE INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY OF RECYCLING AND REUSE | Mendeley.” Free reference manager and PDF organizer | Mendeley. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2011. http://www.mendeley.com/research/supply-loops-constraints-industrial-ecology-recycling-reuse-1/.

Are All Plastics Biodegradable?

Eco Friendly, Anti-Bacterial Hand Wash, Fuel ConditionerIt seems that the consumer market is either filled with expensive biodegradable plastics or cheap, affordable non eco friendly plastics. Is it worth the cost to pay more for the better material? You bet it is. Studies have shown that companies are carefully evaluating how well their products are doing in the market and what factors affect sales, including consumer interest in environmentally friendly products. Even businesses which are notoriously in the market targeting low income household and multiple child families are conscious of how their products are perceived by the ecologically sensitive classes.

Unfortunately, many customers believe that companies would rather make an extra dollar and will not care what their choices are in eco friendly consumer products. This is not true. Even if low income households switched temporarily to more expensive and more environmentally friendly goods, the statistics would reflect this and business owners would begin reevaluating how they approach their changing markets.

Fortunately, this may not even be all that necessary. Modern plastics companies are still focused on making low cost plastics, but their primary aim is in making sure that all target audiences are satisfied, especially the ‘green’ audiences. Their goals reflect a sincere desire to develop a newer, smarter, lighter weight, more durable plastic which can be used in many different manufacturing venues, from computer products to grocery goods to children’s toys.

Today, not all plastics are biodegradable, but we are coming remarkably close to a world where the majority of mass produced plastics are durable but also eco friendly and safe for our planet. Today, companies are acting solely upon the needs, expectations and desires of their customers, and their customers are demanding more, demanding better, and demanding safer products. Plastics are actually just a small part of this global movement to reduce our carbon footprint and create greater sustainability. Envirosafe Solutions is dedicated to producing high quality and eco friendly kitchen products, laundry products, and toilet treatments. Our goal is to fully contribute to this effort in making our planet a happier, healthier place to live. Contact us today to order: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Video Game Mentality

Rust Remover,Radiator Coolant,Dishwasher Rinse AidFor the past three years, researchers have found that the most effective and the fastest way to absorb information and increase motivation for learning and new adaptations to your lifestyle is through video games. Sometimes, these games are first person explorer based, and sometimes they are creative world based. Researchers have found that the reward system within your brain especially responds positively to the ranking up of, the challenge of, and the creativity inducing effects of these games. As you progress through each level, you become more fixated on increasing your abilities and knowledge and skill level so that you can move more quickly and more efficiently through increasingly complex systems. This highly addictive and yet highly effective reward system has been and can be used for educational purposes. How can we harness this incredible power to increase knowledge and awareness of our planet, and work together to achieve goals which further protect ecological systems?

Using the video game mentality, an education based learning initiative can be placed where individuals receive factual, real world based information as part of a leveled hierarchy of education. They can receive rewards, goals and points as they progress and they can do further research or information gathering in order to gain higher rankings in the game. This can be a socially based game, where individuals are able to see their own ranking with respect to their friends and thus foster a little competition in the learning initiative if they so choose to engage in this.

Socially based sites are already using experimental data and uploading of videos to share information about how best to grow plants in your apartment or use highly efficient hydroponic systems in small spaces to induce further sustainability in your home food consumption. On these sites, people from all over the world are able to upload videos and share information about how best they achieve sustainability results in their specific part of the world, depending upon the weather, soil type, and temperature.

Envirosafe Solutions distributes degreasers, sanitisers and hand cleaners for anyone who wishes to use eco friendly and safe products in their normal, everyday routines. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Unsafe Mining Conditions: What Can Be Improved?

Rust Converter, Dishwasher Powder, DisinfectantChina suffered the second fatal mining tragedy in one week, in which 34 men died and 9 were trapped. In the past year, China has lost over 2,500 reported workers in mine fatalities, and it is considered very likely that a great many more were killed but the accidents were not reported. Why is this such a problem and what can be done about it?

China’s economy is growing at an exponential rate

Mining is struggling to keep up with the growing demands of China’s economy, and it simply is becoming unable to do so, especially when trade from China is also growing just as fast. When this occurs, mining companies seek to loosen the rules and get as much work done in as fast of a time as possible. Unfortunately, they may break rules and protocols set in place for the safety of the workers while doing so. This is both illegal and immoral, since illicit mining practices can endanger human life.

Mining companies which were previously shut down are now operating without permission

Whether this is initiated by the distributor, the manufacturer, or the company owner, illegally run mining companies are still operating in China so that businesses can take advantage of the growing demand for consumer products and the booming economy. Not only are mining companies not following safety and chain-of-command protocol, but they are operating outside of environmentally friendly practices. This is dangerous and possibly lethal for both humans and the earth on which we live.

Further investigations still need to be carried out

It is difficult to justify rampant investigation into illegal mining practices when, even with the “underground” mining operations in play, there are not enough mining operations to satisfy the needs of a growing economy such as China’s. Unfortunately, this may mean that growth needs to be slowed down, or at least partially checked, in order to satisfy safety demands. If products, or manufacturing thereof, are costing human life, then purchasing nations or companies are more likely to find safer and less controversial distributors from whom to buy. Slowing progress and making human safety a primary factor are good practices for any business, especially international companies which receive a lot of publicity.

The mining industry is a wonderful and practical tool for everyone to exploit. Envirosafe Solutions offers cleaners, degreasers, rust converters, and fuel treatments for every industry, and our products are eco friendly and available with a money back guarantee: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-15712304

U.S. Begins Serious Eco Friendly Aviation Moves

Industrial Hand Cleaner, Mineral Deposit Remover, Rust ConverterEver used fuel made from algae? As bizarre as that may seem, United Airlines, based in the United States, just completed its first flight from Chicago to Houston using a blend of normal petroleum based jet fuel and some eco friendly fuel constructed from genetically modified algae that feeds off of plant waste. In other words, this fuel is not only biodegradable, sustainable, and eco friendly, but the algae that produces the oil for the fuel actually feeds off of organic plant waste.

This is not the only U.S. based flight company which is using and experimenting with combinations of eco friendly and petroleum based fuels. Alaska Airlines has scheduled 75 flights using up to 20 percent bio fuel derived from cooking oil. These are no small flights, either. The first flight was from Seattle, WA to Washington, D.C. and the second was from Portland, OR to Washington, D.C. Both United Airlines and Alaska Airlines are promoting their rebranding efforts through the use of mass social media and allowing users, passengers and anyone else to post or comment concerning these flights and their basis in environmentally friendly plans.

Now that passenger flights are beginning to regularly use alternative fuel sources, the steps toward achieving a safer, more sustainable, and greener planet are well under way. What was inconceivable or put down as impossible ten years ago is being produced and effectively used in real life today. These are amazing steps toward the growth of the transportation industry, as well as reduction in cost of travel and in facilitating better international relations. One of the major costs of travel is the underlying cost of fuel. In fact, this became such a problem in the past decade that airlines were sometimes losing money in an entire quarter. Now that eco friendly and cost effective fuels are being tested and produced, this will reduce the overall cost of travel and help ease lifestyles which have been under strain since the global financial problems began to take their toll on private citizens.

Envirosafe Solutions is supportive of effective products which are sustainable, safe and environmentally friendly. We specialize in disinfectants, corrosion treatments, lubricants and absorbents which are highly effective, backed by our money back guarantee, and biodegradable. Contact Envirosafe Solutions today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

“First Passenger Jet Using Green Fuel Takes Off | Do Your Part.” Do Your Part for Everyday Green Living. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. http://doyourpart.com/eco-news/first-passenger-jet-using-green-fuel-takes-off/.

“The Green Skeptic™: Alaska and United Make For Greener Friendly Skies.” The Green Skeptic™. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. http://www.thegreenskeptic.com/2011/11/alaska-and-united-make-for-greener.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+thegreenskeptic/takr+%28the+green+skeptic%E2%84%A2%29.

Solar Panels and UV Rays

Fuel Conditioner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Glue RemoverMany individuals are using solar panels on their homes, not only to reduce electricity costs, but also to facilitate better heating and cooling of their homes. Solar panels can potentially have multiple uses, and many private construction and building contractors find creative solutions to frequent problems, such as how to store extraneous, unused solar energy so that it is not wasted and can still be used in the maintenance of the home. This is not simply true for households, although it is a lot more common that you might think due to ease of installation and widespread availability. Businesses are also using solar powered roof panels to cut down on electricity costs and to promote a green image in their consumer marketing strategy. Interestingly enough, the sun’s rays were not always seen in a positive light.

For many years, UV rays have been touted as the leading cause of melanoma and other skin cancers. This is supported by the fact that many people buy sunscreen of various strengths and regularly use it, as well as taking special precautions to protect their eyes and skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. In reality, your body converts sunshine into energy much as a manmade solar panel does. If the individual combines frequent trips into sunny weather with improper diet, frequent sterilization of the tissue through overuse of antibacterial products, and especially high stress, the energy derived from sunshine can just as easily quicken the pace of a cancerous process which had already begun. This means that sunshine acts more like a catalyst of both positive and negative chemical reactions within the body, rather than a perpetrator of skin disease.

Both sunshine and wind are exploited through the use of solar panels and wind generators to bring us an alternative and renewable source of fuel. Currently, these fuel generators are somewhat expensive but, like every other piece of technology, the more they are used they will become more affordable and available for everyone to use. Contact Envirosafe Solutions today to find out more about eco friendly glass cleaners and corrosion treatments: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Probiotic Earth

Eco Friendly, Dishwashing Liquid, Anti-Bacterial Hand WashProbiotics and probiotic organic materials are used every day to help facilitate the thousands of tiny eco systems on our planet, including the systems within our bodies. Probiotics are essential forms of good or positive bacteria which actively work against and protect against negative or bad bacteria. The flora in our human stomachs is one form of probiotics. Protective layers of algae is another form. When gardeners use small types of worms to eat compost and produce refined excrement of nutrients for their soil, they are using a tiny man-supervised eco system to make better compost for their plants. Probiotics have many uses, including eradicating species of parasites, eliminating plant disease or parasites, and protecting against creatures which normally would steal or eat farmer’s crops.

In the eco friendly world, probiotics are often used instead of harmful, hazardous, or non-biodegradable chemicals, especially regarding anything organic or which may come in contact with humans. Florists sometimes use natural, eco friendly stabilizers and plant food for their blossoms in order to protect any customers who may be sensitive to chemicals or who may have allergies. This is part of increasing global health, but it is also part of maintain positive relations with their customer base.

Even such simple actions as filling up a nearly empty milk jug with water and using the milky solution to water your plants in your home is a form of probiotic use. You are using the natural lactobacilli (milk bacteria) to facilitate break down of organic matter into nutrients for your plants. The same process occurs in your body when you drink acidophilus. Probiotics found in nature include dead and decaying animals and plant material, fungus, the nutrients derives from a mother’s milk, and simply being slowly and carefully exposed to an outside member of the ecological system until tolerance is developed and plants and animals adapt to include the newest member to their world. This is sometimes referred to as the survival of the fittest. Whoever and whatever can adapt to changes in their environment the fastest and the best are the organisms which are most likely to live the longest and die the hardest.(+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Landscaping for Our Environment

Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Glue Remover, Rust ConverterLandscaping companies and contractors worldwide encounter specific challenges and tasks which are identical across their industry. Their main task is to find a suitable compromise and a win-win situation between their clients’ needs and desires and what they have to work with on the property.

Some common tasks include dealing with location specific textures and contents of soil, depth and quality of soil, weather concerns for a specific area, which plants are native and therefore more hardy to that area, and the balance between purely aesthetic visual appeal and obtaining shrubbery and plants which require less water and less long-term care. Of course, depending upon the hired groundskeeper and caretaker of the estate, certain plants with more visual appeal but which are more taxing to take care of may be an option. Some gardeners take their jobs seriously enough that they welcome a challenge in keeping difficult-to-care-for greenery in perfect condition. It is an effective team that consists of a high quality initial landscaper paired with a passionate long-term groundskeeper.

Many companies, businesses, estates, and individual or family clients require that their building and property upkeep follow in the same footsteps as their normal, environmentally friendly business practices. In these cases, landscapers must be well versed in which products are not only safe for the earth, but are also high effective to use in a multitude of situations. This is why Envirosafe Solutions offers a 30 day money back guarantee on all of our products. We want our clients to test our products, evaluate their effectiveness, and draw their own conclusions, without having the pressure of monetary loss if our standards are not up to par. That is how confident we are that our eco friendly soil treatments, disinfectants, and problem removers are both ecologically sound and highly effective as consumer products.

Landscapers must juggle what will work with the condition of the property they are in charge of and what will be most pleasing to their clients. Envirosafe Solutions is proud to say that all of our products will meet the needs of both landscapers and their clients. Call us today: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

Knowing How to Care For Your Plants

Eco Friendly, Dishwashing Liquid, Anti-Bacterial Hand WashWhether you own a gardening company, a produce company, or you are simply looking to meet your personal plant care needs, it is important to fully understand all of the ways that your plants soak up nutrition, release oxygen into the air, grow bigger fruit, and produce healthier compost.

The first thing to consider is what type of herbicides and pesticides you will be using on your flowering or fruiting plants. This is important not only for the sake of human health and human exposure, but also for the sake of biodegradability and earth friendly compost and organic break down. When you use eco friendly agricultural and gardening products, they get the job done, but they also contribute to the process of organic decay after the plant has died or been harvested. This organic decay is essential in maintaining a healthy crop next year or next season, since it puts nutrients back into the soil for future plant growth.

The second thing to consider when caring for your plants is their soil treatment. Roots require both air and water to grow, and too little of either can be detrimental and cause puny development or even cause the plants die off if they do not receive enough of either resource. This is why even basic, small gardening pots contain specific potting soil which allows air to be trapped in the soil and aerate the roots, as well as providing moisture from watering. Many first time gardeners have made the mistake of digging up soil from their back yard to put into their gardening pots, but this soil does not always contain enough air for deep root growth and the initial shoots often die off before they even become full grown.

Lastly, one must consider how current plant growth can contribute to and affect future generations of plants or crops. This means that crop rotation must be carefully planned and executed, especially in consecutive dry seasons when not a lot of extraneous moisture is being returned to the soil, and it means that what you treat this season’s crop with must be adaptable to both the soil and next season’s crops. This means that biodegradable agricultural products really must be used from beginning to harvest time, or you may have unwanted leftover chemicals which will work their way further into the soil. Contact Envirosafe Solutions today for more information about eco friendly soil treatments: (+61) 1300 88 90 70.

WA mines should turn to solar, wind power: Report

Radiator Coolant, Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Fabric Conditioner, Laundry PowderIt’s an interesting thought… powering remote coal, gas or uranium mines with renewable energy. Yet according to a new study, eco-friendlyenergy (fromindustrialliquid biomass, wind and solar) could supply up to 500MW to the Pilbara and Mid West region. The only stumbling block for extreme green energy is concerns over cost and reliability.

Remote mining provinces in WA have been identified as key areas for the deployment of renewable energy.

A new study commissioned by the Australian Centre for Renewable energy and conducted by consulting group Evans and Peck has looked at renewable energy options for the Pilbara and Mid West regions.

It has concluded that up to 500MW of renewables could be could be deployed in the Pilbara by 2020. Up to 150MW could be deployed in off-grid locations in the Mid West.

Powering remote mining sites with renewable energy would be more environmentally friendly. Liquid biomass, solar and wind renewables can be costly compared to fossil-fuel based energy sources, but in remote areas these costs can be kept more competitive.

“There appears no better place for renewables to compete on cost,” the report states.

Opposed to change

A culture of adversity to change presents one of the greatest barriers to mining companies adopting renewable energy sources.

The report identified a perception by mining companies that renewables posed “unacceptable risk” in terms of reliability.

“The appetite for novelty is low… the Pilbara is a location where things have to work well and there’s little time for those that cannot demonstrate this.”

Olympic Dam

The report highlighted BHP Billiton’s Olympic Dam uranium mine in South Australia as an example of a mining project which had been prepared to consider using renewable energy alternatives.

The mining giant has identified renewable energy as a key possibility for reducing the environmental impacts of its Olympic Dam expansion. As part of its commitment to the green revolution, it will consider renewable energy to power its desalination plant and pump stations.

“BHP Billiton recognises the potential of local solar energy, regional geothermal and the State’s wind resources and has had discussions with many specialist renewable energy companies,” the company has stated.

Leading Perth-based supplier of eco-friendly liquid products Envirosafe Solutions hassupported efforts to make remote mining sites more environmentally friendly. Liquid cleaners including hardwater laundry liquid and porta-loo treatments designed for remote areas often contain toxic chemicals which can contaminate soil and water.  Envirosafe Solutions’ Extreme Green range is safe for greywater and septic treatment systems.

Tapping into renewable energy sources to power mining operations is another step toward a greener mining sector. For more environmental mining solutions call 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/commentary/can-miner-conceive-solar-grid

http://www.bhpbilliton.com/home/aboutus/regulatory/Documents/Olympic%20Dam%20Supplementary%20EIS/Information%20Sheets/BHP%20Billiton%20Olympic%20Dam%20Expansion%202011%20Summary%20Booklet.pdf

New offshore mining leases approved near Ningaloo

Dishwasher Powder, Disinfectant, Radiator CoolantA new offshore exploration permit has been granted near Western Australia’s Ningaloo Marine Park. The recently-listed World Heritage site has also been under threat from increased marine pollution which includes oil spills, fertilisers, chemicals found in non-environmental cleaning products and plastic waste.

The Federal Government has awarded Woodside Petroleum an exploration permit for 480 square kilometres near the prized Ningaloo Marine Park.

The permit area is near the much larger exploration permit approved for Dutch petroleum company Shell by the Government in July. The location of the Shell permit, 50 kilometres west of the marine park, generated heavy criticism from green revolution proponents.

Environmental activists claim exploration activities could impacton the reef and rare marine life, including dugongs, sea turtles and whale sharks, and are not eco-friendly. Industrial liquids including chemicals, fertilisers and pesticides also wash into the coast from inland waterways, polluting the now-Heritage Listed reef.

Woodside Petroleum and partner Mitsui E&P have revealed plans to spend more than $42 million exploring the permit, near its Vincent and Enfield oil operations. This will include drilling operations.

The Conservation Council of WAsaidthe 2011 round of exploration leases – which will be up for approval next year – would increase drilling along the Ningaloo coastline. It claims the permits awarded to Woodside falls within 20km of the Ningaloo Marine Park. Other leases to Woodside and Shell are offshore from the pristine Rowley and Shoals coral reefs.

Council Marine Co-ordinator Tim Nicol has called for an increased buffer between the Ningaloo Reef and mining activities to make offshore exploration more environmentally-friendly. Liquid oil spills remain a critical concern, he said.

“We are calling on the Government to put some balance into the management of our Northwest oceans by creating a marine sanctuary offshore from Ningaloo Reef that will provide a permanent buffer against the impacts of oil drilling and the risk of spills,” Mr Nicol said.

“No one wants to see a Gulf of Mexico or Timor Sea oil spill right off the coast from Ningaloo Reef.

“The waters off our Northwest coast are some of the most unique and pristine tropical marine areas in the world. We need a much more responsible approach to balancing development with protecting this fragile marine environment.”

The Federal Government has committed to increasing regulation of the offshore industry by establishing a petroleum safety watchdog on January 1. Woodside has promised to be vigilant in ensuring non-eco-friendly industrial liquids do not spill into the ocean.

“A two barrier standard applies to all Woodside-operated drilling operations, which ensures there are at least two tested barriers in place at any time to prevent reservoir fluids flowing to the external environment,” a Woodside spokesperson said.

Leading Perth-based environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions supply non-toxic alternatives to traditional industrial cleaning liquids. Its Extreme Green range is ideal for use in remote mining sites and has given the industry a valuable tool in improving environmental outcomes. For more information contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/new-oil-permit-next-to-ningaloo/story-e6frg2r3-1226200089784

http://ccwa.org.au/media/new-oil-leases-threaten-ningaloo-reef

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-06-25/ningaloo-coast-gets-world-heritage-listing/2771264

Coal seam gas Australia’s next big gold rush

Fuel Conditioner, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Glue RemoverAustralia’s great gold rush of the 1850s saw it produce one third of the world’s gold. In little more than a decade, coal seam gas mining has become the nation’s latest mining boom. Queensland and New South Wales are in the grips of a fierce debate over this relatively new industry.

Coal seam gas mining has grown at a phenomenal speed over the past decade.

The controversy surrounding mining operations down the Queensland and New South Wales coastline has been extreme. Green activists have joined farming communities to protest the impact of the mining method on groundwater tables, pollution and the disposal of non-environmentally-friendly liquid waste.

Fracking water

A major concern has been the impact of coal seam gas water extracted during the fracking process (where water, sand and chemicals are forced underground to release trapped methane). Queensland authorities have been forced to investigate the disposal of non-eco-friendly industrial liquid waste into the Condamine River.

It granted permission to Origin Energy and ConocoPhillips to release water from its coal seam gas operations into the river. The water comes from a desalination plant servicing coal seam and natural gas plants.

It has been reported the treated coal seam gas water was a non-eco-friendly liquid product containing chemicals and heavy metals at levels considered toxic to animals, plants and microorganisms.

Groundwater

Groundwater pollution and overuse has concerned agricultural communities – it has been reported the coal seam gas industry draws 300 gigalitres of water from the ground each year.

There has also been debate over the rights of farmers to block access to miners, with talk on all sides of politics for legislation to protect landholders.

Miners

The mining sector has maintained that coal seam gas mining offers a greener energy choice. Its ‘We Want CSG’ website claims the message from green revolution proponents is misleading and that:

  • Coal seam gas produces 70 per cent less emissions than coal;
  • Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a process which has been safely used around the world for more than 60 years;
  • Queensland and NSW have banned the use of chemicals benzene, tolulene, ethylbenzene and xylenes in fracking.

Debate over coal seam gas mining has been heated and environmental impacts include depleting groundwater levels and pollution from non-environmentally friendly liquids.

Yet the industry has defended its environmental performance, claiming coal seam gas offers a greener energy option which produces significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than coal.

Monitoring and reducing harmful environmental impacts will be critical to the sustainability of this fast-growing industry. Reducing the use of harmful chemicals at mining sites can improve performance while preserving valuable water and soil resources. For information on the Extreme Green range of eco-friendly liquid products available from Envirosafe Solutions’ contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.climatespectator.com.au/news/bligh-bans-urban-csg-mining-abbott-throws-debate-back-states

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-24/coal-seam-gas-by-the-numbers-map/3664318

http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/news/Allegations-unfit-CSG-water-was-dumped-in-river

http://www.wewantcsg.com.au/coal-seam-gas/the-facts

Bleach freight spill highlights chemicals risk

Eco Friendly, Dishwashing Liquid, Anti-Bacterial Hand WashA recent spill from a 25,000 litre freight train containing the non-environmentally friendly liquid household bleach sodium hypochlorite forced the closure of a railway station north of Sydney. It highlighted the risk posed by the transportation of chemicals.

Emergency services were called to Morisset station north of Sydney after track workers noticed a liquid chemical leaking from a private freight train.

The spill from the tanker, carrying sodium hypochlorite, on November 19, 2011 caused delays for commuters and forced the station to shut down while emergency workers contained the leak.

Sodium hypochlorite is bleach found in common non-environmental cleaning products including laundry liquid and disinfectant. While considered safe to use in low concentrations, it is a strong oxidizer and can cause burns when in direct contact with skin or eyes.

When combined with organic chemicals including surfactants and fragrances found in non-eco-friendly liquid cleaning products it can react to produce chlorinated volatile organic compounds. If inhaled these vapours can be extremely toxic (which is why bleaching products should never be mixed with cleaning agents).

While the railway chemical spill was contained within hours, it raised concern about the safe transport and storage of chemical products, including eco-friendly industrial liquids.

Perth-based company Envirosafe Solutions has been an industry leader in developing clear hazard ratings designed to improve safe handling and transport of industrial liquids.

While its products are low-toxic and free of traditional harsh cleaning agents, director Murray Simon said it was important that hazard information was clearly displayed.

“We have had each of our products independently tested and labelled with health, environment, transportation and storage hazard ratings,” Mr Simon said.

“In addition we have recently taken the decision to include a Greywater and Septic Safe rating on our labels to make choosing the right product for your business even easier.

“It’s our belief that both traditional cleaning products and eco-friendly industrial liquids should carry clear, independent ratings so that operators know the risks involved in handling and storing these products.”

According to the Federal Government’s chemical accreditation guidelines released this year (RTC3705A) the risks posed by transport and storing chemicals include:

  • Potential risk to worker’s health during transport due to spillage, accident or poisoning;
  • Public health risk through possible cross-contamination of produce and damage to the environment through leakage and chemicals flowing into drains, water sources or horticultural land.

It is recommended workers handling chemical products familiarise themselves with Material Safety Data Sheets and take precautions against direct skin contact, inhalation of fumes and ingestion.

Chemical spills such as the freight train leak north of Sydney demonstrate the risks posed by the transportation of common products, including fertilisers, pesticides and other hazardous liquids. Contact Envirosafe Solutions for information on low-toxic cleaning products and industrial liquids by calling 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/chemical-spill-shuts-down-railway-station-20111119-1no7x.html

Mining bosses admit carbon price is ‘necessary’

Disinfectant, Eco Friendly, Dishwashing Liquid, Anti-Bacterial Hand WashThe mining sector may have opposed the $23 per tonne carbon tax set for July next year but some of its key players have indicated in-principle support for carbon pricing. Adopting an environmentally friendly policy that’s liquid and open to reform is a positive sign from an industry historically driven by profits at all cost.

BHPBilliton’s chairman Jac Nasser has told shareholders that a carbon price was necessary.

His frank comments were made at the mining giant’s annual meeting in November, 2011.

While they are not an admission of support for the Federal Government’s carbon tax (a form of carbon pricing) his comments are a positive sign for the green revolution.

“We have held the view for some time that to effectively address climate change, some kind of carbon price is necessary,” Mr Nasser said.

“But we can’t talk about the future tax liabilities because we would have to consider 50 other things like commodity prices and exchange rates.”

The mining sector has taken steps to improve its extreme green credentials, adopting best practice standards including switching to environmental cleaning products to reduce soil and water contamination.

Rio Tinto

BHP has not been alone in its support of carbon pricing.

Fellow mining giant Rio Tinto has also expressed concern about climate change and indicated support for a price on carbon to encourage the development of low-emissions technology.

Rio Tinto’s energy chief Doug Ritchie has said climate change “represents uncertainty and potential volatility to the mining industry”.

Rio Tinto ranks alongside Xstrata and BHP Billiton as Australia’s largest coal producers.

Clear policy

Despite giving in-principle support for climate change action, Australia’s mining sector has largely opposed the carbon tax bill which was passed in September.

The Mineral Council of Australia has argued that a lack of clear policy was creating investment uncertainty.

“The lack of clarity on whether Australia will be taking on a five, 15 or even 25 per cent emissions reduction target by 2020 (against 2000 levels) will create significant uncertainty about the level of the carbon price once the ‘fixed’ price phase ends.”

Environmental concerns

The impact of mining on the environment continues to dominate headlines. Coal seam gas mining has become extremely contentious in NSW and Queensland. Critics claim the process of fracking (forcing air, sand and chemicals deep underground to release trapped gas) is far from eco-friendly. Industrial liquid waste is a key concern.

While mining techniques and environmental protection may be an uncomfortable mix, in-principle support for carbon pricing and recognition of climate change by global mining giants are encouraging signs.

Environmental cleaning products company Envirosafe Solutions is working with the mining sector to reduce the exposure of mining sites to toxic chemicals. By switching to eco-friendly liquid products remote sites can safeguard against soil and water contamination without compromising on results. For more information on Envirosafe Solutions’Extreme Green product range contact 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.

Sources:

http://www.perthnow.com.au/business/carbon-tax-is-necessary-says-bhp-chairman-jac-nasser/story-e6frg2r3-1226198078967

http://abccarbon.com/rio-tinto-energy-boss-calls-for-a-price-on-carbon/

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/climate/carbon-tax-a-dead-weight-bhp-chief-tells-british-briefing/story-e6frg6xf-1226122411529