2. Leave your car at home. If you can stay off the road just two days a week, you'll reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 1,590 pounds per year [Source: EPA]. Combine your errands -- hit the post office, grocery store and shoe repair place in one trip. It will save you gas and time.
3. Walk or ride your bike to work, school and anywhere you can. You can reduce greenhouse gases while burning some calories and improving your health. If you can't walk or bike, use mass transit or carpool. Every car not on the road makes a difference.
 If you must drink bottled water, recycle the bottle. |
4. Recycle.You can help reduce pollution just by putting that soda can in a different bin. If you're trying to choose between two products, pick the one with the least packaging. If an office building of 7,000 workers recycled all of its office paper waste for a year, it would be the equivalent of taking almost 400 cars off the road [Source: EPA].
5. Compost. Think about how much trash you make in a year. Reducing the amount of solid waste you produce in a year means taking up less space in landfills, so your tax dollars can work somewhere else. Plus, compost makes a great natural fertilizer. Composting is easier than you think.
Source : HowStuffWorks.com
Appendix I
A. Importance of Waste Separation
Waste separation at source can enhance the homogeneity of the waste recovered and minimise its level of contamination. Both the technical and economic hurdles for recycling can then be lowered and this increase the recycling viability.
The following figures illustrate the relative price of different kinds of well-sorted recyclables:
B. Some Tips to Increase the Value of Your Relatively Low-value Recyclables
Paper
Paper waste is divided mainly into 5 grades in the market: high grade paper such as white writing paper & computer printout, paper board & containers, corrugated containers, old newspaper and mixed paper, in decreasing order of market price. It is advisable to sort separately for the high grade paper if its quantity is substantial. For most recovery programmes, sorting for mixed paper is easily manageable. Stick to the following separation practice to ensure the waste paper recovered is recyclable :
| Do Collect | Don't Collect |
| · Pure paper waste (e.g. office paper, letter, forms, envelopes [remove plastic window], newspaper and magazine [not on glossy paper], books & reports [remove plastic covers and plastic ring binders], etc.). [Note : paper clips, staples, rubber bands need not be removed] · Clean and dry paper waste. | · Composite materials (e.g. packaging with paper, plastics, aluminum foil and other materials, glossy paper, plastic coated paper, etc.). · Wax paper, adhesive paper, carbon paper, blue print & fax (thermal) paper. · Contaminated paper waste such as tissue and toilet paper, lunch boxes, paper cups. |
Plastics
Plastic waste is divided by resin type (chemical form) and there are quite a number of resin types being used in the market. As the homogeneity of the feedstock waste is particularly important in plastic recycling, the plastic waste being recovered in
| Do Collect | Don't Collect |
| · Homogeneous waste (of a single resin type such as PET bottles, film canisters). · Clean and dry waste. · For bottles, rinse and remove accessories such as lids and labels which are usually made of other materials or resins. | · Composite materials such as plastic packagings. · Contaminated waste such as food containers. |
Glass Bottles
While most of the locally-filled glass beverage bottles are being recovered for reuse by the beverage manufacturers through deposit-refund schemes, there is only a very limited market for the non-refundable glass bottles. These non-refundable glass bottles, if recovered, are either rinsed for reuse or crushed for overseas recycling. It is advisable for you to secure an outlet before recovering these non-refundable glass bottles.
| Do Collect | Don't Collect |
| · Bottles with deposit-refund scheme. · Bottles with lids and labels removed. | · Small or irregular-shaped bottles unless you have secured an outlet. · Containers of hazardous chemicals unless throughly rinsed. |
| · Bottles with residues removed. | · Other forms of glass such as light bulbs, window glass and mirror unless you have secured an outlet. |
|
planet. When we burn fossil fuels—such as oil, coal, and natural gas—to run our cars and light our homes, we pump carbon dioxide (CO2) into the air. This thickens the heat-trapping blanket that surrounds the planet, causing global warming. Choosing modern technology can reduce our use of fossil fuels and help protect the planet. These ten steps will help curb global warming, save you money, and create a safer environment for the future.
A well-tuned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline—cutting pollution and saving you money at the pump. If you have two cars, drive the one with better gas mileage whenever possible. Better yet, skip the drive and take public transit, walk, or bicycle when you can.
Did you know the average American meal travels more than 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate? Think of all the energy wasted and pollution added to the atmosphere - not to mention all the pesticides and chemicals used to grow most produce! So go to your local organic farmer to get your fruits and veggies.
Renewable energy solutions, such as wind and solar power, can reduce our reliance on coal-burning power plants, the largest source of global warming pollution in the United States. Call your local utility and sign up for renewable energy. If they don't offer it, ask them why not?
Also, support a national renewable electricity standard (RES). The Energy Bill signed in 2007 lacked key components that address our energy security and global warming emissions: a renewable electricity standard of 15% by 2020 and a tax package that will provide investment incentives for clean energy alternatives. Use our action center to urge your members of congress to support the renewable electricity standard and tax package!
Especially those that burn the longest each day. Compact fluorescents produce the same amount of light as normal bulbs, but use about a quarter of the electricity and last ten times as long. Each switch you make helps clean the air today, curb global warming, and save you money on your electricity bill.
Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and you'll use half the water without decreasing performance. Then turn your hot water heater down to 120°F and see hot-water costs go down by as much as 50 percent.
Replacing an old refrigerator or an air conditioner with an energy-efficient model will save you money on your electricity bill and cut global warming pollution. Look for the Energy Star label on new appliances or visit their website at www.energystar.gov to find the most energy-efficient products.
Protecting forests is a big step on the road to curbing global warming. Trees "breathe in" carbon dioxide, but slash-and-burn farming practices, intensive livestock production, and logging have destroyed 90 percent of the native forests in the United States. And you can take action in your own backyard — planting shade trees around your house will absorb CO2, and slash your summer air-conditioning bills.
Educate your community about how it can cut global warming pollution. Support measures at the national, state, and local level that:
The Idaho National Laboratory, Microcontinuum, Inc. and Patrick Pinhero from the University of Missouri are developing an exciting new technology which uses "nano-antennas" to capture solar energy. What is especially cool about this new solar technology is that it would operate both during the day and at night by using the leftover radiation after the sun goes down. Each nano-antenna is a spiral as wide as 1/25 the diameter of a human hair, meaning that many of them can be fit into a tiny space, and may be as much as 80 percent efficient.If you enjoyed this post and want to know more, don't forget to visit us again at
http://save2live.blogspot.com/
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 | Many people even question whether or not global warming exists. And if global warming does exist, people question why it exists. But there is one fact that no one has questioned - the surface temperature of the earth has increased 0.45 - 0.6 degrees Celsius in the past century. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 | Global warming has been proven and disproven using computer climate models. Believers in global warming use them to show that in the next century there will be a significant rise in the Earth's temperature, and an increase in the height of sea level. Global warming skeptics suggest that the models are not entirely based on fact, and that they can not be trusted. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
There are many arguments for and against the existence of global warming. We'll take a look at some of the arguments for both sides on the following pages, starting with the believers in global warming. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIVERMORE, Calif. — Can planting a tree stop the sea level from rising, the ice caps from melting and hurricanes from intensifying?
A new study says that it depends on where the trees are planted. It cautions that new forests in mid- to high-latitude locations could actually create a net warming. It also confirms the notion that planting more trees in tropical rainforests could help slow global warming worldwide.
In the first study to investigate the combined climate and carbon-cycle effects of large-scale deforestation in a fully interactive three-dimensional climate-carbon model, scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Carnegie Institution and Université Montpellier II found that global forests actually produce a net warming of the planet.
The study provides a holistic view of the deforestation issue. “This is the first comprehensive assessment of the deforestation problem,” said Govindasamy Bala, lead author of the research that will be presented on Dec. 15 at the American Geophysical Society annual meeting in San Francisco.
The models calculated the carbon/climate interactions and took into account the physical climate effect and the partitioning of the carbon dioxide release from deforestation among land, atmosphere and ocean.
Forests affect climate in three different ways: they absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help to keep the planet cool; they evaporate water to the atmosphere and increase cloudiness, which also helps keep the planet cool; and they are dark and absorb a lot of sunlight, warming the Earth. Climate change mitigation strategies that promote planting trees have taken only the first effect into account.
“Our study shows that tropical forests are very beneficial to the climate because they take up carbon and increase cloudiness, which in turn helps cool the planet,” Bala said.
But the study concludes that by the year 2100, forests in mid and high latitudes will make some places up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than would have occurred if the forests did not exist.
“The darkening of the surface by new forest canopies in the high latitude Boreal regions allows absorption of more sunlight that helps to warm the surface. In fact, planting more trees in high latitudes could be counterproductive from a climate perspective,” Bala said.
The study finds little or no climate benefit when trees are planted in temperate regions.
“Our integrated systems approach allowed us for the first time to estimate the total effects of land cover change in different regions of the world,” Bala said.
Afforestation has been promoted heavily in mid-latitudes as a means of mitigating climate change. However, the combined carbon/climate modeling study shows that it doesn't work. The albedo effect (the process by which less sunlight is reflected and more is absorbed by forest canopies, heating the surface) cancels out the positive effects from the trees taking in carbon.
“Our study shows that preserving and restoring forests is likely to be climatically ineffective as an approach to slow global warming,” said Ken Caldeira, a co-author of the study from the Carnegie Institution. “To prevent climate change, we need to transform our energy system. It is only by transforming our energy system and preserving natural habitat, such as forests, that we can maintain a healthy environment. To prevent climate change, we must focus on effective strategies and not just ‘feel-good’ strategies.”
Founded in 1952, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has a mission to ensure national security and apply science and technology to the important issues of our time. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is managed by the University of California for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
sourCe (https://www.llnl.gov/ )
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· It takes 17 trees and 1500 litres of oil to produce one tonne of paper.
· In
· Approximately 20% of the domestic solid waste collected is paper.
· Producing recycling paper creates 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution than producing paper from virgin fibres.
It is a very simple operation. You can do it in any way that suits your operation most. The following are some guidelines to help you formulate a plan to implement of such a programme:
A. What are the objectives of a Waste Paper Recycling Programme in offices?
· The objectives are:
- to contribute towards an environmental cause by saving landfill space, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution; and
- to cultivate an environmental awareness among office workers who consume large amounts of paper daily.
B. What specific targets do we want to achieve?
· The targets are:
- to separate all recyclable paper waste from other wastes at source; and
- to supply the paper waste to waste dealers or paper mills for recycling.
C. What is the optimum scale of the programme?
· This is flexible. A programme can be organised on the basis of individual organisations or the building as a whole. The involvement of a greater number of organisations/buildings will, of course, make the programme more viable. Co-operate with neighbouring offices/organisations in these recycling programmes. Ideally the same cleaning contractor should be used by all offices participating.
D. What organisational set up is required?
· If the programme covers a large building or involves different organisations, you may need a steering committee with representatives from different departments/organisations to:
- plan and implement the programme;
- liaise with the cleaning contractor and the waste paper collector; and
- publicise the programme and solicit the support of all employees.
· The appointment of "Recycling Co-ordinators" or "Floor Captains" who are enthusiastic persons with organisational ability and good communication skill is essential particularly for multi-storey or multi-organisation operation. They will be responsible for:
- explaining the programme in detail to the employees of different organisations and staff accommodated on different floors;
- ensuring that the collection facilities mentioned below are readily provided and properly maintained; and
- addressing problem areas after the programme begins.
E. Are there any facilities required?
· You will need to provide the following for the collection and storage of waste paper:
(I) small containers for disposing waste paper (you may make use of unwanted cardboard boxes and label them as "green boxes" for identification purposes). Select containers to fit your individual needs, as dictated by space limitations, and the quantities of waste paper generated. They should be clearly labelled and placed nearby existing litter-bins, and
(ii) designate a corner in the general office as the "newspaper bank" for collecting unwanted newspapers.
F. Are all kinds of paper recyclable?
· Not all papers can be recycled. Depending on the specific requirements of certain paper mills, the following are the usual DOs and DON'Ts:
| DO recycle · With office paper- letterhead, business forms, offset paper, scratch paper, copy paper · Coloured paper · Photo copies · Adding machine tape · Index cards · Computer printout paper · Standard business cards · Brochures and Newsletters (if not on glossy paper) · Magazines/books with stapled/sowed binding (any coated glossy cover should be removed)· Envelopes and folders (including stamps but remove adhesive flap or plastic window) · Leaflets from junk mail | | DON'T recycle · Adhesive removable notes · Overhead transparencies · Carbon Paper · Envelopes with plastic windows · Blueprint paper · Cellophane · Film · Spiral binders · Magazines/books using glue for binding · Lunch boxes, wax paper, papercups, paper plates · Napkins, tissue, paper towel · Self-adhesive stickers or those with glue or tape. |
Rubber bands, paper clips and staples are OK as they will be removed in the recycling process but large metal fasteners and other contaminants should be removed.
(Note : High grade white office papers such as computer printout is of higher value and
should where possible be separated from other paper waste.)
G. Who collects the separated waste paper?
· Your current cleaning contractor will collect waste paper from the "green boxes". Arrangements should be made with them regarding the frequency of emptying the boxes and newspaper banks. The contractor will liaise with the waste dealer/paper mill on arrangements for final delivery. Many waste dealers will provide a pick-up service on a daily basis if the quantity is sufficient. Well co-ordinated collection arrangements avoid undesirable storage of large quantities of waste paper in your building.
H. Are there any financial implications?
· No cost need be incurred except for any spending on publicity.
· Agreement should be sought with the cleaning contractor over the selling price of the waste paper and whether any revenue generated is to be shared with management. This however is a delicate issue since the contractor may have been previously making his own arrangements to sell the paper, though unseparated. It should be borne in mind that this is an exercise in responsible waste management and social necessity, not in profitmaking.
I. How to publicise the programme?
· Promotion and education are the keys to a successful recycling programme. This could be achieved through:
- an appeal start up letter from senior management to all staff;
- display of posters in the common areas of the office/building; and
- visits to various sections and departments by the Recycling Coordinator.
J. Where to seek advice?
· The back of this guideline shows a list of waste paper dealers who can provide pick-up service. Before approaching them however you should consult your cleaning contractor. He may already have made contact. For a detailed list of waste paper companies, please refer to the Hong Kong Telephone Co's Hong Kong Commercial/Industrial Guide on the category of Waste Paper.
* Leaflets can be obtained from the Environmental Campaign Committee Secretariat,45/F,
· For technical advice on recyclables, call the Environmental Protection Department (Tel:2755 2750).
K. Reviews
· Periodic reviews of the operation of the programme are useful for making improvements and for keeping up momentum.
· Regular communication with staff involved is essential in order to keep them informed of the progress and achievements of the programme.
L. Waste Minimisation
· The primary goal is to reduce quantities of waste, i.e. to use less paper and to recycle what we must use. The programme will therefore be much more meaningful if it is complemented by a campaign to minimise the consumption of paper in your organisation. There are many opportunities for reducing paper waste. You may be able to add other ideas to the following suggestion:
- reuse the paper which has been used on one side only for scrap paper;
- cut down on paper for memos;
- make two-sided copies;
- minimise the number of files;
- promote electronic mailing;
- ask to be removed from junk mailing lists.
M. Use Recycled Products
· To go a step further in promoting the environmental image of your organisation, use recycled paper for stationery, printing, packaging, etc. A successful paper recycling industry depends on a stable and long-term market for its products. You can make a valuable contribution in this respect.
Contd from Prev Post :
2. Towngas & LPG appliances
General Cooking Hints
These apply equally to cooking with electricity
* A pressure cooker saves up to 2/3 cooking time, saves energy, and preserves the goodness in your food.
* A slow-cook pot also uses a great deal less energy.
* Use cooking utensils that conduct heat well.
* Boil only as much water as you need.
* Use the right size of rice cooker for your family - an oversized cooker wastes energy.
* Always use the lids on pans to trap heat; this saves a lot of energy.
* Once your food has boiled, reduce it to a simmer.
* Use pans, etc., which completely cover the sources of heat from your stove.
* Turn your oven or ring off before you have finished cooking, and let the residual heat gently finish the job.
* Do not spend too long pre-heating your oven: 10 minutes is usually enough.
* Cook several dishes in one session when using the oven; foods requiring the highest temperature first.
* Do not cook too far ahead of meal time - reheating/ keeping food warm simply wastes energy.
* Defrost frozen foods before cooking them.
* Use efficient appliances like a toaster oven for cooking and baking in small quantities.
* Check your oven door seal for heat leakage, and replace it if necessary.
* Keep your oven clean for maximum cooking efficiency.
Gas Hotplate/Cooker/Oven
* Choose a cooker/oven of a suitable size for your family's needs, and consider using it in conjunction with a microwave oven.
* A multi-jet cooker/oven offers you more versatility, and can minimise wastage.
* Adjust the flame to fit the bottom of your pan. Gas flames going up the side of a pan are a waste, can be dangerous, and do not increase cooking efficiency.
* Use the simmer burner rather than the oven to reheat casseroles and other food.
* Steaming and stir-frying is an energy-efficient way of cooking.
* Use your grill to its full capacity, rather than cooking one item at a time.
* Keep you cooking appliances clean and well maintained, and have them inspected from time to time.
Water Heater
* Take a shower instead of a bath. You'll save about 50% in heating costs.
* A low-flow shower head also saves water and heating energy.
* Don't leave hot water running when shaving, rinsing dishes, etc., and use cold water where hot water is not absolutely necessary.
* When not using your water heater, switch off the pilot light.
* Have your water heater inspected from time to time to ensure its efficiency and safety.
3. Water
Water is a precious commodity in
* Don't draw off more water than you need for any given purpose.
* Take a shower instead of bath.
* Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth.
* Be economical with your washing machine or dishwasher - don't use it until it is fully loaded.
* Make sure there are no leaks in your toilet flushing system.
* If you have a dripping tap, please get it fixed - it can waste up to 70 litres of water every 24 hours.
* Avoid rinsing hands, clothes, vegetables etc. under a running tap - use a bowl.
* Re-use shower/bath water to wash the floors or water your plants.
( Source: http://www.epd.gov.hk )
Responsible
