New Initiative Will Save Roughly 20,000 Trees in One Year-

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Office Depot now offers its delivery customers the choice between paper bags or cardboard boxes when shipping their orders – a move that the company hopes will prevent millions of pounds of paper waste. Its GreenerOffice Delivery Service program was a huge hit – with 90 percent of eligible customers voluntarily opting in. The company says it will be able to replace around 4.5 million pounds of cardboard boxes with approximately 0.9 million pounds of paper in the first 12 months of the program based on the test rates – saving roughly 20,000 trees! The switch from boxes to bags will also reduce the company’s use of plastic air pillows, a petroleum intensive and hard-to-recycle filler. To boot, the bags used will contain 40 percent post consumer recycled materials. “Office Depot’s material footprint from cardboard use is significant,” said Yalmaz Siddiqui, director of environmental strategy for Office Depot. “This program, championed very effectively by our Supply Chain team, delivers a triple win: our customers win because the paper bags are more convenient to open and recycle; Office Depot wins because we continue to enhance our environmental leadership; and the ecosystem benefits because fewer materials are needed, and less waste ends up in our landfills.”

New Plan Will Turn Sludge into Energy-

Sewage treatment facilities in New York City are now on course to begin generating and selling clean energy. Methane gas will be captured from digesters, heating fuel will be extracted from waste, and butanol — a gasoline alternative — will be extracted from algae that grows in wastewater. This will help reduce the 1,200 tons of waste that end up in landfills each day through NYC residents. Sewage facilities city-wide presently use around half of the methane generated by the digesters to supply roughly 20 percent of the electricity used by the plants, but with this new plan NYC will sell the excess power. Currently, the city is searching for companies to convert its waste into renewable energy, fertilizer, as well as paving and building materials. Contracts should be secured by 2013. NYC also aims to construct wind and solar power generating systems at its wastewater treatment plants on Staten Island.

Telecommunications Company Continues its Environmental Commitment with On-Site Fuel Cell Generation-

Telecom giant, Cox Communications, is one of the first companies in Southern California to generate more than half of its energy needs with renewable power. Using an 800-kilowatt fuel cell, the company will reduce its environmental impact to the equivalent of taking more than 850 cars off the road annually — enough energy to power 603 average homes. Fuel cells are one of the few truly green sources of energy, as they are highly efficient and do not create pollution. By-products from fuel cell operation are simply heat and water. “At Cox Communications, we’re always looking for innovative ways to do business more sustainably to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Duffy Leone, vice president operations, Cox Communications in California. “The fuel cell technology is one of the most cutting-edge environmental solutions on the market for renewable energy. The launch of Cox’s fuel cell program at the Orange County facility, together with our overall Cox Conserves initiatives, clearly demonstrates our commitment to our customers, to our communities and to the state of California.” But the company hasn’t stopped there. Other eco-friendly initiatives by Cox include gas saving air filters in all Cox vehicles to improve mileage and save more than 200,000 gallons of gasoline each year; a lighting retrofit which reduces energy use from lighting by one-third; an employee vanpool program that saves over 480,000 commuter miles annually; a solar PV array; water-saving fixtures installed in restrooms; technology which reduces vehicle idle time to save more than 40,000 gallons of fuel annually; and a recycling program which keeps more than 83 tons of paper, metal, electronics and plastic out of landfills. Its refreshing to see large companies like this one take the initiative to create a more healthy environment both locally and, eventually, on a global scale. Hopefully more business owners will follow suit and realize that its not only their responsibility to care for the communities that have helped them flourish, but it can also help save money and resources in a wavering economy.

Plastic Bag Tax Remarkably Reduced Plastics Pollution-

Back in 2008, thanks to a pioneering law, it became illegal for stores in China to give out plastic bags for free. Retailers were then required to charge a fee for the bags, and were able to pocket any profits made through the tax. Remarkably, the law actually curbed plastic bag use by 50 percent after only two years – helping to prevent roughly 100 billion plastic bags from polluting waterways and landfills. Haoran He, a Chinese student from the University of Gothenburg, recently researched the ban and its effects on consumer behavior. GOOD reports his findings:

“Consumers in Beijing and Guiyang used an average of 21 new plastic bags weekly before the bag-fee ordinance was passed in June, 2008, and rarely used the same bag twice. But after the law was imposed, consumption dropped 49 percent and nearly half of the bags were re-used. While that represents a significant reduction, researchers say there is much room for improvement, especially when it comes to enforcement. Months after the law was enacted, the researchers say, nearly 60 percent of all plastic bags were still given away free.”





Even with weak enforcement, the law is a step in the right direction. Many cities throughout the U.S. are working to implement similar regulation, as plastic bag trash is continuing to devastate the environment. Plastic bags invade waterways every second through storm drains and other means, and unfortunately animals are the ones that pay the ultimate price. It has been reported that animals will eat plastic bags and perish either by choking on them or endure an even slower death by bowel obstruction. Speak up for those who don’t have a voice by petitioning for a plastic bag fee in your city!

Garbage Trucks Running on Clean Fuel from Trash-

Waste Management Inc., a U.S.-based garbage and recycling company, recently announced that it has been using “green” fuel for around 500 trucks in their California fleet. The environmentally-friendly alternative is much cleaner than standard diesel — and is actually made using old, rotting trash from a 240-acre landfill in the San Fransisco and Oakland area. In November, the company began sending the refuse out to a facility that purifies the waste and converts it into liquefied natural gas. “We’ve built the largest landfill-to-LNG plant in the world; this plant produces 13,000 gallons a day of LNG,” says Jessica Jones, a landfill manager for Houston-based Waste Management. “It will take 30,000 tons a year of CO2 from the environment.” A major problem with rotting trash is the methane it produces and releases into the atmosphere. “Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide,” Tom Frankiewicz, program manager for EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program in Washington, says in an e-mail. “Methane is also the main component of natural gas, so by capturing and using methane as an energy source you get an even bigger bang for the buck.”

EPA wants to Regulate Toxic Chemical Found in 35 States’ Water-

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking federal regulatory action over a toxic chemical that has infiltrated drinking water supplies throughout the United States. Perchlorate, a noxious ingredient used in rocket fuel, has been found in the drinking water of at least 35 states with levels excessive enough to cause thyroid disorders and developmental problems — especially in babies and fetuses. According to the Associated Press, a government official representing the EPA has said that the plan to regulate the chemical is now under interagency review. In 2008, under President George W. Bush, the EPA decided that it would not monitor the chemical, claiming that federal guidelines would do little to reduce public health risks. Fortunately, states like California and Massachusetts have set independent standards in an effort to prevent hazardous levels of perchlorate in their waterways. In August, a report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that the primary federal users of perchlorate are the Defense Department, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Department of Energy. The GAO report also said these departments maintain that they have reduced the discharge of perchlorate, and the chemicals found in waterways are from past disposal methods.

CleanTech’s Demonstration Vessel to be Installed at Fiberight’s Lawrenceville, Virginia Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant-

CleanTech Biofuels – an early-stage provider of cellulosic biomass feedstock derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) for renewable power and biofuel production – recently announced an agreement with Fiberight LLC to install its demonstration vessel at Fiberight’s cellulosic ethanol pilot plant in Lawrenceville, VA. CleanTech’s patented Biomass Recovery Process, combined with Fiberight’s Targeted Fuel Extraction system, will create a fully-integrated MSW to cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant. CleanTech’s vessel is expected to be installed and operational by the end of August, 2010. “The installation of our vessel at the Lawrenceville plant will demonstrate that valuable renewable energy products can be produced from municipal solid waste,” said Ed Hennessey, CEO of CleanTech Biofuels, Inc. “This project will hasten commercialization of our technology and move us closer to realizing our goal of bringing combined waste-to-energy systems to municipalities, solid waste haulers, and operators of solid waste landfills and transfer stations.” Under the terms of the agreement, Fiberight will finance the transfer of the vessel, equipment upgrade, and all operating costs associated with running the vessel at the Lawrenceville plant. Moreover, CleanTech will have access to biomass produced at the Lawrenceville plant for delivery to companies interested in testing it as feedstock in their conversion technologies.

New Program Offers New Hanover Country Residents Job Training & Placement-

R3 Environmental, the NC-startup involved in a waste-to-fuel production facility for New Hanover County, recently announced new classes at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) as part of the college’s Industrial Systems Technology Program. Through CFCC, the waste resource company will offer programming and training which will equip current waste management workers to install, service and repair new trash processes and technology. The program includes theory and skill training for inspecting, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and testing industrial equipment and physical facilities in several areas of industrial maintenance. To boot, current employees of the landfill who may not presently hold a high school diploma will be able to complete a GED at very little cost and then advance into the Industrial Systems Program. “Continuing economic development means adopting the next wave of technology,” says Clayton Gsell, COO at R3 Environmental and CFCC Foundation Board of Directors. “This program equips workers with the knowledge and talent to install, repair and maintain a wide variety of mechanical equipment – while also readying themselves for a new generation of technology.” Dr. Eric McKeithan, President of CFCC, comments, “Continuing education is the key to an area’s continued growth and success… The skills acquired in the classroom will apply to a wide range of industries. Plus, those who enroll will have an opportunity to advance within R3 Environmental as it uses technology to greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the need for landfills.”

LCI Study Proves that Recycled Plastics Make Environmental Sense-

A new Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) study shows that considerable reductions in energy consumption, solid waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions can be accomplished by vigorously recycling two of the most prevalent plastics used for beverage and many household bottles: PET and HDPE. Franklin Associates, a renowned life cycle assessment firm, conducted the analysis. The research took a cradle-to-grave approach, investigating the progression from raw material extraction through recycling and disposal. According to Bob Lilienfeld, Editor of The ULS Report and an respected expert on waste prevention, “This study gives scientific credence to the widely held belief that it’s better to recycle these types of plastics than to send them to landfills. It’s a call to action for consumers, businesses, and municipalities.” He added, “The best way to reinforce the value of plastics recycling is for consumers to experience and use products made from recycled resins. Businesses should highlight this use on their products and packaging.” The ULS (Use Less Stuff) Report is published monthly. The ULS web site is rated #1 by Google, Yahoo! and MSN for searches relating to waste prevention and source reduction. The full study described above is available at http://www.use-less-stuff.com/.

**UPDATE: COMPANY SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN FRAUDULENT & CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELED W/OUT REFUNDS. IF YOU HAVE LOST MONEY VIA ENGEX, CONTACT THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE.**

Interview with EngEx Founder/President, Kausain Shaikh, Part 1-

Green Energy News recently sat down with EngEx founder/president, Kausain Shaikh, to discuss the unique opportunities available at the 2010 EngEx conference and exhibition in San Diego, CA. EngEx is an innovative engineering conference and exhibition, and will feature the nation’s leading experts in energy, transportation, water, and environment to collaborate, and exhibit ideas that will help to transform and revitalize the U.S. economy. The engineering exhibition will showcase various topics and educational discussions in renewable energy, fuel infrastructure, carbon capture & reuse technologies, wastewater treatment, sustainable planning, cloud seeding, desalination, and much more. EngEx will offer networking opportunities with hundreds of utility and municipality decision makers, and will also offer in-depth information into government contracts with the Small Business Administration (SBA), Department of Transportation (DOT) funding, federal land procurement with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), export consulting and engineering services with the World Bank, small business loans with top U.S. banks, obtaining a SBA Small Business Innovation Research Grant, as well as SBA, SBIR & STTR proposal writing.

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