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ScienceDaily (Oct. 1, 2010) — Faster development of the promising field of cellulosic biofuels — the renewable energy produced from grasses and trees — is being significantly hampered by a “deep and thorny regulatory thicket” that makes almost impossible the use of advanced gene modification methods, researchers say.

“It’s extraordinary that gene modification technology, which has been adapted more rapidly than any other technology in the history of agriculture, and had some profound environmental and economic benefits, has been regulated virtually out of existence for perennial cellulosic biofuels crops,” said Steve Strauss, a distinguished professor of forest biotechnology at Oregon State University, and lead author of the paper.

In the report, the authors noted that exotic plant species pose a serious risk of spread and ecosystem impacts, but face much less stringent regulation or obstacles than genetically engineered crops, which are carefully designed to solve problems, not cause them.

Read the complete article at Science Daily

The report, published Sept. 30 in the journal Nature, is the first to simultaneously account for the effects of such things as pollution, dam building, agricultural runoff, the conversion of wetlands and the introduction of exotic species on the health of the world’s rivers.

“Rivers around the world really are in a crisis state,” says Peter B. McIntyre, a senior author of the new study and a professor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for Limnology.

The Nature report was authored by an international team co-led by Charles J. Vörösmarty of the City University of New York, an expert on global water resources, and McIntyre, an expert on freshwater biodiversity.

Examining the influence of numerous types of threats to water quality and aquatic life across all of the world’s river systems, the study is the first to explicitly assess both human water security and biodiversity in parallel. Fresh water is widely regarded as the world’s most essential natural resource, underpinning human life and economic development as well as the existence of countless organisms ranging from microscopic life to fish, amphibians, birds and terrestrial animals of all kinds.

Read the complete article at Science Daily

By Green Living Tips

Reading that an item takes eleventy snazzillion years to break down in the environment makes for great attention grabbing stuff when writing articles on green living, but the more I research various related topics, the more I find differences in estimations.

A lot of this is to do with the fact that decomposition is very dependent on the environment where the material is decomposing.  For example, look at the difference between how fast steel rusts (a form of decomposition) in a humid salt air environment such as the coast vs. a dry environment like a desert.

Those are a couple of issues to bear in mind when reading statistics on how X or Y material breaks down.  “Break down” is really a vague term and there’s also a big difference in the terms, biodegradable, degradable and compostable; not to mention the types of residues they leave behind, some of which can be toxic.  It’s another good reason to recycle where we can, plus recycling energy savings for most types of waste are significant.

Click here to see a list of common items and how long they take to “break down” in the environment.

President proclaims Oct. 4 as Children Health Day

WASHINGTON – As President Obama proclaims today as Children Health Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with its partners to expand the conversation on what all of us can do to protect children from environmental health hazards. Children are more affected by pollution because of their body weight when compared to adults and rely upon us to provide them with healthy communities where they live, play and learn.

“EPA is asking all Americans to join us this month and every month in making our communities across the country healthier places to live, learn and play for our children and future generations,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “As administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and a mother, I know just how important it is that we act to protect our most vulnerable populations, and give them the clean, sustainable environment they need to thrive.”

Under Administrator Jackson’s leadership, EPA has taken steps that will help improve the health of children, including taking action on greenhouse gases, strengthening clean air act standards, reforming chemical safety, reducing the impact of coal on the environment and water and working for environmental justice.

The presidential proclamation calls upon families, child health professionals, faith-based and community organizations and governments to help ensure clean air, safe water and healthy communities for our nation’s children.

Throughout October, there will be roundtable discussions and educational events taking place across the country. These are opportunities where parents, teachers and caregivers can learn about environmental issues affecting children, how they are being addressed more effectively at the local and national level, and the simple actions they can take to help keep children healthy.

Children’s Health events: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/CHM_events.htm

Tips to protect children: http://yosemite.epa.gov/ochp/ochpweb.nsf/content/CHM_Calendar_English_2010_508_2.htm/$File/CHM_Calendar_English_2010_508_2.pdf?Open&preview

On September 20, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Green Power Partnership kicked off its national Green Power Community Challenge, a year-long campaign to encourage cities, towns, counties, and Native American tribes to use renewable energy and reduce climate change.

As part of the campaign, communities will compete from September 20, 2010, to September 1, 2011, to see which one can use the most green power and which one can achieve the highest green power percentage of total electricity use. The winning communities will be declared in September 2011 and will receive special attention and recognition from EPA. Throughout the Challenge, EPA will provide technical assistance to help participants increase their use of green power.

To participate in the Challenge, communities must join the Green Power Partnership as a partner and buy green power in amounts that meet EPA minimum purchase requirements, submit a signed Green Power Communities Partnership Agreement, and initiate a community-wide green power campaign to encourage local businesses and residents to buy green power.

To date, more than 30 cities and towns in Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin have partnered with EPA to become Green Power Communities. 

For more information about becoming a Green Power Community, visit www.epa.gov/greenpower/communities, or contact Anthony Amato at anthony.amato@erg.com or (781) 674-7225.

For more information on the Green Power Community Challenge, visit http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/communities/gpcchallenge.htm, or contact Allison Dennis at dennis.allison@epa.gov or (202) 343-9526.