Category: News

Source: Environmental Expert.com

Northwestern Memorial Hospital Achieves 84 Percent Reduction In Sharps Greenhouse Gas Emissions

CHICAGO, June 19, 2012 /PR Newswire/ —  A recent scientific study confirms that Daniels Sharpsmart reusable sharp containers (RSC) help hospitals reduce their carbon footprint by reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Most recently, Daniels Sharpsmart containers have helped the 850-bed Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) obtain an 84 percent reduction in their carbon footprint for sharps waste.  The sustainability paper by Terry Grimmond of Grimmond and Associates and Sandra Reiner, NMH Infection Control and Prevention Coordinator, was recently published online in the International Solid Waste Association’s, Waste Management & Research journal.

‘A top priority for hospitals is finding ways they can practice green healthcare,’ said David Skinner, Vice President of Daniels Sharpsmart.  ‘Thus, it’s imperative that we remain on the forefront of discovering new methods that can help hospitals reduce their carbon footprint while still delivering optimal care to patients.’

Hospitals currently account for 3 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are striving to increase their sustainability and to decrease their global warming potential (GWP). Of their emissions, 54 percent are derived from supply chain goods and services. By targeting supply chain points and replacing disposable sharp containers (DSC) with Sharpsmart RSC, Daniels Sharpsmart explored how NMH could reduce their GWP.

The authors estimated that U.S. hospitals dispose of their needles, scalpels, etc., into 35 million disposable (DSC) or reusable (RSC) sharps containers, which generate GHG in their manufacture, use and disposal.  By using reusable sharps containers, the study revealed that NMH was able to reduce its annual GWP by 127 MTCO2eq (84 percent) as well as diverting 31 tons of plastic and 5 tons of cardboard from being deposited in landfills.  In addition, by using RSC there was a reduction in the number of containers manufactured from 34,396 DSC annually to only 1,844 RSC in year one only.  The study also stated that NMH costs (for containers and disposal) were reduced by 19.2 percent by using Sharpsmarts (which in previous studies were associated with significant reductions in sharps injuries).

The percentage reduction in NMH’s sharps management GWP using Sharpsmarts exceeds the 28 percent target required of United States federal hospitals by 2020 and the 2050 target of eighty percent required by hospitals in the United Kingdom. The authors currently estimate that the total GWP associated with sharps containment and disposal in the United States is approximately 100,000 MTCO2eq per annum.  If reusable sharps containers were used in all of the hospitals in the United States, approximately 64,000 MTCO2eq could be saved.

About Daniels Sharpsmart
Daniels Sharpsmart Inc. is the world’s largest provider of reusable systems for sharps disposal and the second largest company in the medical waste disposal industry in the United States.  The Sharpsmart system was launched in 1999 and is the most widely researched sharps containment system in the world, the only system to have peer-reviewed confirmation of sharps injury reduction and the only system in which all container models meet the tests required by the European Agreement (AFG) on Transport of Dangerous Goods.  The company’s innovative Sharpsmart system is used in health care facilities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  For more information, please visit http://danielsinternational.com/.

Source: Healthcare Design

A global move is underway to raise awareness of how healthcare plays a role in damaging the environment. Whether it’s through joining together as a recognized association that can share ideas on how to lessen the impact or going it alone, the issue is slowly being acknowledged.

In the US, the Healthy Hospitals Initiative (HHI) is made up of three organizations and 11 health systems all focused on steering the healthcare industry to finding ways to function and operate using sustainable and resourceful processes.

The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network (GGHHN) is an international group of member countries who have pledged to decrease the environmental footprint of hospitals in their communities and raise public environmental health understanding.

To this end it was heartening to see a recent press release announcing HHI’s move to join GGHHN as a founding member to represent the US healthcare industry in this international forum.

There are some really great ideas and programs taking place all over the world and here in the US. The benefits of connecting these health systems, organizations, and hospitals as they commit to be the leaders in their countries, is the improved health of their communities and populations on a global scale. The knowledge and information gathered will also grow as more hospitals and associations join the network.

The members involved include the International Health Promoting Hospitals Network, the Indonesia Hospital Association, Thailand’s Department of Health, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association, the Sustainability Unit of the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, as well as more than 3,500 hospitals from six continents.

Members of GGHHN and HHI are tasked with setting up specific goals to reduce their pollutants and will report their developments and findings with other members regularly.

For additional information on green design and sustainable best practices and technologies, check out The Green Column inHEALTHCARE DESIGN.

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect public health by reducing overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater. In developing the framework, the EPA worked in close coordination with a variety of stakeholders, including publicly owned treatment works, state water permitting authorities, local governments, and nonprofit environmental groups.

EPA’s framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure, and will help communities as they develop plans that prioritize their investments in storm and wastewater infrastructure.

The framework also highlights the importance of controlling and managing releases of storm and wastewater into the nation’s waters. When wastewater systems, many of which are aging, overflow they can release untreated sewage and other pollutants into local waterways. These overflows can carry a variety of harmful pollutants that can threaten communities’ water quality, including bacteria, metals, and nutrients, and can contribute to disease outbreaks, beach and shellfish bed closings, and fishing or swimming advisories. Stormwater discharges can also contain many of these pollutants, and municipalities are often faced with difficult choices about how to direct their funds to solve the most critical problems first.

The framework document is available on EPA’s website, where the agency will also provide practical examples of how municipalities are implementing this approach, as they become available.

More information: http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/integratedplans.cfm

Source: Environmental Expert.com

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 11, 2012 /PR Newswire/ — A recent survey byCalifornia’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) revealed a serious gap in awareness among drivers who change their own motor oil. While 95 percent of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) oil changers said they recycle their used motor oil, approximately one-third admitted to dumping their used oil filters in the trash, potentially contaminating the environment with hazardous waste.

DIYers who indicated they threw away their used oil filters acknowledged they were not aware filters could be recycled, revealing a critical opportunity to improve oil filter recycling practices across the Golden State.

New efforts to build stronger awareness of the importance of recycling oil filters are rolling out statewide. CalRecycle is using public service announcements, filter exchange events, and other grassroots initiatives to educate the public about the importance of recycling used motor oil and filters together.

‘California’s home mechanics are recycling their motor oil, but we need to make sure they finish the job correctly and take in their filters, too,’ CalRecycle Director Caroll Mortensen said. ‘We are asking news professionals, local businesses, and our local government partners to help us spread the word. Together, we can make big strides to increase oil filter recycling and keep toxic materials out of the environment.’

Each year Californians generate nearly 70 million used automotive filters, which are completely recyclable. After filters are drained, each one still holds about 10 ounces of toxic oil residue and is therefore considered hazardous waste that cannot be thrown in the trash. This trapped motor oil could add up to 2 million gallons of toxic waste going into California’s environment, water systems, or landfills each year if not properly recycled. According to CalRecycle, recycling these filters, which contain about a pound of steel, could produce enough metal to build three large sports stadiums.

Californians can find a list of local Certified Collection Centers on the CalRecycle website. Additional tips and information can be located on the CalRecycle Facebook page and Twitter.

CalRecycle is the state’s leading authority on recycling, waste reduction, and product reuse.  CalRecycle plays an important role in the stewardship of California’s vast resources and promotes innovation in technology to encourage economic and environmental sustainability.  For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.

Source:  Environmental Leader News

Sending our rubbish to landfill sites continues to be a major topic for debate as proposals for wind farms and incinerators are becoming more common.

At present, the Local Government Association estimates that we offload twice as much rubbish into landfill sites than Germany does, although Germany has a larger population. Due to the fact that land available for landfill sites is running out, pressure from Brussels and Westminster is making the use of these sites more expensive, which in turn is increasing the pressure to recycle our waste.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has introduced legislative changes aimed to cut down the amount of rubbish that goes to landfill and improve recycling. A major part of the change is the prevention of food waste heading to landfill. Bespoke vehicles that utilize anaerobic digestion provide a totally green service that also offers a viable environmental and economic waste solution. Such a service is able to handle packed and naked food waste, and has proved to be a great success working with 68 Waitrose stores throughout the UK.

Why recycle your food waste?

Methane is produced by decomposing food waste, and it is in actual fact 22 times more damaging to the environment than carbon dioxide. Instead of letting food break down in this way, it can be converted into biogas that generates electricity through anaerobic digestion (AD). The only by-product produced through AD is a nutrient rich liquid fertilizer.

• Methane from food waste is 22 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide.
• Recycling food waste generates renewable energy, so is even better than carbon neutral.
• 40 percent of the 14million tonnes of food waste generated in UK each year goes to landfill.
• By using AD to process food waste we are preventing 905kg of carbon emissions per tonne of waste entering the atmosphere.
• Government’s waste policy review announces plans to support development of AD technology in the UK.

What is AD?

Anaerobic digestion (AD) breaks down organic matter using naturally occurring microorganisms. This natural biological process results in the production of a valuable fertilizer as a by-product of producing biogas, a sustainable source of energy.  To convert the biogas into electricity and heat a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engine is used. Compared to sending waste food to landfill AD processing prevents 905kg of carbon per tonne of food waste being released into the atmosphere.

It is becoming increasingly important that we consider not just how to reduce the waste we create, but also how we can use it, too. Waste is a resource, and when there is scarcity of resources, it is more important than ever to consider sustainability through a broader spectrum of material use.

John Evans is an account manager at Select Environmental Services Ltd specializing in the sales of dry waste management& recycling collection services including EfW, food waste recycling, WEEE waste, paper and card, DMR and clinical waste. For more information contact John Evans on 0118 975 9000 or jre@selectenviro.co.uk.

 

Seven Caesars regions and 17 properties will contribute fuel made from waste vegetable oil

LAS VEGAS, June 7, 2012 /Environmental Expert/ — For the second consecutive year, Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ:CZR) is sponsoring Dartmouth College’s Big Green Bus tour across America. The converted Greyhound bus, operated by students, will run on recycled waste vegetable oil (WVO) as it travels the country educating individuals on best sustainability practices.

The 11-week, 12,000-mile journey will take the 13 students across 24 states and will make refueling stops at Caesars resorts including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino (June 26), Harrah’s Tunica Casino (July 1), Harrah’s New Orleans Casino (July 3), Harrah’s Phoenix Ak-Chin Casino (July 14), Flamingo Las Vegas (July 19), Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Casino (July 24), Harrah’s North Kansas City Casino (August 30) and Thistledown Racetrack (September 3).

In 2011, Caesars Entertainment recycled 320,000 gallons of restaurant oil at its resorts and casinos nationwide with 144,000 gallons coming directly from restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip. The restaurant vegetable oil is recycled and reused at the resorts, or is removed and repurposed for use in biodiesel and other products. By providing WVO to the Big Green Bus, the company is helping reduce the vehicle’s carbon emissions during its journey across America.

‘Having Caesars Entertainment as a sponsor has given us great insight to its compelling sustainability practices,’ said Remington S. Franklin, Big Green Bus Communications Liaison. ‘We are on the bus to learn and spread what we learn and are very fortunate to have support from sustainability leaders like Caesars Entertainment.’

Caesars Entertainment’s Big Green Bus gold national sponsorship will enable this ‘classroom on wheels’ to increase awareness about the importance of sustainable practices and incorporating conservation at home.

The bus will provide educational opportunities at each stop through stations including a tour of the bus, an interactive map telling stories of sustainability across the country, a demonstration of how individuals can build and shop for environmentally friendly products, a discussion about the energy cost of food, personal waste reduction and a stationary bicycle that powers a generator to light multiple energy efficient bulbs.

‘This year, we are proud to increase our support of The Big Green Bus and its mission to educate communities around the country on climate change and environmental responsibility,’ said Gwen Migita, Vice President of Sustainability & Community Affairs for Caesars Entertainment. ‘Caesars is committed to support the classroom on wheels while engaging thousands of employees and the community in seven regions around the country.’

CodeGreen seeks to make both positive environmental and social impacts while reducing water, energy and waste consumption at each of its more than 50 properties worldwide. By enabling efforts through thousands of employees, Caesars is increasing sustainability education with the Big Green Bus and serving as a catalyst for environmental change. Supporting the Big Green Bus is just one of hundreds of responsible green practice programs Caesars assists with at its resorts and in the communities it serves.

For additional information about the 2012 Big Green Bus tour, its crew and sponsors visit www.thebiggreenbus.org.

For additional information about Caesars Entertainment’s sustainability efforts visit http://www.caesars.com/corporate/environment-sustainability.html.

About Caesars Entertainment Corporation Sustainability
Caesars Entertainment Corporation’s resorts are committed to environmental sustainability – investing at a corporate level more than $62 million on conservation projects that have reduced energy usage by more than 170 million kilowatt hours (kWh) and carbon emissions by 110,000 metric tons each year. One such investment is the use of solar and steam co-generation facilities at the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Showboat Atlantic City that capture waste heat and steam to create onsite energy, thereby decreasing demand for purchased electricity.

Caesars’ nearly 70,000 employees drive its sustainability strategy, CodeGreen, through innovative environmentally responsible practices; implementing more than 110 large impact conservation projects to reduce water, energy and waste consumption at a corporate level. More than 200 of the company’s employees have completed its Green Meetings & Events Certification training program, the only program of its kind in the industry. During the past eight years, CodeGreen programs have resulted in annual savings of 200 million gallons of water and 640,000 gallons of waste vegetable oil among other waste recycling efforts.

Caesars Entertainment’s leadership in environmental stewardship and energy efficiency has earned the company more than 40 environmental awards and multiple Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honors. Caesars has achieved ‘industry firsts’ in transparency of impacts such as GRI protocol reporting and establishing aggressive carbon reduction goals around environmental and social metrics. For further information on Caesars’ CodeGreen efforts and its sustainability report visit www.caesars.com/CodeGreen.

About Caesars Entertainment Corporation
Caesars Entertainment Corporation is the world’s most diversified casino entertainment company. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, more than 74 years ago, Caesars has grown through development of new resorts, expansions and acquisitions, and now operates casinos on four continents. The company’s resorts operate primarily under the Harrah’s®, Caesars® and Horseshoe® brand names. Caesars also owns the World Series of Poker® and the London Clubs International family of casinos. Caesars Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership. Caesars is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment.

For more information, please visit www.caesars.com.

SOURCE Caesars Entertainment Corporation

As a current or past member of Truckee Meadows Tomorrow (TMT) you know that we provide comprehensive, unbiased data about the Truckee Meadows that individuals, businesses and governmental entities use to help achieve their goals. We are writing to let you know that Truckee Meadows Tomorrow is still working hard to fill that valuable role of providing a community voice for citizens and key stakeholders.

With the current economic climate the Community-wide Survey has not been conducted, but our research into community quality of life indicators continues and shows both positive and negative movement, in several quality of life indicators:  A snap shot of our community from Quality of Life indicators is below:

For Families in the Truckee Meadows some “things” cost less 

• The cost of living relative to other cities has declined from 107.9 in 2006 to 98.3 in 2011, although food and transportation are rising in 2012.
• The housing opportunity index has risen with falling housing prices, from 17.3 in 2006 to 82.5 in 2011, making housing more affordable.
• Average monthly rent and utility costs have remained the same, at $873 in 2007 and 2010.

But families have less to make ends meet

• The percentage of families with income below poverty has risen from 6.5% in 2006 to 10.8% in 2010;  and the percentage of our population without health insurance has risen from 17.4% to 22.3% for the same period.
• Median family income has fallen from $66,335 in 2006 to $61,119 in 2010.
• The percentage of people paying over 30% of their income for rent and utilities has risen from 38% in 2006 to 45% in 2010 for owners and room 44% to 54% for renters. This reflects the impact of falling income and unemployment, even though housing costs have remained constant or declined.

While the economy stabilizes

• Employment-to-labor force population ratio of 0.88, as of March 2012, has improved to 2009 levels.
• The number of building permits rose in 2011 for Reno and Washoe County, while the valuation rose for all three local entities.
• Washoe County Crime Index rates continue to trend downward, well below Nevada, the western states, and national rate.
• Citizens are increasingly unengaged.
• Voter registration and turn out is trending down, and less than 45% of the eligible population actually votes.
• Citizen involvement with local governments is down during a time when difficult decisions are being made about essential or priority services.

Since 1993, TMT has been an authority, change agent and advocate, focused on improving the community’s quality of life through collaboration and partnership across northwestern Nevada. In 1996, TMT received a $750,000 grant from Washoe Medical Center (now Renown Health.), which supported TMT through 2001. Of that $750,000, community organizations received $500,000 to impact change in indicator areas. Since 2003 memberships, sponsorships, small grants, events & donations have sustained our programs including updating our community indicators.

Residents of the Truckee meadows bring to light the work of TMT.  Citizens provide ongoing input into what they value, businesses use that information for decision-making, and local governments for policy-making.

Source: Federal Register

SUMMARY: This rule modifies the testing procedures approved for analysis and sampling under the Clean Water Act. EPA proposed these changes for public comment on September 23, 2010. The changes adopted in this final rule fall into the following categories: New and revised EPA methods and new and revised methods published by voluntary consensus standard bodies (VCSB), such as ASTM International and the Standard Methods Committee; updated versions of currently approved methods; methods reviewed under the alternate test procedures (ATP) program; clarifications to the process for EPA approval for use of alternate procedures for nationwide and Regional use; minimum quality control requirements to improve consistency across method versions; corrections to previously approved methods; and revisions to sample collection, preservation, and holding time requirements. Finally, EPA makes changes to three effluent guideline regulations.

DATES: This regulation is effective on June 18, 2012. The incorporation by reference of these methods is approved by the Director of the Federal Register on June 18, 2012. For judicial review purposes, this final rule is promulgated as of 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on June 1, 2012 as provided at 40 CFR 23.2 and 23.7.

Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for Analysis of Pollutants Under Clean Water Act: Analysis and Sampling Procedures, 29758-29846

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-05-18/pdf/2012-10210.pdf

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-05-18/html/2012-10210.htm