Sustain-a-Links #18
January 26th, 2007 | Posted in Recent Readings
Let’s see what we can learn as we head into the weekend . . .
—–
Chemicals | California bans toxic dry-cleaner chemical | “California regulators on Thursday enacted the nation’s first statewide ban on the most common chemical used by dry cleaners, pleasing environmentalists but worrying some small businesses. By 2023, no more dry-cleaning machines that use the toxic solvent perchloroethylene, a potential carcinogen, will be permitted in the state.” I’m sure the little guys are worried about higher costs related to new equipment. But, hopefully large-scale purchases of new equipment and chemicals will bring down prices such that the marginal cost to businesses and the consumer is minimal. Higher dry cleaning prices might bring down margins but margins in the business are already ridiculous, and probably understated given most cleaners only take cash. They’ll live . . . and incidentally so will the rest of us now! | Arizona Daily Star
People | Environmental workers gongs | “EIGHTEEN outstanding employees from Queensland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been honoured today with EPA Australia Day Achievement Medallions.” First of all, the title of the article is exceptionally strange. I’m going to attribute it to cultural differences between Americans and those down under. Congratulations to these people, and thanks to everyone who busts his or her ass every day to make our world better while the rest of us fuck it up. | Australia’s News Network
Species | Waterbirds in decline globally | “Nearly half of the world’s waterbird species are in decline, mostly because of rapid economic development and the effects of climate change, according to a global survey released Tuesday. The fourth Waterbird Population Estimates found that 44 percent of the 900 species globally have fallen in the past five years, while 34 percent were stable and 17 percent rising.” I didn’t even know there was a division of our flying friends called waterbirds. Now that I do, and that they’re dying off, I’m sad. | Chicago Tribune
Sustainability | The imperative of sustainability | “We have arrived at that point in the year when the great and good, from government, academia and the richer public corporations, gather in the Swiss town of Davos under the aegis of the World Economic Forum.” This is a great piece by Peter Sain Iey Berry. It’s theme is related to some of my previous posts, including The World Trade Organization and Sustainable Development and WTO Smackdown, and is essentially that economics and the environment can not be separated. “We are not perhaps quite at the stage where the World Economic Forum will rename itself the World Environmental Forum, but the message for Europe’s politicians is clear: sustainability must become the overarching consideration.” | EU Observer, Peter Sain Iey Berry
Transportation | Tip of the Day - How to Buy a Green Car | “You’re shopping for a car when something occurs to you. This is your chance to help reduce global warming and help our country become energy independent. But how do you choose a “green” car?” Simple how-to guides on saving energy are key to raising awareness among the masses. Hopefully this article will persuade even one person to go green. | Edmunds, Phillip
—–
If I have some time I’ll be back online this weekend to discuss sustainability as event develop. Else, I’m sure I’ll be ready to go come Monday. Have a good weekend, and I hope you are enjoying green | rising’s new format.
Sphere: Related ContentRelated Posts
