Roof gardens are built for both their aesthetic and their functional values. A roof garden can provide temperature control, architectural enhancement, hydrological benefits, and of course food. It can also serve as a habitat for wildlife. There are a number of advantages when you plant a roof garden. It can cool the room below it, especially during a hot day. During winter, it provides insulation against the cold. In Germany, roof gardens are required to retain water from evaporating. It will prevent flash floods from occurring. There are three basic types of roof garden. They differ according to the maintenance they require, the type of plants the roof will support and the depth of the soil. The three types of roof gardens are:
Extensive Roof Garden
This is the easiest type of roof garden to maintain because it uses shallow soil. Extensive roof gardens are lightweight, and ideal for the roofs on garages, sheds, and other small extensions of the home. Although it’s easy to maintain this type of roof garden, it has the least aesthetic value, and the number of plants that can grow on it is quite limited. Examples of plants you can grow in an extensive roof garden are lichens and mosses. Lichens are symbiotic organisms that can colonize on surfaces such as glass, metal and plastic. Mosses are small green plants that do not require large quantities of nutrients for survival. They cling on stone and walls and, can live off of rainwater alone.
Semi-extensive Roof Garden
This type of roof garden has deeper soil, and can support a larger variety of plants. It can therefore be decorated more easily than the extensive roof garden. The soil is heavier in a semi-extensive roof garden, and requires a stronger structure in order to support it. One could plant sedums in this type of garden. These are succulents that can store water in their tissues. That means you won’t need to go out and water them every day – but during times of drought, they could die and turn patchy if not properly cared for. On a semi-extensive roof garden, you can also plant wildflowers that can grow without any maintenance. roof-garden
Intensive Roof Garden
This type of roof garden can support trees and elaborate arrangements. Intensive roof gardens require large, strong structures to support them. Most homes are not suitable for this type of roof garden, but they can be found on concrete buildings and on top of roof decks. There’s no limit to what you can plant in an intensive roof garden, so long as the structure of the building can support the weight.
Vegetation Blankets
Another interesting option for green roofing is the use of Vegetation Blankets. For more information, see Vegetation for Roof and Ground Covering. Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wengs/ / CC BY 2.0
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Global warming indigestion may push gorillas, monkeys to extinction
WASHINGTON: Global warming-induced indigestion could threaten the existence of mountain gorillas and other leaf-eating primates, suggests a new
Experts predicted that the annual temperatures are expected to rise by 2 degrees Celsius by mid-century in some climate models and higher temperatures could lead the animals to inaction, and spending more time lounging in the shade to avoid overheating.
Principal investigator Amanda Korstjens, a biological anthropologist at Bournemouth University in the U.K, and colleagues said sitting mountain gorillas and African colobines, a large group of species including colobus monkeys, combined with less nutritious food, may push the animals to extinction.
"A two-degree temperature increase is not a very farfetched idea," National Geographic quoted her as saying.
"Animals can adapt ... and maybe primates will find another way of coping. (But) I expect that they are at their limits already," she added.
Colin Chapman, a primate ecologist at Montreal's McGill University, added "if the assumptions are correct," he said, "shows a pretty big potential in changes in distribution and extinction risk."
The study was published in the journal Animal Behaviour.
Experts predicted that the annual temperatures are expected to rise by 2 degrees Celsius by mid-century in some climate models and higher temperatures could lead the animals to inaction, and spending more time lounging in the shade to avoid overheating.
Principal investigator Amanda Korstjens, a biological anthropologist at Bournemouth University in the U.K, and colleagues said sitting mountain gorillas and African colobines, a large group of species including colobus monkeys, combined with less nutritious food, may push the animals to extinction.
"A two-degree temperature increase is not a very farfetched idea," National Geographic quoted her as saying.
"Animals can adapt ... and maybe primates will find another way of coping. (But) I expect that they are at their limits already," she added.
Colin Chapman, a primate ecologist at Montreal's McGill University, added "if the assumptions are correct," he said, "shows a pretty big potential in changes in distribution and extinction risk."
The study was published in the journal Animal Behaviour.
Some parts of oceans getting saltier: Study
Washington: Global warming is making some parts of the oceans saltier, a new study has claimed.
A research led by Australian scientists showed a clear link between salinity changes at the surface and changes in the deeper waters over the last six decades caused by the warming seen over the same period.
"The saltiness or salinity of the oceans is controlled by evaporation and rainfall at earth's surface," said senior researcher Paul Durack of CSIRO, the Australian government's research agency.
"The supercharging of weather patterns by global warming is making some parts of earth's oceans much saltier while others parts are getting fresher," Durack wrote in the Journal of Climate.
He said, the more evaporation there is at a given patch of ocean, the more concentrated the salts get in the seawater and the higher the salinity, however in places where lots of rain is falling, the water gets more diluted, becoming fresher.
The team analysed more than 460,000 oceanic readings collected by an army of 3,200 autonomous ARGO buoys and after subtracting out such things as cyclical seasonal salinity changes and other extreme events, they found a strong signal of more evaporation and rainfall over the oceans -- an enhancement to the average surface salinity.
What they found is that the subtropical, evaporation-dominated waters of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans are getting saltier while the tropical and higher latitude waters are getting fresher -- these later areas being where there is more rainfall than evaporation over the year.
But the matter goes deeper than just the ocean surface water, Durack said, adding "the ARGO buoys don't just float around on the surface, they can sink down to two kilometres below the surface and rise again, gathering data the whole way to create three dimensional ocean profiles".
These show that the salinity changes are actually moving, following the paths that ocean water circulates from the surface into the depths, Discovery Channel reported.
"While such changes in salinity would be expected at the ocean surface (where about 80 per cent of surface water exchange occurs), sub-surface measurements indicate much broader, warming-driven changes are extending into the deep ocean," said Durack.
"This is probably one of the most significant papers we've seen yet in this area," said Dean Roemmich, part of the ARGO leadership team.
A research led by Australian scientists showed a clear link between salinity changes at the surface and changes in the deeper waters over the last six decades caused by the warming seen over the same period.
"The saltiness or salinity of the oceans is controlled by evaporation and rainfall at earth's surface," said senior researcher Paul Durack of CSIRO, the Australian government's research agency.
"The supercharging of weather patterns by global warming is making some parts of earth's oceans much saltier while others parts are getting fresher," Durack wrote in the Journal of Climate.
He said, the more evaporation there is at a given patch of ocean, the more concentrated the salts get in the seawater and the higher the salinity, however in places where lots of rain is falling, the water gets more diluted, becoming fresher.
The team analysed more than 460,000 oceanic readings collected by an army of 3,200 autonomous ARGO buoys and after subtracting out such things as cyclical seasonal salinity changes and other extreme events, they found a strong signal of more evaporation and rainfall over the oceans -- an enhancement to the average surface salinity.
What they found is that the subtropical, evaporation-dominated waters of the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific oceans are getting saltier while the tropical and higher latitude waters are getting fresher -- these later areas being where there is more rainfall than evaporation over the year.
But the matter goes deeper than just the ocean surface water, Durack said, adding "the ARGO buoys don't just float around on the surface, they can sink down to two kilometres below the surface and rise again, gathering data the whole way to create three dimensional ocean profiles".
These show that the salinity changes are actually moving, following the paths that ocean water circulates from the surface into the depths, Discovery Channel reported.
"While such changes in salinity would be expected at the ocean surface (where about 80 per cent of surface water exchange occurs), sub-surface measurements indicate much broader, warming-driven changes are extending into the deep ocean," said Durack.
"This is probably one of the most significant papers we've seen yet in this area," said Dean Roemmich, part of the ARGO leadership team.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Tropics: Global Warming Likely to Significantly Affect Rainfall Patterns
Climate models project that the global average temperature will rise about 1°C by the middle of the century, if we continue with business as usual and emit greenhouse gases as we have been. The global average, though, does not tell us anything about what will happen to regional climates, for example rainfall in the western United States or in paradisical islands like Hawai'i.
Analyzing global model warming projections in models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a team of scientists headed by meteorologist Shang-Ping Xie at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa's International Pacific Research Center, finds that ocean temperature patterns in the tropics and subtropics will change in ways that will lead to significant changes in rainfall patterns. The study will be published in the Journal of Climate this month, breaking ground on such regional climate forecasts.
Scientists have mostly assumed that the surfaces of Earth's oceans will warm rather evenly in the tropics. This assumption has led to "wetter-gets-wetter" and "drier-gets-drier" regional rainfall projections. Xie's team has gathered evidence that, although ocean surface temperatures can be expected to increase mostly everywhere by the middle of the century, the increase may differ by up to 1.5°C depending upon the region.
"Compared to the mean projected rise of 1°C, such differences are fairly large and can have a pronounced impact on tropical and subtropical climate by altering atmospheric heating patterns and therefore rainfall," explains Xie. "Our results broadly indicate that regions of peak sea surface temperature will get wetter, and those relatively cool will get drier."
Two patterns stand out. First, the maximum temperature rise in the Pacific is along a broad band at the equator. Already today the equatorial Pacific sets the rhythm of a global climate oscillation as shown by the world-wide impact of El Niño. This broad band of peak temperature on the equator changes the atmospheric heating in the models. By anchoring a rainband similar to that during an El Nino, it influences climate around the world through atmospheric teleconnections.
A second ocean warming pattern with major impact on rainfall noted by Xie and his colleagues occurs in the Indian Ocean and would affect the lives of billions of people. Overlayed on Indian Ocean warming for part of the year is what scientists call the Indian Ocean Dipole that occasionally occurs today once every decade or so. Thus, the models show that warming in the western Indian Ocean is amplified, reaching 1.5°C, while the eastern Indian Ocean it is dampened to around 0.5°C.
"Should this pattern come about," Xie predicts, "it can be expected to dramatically shift rainfall over eastern Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Droughts could then beset Indonesia and Australia, whereas regions of India and regions of Africa bordering the Arabian Sea could get more rain than today."
Patterns of sea surface temperature warming and precipitation change in 2050 as compared with 2000. Annual mean precipitation change is shown in green/gray shade and white contours in mm/month. Precipitation tends to increase over regions with ocean warming above the tropical mean (contours of warm colors in oC), and to decrease where ocean warming is below the tropical mean (contours of cool colors).
Analyzing global model warming projections in models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a team of scientists headed by meteorologist Shang-Ping Xie at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa's International Pacific Research Center, finds that ocean temperature patterns in the tropics and subtropics will change in ways that will lead to significant changes in rainfall patterns. The study will be published in the Journal of Climate this month, breaking ground on such regional climate forecasts.
Scientists have mostly assumed that the surfaces of Earth's oceans will warm rather evenly in the tropics. This assumption has led to "wetter-gets-wetter" and "drier-gets-drier" regional rainfall projections. Xie's team has gathered evidence that, although ocean surface temperatures can be expected to increase mostly everywhere by the middle of the century, the increase may differ by up to 1.5°C depending upon the region.
"Compared to the mean projected rise of 1°C, such differences are fairly large and can have a pronounced impact on tropical and subtropical climate by altering atmospheric heating patterns and therefore rainfall," explains Xie. "Our results broadly indicate that regions of peak sea surface temperature will get wetter, and those relatively cool will get drier."
Two patterns stand out. First, the maximum temperature rise in the Pacific is along a broad band at the equator. Already today the equatorial Pacific sets the rhythm of a global climate oscillation as shown by the world-wide impact of El Niño. This broad band of peak temperature on the equator changes the atmospheric heating in the models. By anchoring a rainband similar to that during an El Nino, it influences climate around the world through atmospheric teleconnections.
A second ocean warming pattern with major impact on rainfall noted by Xie and his colleagues occurs in the Indian Ocean and would affect the lives of billions of people. Overlayed on Indian Ocean warming for part of the year is what scientists call the Indian Ocean Dipole that occasionally occurs today once every decade or so. Thus, the models show that warming in the western Indian Ocean is amplified, reaching 1.5°C, while the eastern Indian Ocean it is dampened to around 0.5°C.
"Should this pattern come about," Xie predicts, "it can be expected to dramatically shift rainfall over eastern Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Droughts could then beset Indonesia and Australia, whereas regions of India and regions of Africa bordering the Arabian Sea could get more rain than today."
Patterns of sea surface temperature warming and precipitation change in 2050 as compared with 2000. Annual mean precipitation change is shown in green/gray shade and white contours in mm/month. Precipitation tends to increase over regions with ocean warming above the tropical mean (contours of warm colors in oC), and to decrease where ocean warming is below the tropical mean (contours of cool colors).
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
China releases first national pollution census
BEIJING: China has revealed its most ambitious measure of what explosive development has done to its environment, saying Tuesday its first
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national pollution census has mapped nearly 6 million sources of industrial, residential and agricultural waste.
The world's largest polluter also said its pollution levels might peak sooner than expected as China tries to balance economic and green concerns.
The central government now has a year to use the census results to shape its next five-year environmental protection plan. Ministries are also studying the possibility of an environmental tax, China's vice minister of environmental protection, Zhang Lijun, told a news conference.
In the meantime, detailed census results remain out of the view of an increasingly vocal Chinese public. Only the government and officials at relevant ministries have access to it.
``This is an incredibly ambitious source survey of pollutants,'' said Deborah Seligsohn, principal adviser for the World Resources Institute on China's climate and energy issues. ``In terms of giving them an excellent basis for being able to manage and track what they're doing, it's a huge step forward.''
The survey, which took two years and 570,000 staff to complete, puts China ahead of other developing countries in having a detailed map of who is polluting and where.
For the first time, China has factored agricultural sources into its pollution studies.
``That's huge,'' Seligsohn said. ``Many challenges China faces in terms of water quality come from organic pollution rather than from chemicals.''
Until now, the foundation of China's policymaking and environmental planning wasn't firm because agricultural pollution wasn't included, said Ma Jun, perhaps China's best-known environmentalist. He led efforts to create the country's first public database on water pollution, now posted online.
China's new government database of 5.9 million pollution sources included in the national census is not yet publicly available, which Ma and environmental groups picked up on right away.
``We urge the government to immediately establish a strong platform through which the public could easily access a wide range of pollution data,'' Sze Pang Cheung, campaign director for Greenpeace China, said in a statement.
Opening up the survey results would let the Chinese public monitor the country's biggest polluters and the worst polluted areas, said Yu Jie, head of policy and research programs for The Climate Group China.
``In this regard, it would be big progress. But if those data are only open to governments, then this civil society function doesn't work,'' she said.
Chinese citizens are more and more outspoken about environmental issues, with a number of recent protests of proposed incinerator projects in the south.
The central government, pressured by years of scandals over lax pollution controls, has been pushing for stronger regulation.
On Tuesday, the vice minister of environmental protection said China's pollution levels might peak sooner than the world expects.
``Because China's path to economic development has been different from that taken by developed nations, China may well pass the peak polluting levels and see marked improvement by the time our per capita income reaches the $3,000 level,'' Zhang said.
Despite the wealth of new information found by the census, Zhang said ``basically, there was nothing that surprised us.''
It was not clear whether China would conduct the survey regularly.
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national pollution census has mapped nearly 6 million sources of industrial, residential and agricultural waste.
The world's largest polluter also said its pollution levels might peak sooner than expected as China tries to balance economic and green concerns.
The central government now has a year to use the census results to shape its next five-year environmental protection plan. Ministries are also studying the possibility of an environmental tax, China's vice minister of environmental protection, Zhang Lijun, told a news conference.
In the meantime, detailed census results remain out of the view of an increasingly vocal Chinese public. Only the government and officials at relevant ministries have access to it.
``This is an incredibly ambitious source survey of pollutants,'' said Deborah Seligsohn, principal adviser for the World Resources Institute on China's climate and energy issues. ``In terms of giving them an excellent basis for being able to manage and track what they're doing, it's a huge step forward.''
The survey, which took two years and 570,000 staff to complete, puts China ahead of other developing countries in having a detailed map of who is polluting and where.
For the first time, China has factored agricultural sources into its pollution studies.
``That's huge,'' Seligsohn said. ``Many challenges China faces in terms of water quality come from organic pollution rather than from chemicals.''
Until now, the foundation of China's policymaking and environmental planning wasn't firm because agricultural pollution wasn't included, said Ma Jun, perhaps China's best-known environmentalist. He led efforts to create the country's first public database on water pollution, now posted online.
China's new government database of 5.9 million pollution sources included in the national census is not yet publicly available, which Ma and environmental groups picked up on right away.
``We urge the government to immediately establish a strong platform through which the public could easily access a wide range of pollution data,'' Sze Pang Cheung, campaign director for Greenpeace China, said in a statement.
Opening up the survey results would let the Chinese public monitor the country's biggest polluters and the worst polluted areas, said Yu Jie, head of policy and research programs for The Climate Group China.
``In this regard, it would be big progress. But if those data are only open to governments, then this civil society function doesn't work,'' she said.
Chinese citizens are more and more outspoken about environmental issues, with a number of recent protests of proposed incinerator projects in the south.
The central government, pressured by years of scandals over lax pollution controls, has been pushing for stronger regulation.
On Tuesday, the vice minister of environmental protection said China's pollution levels might peak sooner than the world expects.
``Because China's path to economic development has been different from that taken by developed nations, China may well pass the peak polluting levels and see marked improvement by the time our per capita income reaches the $3,000 level,'' Zhang said.
Despite the wealth of new information found by the census, Zhang said ``basically, there was nothing that surprised us.''
It was not clear whether China would conduct the survey regularly.
Karnataka working on air quality atlas to locate pollution hotspots
BANGALORE: Karnataka is working on preparing an air quality atlas for the state to generate information on pollution status and locate pollution
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hotspots, a senior government official said.
The initiative is being driven jointly by Karnataka's Ecology and Environment Department and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
The department Secretary Kanwerpal said the idea was to identify pollution hotspots in the state so that various departments, under State Implementation Plan, could "act upon" and initiate "interventions" to reduce pollution levels.
"We are working with KSPCB", he said at an All-India workshop on "Urban Air Pollution Forecasting, Monitoring and Implementation", here.
An index would be created based on 12 pollutants and "people should know the quality of the air", Kanwerpal said.
He said the Union Government has declared 88 industrial sites in the country, including five in Karnataka -- Mangalore, Bhadrawati, Peenya (Bangalore), Raichur and Bidar -- as being polluted above accepted levels in terms of air, water and land degradation.
Of the five, Mangalore and Bhadrawati industrial hubs had been termed as "critically polluted".
"No more industrialisation of any kind" -- no environmental clearance -- as a moratorium has been declared for eight months in the five hubs, Kanwerpal said, adding, the state had initiated an action plan to reduce pollution levels.
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hotspots, a senior government official said.
The initiative is being driven jointly by Karnataka's Ecology and Environment Department and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
The department Secretary Kanwerpal said the idea was to identify pollution hotspots in the state so that various departments, under State Implementation Plan, could "act upon" and initiate "interventions" to reduce pollution levels.
"We are working with KSPCB", he said at an All-India workshop on "Urban Air Pollution Forecasting, Monitoring and Implementation", here.
An index would be created based on 12 pollutants and "people should know the quality of the air", Kanwerpal said.
He said the Union Government has declared 88 industrial sites in the country, including five in Karnataka -- Mangalore, Bhadrawati, Peenya (Bangalore), Raichur and Bidar -- as being polluted above accepted levels in terms of air, water and land degradation.
Of the five, Mangalore and Bhadrawati industrial hubs had been termed as "critically polluted".
"No more industrialisation of any kind" -- no environmental clearance -- as a moratorium has been declared for eight months in the five hubs, Kanwerpal said, adding, the state had initiated an action plan to reduce pollution levels.
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS 2010) - India
Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS 2010) - India
Beyond Copenhagen: New Pathways to Sustainable Development
banner dsds 2010_new23
The meteoric rise of the DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit) as a flagship event of TERI, dedicated to the universal cause of environment and sustainable development, is a testimony to its uniqueness and global appeal. Over the years, the summit has enjoyed global support from over 60 countries. Distinguished world leaders, brilliant opinion-makers and high-level global participants have made DSDS a coveted event.
It is a unique global forum for analysis of and debate on some of the most crucial environmental and climate change challenges being faced by humanity at large. Informed discussions among participants from corporates, governments, international agencies, and institutes provide critical mass, for formulation and delineation of strategies to take the sustainable development agenda forward.
TERI would celebrate the 10th anniversary of its widely acknowledged flagship event, from 5-7 February 2010 in hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi focusing on the overarching theme Beyond Copenhagen: new pathways to sustainable development.
The DSDS 2010 would be the first major gathering of leaders drawn from every part of the globe and from every sphere of human endeavour to focus on the new pathways that the world is expected to explore and move along as a consequence of the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties in December 2009. It promises to be packed with great sessions, dynamic speakers from world over and fabulous displays.
Speakers will deliberate on the following sub themes bringing in their expertise and perspective providing in-depth information on.
Sub themes:
- Accelerating socio-economic development: key to adaptation challenge.
- Role of technology in the new development paradigm.
- Building institutions for effective climate governance.
- From sustainable livelihoods to sustainable development.
- Sustaining business in a climate constrained world.
- Financing opportunities post Copenhagen.
- In pursuit of sustainable development: ethics, equity, and social justice.
- Mitigating emissions for climate stabilization: policies, consumption, and lifestyles.
- Indo-US cooperation for climate change and sustainable development.
- Climate challenges in Africa.
- Role of emerging economies in fostering climate cooperation.
Beyond Copenhagen: New Pathways to Sustainable Development
banner dsds 2010_new23
The meteoric rise of the DSDS (Delhi Sustainable Development Summit) as a flagship event of TERI, dedicated to the universal cause of environment and sustainable development, is a testimony to its uniqueness and global appeal. Over the years, the summit has enjoyed global support from over 60 countries. Distinguished world leaders, brilliant opinion-makers and high-level global participants have made DSDS a coveted event.
It is a unique global forum for analysis of and debate on some of the most crucial environmental and climate change challenges being faced by humanity at large. Informed discussions among participants from corporates, governments, international agencies, and institutes provide critical mass, for formulation and delineation of strategies to take the sustainable development agenda forward.
TERI would celebrate the 10th anniversary of its widely acknowledged flagship event, from 5-7 February 2010 in hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi focusing on the overarching theme Beyond Copenhagen: new pathways to sustainable development.
The DSDS 2010 would be the first major gathering of leaders drawn from every part of the globe and from every sphere of human endeavour to focus on the new pathways that the world is expected to explore and move along as a consequence of the Copenhagen Conference of the Parties in December 2009. It promises to be packed with great sessions, dynamic speakers from world over and fabulous displays.
Speakers will deliberate on the following sub themes bringing in their expertise and perspective providing in-depth information on.
Sub themes:
- Accelerating socio-economic development: key to adaptation challenge.
- Role of technology in the new development paradigm.
- Building institutions for effective climate governance.
- From sustainable livelihoods to sustainable development.
- Sustaining business in a climate constrained world.
- Financing opportunities post Copenhagen.
- In pursuit of sustainable development: ethics, equity, and social justice.
- Mitigating emissions for climate stabilization: policies, consumption, and lifestyles.
- Indo-US cooperation for climate change and sustainable development.
- Climate challenges in Africa.
- Role of emerging economies in fostering climate cooperation.
Seven Jewish Principles To Heal Planet Earth
As the U.S. Senate is taking up the issue of climate policy, the world’s governments are trying to shape international policy at a crucial conference starting this week in Copenhagen. The governments will take vigorous action only if the grass-roots public insists on serious change.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
This year, Chanukah, the festival of energy conservation, overlapped the Copenhagen conference. It is a period when we recall that one day’s oil met eight days’ needs; when we honor grass-roots action that transformed society despite elephantine top-down power centers; when we celebrate “Not by might, not by power, but by the Spirit, Breath of Life.”
We encourage you to take action—before, during and after Chanukah—rooted in the following Seven Principles that should underlie Jewish and interfaith efforts to shape U.S. and world policy on healing the climate crisis.
1. Our planet has always been a living demonstration that “YHWH Echad” (“the Breathing Spirit of the universe is One”)—but the climate crisis invites us into the clearest awareness in all human history of that truth. The planet is in this as One; policy must reflect that. (Underlying Jewish
principle: the Sh’ma, especially the traditional second paragraph on rain and crops, etc.)
2. The cost of spewing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere must be greatly increased, by taxes and/or “cap & trade” that require payment from the carbon producers according to the damage they are causing. (Underlying Jewish principle: Exodus 21: “If a bull gores a man or a woman to death, the bull must be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull must be stoned and the owner also must be put to death. However, if payment is demanded of him, he may redeem his life by paying whatever is demanded.)
3. The pool of money this brings in must be used to prevent damage to the poor and middle class through higher costs of fuel and energy. The climate healing fund should be used in rebates, more for the poorer people, etc. (Underlying Jewish principles: tithing, gleaning and obligatory tzedakah to
assist the poor, orphans, widows, the landless)
4. Big Coal or Big Oil have great political power, but their power must be limited so they cannot distort needed policy in order to expand their own power and profits. Important example, the EPA must continue to have power to enforce carbon dioxide limits upon coal-burning power plants. (Underlying Jewish principle: resistance to top-down unaccountable powers Pharaoh, Antiochus, Rome)
5. Inside the United States, industries and regions that are specially endangered by climate/energy reform (e.g. coal mining, oil drilling, autos) must be given special help for retraining in green jobs. (Underlying Jewish principle: Maimonides’ eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
6. Outside the United States, poor nations must be given major help by the rich for two purposes: pursuing economic development through non-fossil pathways, and meeting urgent crises already swamping/flooding/scorching them. (Underlying Jewish principles: Again, Maimonides eighth and highest approach to tzedakah: Help the poor to end their own poverty by providing capital, etc.: a fishing rod, not just a fish.)
7. Public policy must start encouraging what we usually think of as “personal” choices for non-climate-destroying practices: Much more restful and reflective time for family and neighborhood, much less “production/consumption” time. Frugality in energy use, eating less meat. Simplicity in life-path. More money for learning, arts, etc.; less for making Things. Taxes, subsidies, wages/hours laws, etc., are all ways of encouraging these directions.
Underlying Jewish principle: Shabbat, traditionally an earth-healing as well as human-healing practice, was a communal commitment, not just individual choice.
Of these principles, we suggest the following yardstick for measuring proposed U.S. policies: Do they promote American energy independence and security, and the healing of our planet by: Immediately ending all governmental subsidies to the production of oil and coal? Radically and swiftly reducing the burning of oil and coal from all sources, foreign and domestic? Simultaneously using all possible measures to build an energy base for the American economy on solar, wind and other sources of waste-free, sustainable energy and on urgent steps for energy conservation? Making “green jobs” and the creation of a green infrastructure the central focus of transition to a new American economy? Giving aid to poor nations to pursue a non-fossil path for economic and social development?
If the Jewish community and other American faith communities undertake this effort, not only Chanukah, which means “dedication,” but our lives as a whole can become a practice of Rededication to the One.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, a Baltimore native, is the director of The Shalom Center, http://www.theshalomcenter.org/, as well as the author or editor of many books on Jewish practice, eco-Judaism and U.S. public policy.
This story reprinted courtesy of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Climate myths: Hurricane Katrina was caused by global warming
The chaotic nature of weather makes it impossible to prove that any single event such as Hurricane Katrina is due to global warming. It is also impossible to prove that global warming did not play a part, so debates about the causes of individual events are futile.
It is possible, however, to determine whether global warming is increasing the frequency or intensity of extreme events. It is a bit like throwing dice: getting one six proves nothing, but if sixes keep coming up more often than the other numbers, you know the dice is loaded.
So is global warming loading the dice when it comes to tropical cyclones (also known as hurricanes and typhoons in different parts of the world)? A host of atmospheric factors have to be just right for a cyclone form and grow. Sea surface temperatures play a big role and they are steadily increasing.
But the temperature difference between the sea surface and the air also matters, and global warming might have little effect on this. Then there is the question of how warming will affect factors that weaken storms such as high level winds that chop off the top of developing hurricanes, an effect called wind shear (see Wind shear may cancel climate's effect on hurricanes).
Increasing intensity
General climate models are not detailed enough to accurately predict the effects of warming on hurricane activity. Instead, modellers have tried to feeding in predictions from general models to detailed regional models of hurricanes. This has produced some widely varying results, but the consensus among experts is that global warming will not lead more hurricanes overall, but will increase the average intensity of storms.
A growing number of studies of hurricane records suggest this trend can already be seen. In 2005, for instance, Kerry Emanuel at MIT published a research suggesting that tropical cyclones in the West Pacific and Atlantic have become more powerful over the past 50 years. That same year, another study concluded that the frequency of the strongest tropical cyclones has almost doubled globally since the early 1970s.
There are problems with such studies. For starters, tropical cyclone activity in some regions seems to rise and fall in cycles lasting many decades. "This variability makes detecting any long-term trends in tropical cyclone activity difficult" concluded the 125 members of a World Meteorological Organisation international workshop on tropical cyclones and climate change, held in December 2006 (see pdf report).
Researchers studying past activity are also only too aware of the shortcomings of the databases. For example, the techniques for measuring storm intensity have changed dramatically over the past 30 years. On the fundamental question of whether global warming is affecting tropical cyclones, the WMO group decided: "no firm conclusion can be made at this point".
Stalagmites and coral
More data is needed settle the issue. Some are looking to natural records of past hurricane activity in stalagmites, lake deposits and coral rubble. Others are re-analysing existing databases. In February 2007, one such re-analysis concluded that over the past two decades, hurricane intensity has increased in the Atlantic but not in other parts of the world (pdf format).
Yet another complicating factor is that changes in climate can also change the paths that tropical cyclones tend to take, determining whether they remain over oceans or strike land.
What every one agrees on is that over the past few decades there has been a huge rise in the number of people being killed or injured by hurricanes, and in damage to infrastructure, and this trend looks set to continue. The main reason for this, however, is that more and more people are living and building in hurricane zones.
It is possible, however, to determine whether global warming is increasing the frequency or intensity of extreme events. It is a bit like throwing dice: getting one six proves nothing, but if sixes keep coming up more often than the other numbers, you know the dice is loaded.
So is global warming loading the dice when it comes to tropical cyclones (also known as hurricanes and typhoons in different parts of the world)? A host of atmospheric factors have to be just right for a cyclone form and grow. Sea surface temperatures play a big role and they are steadily increasing.
But the temperature difference between the sea surface and the air also matters, and global warming might have little effect on this. Then there is the question of how warming will affect factors that weaken storms such as high level winds that chop off the top of developing hurricanes, an effect called wind shear (see Wind shear may cancel climate's effect on hurricanes).
Increasing intensity
General climate models are not detailed enough to accurately predict the effects of warming on hurricane activity. Instead, modellers have tried to feeding in predictions from general models to detailed regional models of hurricanes. This has produced some widely varying results, but the consensus among experts is that global warming will not lead more hurricanes overall, but will increase the average intensity of storms.
A growing number of studies of hurricane records suggest this trend can already be seen. In 2005, for instance, Kerry Emanuel at MIT published a research suggesting that tropical cyclones in the West Pacific and Atlantic have become more powerful over the past 50 years. That same year, another study concluded that the frequency of the strongest tropical cyclones has almost doubled globally since the early 1970s.
There are problems with such studies. For starters, tropical cyclone activity in some regions seems to rise and fall in cycles lasting many decades. "This variability makes detecting any long-term trends in tropical cyclone activity difficult" concluded the 125 members of a World Meteorological Organisation international workshop on tropical cyclones and climate change, held in December 2006 (see pdf report).
Researchers studying past activity are also only too aware of the shortcomings of the databases. For example, the techniques for measuring storm intensity have changed dramatically over the past 30 years. On the fundamental question of whether global warming is affecting tropical cyclones, the WMO group decided: "no firm conclusion can be made at this point".
Stalagmites and coral
More data is needed settle the issue. Some are looking to natural records of past hurricane activity in stalagmites, lake deposits and coral rubble. Others are re-analysing existing databases. In February 2007, one such re-analysis concluded that over the past two decades, hurricane intensity has increased in the Atlantic but not in other parts of the world (pdf format).
Yet another complicating factor is that changes in climate can also change the paths that tropical cyclones tend to take, determining whether they remain over oceans or strike land.
What every one agrees on is that over the past few decades there has been a huge rise in the number of people being killed or injured by hurricanes, and in damage to infrastructure, and this trend looks set to continue. The main reason for this, however, is that more and more people are living and building in hurricane zones.
The Ultimate Plastic Breakdown
You may have seen the plastic resin chart, but what do those numbers actually mean, and why should they be important to you?
The industry calls it the “resin identification coding system.” It indicates the type of plastic your product is made from and is ultimately your guide to recycling that plastic.
While the codes were initially developed to meet the needs of recyclers, they create a uniform system that is now used by curbside communities and other plastic recycling programs. Today, more than 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.
So, let’s break down the system into simple, non-industry terms. Once you have a handle on what materials make up your plastic, you can make a better decision from purchase to disposal.
Plastic #1 – PET, PETE
In 2007, About 1/3 of the increased bottle use of plastic was from the growth in the use of post consumer recycled plastic for bottles, according to the ACC's report. Photo: vertycle.com
Nearly eight out of every 10 plastic bottles will end up in a landfill. Photo: vertycle.com
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, beer and salad dressings
* Food jars, such as peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles
* Microwavable food trays
Why They Use It: Plastic #1 is a clear plastic that is ideal for beverages because of its moisture-barrier properties. This material has smooth surfaces and is made for high impact. So drop it, roll it or throw it – the resin will hold its shape and protect the substance inside.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic #1 is one of the most common and highly recycled resins. Most curbside programs will accept this plastic in bottle form. Plastic #1 is also the main resin targeted with container deposit laws, also called bottle bills. A container deposit law requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to ensure a high rate of recycling or reuse. Currently, 11 states have bottle bills in place, including New York, Connecticut and North Carolina.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
2. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.
3. According to the EPA, while overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively small – 2.1 million – recovery of some plastic containers has reached higher levels. PET bottles were recovered at a rate of 27 percent in 2008, according to a recent report.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled, a 27 percent increase from 2005. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
High Density Polyethylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Shopping bags
* Milk jugs
* Bottles for shampoo, dish and laundry detergent, household cleaners
* Water and soda bottles
* Cereal box liners
* Shipping containers
Why They Use It: Plastic #2 is translucent and relatively stiff. These properties create a strong barrier, are suitable for high temperatures and the material is virtually crack-resistant. It is also well-suited for products that have a longer shelf-life. Its chemical resistance make it ideal for bleaches and detergents.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic bags are generally made from plastic #2. The material can hold up to 2,000 times its own weight, making it the perfect product for transport. However, because of their light weight, plastic bags are often hard to recycle and left out of curbside programs. But most major grocery store chains have in-store recycling bins for plastic bags.
There is a high demand for this material, and in most areas, demand exceeds the available supply, because many consumers are not aware that collection programs are available in stores. The trick is actually remembering to take those excess bags with you the next time you go shopping.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of bags and film were recycled in 2007.
2. Recycling or reusing 1 ton of plastic bags saves the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil.
3. Recycled plastic #2 content can be found in plastic lumber, buckets and crates, bottles for non-food items (shampoo, detergent, motor oil) and even curbside recycling bins themselves.
Plastic #3 – PVC, Vinyl
Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
PVC is considered a difficult and expensive material to recycle. For this reason, much of it ends up in landfills. Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
Polyvinyl chloride
Where You’ll Find It:
* Blister packs
* Clamshell containers
* Bags for bedding, medical shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap
* Pipes, siding, window frames, fencing, decking and railing
Why They Use It: PVC is very strong and high-impact. Along with its brilliant clarity, plastic #3 is also resistant to grease, oil and chemicals.
The Lowdown on Recycling: PVC is not commonly recycled or recyclable, nor is it biodegradable. More than 7 billion pounds of PVC are thrown away in the U.S. annually, and only 18 million pounds – barely one-quarter of 1 percent – is recycled. The relatively new mechanical recycling process known as Vinyloop® technology, developed by Solvay Research & Technology, allows the complete separation of PVC material from the non-PVC materials that are often combined with it.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. PVC requires 20 percent less energy to produce than other plastics. It is also thought to save on fossil fuel use, as its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine-derived from common salt.
2. To make vinyl products flexible, controversial plasticizers known as phthalates are used, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than 5 million tons used for vinyl every year.
3. Energy-intensive chlorine production for PVC consumes an estimated 47 billion kilowatt hours per year – almost equal to the annual total output of eight medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Plastic #4 – LDPE
Photo: Flickr/46137
The U.S. EPA estimates about 31 percent of all municipal solid waste in 2005 was generated from packaging-related material. Photo: Flickr/46137
Low Density Polythylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, produce and household garbage
* Shrink wrap and stretch film
* Coating for paper milk cartons and beverage cups
* Container lids
* Squeezable bottles
Why They Use It: LDPE is predominantly used in film and packaging. Its toughness, flexibility and transparency made it ideal for use in products where heat sealing is necessary. It is resistant to acids, bases and vegetable oils as well.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Because plastic #4 is often in film form, it is sometimes not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, its material is similar to plastic bags, and some major grocery store chains will accept this plastic packaging for recycling. Reducing your plastic packaging waste starts in-store. Go for products with less plastic packaging and film.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The average growth rate of container and packaging waste through 2010 is estimated to be about 1.8 percent annually.
2. About 3 percent of all U.S. energy consumption comes from the production of packaging materials. Using recycled material for the production of packaging goods takes less energy than creating the product from the material’s natural state.
3. Packaging and containers makes up about 56 percent of all plastic waste. About 75 percent of all of the waste comes from residential households.
Plastic #5 – PP
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are polypropylene and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are #5 and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polypropylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Yogurt, margarine tubs
* Medicine bottles
* Bottle caps
* Ketchup and syrup bottles
* Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware
Why They Use It: Polypropylene has a good chemical resistance, a high melting point and is a strong material. Therefore, it’s ideal for reusable food containers and other packaging that requires durability. But while this resin is as common as a ketchup bottle, it’s still often left out of curbside programs.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), plastic #5 is a similar resin to plastic #2, which makes it more appealing to reclaimers who can use the material for water filtration systems, shipping pallets, sheeting and automotive battery casings and garbage and recycling bins. Polypropylene can be recycled back into its original form, or it can be made into products such as buckets, paint pails, automotive bumpers, automotive battery cases, furniture and flower pots. It is also used in many woven reusable bags.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Sixty-two percent of California communities now have curbside access to non-bottle food container recycling. Out of the 100 largest communities nationwide, about one-third have curbside recycling programs for plastic #5.
2. Even though they typically aren’t printed with a #5 symbol, most plastic bottle caps (like those on water and soda bottles) are made from polypropylene.
3. According to the ACC, at least 325 million pounds of non-bottle plastics were collected for recycling in the U.S.
Plastic #6 – PS
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene used for food service packaging represents less than 1 percent by weight and volume of all landfilled materials. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Food service items (cutlery, plates, cups, bowls)
* Takeout containers
* Foam packaging
* Packing peanuts
* Compact disc cases
* Aspirin bottles
Why They Use It: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be in both foam and rigid forms. As a foam, it is lightweight and comprised of 97 percent air. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a low melting point but has an excellent moisture barrier, making it ideal for short-shelf products. Its low thermal conductivity also makes it perfect for insulation purposes.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.
While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all foam peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.
2. In the early 1900s, The Dow Chemical Company invented a process for extruding polystyrene to achieve a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Commercially known as Styrofoam, the material is the most widely recognized brand in insulation today.
3. Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers.
Plastic #7 – Other
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives
* Three- and five-gallon reusable water bottles
* Some citrus juice and ketchup bottles
* Oven-baking bags, barrier layers and custom packaging
* Any plastic product that does not fit into resin categories 1-6
Why They Use It: Plastic #7 the catch-all category for those plastic products that do not fit into 1-6. These plastics are multi-layered combinations of more than one plastic resin. Its usage and properties depend on the types of resins used to produce it.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. Bio-based plastics are often lumped into this category as well. These plastics are often touted as more eco-friendly because they will degrade faster than other resins.
However, consumers should keep in mind that these plastics are only biodegradable in a commercial composting system. Generally, the plastic will not degrade in backyard compost piles because the temperature isn’t high enough.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is a controversial issue for plastic #7. BPA is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof.
2. Plastic #7 includes two main types: acrylonitrile styrene or styrene acrylonitrile (referred to as AS/SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both are prolific and are used to make high quality, strong plastics.
3. In the few instances when it can be recycled, plastic #7 quickly downcycles to non-renewable plastic. However, some plastic #7 products are considered to be e-waste and can be properly disposed of in an electronics recycling program.
The industry calls it the “resin identification coding system.” It indicates the type of plastic your product is made from and is ultimately your guide to recycling that plastic.
While the codes were initially developed to meet the needs of recyclers, they create a uniform system that is now used by curbside communities and other plastic recycling programs. Today, more than 80 percent of Americans have access to a plastics recycling program.
So, let’s break down the system into simple, non-industry terms. Once you have a handle on what materials make up your plastic, you can make a better decision from purchase to disposal.
Plastic #1 – PET, PETE
In 2007, About 1/3 of the increased bottle use of plastic was from the growth in the use of post consumer recycled plastic for bottles, according to the ACC's report. Photo: vertycle.com
Nearly eight out of every 10 plastic bottles will end up in a landfill. Photo: vertycle.com
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bottles for water, soft drinks, juice, sports drinks, mouthwash, ketchup, beer and salad dressings
* Food jars, such as peanut butter, jelly, jam and pickles
* Microwavable food trays
Why They Use It: Plastic #1 is a clear plastic that is ideal for beverages because of its moisture-barrier properties. This material has smooth surfaces and is made for high impact. So drop it, roll it or throw it – the resin will hold its shape and protect the substance inside.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic #1 is one of the most common and highly recycled resins. Most curbside programs will accept this plastic in bottle form. Plastic #1 is also the main resin targeted with container deposit laws, also called bottle bills. A container deposit law requires a minimum refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to ensure a high rate of recycling or reuse. Currently, 11 states have bottle bills in place, including New York, Connecticut and North Carolina.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
2. Recycled plastic bottles can be made into products such as clothing, carpeting, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking.
3. According to the EPA, while overall recovery of plastics for recycling is relatively small – 2.1 million – recovery of some plastic containers has reached higher levels. PET bottles were recovered at a rate of 27 percent in 2008, according to a recent report.
Plastic #2 – HDPE
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
In 2007, more than 830 million pounds of plastic bags and film were recycled, a 27 percent increase from 2005. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
High Density Polyethylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Shopping bags
* Milk jugs
* Bottles for shampoo, dish and laundry detergent, household cleaners
* Water and soda bottles
* Cereal box liners
* Shipping containers
Why They Use It: Plastic #2 is translucent and relatively stiff. These properties create a strong barrier, are suitable for high temperatures and the material is virtually crack-resistant. It is also well-suited for products that have a longer shelf-life. Its chemical resistance make it ideal for bleaches and detergents.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Plastic bags are generally made from plastic #2. The material can hold up to 2,000 times its own weight, making it the perfect product for transport. However, because of their light weight, plastic bags are often hard to recycle and left out of curbside programs. But most major grocery store chains have in-store recycling bins for plastic bags.
There is a high demand for this material, and in most areas, demand exceeds the available supply, because many consumers are not aware that collection programs are available in stores. The trick is actually remembering to take those excess bags with you the next time you go shopping.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to the EPA, only about 12 percent of bags and film were recycled in 2007.
2. Recycling or reusing 1 ton of plastic bags saves the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil.
3. Recycled plastic #2 content can be found in plastic lumber, buckets and crates, bottles for non-food items (shampoo, detergent, motor oil) and even curbside recycling bins themselves.
Plastic #3 – PVC, Vinyl
Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
PVC is considered a difficult and expensive material to recycle. For this reason, much of it ends up in landfills. Photo: Flickr/incurable_hippie
Polyvinyl chloride
Where You’ll Find It:
* Blister packs
* Clamshell containers
* Bags for bedding, medical shrink wrap, deli and meat wrap
* Pipes, siding, window frames, fencing, decking and railing
Why They Use It: PVC is very strong and high-impact. Along with its brilliant clarity, plastic #3 is also resistant to grease, oil and chemicals.
The Lowdown on Recycling: PVC is not commonly recycled or recyclable, nor is it biodegradable. More than 7 billion pounds of PVC are thrown away in the U.S. annually, and only 18 million pounds – barely one-quarter of 1 percent – is recycled. The relatively new mechanical recycling process known as Vinyloop® technology, developed by Solvay Research & Technology, allows the complete separation of PVC material from the non-PVC materials that are often combined with it.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. PVC requires 20 percent less energy to produce than other plastics. It is also thought to save on fossil fuel use, as its principal raw material (nearly 60 percent) is chlorine-derived from common salt.
2. To make vinyl products flexible, controversial plasticizers known as phthalates are used, accounting for nearly 90 percent of total phthalate consumption. This translates into more than 5 million tons used for vinyl every year.
3. Energy-intensive chlorine production for PVC consumes an estimated 47 billion kilowatt hours per year – almost equal to the annual total output of eight medium-sized nuclear power plants.
Plastic #4 – LDPE
Photo: Flickr/46137
The U.S. EPA estimates about 31 percent of all municipal solid waste in 2005 was generated from packaging-related material. Photo: Flickr/46137
Low Density Polythylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bags for dry cleaning, newspapers, bread, frozen foods, produce and household garbage
* Shrink wrap and stretch film
* Coating for paper milk cartons and beverage cups
* Container lids
* Squeezable bottles
Why They Use It: LDPE is predominantly used in film and packaging. Its toughness, flexibility and transparency made it ideal for use in products where heat sealing is necessary. It is resistant to acids, bases and vegetable oils as well.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Because plastic #4 is often in film form, it is sometimes not accepted in curbside recycling programs. However, its material is similar to plastic bags, and some major grocery store chains will accept this plastic packaging for recycling. Reducing your plastic packaging waste starts in-store. Go for products with less plastic packaging and film.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The average growth rate of container and packaging waste through 2010 is estimated to be about 1.8 percent annually.
2. About 3 percent of all U.S. energy consumption comes from the production of packaging materials. Using recycled material for the production of packaging goods takes less energy than creating the product from the material’s natural state.
3. Packaging and containers makes up about 56 percent of all plastic waste. About 75 percent of all of the waste comes from residential households.
Plastic #5 – PP
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are polypropylene and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
While most bottles are plastic #1 or #2, most of the bottle caps are #5 and cannot be recycled in the same process. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polypropylene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Yogurt, margarine tubs
* Medicine bottles
* Bottle caps
* Ketchup and syrup bottles
* Reusable plastic containers, such as Tupperware
Why They Use It: Polypropylene has a good chemical resistance, a high melting point and is a strong material. Therefore, it’s ideal for reusable food containers and other packaging that requires durability. But while this resin is as common as a ketchup bottle, it’s still often left out of curbside programs.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), plastic #5 is a similar resin to plastic #2, which makes it more appealing to reclaimers who can use the material for water filtration systems, shipping pallets, sheeting and automotive battery casings and garbage and recycling bins. Polypropylene can be recycled back into its original form, or it can be made into products such as buckets, paint pails, automotive bumpers, automotive battery cases, furniture and flower pots. It is also used in many woven reusable bags.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. Sixty-two percent of California communities now have curbside access to non-bottle food container recycling. Out of the 100 largest communities nationwide, about one-third have curbside recycling programs for plastic #5.
2. Even though they typically aren’t printed with a #5 symbol, most plastic bottle caps (like those on water and soda bottles) are made from polypropylene.
3. According to the ACC, at least 325 million pounds of non-bottle plastics were collected for recycling in the U.S.
Plastic #6 – PS
Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene used for food service packaging represents less than 1 percent by weight and volume of all landfilled materials. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Polystyrene
Where You’ll Find It:
* Food service items (cutlery, plates, cups, bowls)
* Takeout containers
* Foam packaging
* Packing peanuts
* Compact disc cases
* Aspirin bottles
Why They Use It: Polystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be in both foam and rigid forms. As a foam, it is lightweight and comprised of 97 percent air. General purpose polystyrene is clear, hard and brittle. It has a low melting point but has an excellent moisture barrier, making it ideal for short-shelf products. Its low thermal conductivity also makes it perfect for insulation purposes.
The Lowdown on Recycling: According to a report by the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR), more than 65 million pounds of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging were recycled in 2007, while the number grew to 69 million pounds in 2008.
While most curbside programs do not accept plastic #6 or EPS, there are several community programs that will recycle the material. If there are no programs that fit your specific needs or are near your location, AFPR offers a mail-in program for consumers. Average shipping fees range from $1.50 to $9, based on the total packaging weight and volume.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. According to Virginia Lyle, deputy director of AFPR, all foam peanuts have recycled content, and most shape-molded polystyrene has at least 25 percent recycled content.
2. In the early 1900s, The Dow Chemical Company invented a process for extruding polystyrene to achieve a closed cell foam that resists moisture. Commercially known as Styrofoam, the material is the most widely recognized brand in insulation today.
3. Several cities and programs are against using polystyrene foam. In fact, San Fransisco initiated a ban against all food service EPS containers.
Plastic #7 – Other
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Products carrying the term "biodegradable" are only compostable in a commercial composting system. Photo: Amanda Wills, Earth911.com
Where You’ll Find It:
* Bio-based plastics made from corn, potato or sugar derivatives
* Three- and five-gallon reusable water bottles
* Some citrus juice and ketchup bottles
* Oven-baking bags, barrier layers and custom packaging
* Any plastic product that does not fit into resin categories 1-6
Why They Use It: Plastic #7 the catch-all category for those plastic products that do not fit into 1-6. These plastics are multi-layered combinations of more than one plastic resin. Its usage and properties depend on the types of resins used to produce it.
The Lowdown on Recycling: Programs for the “other” category vary greatly by location. Since it is such a broad category, many curbside programs will not accept plastic #7 at all. Bio-based plastics are often lumped into this category as well. These plastics are often touted as more eco-friendly because they will degrade faster than other resins.
However, consumers should keep in mind that these plastics are only biodegradable in a commercial composting system. Generally, the plastic will not degrade in backyard compost piles because the temperature isn’t high enough.
Need-to-Know Info:
1. The presence of BPA (bisphenol A) is a controversial issue for plastic #7. BPA is typically used as an additive in plastics manufacturing, as it makes the plastic more shatter-proof.
2. Plastic #7 includes two main types: acrylonitrile styrene or styrene acrylonitrile (referred to as AS/SAN), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Both are prolific and are used to make high quality, strong plastics.
3. In the few instances when it can be recycled, plastic #7 quickly downcycles to non-renewable plastic. However, some plastic #7 products are considered to be e-waste and can be properly disposed of in an electronics recycling program.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Hurricanes getting stronger due to global warming says study
SUMMARY: Late last month an atmospheric scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a study in Nature that found hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the past three decades. Kerry Emanuel, the author of the study, warns that since hurricanes depend on warm water to form and build, global climate change might increase the effect of hurricanes still further in coming years.
Hurricane Katrina moved ashore over southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi early on August 29, 2005, as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm. With winds of 135 miles per hour (217 kilometers per hour), a powerful storm surge, and heavy rains, Katrina pounded the U.S. Gulf Coast, triggering extensive life-threatening flooding. This GOES image shows the storm as it moved over southern Mississippi at 9:02 a.m. The eye of the storm was due east of New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina moved north into Mississippi, and was expected to track quickly northeast across the United States into Eastern Canada over the first part of the week. (Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.)
Hurricanes Growing More Fierce Over Past 30 Years
National Science Foundation release
Original July 31, 2005 release
Hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the past three decades, according to atmospheric scientist Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In his new analysis of tropical hurricane records, which he reports online today in the journal Nature, Emanuel finds that both the duration of the storms and their maximum wind speeds have increased by about 50 per cent since the mid-1970s. Moreover, this marked increase in the energy release has occurred in both the north Atlantic and the north Pacific Oceans.
Unlike previous studies, which have focused on whether hurricanes are becoming more frequent, Emanuel's study is one of the first to ask whether they are becoming more fierce.
"It's an innovative application of a theoretical concept, and has produced a new analysis of hurricanes' strength and destructive potential," says Jay Fein, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s climate dynamics program, which funded the research. And that analysis, in turn, "has resulted in an important measure of the potential impact of hurricanes on social, economic and ecological systems,"
Indeed, as Emanuel himself says, "the near doubling of hurricane's power over the period of record should be a matter of some concern, as it's a measure of the [future] destructive potential of these storms."
Also of concern, he says, is that the increases in storm intensity are mirrored by increases in the average temperatures at the surface of the tropical oceans, suggesting that this warming is responsible for the hurricanes' greater power. Since hurricanes depend on warm water to form and build, Emanuel warns that global climate change might increase the effect of hurricanes still further in coming years.
In addition, he says, recent research suggests that global tropical hurricane activity may play a role in driving the oceans' circulation, which in turn has important "feedbacks" to regional and global climate.
Fluctuations in tropical hurricane activity "are of obvious importance to society," he adds, "especially as populations of affected areas increase. Hurricanes account for a significant fraction of damage, injury and loss of life from natural hazards, and are the costliest natural catastrophes in the United States. As the human population in coastal regions gets denser, the damage and casualties produced by more intense storms could increase considerably in the future."
Hurricanes growing fiercer with global warming
Elizabeth A. Thomson, MIT News Office
Original July 31, 2005 release
Hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the last three decades due in part to global warming, says an MIT professor who warns that this trend could continue.
"My results suggest that future warming may lead to an upward trend in [hurricanes'] destructive potential, and--taking into account an increasing coastal population--a substantial increase in hurricane-related losses in the 21st century," reports Kerry Emanuel in a paper appearing in the July 31 online edition of the journal Nature.
Emanuel is a professor of meteorology in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.
Theories and computer simulations of climate indicate that warming should generate an increase in storm intensity. In other words, they should hit harder, produce higher winds and last longer.
To explore that premise, Emanuel analyzed records of tropical cyclones--commonly called hurricanes or typhoons--since the middle of the 20th century. He found that the amount of energy released in these events in both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific oceans has increased markedly since the mid-1970s. Both the duration of the cyclones and the largest wind speeds they produce have increased by about 50 percent over the past 50 years.
He further reports that these increases in storm intensity are mirrored by increases in the average temperature at the surface of the tropical oceans, suggesting that this warming--some of which can be ascribed to global warming--is responsible for the greater power of the cyclones.
According to Jay Fein, director of the National Science Foundation's climate dynamics program, which funded the research, Emanuel's work "has resulted in an important measure of the potential impact of hurricanes on social, economic and ecological systems. It's an innovative application of a theoretical concept, and has produced a new analysis of hurricanes' strength and destructive potential."
Hurricane Katrina moved ashore over southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi early on August 29, 2005, as an extremely dangerous Category 4 storm. With winds of 135 miles per hour (217 kilometers per hour), a powerful storm surge, and heavy rains, Katrina pounded the U.S. Gulf Coast, triggering extensive life-threatening flooding. This GOES image shows the storm as it moved over southern Mississippi at 9:02 a.m. The eye of the storm was due east of New Orleans, Louisiana. Katrina moved north into Mississippi, and was expected to track quickly northeast across the United States into Eastern Canada over the first part of the week. (Image courtesy of the NASA Earth Observatory.)
Hurricanes Growing More Fierce Over Past 30 Years
National Science Foundation release
Original July 31, 2005 release
Hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the past three decades, according to atmospheric scientist Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In his new analysis of tropical hurricane records, which he reports online today in the journal Nature, Emanuel finds that both the duration of the storms and their maximum wind speeds have increased by about 50 per cent since the mid-1970s. Moreover, this marked increase in the energy release has occurred in both the north Atlantic and the north Pacific Oceans.
Unlike previous studies, which have focused on whether hurricanes are becoming more frequent, Emanuel's study is one of the first to ask whether they are becoming more fierce.
"It's an innovative application of a theoretical concept, and has produced a new analysis of hurricanes' strength and destructive potential," says Jay Fein, director of the National Science Foundation (NSF)'s climate dynamics program, which funded the research. And that analysis, in turn, "has resulted in an important measure of the potential impact of hurricanes on social, economic and ecological systems,"
Indeed, as Emanuel himself says, "the near doubling of hurricane's power over the period of record should be a matter of some concern, as it's a measure of the [future] destructive potential of these storms."
Also of concern, he says, is that the increases in storm intensity are mirrored by increases in the average temperatures at the surface of the tropical oceans, suggesting that this warming is responsible for the hurricanes' greater power. Since hurricanes depend on warm water to form and build, Emanuel warns that global climate change might increase the effect of hurricanes still further in coming years.
In addition, he says, recent research suggests that global tropical hurricane activity may play a role in driving the oceans' circulation, which in turn has important "feedbacks" to regional and global climate.
Fluctuations in tropical hurricane activity "are of obvious importance to society," he adds, "especially as populations of affected areas increase. Hurricanes account for a significant fraction of damage, injury and loss of life from natural hazards, and are the costliest natural catastrophes in the United States. As the human population in coastal regions gets denser, the damage and casualties produced by more intense storms could increase considerably in the future."
Hurricanes growing fiercer with global warming
Elizabeth A. Thomson, MIT News Office
Original July 31, 2005 release
Hurricanes have grown significantly more powerful and destructive over the last three decades due in part to global warming, says an MIT professor who warns that this trend could continue.
"My results suggest that future warming may lead to an upward trend in [hurricanes'] destructive potential, and--taking into account an increasing coastal population--a substantial increase in hurricane-related losses in the 21st century," reports Kerry Emanuel in a paper appearing in the July 31 online edition of the journal Nature.
Emanuel is a professor of meteorology in MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.
Theories and computer simulations of climate indicate that warming should generate an increase in storm intensity. In other words, they should hit harder, produce higher winds and last longer.
To explore that premise, Emanuel analyzed records of tropical cyclones--commonly called hurricanes or typhoons--since the middle of the 20th century. He found that the amount of energy released in these events in both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific oceans has increased markedly since the mid-1970s. Both the duration of the cyclones and the largest wind speeds they produce have increased by about 50 percent over the past 50 years.
He further reports that these increases in storm intensity are mirrored by increases in the average temperature at the surface of the tropical oceans, suggesting that this warming--some of which can be ascribed to global warming--is responsible for the greater power of the cyclones.
According to Jay Fein, director of the National Science Foundation's climate dynamics program, which funded the research, Emanuel's work "has resulted in an important measure of the potential impact of hurricanes on social, economic and ecological systems. It's an innovative application of a theoretical concept, and has produced a new analysis of hurricanes' strength and destructive potential."
Monday, February 1, 2010
Rainwater Harvesting
Saves you and the environment some green
Rainwater harvesting is “the process of intercepting storm-water runoff and putting it to beneficial use.” Pretty simple concept. Oddly enough, it is illegal in some states. The Colorado legislature, in its 2009 session, legalized rainwater harvesting for residents with private wells. Other states and municipalities are in the process of changing their laws. You’ll need to do a little research to determine what is lawful in your state. Whatever the case, I don’t think the police are going to show up at your door if you choose to harvest rainwater.
Why would I want to harvest rainwater anyway?
According to the EPA, a homeowner can save 1,300 gallons of water a month. That will help with your water bills or reduce stress on your well. You can use the water in your evaporative coolers, to water plants, your lawn, your pets or livestock. It reduces your carbon footprint by saving on electricity to pump water and then deliver it to your home. Besides, it simply makes good sense to have water stored to guard against times of drought or emergency.
rainwater harvesting diagramSo I’m building or rebuilding a home and want to incorporate this. How?
You can begin by designing your home, buildings, and surrounding landscape to maximize the amount of rainwater catchment. You can do it like Jerry Brock of Monte Sereno, California and use four gravity-fed 5,000 gallon tanks. Or, there are companies like Rain Harvesting Systems (RHS) that specialize in elaborate and wonderful systems for your home or commercial building.
You can do it like people have been doing it for thousands of years—with some type of cistern. Cisterns, now, aren’t some Biblical clay container thing , but are usually some type of composite plastic. Here are some links to places you can buy one and also some “do it yourself” harvesting systems.
http://www.plastic-mart.com/class.php?cat=187
http://www.rain-barrel.net/category/rainwater-harvesting
http://www.ehow.com/how_5126202_harvest-rain-water.html
http://www.off-grid.net/2009/06/20/how-to-harvest-rainwater/
Bottom line: it can be as simple as putting a big bucket out under your rain gutter and using the water for dry spots on your lawn. Get an elaborate rainwater harvesting system or get a container with a cover (keeps mosquitoes from breeding and slows evaporation) and do your part to help your budget and your planet.
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