Tag: Soil Wetta

Hard yakka and hard and heavy industry work requires heavy duty cleaning products that can deliver the job they promise. But in today’s ever changing environmentally conscious world, the old cleaning materials comprising harsh and yes – effective – but environmentally brutal solvent based products – are no longer acceptable. New alternatives and new technologies are required, and Envirosafe Solutions has been involved in the development of sound and environmentally safe industrial and home cleaning products that clean effectively without harming our precious environment.

Their Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is an extremely effective and highly active all purpose alkaline cleaner and degreaser, that can be used on hard to shift deposits in all kinds of industry. It is not only suitable for use on vehicle motors and truck machinery, but can also be applied to workshops and factory or industry areas or machinery where grease and grime build ups are a constant workplace reality. In fact, Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser can be used on just about all heavily soiled hard surfaces.

Envirosafe Solutions is proud to announce that this product is indeed alkaline based and also contains absolutely no petro-solvents or harsh acids whatsoever. It is also non-toxic and is extremely adaptable to a wide range of applications.

The only alteration to directions when using it in different applications is an alteration to the dilution ratios. For example:

• Greasy workshop floors- dilute at 1:25 with water
• Heavy duty machinery- dilute between 1:5 and 1:15 with water
• Motors and engines- dilute at 1:50 with water
• Shower and toilet areas- dilute between 1:50 and 1:100 with water
• Spray and wipe- dilute at 1:50 with water (1:10 for heavy duty)

Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser is also offered in a range of packaging options. Large scale industries and business may take the 205 or the 1000 litre options, whereas smaller businesses and those sourcing this product for domestic use may want to purchase the 4 x4litre per carton option. For medium sized businesses or workshop concerns, the 10 and 20 litre packaging options are also suitable.

If you require an effective and extremely versatile alkaline cleaner and degreaser that will not damage or hurt the environment, try sourcing Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser.

The Envirosafe Range is tailored to suit Australian conditions and the Envirosafe Solutions development team understands the requirements and needs of our delicate and awe-inspiring continent. That is why the Extreme Green Range adheres to industry best practice when it comes to eco-friendly alternatives to traditional degreasing and cleaning products. To order your Extreme Green Heavy Duty Alkaline Cleaner/Degreaser telephone Envirosafe Solutions on 1300 88 90 70.

The Amazon in South America is suffering. And proposed changes to aspects of Brazilian legislation are set to undermine the The Brazilian Forest Code that currently protects land in the Amazon.

The Forest Code was passed in the 1930’s and states that “a landowner must keep part of their land intact. For land in the Amazon, 80% must be kept in its natural condition.”[1]

Just several weeks ago, on May 24 2011, members of the Brazilian House of Representatives swung in favour of alteration to The Brazilian Forest Code. There was a resounding vote in favour of changes that herald a new era of destruction for Amazon forest life.

The proposed changes – that will undermine Amazon biodiversity and environmental stability are:

• A full amnesty for those farmers and concerns that have already degraded land above and beyond the 80% protection level
• Reduction to the 80% protection level currently in existence. Natural vegetation on rural properties and along streams and rivers (the riparian buffer zone) are therefore under threat.
• Permits to be granted for tree lopping – including that of threatened species such as the Araucaria pine

Dr. Meg Symington, Managing Director of the Amazon Program for the World Wildlife Fund has said these alterations represent a “massive step backwards for Brazil in terms of its environmental policy and could lead to massive increases in deforestation.”[2]

Currently, deforestation worldwide contributes as much as 20% of global carbon emissions. Since the proposed changes to The Brazilian Forest Code were introduced, there has been a massive 540% increase in deforestation in the Mato Gross state alone, and it is believed this is due to “landowners anticipating no financial repercussion for lands already cleared, as is one of the proposed changes that are underway.”[3] She has also stated that “4-7% of today’s current global emissions come from the carbon dioxide releases as a result of deforestation in the Amazon.”[4]

The powerful Brazilian farming lobby supports the changes and says it would make Brazil’s agricultural sector far more competitive by increasing their access to productive and fertile lands.  The old 80% figure would be cut down to 20%, freeing up vast tracts of rainforest for further farming and agrarian pursuits.

The main threats, according to Greenpeace, come from soy and cattle producers as well as loggers. Their concern is not only for the wildlife and the delicate rainforest ecosystem, but also the indigenous communities whose cultures and way of life are at risk.[5]

The World Wildlife Fund and Greenpeace, as well as many international and Brazilian based environmental organisations are increasing pressure on the Brazilian Government at present, in an attempt to alter or at least slow down the proposed changes to The Forest Code.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the need for responsible consideration of farming, deforestation and legislative practices worldwide to ensure the ongoing maintenance and survival of areas as precious and priceless as The Amazon.

Their own approach to environmental issues is strictly “low impact” and is designed to comprehensively deploy product approaches that minimise harm to the earth. Responsibility is the key.

Speak with one of the sales team to obtain Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green range of products. Join the Green Revolution!

Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070

---

[1] WWF http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/amazon/threats-forest-code.html

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid.

[5] http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/forests/amazon/threats-and-solutions/

Deep sea mining in the Pacific is on the increase, with the number of firms seeking licenses growing very rapidly. New licenses have recently been granted for various areas surrounding Fiji, Tonga, Papua New Guinea and Solomon  Islands.

Up until a few years ago, this type of deep sea mining for precious metals was deemed too costly, but with rapid advances and innovations in technology, new exploration processes and techniques have been developed, making this form of mining both profitable and feasible.

According to Steve Smith of Greenpeace, “seabed mining is an emerging threat to the world’s oceans, and Greenpeace is now working regionally here in the Pacific as that is where it is emerging right now. We are also working in the United Nations framework to ensure that the world’s oceans are protected for the benefit of the world’s people.”[1]

As the rise in license approvals increases, so too does the call for a more informed approach to underwater explorations. Various Pacific rights groups have also called for a moratorium on the granting of all future deep-sea mining licenses in the Pacific, and hope to generate debate on the subject. Media coverage of the subject continues and June 2011 will see the hosting of a Pacific regional meeting in Fiji which aims to map out the future of ocean mineral mining in the entire region. The world’s first commercial lease for deep-sea mining was granted in January to the Canadian based Nautilus Minerals firm, and will focus on the extraction of gold and copper from the sea bed, about 50 km off the Papua New Guinea Coast.[2]

However, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature has also weighed in on the debate and has stated that seabed mining may in fact be far less environmentally damaging than many forms of land-based mining. It adds also, that more work needs to be done to fully understand its full impact.  Dr. Jan Steffen, Marine Coordinator for the IUCN’s Oceania Division says the framework legislation to regulate deep-sea mining needs to be much the same as that for land-based mining. “Land-based mining has decades of experience and I think we would want to see the same rigour applied on the seabed, plus of course, the additional factors that come up when it comes to connectivity and the sea and the fact that many of the sea vent communities (where mining may occur) are unique, and so one would want to minimise impact.”[3]

A responsible approach to development and mining of the sea bed is likely to be the way forward and the reality. While many industry groups tout the primacy of the need for exploration and mining, and many environmental groups tout the need for a complete cessation on all developments, perhaps the real issue is for the development of ongoing responsible and sustainable exploration and approaches that support both industry and green groups.  The two do not need to be mutually exclusive!

Envirosafe Solutions supports a responsible consideration of all the facts involved when it comes to development, resources and industry.

For more information on the Envirosafe Solutions distinct Eco-friendly product range call 1300 88 90 70

---

[1] Greenpeace http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/en

[2] http://abcasiapacificnews.com/stories/201106/3233315.htm?site=sydney

[3] ibid.

Nutting out a multi-partisan approach to climate change in Australia continues to be a major concern for Australian business and families and communities. The problem may be a failure to compromise on the part of the major parties and the tendency to use what is a serious issue as a political popularity strategy, moving it further and further away from its real aim which is to develop a clear and sustainable approach that can save future generations from dire climate change consequences if governments fail to act.

To further complicate the issue, climate change sceptic Lord Christopher Monckton has been touring Australia and has recently been speaking in Perth at the invitation of industry on the west of the continent. Lord Monckton recently claimed that Professor Ross Garnaut’s ‘view that people should accept the mainstream view of climate change is akin to “fascism.”’[1]

At present, the multi-party climate change committee comprising Greens, Labor and Liberal and independents, is meeting to try to reach a solution to the carbon tax deadlock. The committee is also advised by a panel of 4 independent experts – Professor Ross Garnaut, Professor Will Steffen, Mr. Rod Sims and Ms. Patricia Faulkner.[2]

Independent, Mr. Rob Oakeshott has said that the most contentious issues where agreement is still not being reached are:

• Compensation for polluting industries that rely on exports
• Compensation for Australian households
• Proportion of carbon tax to be funnelled over to renewable energy projects.[3]

Mr Oakeshott has also stated that he hopes agreements on these key points can be clarified and reached in the coming two weeks.

And while debate rages on the issue between the major parties, some industries and organisations are transitioning towards the change. Rather than disputing the relevance of a carbon tax, the Australian Aluminium Council has come forward and stated that “we understand there will be a carbon price and we are now looking for that to be factored in a way that gives industry a chance to compete with overseas producers and a chance to transition to a low carbon economy.”[4] Miles Prosser, the council’s representative also said that the main requirement for his industry was time – time to adapt to the changes and time to make sure that jobs sites such as Alcoa’s Portland refinery were not lost because of a too rapid implementation of a carbon price scheme.

One of the key issues the Greens have been calling for on the Climate Change panel is what proportion of money from the carbon tax scheme will be coursed towards renewable energy projects. There has been debate in the media in the past few days suggesting that the Labor government has acceded to this request as part of a compromising solution to the deadlock.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the development of a multi-party compromise to the carbon tax deadlock and will keep readers updated on the latest developments concerning the multi-party climate change committee and the finalities of any agreements relating to the carbon tax. For more information on other eco-friendly approaches to domestic and business practices and cleaning and the minimisation of your environmental footprint, call Envirosafe Solutions on  1300889070

---

[1] http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2011/s3252161.htm

[2] http://www.climatechange.gov.au/media/whats-new/climate-change-committee.aspx

[3] http://www.abc.net.au/news/storied/2011/06/29/3256399.htm?section=justin

[4] http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/06/29/3256145.htm

Envirosafe Solutions considers the biodiversity which is threatened by the introduced cane toad species. The flora and fauna of our north, as well as the environment as far south as the mid-coast of NSW are all impacted by this problematic and poisonous pest. But latest research indicates there is hope and solutions are in the pipeline.

Cane toads – an introduced species – pose considerable risk to the top end of Australia and have had a devastating impact on the wildlife and species diversity in Queensland, Northern NSW and The Northern Territory.

They are now considered a pest in Australia and the CSIRO Animal Health laboratory, and other academic institutions nationally, have been searching for biological control of cane toads in order to eradicate or control their spread and devastation to natural flora and fauna.[1]

Species Invasion

The cane toad was originally introduced to Australia in the 1930’s to help control and eat the Greyback Cane Beetle and French’s Cane Beetle that were affecting cane production in Queensland. The larvae (whitegrub) of these beetles eat sugar cane root and consequently kill or stunt the growth of the young cane plants.[2] Initially 100 cane toads were imported to Australia by the Australian Bureau of Sugar Experimentation Stations. These bread very quickly and by 1935, 3000 were released into north Queensland sugar plantations to help curb the spread of the beetles. Numerous scientists protested the release of the toad into the Australian environment at that time, including the then Curator of the Australian Museum, Roy Kinghorn. [3]

Biodiversity Threat

Rick Shine, Professor of Biology at the University of Sydney, has been investigating the cane toad for many years. “These feral amphibians have become a major invasive threat to Australian biodiversity,” he states.[4] He and his scientific team – Team Bufo – are currently focusing on cane toads in the Fogg Dam area in the Northern Territory. Professor Thomas Madsen and Dr Beata Ujvari have noted that in that region alone, most of the large floodplain goannas of that region have been killed by eating cane toads. There is also a 10% mortality rate with the Fogg Dam death adder population since the cane toad arrival, and radio-tracking work performed by Dr. Meri Oakwood also notes a similarly high mortality rate amongst the quolls and also the freshwater crocodiles of the area just upstream.[5] Fortunately, research also seems to indicate that cane toad poison does not seem to be too much of a problem for birds and bird life.

Methods of Control

Up until recently, the main method of control has been to simply go out and eradicate toads through hunting and disposal. This is a long and arduous process, and because of their ability to reproduce so rapidly has minimal effect.

Professor Shine’s team has begun to develop some new control methods that may help with eradication:

• Alarm chemicals – cane toads release an alarm pheromone as a fear response. It travels through water and alerts other toads and motivates them to move away from the pheromone. It also stresses them. Repeated exposure to the pheromone over weeks caused half of cane toad tadpole populations to die and significantly stunted the growth of the remaining survivors. This may be able to be used, without harmful impact to frogs and other species.

• Parasitic nematode lungworms that do not harm native frog species have a severe impact on cane toads, and there is hope this worm may kill many of the toads once they mature and leave the water.[6]

Team Bufo researchers may well lead us to an eradication of the cane toad in the north of Australia where its effects are most prevalent. Our precious biodiversity requires protection and the talent, energy and dedication of Australian research scientists and students is helping to increase our understanding of cane toads and the real impact they have on our precious environment.

Envirosafe Solutions is proud to highlight the work of Professor Shine and his team as they continue on with their valuable work.

For more information on environmentally sound products that also help our precious environment, call Envirosafe Solutions and speak with one of our customer service representatives who can help you source eco-friendly products with a low environmental impact.

Envirosafe Solutions 1300 889070.

---

[1] http://australianmuseum.net.au/Cane-Toad

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] http://www.canetoadsinoz.com

[5] http://www.canetoadsinoz.com/biodiversity-impact.html

[6] Ibid

The impact of environmental issues on reef systems is under closer scrutiny with the use of new underwater cameras on The Barrier Reef.

The beauty of coral reefs cannot be underestimated. There is the delight of underwater gardens, swaying with the undulations of the sea, grasses gliding back and forth, fish darting, and schools of reef pelagics swirling like sub-marine dandelions as the sun glitters down from the sky above. Anyone who has snorkeled or dived the reefs of Queensland or Western Australia will be well acquainted with this unsurpassable natural phenomenon. Heaven!

The study of coral reefs has become increasingly important in recent years as sea temperature rises continue to impact on coral reef life and marine ecosystems, globally. Additionally, water quality has been compromised by terrestrial runoff, particularly in some areas along the Queensland coast of Australia, where cane farm chemicals have been known to impact reef ecosystems adversely.

These ecosystems are particularly delicate because they thrive and proliferate in contexts that are extremely close to their absolute physiological limits. This means that environmental impacts that may not impact a more robust environment have a far greater capacity to undermine, in areas such as reefs where the margin of environmental error is reduced by this need to “live on the edges.” [1]

Around 30% of the extra CO2 in the atmosphere is known to dissolve into the ocean. “As a consequence of this, the chemistry of the oceans is becoming more acidic…which in turn impacts on the health of some fish and coral species.”[2] The delicate balance is thrown out, and this has the ability to undermine the whole system. The natural slightly alkaline nature of the oceans is in fact conducive to the calcification processes at the centre of tropical coral reefs. And with a shift in CO2 levels comes a rise in acid. Current predictions for the end of this century herald a pH reading of .4, “which is well outside the realms of anything organisms have experienced over millions of years.”[3] In short, we are now moving towards completely unchartered territory, with unknown consequences for mankind and for the ocean.

The need to monitor and survey oceanic and reef systems as become more pressing, given the nature of this unchartered territory we are now heading into and The Australian Institute of Marine Science [4] are leading the way with “the installation of a permanent underwater camera on The Great Barrier Reef that will give them…snapshots of life underwater in order to answer questions about the real time effects of rising temperatures and coral bleaching.”[5]

Dr. Ray Berkelmans from the Institute heads a new monitoring program, which is a world first. A webcam has been set up on Davies Reef just off Townsville and every 15 minutes images are taken that are then made available online. Dr. Berkelmans says this constant flow of pictures will help scientists to verify the direct effects of coral bleaching.

“You can have warm temperatures but very cloudy days, and it will not bleach nearly as quickly as when there is no cloud and lots of sunlight coming in, so there’s a multitude of factors and this will help us improve our predictions.”[6]

But the benefit of the visual data will extend beyond coral and also include the marine life of the Davies Reef bommie where the camera is fixed. This will also allow for a good database of information on fish life and habits/behaviour which is hard to gain via traditional scuba methods.

Envirosafe Solutions supports the respect and nurture of our marine environments. Its low-phosphate liquid detergents are proven to be kinder to the marine environment and our waterways. For more information on the Envirosafe Solutions range of products call 1300 88 90 70

---

[1] Climate Change and The Tropical Environment. Australian Institute of Marine Science. http://www.aims.gov.au/docs/research/climate-change/position-paper.html

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid

[5] http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2011/s3238415.htm

[6] Ibid.

It’s a win-win, and possibly an example of sensibly measured outcomes that are based on compromise and consideration from both sides. Yes. There is an agreement concerning 430,000 hectares of native forest in Tasmania which will now be protected from logging.

According to Terry Edwards of The Forest Industries Association, an exact net worth of the deal cannot be measured. Suffice to say however “it will be a significant sum of money.”[1] While the Tasmanian state opposition has criticised the deal, the Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings and Gunns have welcomed the peace deal recommendations.

Internationally acclaimed Dr. Joe Landsberg, the former CSIRO Forest Division chief, has frequently mentioned the importance of forests to humanity. In a 2010 interview with ABC science reporter Robin Williams, he said that “forests are important for their aesthetic, ecological and direct economic values and also because they absorb around 20% of the carbon dioxide modern human activities emit into the atmosphere.”[2]

Forests vary in type, density and foliage and range from the exotic and plush “luxuriant” rainforest types through to the more impoverished and denuded forests that are found in boreal regions across the globe.

Landsberg also maintains that if we are to manage these forests appropriately, we need to measure and know the mass of materials in them and we need to understand the growth rates to predict and map out forest growth – which are known as process based models – in the forestry community. This will then give us an understanding of the value of specific forests and aid in their management, protection and preservation.

Certainly, the management of forests in Australia could benefit greatly from the process based models proposed by Dr. Landsberg. The history of conflict over rainforest growth in areas such as Tasmania where the recent settlement has just occurred, as well as parts of Queensland could well be averted, with recourse to a scientifically grounded set of facts and measurements that remove emotional bias and heated contention from old growth forest conflicts.

The new Tasmanian settlement between the logging industry and environmental groups was facilitated by the ACTU’S Bill Kelty who helped broker the 9 page agreement. Some of the outcomes include:

Gradual exiting of timber felling from native forests

4-5 mill closures in Tasmania

The Environment Minister Tony Burke also said the decision was particularly momentous because it is the only time Environment Tasmania, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the forestry industry have agreed and reached a joint position on an issue.[3]

Envirosafe Solutions also supports the historic agreement and operates as a green business that promotes sustainable industry. “Envirosafe Solutions is 100% committed to reducing their own environmental impact and believe in leading by example.”[4]

Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green Range of products is available now. Simply call 1300 88 90 70 to order.

---

[1] http://www.abc.net.au/nes/stories/2011/06/24/3252312.htm

[2] http://www.abc.net.au/rn/ockhamsrazor/stories/2010/3089173.htm

[3] http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2011/s3251854.htm

[4] http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/about_menu.php?id=8