Imported Food Can be Better For The Environment

Jul 20 2007

A conference of experts in the UK heard that importing food from the other side of the world can actually be more energy-efficient than buying British produce and helps developing countries tackle poverty, The Scotsman reports.

The event was organized by the Soil Association, which certifies organic products and is considering stripping air-freighted goods of organic status on environmental concerns.

Dr Alexander Kasterine, of the International Trade Centre, a United Nations agency, told the conference that the UK should cut its carbon emissions rather than ban imported organic produce.

He told delegates that many UK farms used more energy than those in Kenya and that about 85 percent of energy used in product distribution happens once goods are in the UK.

“Farmers get a diesel subsidy,” Kasterine said. “They get a direct-energy subsidy of 50p per litre. And yet the same farmers are telling Africans not to air-freight their products.; it is totally absurd.”

Dell Calls Out PC Makers On Recycling, Releases Sustainability Report

Jul 19 2007

Dell says it’s ahead of schedule to achieve a multi-year goal of recovering 275 million pounds of computer equipment by 2009. Dell reported the recovery of more than 78 million pounds (nearly 40,000 tons) of unwanted IT equipment from customers in 2006, a 93 percent increase over 2005 and 12.4 percent of the equipment it sold seven years earlier, more than any other manufacturer that reports recovery progress by past sales weight, according to Dell’s 2007 sustainability report, released today.

Earlier this month, HP announced that it had met its goal of recycling 1 billion pounds of electronics. HP says that in 2006, it recovered 187 million pounds of electronics globally.

“Protecting the environment is too important an issue for one company to be leading alone,” said Michael Dell. “Customers should not be forced into improper disposal due to a lack of environmentally responsible options. To that end, we are renewing our challenge to every computer manufacturer, regardless of size or location, to join us in offering a free, global consumer recycling program. It is the right thing for our customers and the earth we share.”

Dell says it is the only computer manufacturer to offer consumers no-charge recycling services for its own branded computer equipment worldwide without requiring new product purchases.

Harry Potter Sets Green Example For Publishing Industry

Jul 19 2007

The last book in the Harry Potter series is considered within the industry to be the most environmentally friendly in publishing history with 16 countries printing the book on eco-friendly paper up from one publisher in 2003, said Markets Initiative, the Vancouver-based environmental group that worked with J.K. Rowling.

The English-language editions of the latest book result in a savings of 197,685 trees (an area equivalent to 2.5 times the size of New York’s Central Park) and 7.9 million kilograms of greenhouse gases (equivalent to taking 1,577 cars off the road).

“The world of publishing may never see the likes of Harry Potter again, but that doesn’t discount its importance to readers, to booksellers and to the way publishing has melded its needs with that of the environment,” said Sarah Nelson, Editor in Chief of Publisher’s Weekly. “To think that Potter is the largest print run in history and may have actually helped the planet.”

According to Markets Initiative, the series helped shift 300 publishers around the world to print a growing number of their book titles, including Margaret Atwood’s Blind Assassin on eco-friendly papers. Six new eco-papers were developed specifically for the Potter titles. Thirty-two new Ancient Forest Friendly and eco-friendly papers have also been produced for book publishers in North America, as a result of this shift.

The company said that 84 printers across North America now stock Ancient Forest Friendly or eco-friendly papers for the first time because of Harry Potter’s lead.

Are Most Sunscreens Really that Helpful?

by Jeremy Elton Jacquot, Los Angeles on 07.17.07

Science & Technology

Who hasn't heard this familiar refrain: "Be sure to put on a thick layer of sunscreen before you go out into the sun"? Whether you've heard it from your parents, your doctor, or even that so-called health expert on TV, the need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin is a mantra that has been firmly ingrained into our heads since early childhood. And while that may be true in principle, the problem is that too many sunscreen manufacturers haven't been holding up their part of the bargain by selling products that actually protect you.

Indeed, a rash of recent studies has shown that labels on several popular brands are not only misleading and confusing but, in some cases, completely false. After testing 786 name-brand sunscreens to gauge their stated UVA protection, potential health hazards and stability in sunlight, the Environmental Working Group determined that only 17% of them provide good protection and minimal risks. In addition, the study revealed that 50% of the tested products made claims that would be considered misleading under the FDA's draft sunscreen safety standards.

One major problem may be the fact that most sunscreens don't actually protect against UVA rays (which have been linked to premature aging and skin cancer), despite their claims of doing so. And while the FDA does regulate the sunscreen industry, it's still using archaic standards that haven't updated since their implementation in 1978. The result: though our knowledge about skin cancer and the harmful nature of UVA rays has jumped by leaps and bounds over the last three decades, the standards for SPF haven't.

"Unfortunately, many people don't realize that SPF is for UVB only. You simply can't apply it to both. It would distort the numbers because UVB is thousands of time more stronger than UVA," said Dr. Norman Price, a dermatologist. A recent poll showed that 69% of Americans wrongly believed that government standards required SPF protection against UVA rays.

Fortunately (though somewhat belatedly), the FDA is finally set to reveal updated guidelines for how it plans to assess a sunscreen's level of UVA protection, how to ameliorate label accuracy and whether or not to limit SPF at 30. Not a moment too soon, says Dr. Jeffrey Bortz, a dermatologist. "All of this is very confusing. It's time for the FDA to step in and clarify this better for the consumer," he said.

Be sure to check out the full article (linked below) for a complete list of common misperceptions and suggestions on how to ensure you're adequately protected.

Via ::Contra Costa Times: Sunscreen exposed (newspaper)

REI’s Prototype Store Enters Second Phase Of Construction

Jul 17 2007

REI says that its Boulder, Colorado prototype store has reached the second phase in its expansion and renovation. Upon completion, the 42,000 square foot store will serve as a “working laboratory to analyze new retail concepts and the performance of green building features,” according to REI.

The lighting, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is now complete, including the installation of the solar hot water system. While work on the expansion continues, customers in the store will see touches of sustainable materials, including a perimeter wall system constructed of bamboo, recycled rubber flooring and a cork footwear wall. One of the most significant changes will be the amount of natural light in the store, which is achieved through Solatubes that channel daylight into the store. This feature will provide approximately 20 percent of the store’s lighting.

Ford to Use Soy Foam In 2008 Mustang

Jul 16 2007

Ford Motor Company and Lear Corporation are working together on the industry’s first effort to produce seat foam made from soy-based materials, according to The Torque Report.

Ford says that the environmental advantages of soy-foam include: a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions when compared to current petroleum-based material, lower energy required to produce the material, and up to 24 percent renewable content.

In 2004, Ford and Lear formed a partnership to commercialize soy-foam applications, with initial work concentrating on the molding of headrest and armrest components.