GreenYes Digest V97 #268

GreenYes Mailing List and Newsgroup (greenyes@ucsd.edu)
Fri, 22 Jan 1999 17:04:25 -0500


GreenYes Digest Fri, 7 Nov 97 Volume 97 : Issue 268

Today's Topics:
Additives in Plastic
Computer Recycling/Demanufacturing
job openings
mail recyclable
Sean Al Gore Your Un-Recyclables

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Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 11:07:59 -0600
From: RecycleWorlds <anderson@msn.fullfeed.com>
Subject: Additives in Plastic

QUOTE WITHOUT COMMENT

The 9/97 issue of Modern Plastic has an article on new additives used in =
plastic, which includes the following discussion of how the industry =
reacts to environmental concerns.=20

"On the environmental front, widely publicized scientific studies that =
cast doubt on the safety of some additives or their raw materials are =
not having a tremendous impact right now. But they could affect the long =
term viability of some products. Thus, brominated FRs, especially those =
with decambromo diphenl oxide [a heat retardant], have been linked to =
cncern by European studies, but have not been banned. Proudcers insist =
slaes remain strong. But Kattas says the future of brominated FRs is =
still not certain....
"Other additives that have been linked to environmental damaged and =
possibly human disease, are estrogen hormone-mimicking chemicals. These =
include phthalate ester plasticizers and nonyl phenol AO ingredients. =
Producers deny there is scientific merit ot claims that these are =
hazardous, and there is no immediate plan to ban them, but sales have =
been hurt. At Uniroyal, Mashoney reports that all the talk of possible =
hazards ofnonyl phenols, which are raw materials in one of the company's =
phosphite antioxidants, h 'has [negatively] affefcted the growth of =
these products.' In fact, he says, Uniroylal has launched an R&D effort =
to look for substitutes.
"Lead-based heat stailizers are also being abandoned even in the =
absence of bans. In 1996, for instance, compounders of PVC wire and =
cable formulations in Europe switched from lead to calcium/zinc systems, =
despite their higher cost, to avoid future environmental troubles.
"Some additive producers, seeing the handwriting on the wall, have =
dropped products that are under an envirnmental cloud. Witco has =
unilaterally eliminated cadmium based PVC heat stabilizers. The =
immediate impact of the decision, realls Lawrence Brekcer, Witco's vp. =
for additives and initiators, was lost business. Witco saw the move as a =
way to defuse environmental attacks."

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 06 Nov 1997 13:43:17 -0800
From: JOHN DUMAS <DUMAS.JOHN@epamail.epa.gov>
Subject: Computer Recycling/Demanufacturing

EPA Region 10, in Seattle, has a web page on computer recycling at:

http://epainotes1.rtpnc.epa.gov:7777/r10/owcm.nsf/recycle/pcrecycle

This includes some basic information, a list of local options, and a link to
the computer
recycling section of a large categorized Waste Prevention and Recycling
virtual list that I
maintain. The URL for that section (gets you the whole list too) is at:

http://epainotes1.rtpnc.epa.gov:7777/r10/owcm.nsf/recycle/recbooks#computers

(The complete list is actually a Netscape 3 bookmarks file and can be saved
and used as
such. See the first link on the list for more information on how to do that.)

John Dumas
US EPA Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, WA)
Seattle, WA USA
dumas.john@epamail.epa.gov
http://epainotes1.rtpnc.epa.gov:7777/r10/owcm.nsf/owcm/homepage

###

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 11:10:43 EST
From: "BETH GRAVES" <Beth_Graves@owr.ehnr.state.nc.us>
Subject: job openings

The NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance
(DPPEA) has two job openings working in the Community/Business Assistance
Section (CBAS).

One position is in support of our Industrial
Discards project, a 2-year EPA funded initiative with project goals to
target 10 NC counties, to work with 50 industries, and to reduce the solid
waste stream by 15,000 tons. The second position will serve on the
Technical Assistance team and work with local governments and
businesses. This person will work on developing a Community
Excellence recognition program for NC local governments as well as
developing targeted reduction programs for specific commercial sector
generators.

Detailed position descriptions follow. Both positions close November
21, 1997.

For more information about the positions, contact Scott Mouw, CBAS Section
Chief,
DPPEA, 919-715-6512 or Scott_Mouw@owr.ehnr.state.nc.us.

Applications should be sent to:
LINDA VINCENT PHONE: (919) 715-6525
NC DENR
DIVISION OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ENV. ASSISTANCE
PO Box 29569
RALEIGH, NC 27626-9569
e-mail: linda_vincent@p2pays.org

+++++++++++
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST II, #29512
SALARY RANGE: $28,609-37,000
This position will assist in conducting a two-year EPA grant-funded
project to reduce industrial solid waste in North Carolina. Work will
include performing intensive in-plant waste assessments, conducting
research on viable source reduction, reuse, and recycling options, and
assisting facilities in implementing those options. The position is
responsible for developing technical assistance materials, maintaining
extensive project databases, overseeing project grants, and conducting
training workshops in the area of commercial/industrial waste
reduction. Activities will also include working with local
government staff in identifying and providing assistance to large
industrial generators and helping to coordinate the tasks of other
Division staff in carrying out the project. Project work will also
entail helping to identify and address multi-media environmental
problems faced by the targeted manufacturing facilities, and to
introduce and encourage the facilities to utilize other Division
services, pursue participation in voluntary EPA programs and implement
environmental management systems. Project work must integrate with
other Division activities in the area of market development and
developing long-term supply-side services for recyclable materials.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in
environmental sciences. Policy, or planning, or other relevant
curriculum, and two years of professional waste reduction experience
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED:
Excellent computer experience, including extensive knowledge of
database and spreadsheet programs. Good oral and written communication
skills. Familiarity with industrial waste reduction issues and
environmental management systems.

+++++++++
WASTE MANAGEMENT ANALYST, #29022
SALARY RANGE: $28,731-35,000

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
This position will provide waste reduction and recycling technical
assistance to businesses, industries, local governments, regional
solid waste authorities, councils of governments, institutions, and
others in the implementation and enhancement of waste reduction
activities. This position will serve as a technical resource in areas
of multi-media commercial/industrial waste reduction, solid waste
planning, recyclable materials marketing and waste exchanges, data
analysis, technology development and advances, and training in the
source reduction and recycling field. Specific work will include
developing targeted programs and projects to address commercially
generated multi-media wastes, developing supply-side services for
recyclable materials, and establishing community waste reduction
recognition programs.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in
planning, economics, public administration, or business, and two years
of experience in a solid waste program or equivalent combination of
education and experience.

PREFERRED:
Additional concentrations in the social sciences, environmental
sciences, and/or public health. Good oral and written communication
skills. Computer experience, including working knowledge of database
and spreadsheet programs.

Beth Graves
Waste Management Analyst
NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance (DPPEA)
919-715-6506 or 800-763-0136
Beth_Graves@owr.ehnr.state.nc.us
web site: http://www.owr.ehnr.state.nc.us/

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 06 Nov 1997 15:01:40 -0500
From: "a. kushner" <adelek@stc.net>
Subject: mail recyclable

Yesterday I sealed up an empty large yoghurt container, taped the top
shut, attached by tape a letter to the Vice President, and took it to
the post office. The clerk was not fazed at all, but a bit amused, and
taped the 78 cent sticker to it. That was all!! Not a bit scary.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 14:20:54 -0600
From: "Rogers, John" <john_r@deq.state.la.us>
Subject: Sean Al Gore Your Un-Recyclables

Steve:

I think you will have a more appropriate audience and producer impact if
you redirect the un-recyclables back to the manufacturer.

John Rogers

> ----------
> From: STEVESUESS@aol.com[SMTP:STEVESUESS@aol.com]
> Sent: Thursday, October 30, 1997 12:05 PM
> To: solano@adnc.corn; ronw@optistock.com;
> evelyn_winkler@hotmail.com; ilsr@igc.apc.org;
> SCRUZA.DPW179@hw1.cahwnet.gov; bill_sheehan@mindspring.com;
> cdchase@qualcomm.com; robin@mrwmd.org; plescia@magick.net;
> B_Nordman@lbl.gov; DLinney@nextgeneration.org; lapeyre@nt.com;
> Legrete@aol.com; lynnlandes@earthlink.net; scoruthers@compuserve.com;
> recycle@envirolink.org; Greenyes@ucsd.edu; CRRA@ucsd.edu
> Subject: Sean Al Gore Your Un-Recyclables
>
> Send Vice President Al Gore
> Your Un-Recyclables
>
> Dear Recycling Activists:
>
> For our America Recycles Day Event we are sending Vice President
> Al Gore our
> Un-recyclables - those things your recycling centers or curb side
> collections
> won't take. Mr. Gore is the honorary chair of America Recycles Day
> which
> will be held on November 15, 1997. Americans everywhere are hearing
> about
> America Recycles Day and how 41 states are sponsoring this event.
> Also, we
> are hearing about the corporate sponsors of this event - many who are
> not
> known to be recycling advocates. In this weeks Recycling Times we
> hear that
> over 3,000 events will happen on this day, and the events will climax
> with a
> speech by Al Gore on November 15th.
>
> As more Americans recycle than vote, we know that Americans want
> to do right
> and that we could do more. We know that there are too many materials
> that
> still end up landfilled. Moreover, we know that there are too many
> items
> being made and wasted in the first place. For example the recycling
> rate for
> plastics is less than 10% and is DECREASING! We know that new lower
> cost
> "wide spec" #1 and #2 plastics are severely cutting the demand and
> prices
> paid for those two - the most commonly recycles - plastics.
>
> We invite you to join us in letting Al Gore know how we feel,
> and in asking
> him to help further source reduction and recycling even more. To do
> this:
>
> Please mail to Al Gore some of the things you can't recycle!
>
> (Do not send him anything toxic, sharp, gooey, smelly, slimly,
> or otherwise
> disgusting or unhealthy. The ideal kind of things to send are clean
> plastic
> packages that you can't recycle locally. Please mail these items off
> before
> November 10,1997 so that he gets them by America Recycles Day. You do
> NOT
> need to put many kinds of un-recyclables in a carton. For example a
> vinyl
> (#3) shampoo bottle needs to be rinsed clean, and then you can simply
> put the
> postage along with an address label on the bottle itself.)
>
> Please let Al Gore know what you want!
>
> (We believe that we should approach Al Gore as our friend. We
> applaud him
> for promoting recycling, and we send him our un-recyclable discards as
> a
> physical manifestation of our desire for him to do more to promote
> recycling
> - and in particular the recycling of items such as these. We ask him
> to
> bring our un-recyclables to his talk on America Recycles Day and to
> ask
> corporate America to take back these items and recycle them. We ask
> Al Gore
> to help by asking Americans and businesses everywhere to actively work
> towards not just recycling, but the very elimination of ALL waste,
> towards a
> goal of creating a zero waste society.)
>
> Ask someone else that you know to do the same!
>
> Here is the address and a sample letter. Feel free to use any,
> all, or no
> parts of this letter, just please send in something you have that you
> can't
> recycle, and also please don't forget to spread the word about our
> "Take it
> Back" campaign.
>
>
>
>
> Mr. Albert Gore
> Vice President
> Honorary Chair
> America Recycles Day
> Old Executive Office Bldg.
> Washington DC 20500
>
>
> Dear Mr. Gore,
>
> I applaud your efforts in support of recycling. In particular,
> I appreciate
> your support of America Recycles Day and of governmental purchases of
> items
> made from recycled materials.
> But I am frustrated by how much stuff comes with all the things
> I purchase,
> and by how little of it is recyclable. I know that more Americans
> recycle
> than vote, and yet it still surprises me how difficult it is to
> recycle so
> many of those very things that claim to be recyclable - Those items
> which
> have the chasing arrow symbol or the phrase "recyclable" on them. Add
> to
> that all the stuff that doesn't claim to be recyclable, and well you
> can see
> - we are simply throwing away our resources - we are turning the very
> wealth
> we have into trash!
> I am sending you sample(s) of some items I am stuck throwing in
> the trash in
> the hopes that you will bring these with you on America Recycles Day
> and I
> hope that you will speak up and ask corporate America to take back
> these
> things, or even better to not make so much waste in the first place.
> I believe that we Americans hate waste, that we would like to
> see it
> eliminated, that our goal is Zero Waste. I know that you have
> concerns for
> our environment and how much we waste - I sincerely hope that you too
> will
> come forth and express your desire to eliminate all waste on America
> Recycles
> Day.
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
>

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End of GreenYes Digest V97 #268
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