January 19, 2009

Turning trash to energy is probably a better alternative to burying it in landfills. But the ideal solution would be to recycle it. Localities that are faced with the choices, however, are trying to assess the overall costs and the environmental effects of each option.

A movement is afoot to turn household trash into renewable energy. Supporters of the idea say that it restricts the level greenhouse gas emissions as fewer heavy trucks burning less gas are needed to haul away the trash while fewer hazardous materials wind up getting buried beneath the earth's surface. Doubters question that proclamation, however, saying that burning trash is both expensive and filthy -- one that releases an array of toxic fumes into the air.

by Elizabeth Shaw | The Flint Journal
Tuesday November 11, 2008

GENESEE TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- There are lots of toxic hazards to guard against in the stuff that ends up at recycling centers and landfills.

Until this past summer, a radioactive cheese grater wasn't one of them.

According to the state Department of Environmental Quality, the common kitchen utensil with an uncommon past set off the alarms at Genesee Recycling in August, sending ripples all the way to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Environmental Protection Agency.

"We know it was manufactured in China but at this point we are still unsure what the source of the material is or was, or where it possibly entered the system," said Thor Strong, the state DEQ's chief of radiological protection.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) submitted written testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the Oct. 29 hearing, "Investing in Infrastructure: The Road to Recovery."

In its testimony, NACWA strongly encouraged Congress to pass an economic stimulus package that includes funding for wastewater infrastructure projects. NACWA emphasized that these projects are important to protect public health and the environment and also to provide jobs and a much-needed boost to the municipal, state, and national economies.

November 05, 2008

Intel Corp has long strived to reduce its carbon footprint. Now, by buying renewable energy credits -- purchases that guarantee the generation of wind, solar and geothermal electricity -- it is stepping up the pace. It's all part of corporate America's attempt to neutralize their carbon emissions.

Many companies are being proactive, reasoning that it is healthy for both the environment and business. Indeed, the pressure to address global warming has influenced the public and private sectors to come up with solutions -- not just feel-good ideas but ones that cut emissions using the latest technologies and market-based strategies.

October 29, 2008

The economic downturn is pulling under the sweeping attempt in this country to cap carbon emissions. Until an uptick occurs, the focus will be altered and now concentrate on making gradual adjustments to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

The global liquidity crisis is not just grabbing headlines. It's also causing a shift to the new paradigm. With credit tight, utilities and other industries are trying to preserve their cash and reduce their debt. It's now more about survival and less about cutting carbon emissions.