We CAN Be Green

Green News: New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan
Ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 16, 2009

New EPA Web Site Provides Tools to Cut Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Homes

WASHINGTON – Home owners, buyers and renters have a new resource for going green indoors and outdoors. EPA’s new Green Homes Web site will help people make their homes greener with tips on reducing energy consumption, carbon footprints, waste generation and water usage, as well as improving indoor air quality. 

The latest federal survey of American housing (2007) reported 128 million housing units across the U.S.,   accounting for nearly 54 percent of national energy use and nearly 31 percent of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, the most common greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. 

Many green building practices and technologies have yet to make a dent in the existing residential market, in part because it is hard for people to find clear, consolidated, readily accessible, and credible information. The Green Homes Web site addresses that need by providing guidance on approaches to greening each room of the home as well as the surrounding yard.  Information also is available on building new homes and finding an energy efficient mortgage, which takes into account the savings derived from energy efficient homes to enable the applicant to qualify for better terms. Renters will find information to help them identify a green property before moving in and tips for working with their landlord to add green features to an existing property. Users can also find references, such as a list of common green home terms, and links to dozens of EPA Web sites with more specific information on a wide variety of green home topics.

For more information: http://www.epa.gov/greenhomes

R337

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

Green News: America Recycles Day

CONTACT:
Skip Anderson
anderson.skip@epa.gov
202-564-9551
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 13, 2009

Make Everyday America Recycles Day


WASHINGTON – Want to help the environment?  Why not spend some time this America Recycles Day, November 15^th, looking for new opportunities to recycle throughout the year?  Keeping good recycling habits at home, work, and on the go can help with climate change.  By reusing, recycling, and being smarter in the amounts and types of materials used, people can save energy, use fewer natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Thousands of Americans across the country are making a difference, simply by keeping plastic bottles, paper, unwanted electronics, and other recyclable materials out of the waste stream.  The lifecycle energy savings of recycling rather than landfilling one aluminum can is equivalent to the energy use of a laptop for 5 hours, a 60-watt incandescent light bulb for 4 hours, or a 60-watt compact fluorescent light bulb for 20 hours.

America Recycles Day is a great time to think about our role in creating a sustainable environment by being responsible consumers.  Products are created from raw materials that are transported and processed, distributed, consumed, reused or recycled, and ultimately disposed of in a landfill.  Each stage of this materials lifecycle creates impacts on the environment.  By making smarter choices, consuming less, and reusing and recycling, each of us can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

More information on recycling:  http://www.epa.gov/recycle/
More information on America Recycles Day:  http://www.americarecyclesday.org

R336

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

  View all news releases related to trash and recycling

Green News: 1 Million Energy Star Homes Built in the United States

CONTACT:
Enesta Jones
jones.enesta@epa.gov
202-564-7873
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2009

EPA’s Energy Star Program Hits Major Milestone: 1 Million Energy Star Homes Built in the United States

Houston, Dallas and Las Vegas top the list for most Energy Star homes

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today reaches a milestone for the Energy Star program by passing the 1 millionth Energy Star qualified home mark. With more than 15,000 partners in sectors all across the economy, Energy Star has been enormously successful at saving consumers money by reducing the energy usage of products used in the home and office everyday. Since the program began labeling new homes in 1995, Americans have saved $1.2 billion on their energy bills, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds. This year alone, families living in Energy Star qualified homes will save more than $270 million on their utility bills, while avoiding greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 370,000 vehicles.

“This is an amazing achievement for the Energy Star program – but the real winners are the 1 million American families who have the chance to save money and keep harmful pollution out of the air. That’s great news for anyone who wants to cut costs and protect our planet,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “We’re going to keep the number of Energy Star homes growing, because every new Energy Star home is a step towards lower costs, cleaner air, and communities that are environmentally and economically sustainable.  We’re giving everyday American homebuyers the power to lower their bills and join the fight against climate change.”

To earn the Energy Star label, a home must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by EPA.  Those guidelines can be met through established, reliable building techniques available to most middle-class American homeowners.  Those include effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances. In addition, an independent home energy rater conducts onsite testing and inspections to verify that the home’s performance meets Energy Star requirements.

There are more than 6,500 builders across the nation building homes that earn the Energy Star label and qualified new homes can be found in every state in the country. The top 20 markets for Energy Star qualified homes built to date include: Houston, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Las Vegas, Nev.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Greater Los Angeles, Calif.; New York, N.Y.; Tucson, Ariz.; San Antonio, Texas; Sacramento, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; Columbus, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; Indianapolis, Ind.; Austin, Texas; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Francisco, Calif.; Boston, Mass.; Denver, Colo.; Orlando, Fla.; and Oklahoma City, Okla.

More information about the features and benefits of Energy Star qualified homes and participating builders:  http://www.energystar.gov/onemillionhomes

R331

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

Green News: EPA Study Reveals Widespread Contamination of Fish in U.S. Lakes and Reservoirs

CONTACT:
Enesta Jones

jones.enesta@epa.gov

202-564-7873

202-564-4455

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 10, 2009

 

 

EPA Study Reveals Widespread Contamination of Fish in U.S. Lakes and Reservoirs  

 

WASHINGTON – A new EPA study shows concentrations of toxic chemicals in fish tissue from lakes and reservoirs in nearly all 50 U.S. states. For the first time, EPA is able to estimate the percentage of lakes and reservoirs nationwide that have fish containing potentially harmful levels of chemicals such as mercury and PCBs.

 

“These results reinforce Administrator Jackson’s strong call for revitalized protection of our nation’s waterways and long-overdue action to protect the American people,” said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “EPA is aggressively tackling the issues the report highlights. Before the results were even finalized, the agency initiated efforts to further reduce toxic mercury pollution and strengthen enforcement of the Clean Water Act – all part of a renewed effort to protect the nation’s health and environment.”

 

The data showed mercury concentrations in game fish exceeding EPA’s recommended levels at 49 percent of lakes and reservoirs nationwide, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in game fish at levels of potential concern at 17 percent of lakes and reservoirs. These findings are based on a comprehensive national study using more data on levels of contamination in fish tissue than any previous study.

 

Burning fossil fuels, primarily coal, accounts for nearly half of mercury air emissions caused by human activity in the U.S., and those emissions are a significant contributor to mercury in water bodies. From 1990 through 2005, emissions of mercury into the air decreased by 58 percent. EPA is committed to developing a new rule to substantially reduce mercury emissions from power plants, and the Obama Administration is actively supporting a new international agreement that will reduce mercury emissions worldwide.

 

The study also confirms the widespread occurrence of PCBs and dioxins in fish, illustrating the need for federal, state and local government to continue efforts to reduce the presence of these harmful chemicals in our lakes and reservoirs and ensure that fish advisory information is readily available.

 

It is important that women of child-bearing age and children continue to follow the advice of EPA and the Food and Drug Administration on fish consumption as it relates to mercury. This study is also a strong message to state and local governments to redouble their efforts in looking for opportunities to reduce mercury discharges, as well as developing fish advisories, especially to reach those in sensitive and vulnerable populations.

 

 

Results from the four-year National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue show that mercury and PCBs are widely distributed in U.S. lakes and reservoirs. Mercury and PCBs were detected in all of the fish samples collected from the nationally representative sample of 500 lakes and reservoirs in the study. Because these findings apply to fish caught in lakes and reservoirs, it is particularly important for recreational and subsistence fishers to follow their state and local fish advisories.

 

EPA is conducting other statistically based national aquatic surveys that include assessment of fish contamination, such as the National Rivers and Streams Assessment and the National Coastal Assessment. Sampling for the National Rivers and Streams Assessment is underway, and results from this two-year study are expected to be available in 2011. Collection of fish samples for the National Coastal Assessment will begin in 2010.

 

More information: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishstudy

 

More information on local fish advisories: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/states.htm

 

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

 

View all news releases related to water

Green News: EPA Funding Stimulates Clean Energy

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan
ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2009


More Than $3 Million in EPA Funding Stimulates Clean Energy Production and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

EPA international clean energy partnership program grants funding to 11 countries

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is supporting the international Methane to Markets Partnership (M2M) by funding 21 new projects that will help 11 countries capture and use methane emissions from landfill, coal, agriculture, oil and natural gas operations. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, traps over 20 times more heat than carbon dioxide, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

The Methane to Markets Partnership is a public-private partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane, while providing clean energy to markets around the world.  The M2M Partnership has grown to include 31 partner governments and more than 900 private sector entities, financial institutions, non-governmental agencies and other organizations.

Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Colombia, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, Poland, and Russia are receiving grants ranging from $20,000 to $700,000. These projects, totaling nearly $3.3 million, will stimulate clean energy production while achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions. They will support a wide variety of activities, including development of databases on potential project sites, feasibility studies, and technology transfer.  In Bulgaria, for example, EPA will fund (1) a resource assessment of several landfills; (2) the development of business plans for each one; and (3) implementation of a pilot methane capture and use project at the most promising landfill.

Since the launch of the partnership in 2004, EPA has provided almost $13 million for nearly 70 grants to build capacity and promote international capture and use of methane.  This work will be highlighted in 2010 when EPA, the Government of India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry host the 2^nd Methane to Markets Partnership Expo on March 2-5, 2010 in Delhi, India. The expo will bring together approximately 1,000 partners and methane experts from around the world to showcase project opportunities and technologies related to the capture and use of methane. 

List of 2009 grant awardees and their projects:
http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/grants.htm


More Information about the Methane to Markets Partnership:
http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets
 

R334
Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

Green News: EPA Announces Winner of the TV Recycling Challenge in Celebration of America Recycles Day

CONTACT:

Latisha Petteway

petteway.latisha@epa.gov

202-564-3191

202-564-4355

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 9, 2009

 

EPA Announces Winner of the TV Recycling Challenge in Celebration of America Recycles Day

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company (MRM) as the winner of the National TV Recycling Challenge for responsibly recycling approximately 3 million pounds of TVs.  MRM, a joint venture between Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba, developed a TV collection network that uses a variety of collection approaches, including establishing collection points with charities and self-storage units.

 

EPA evaluated challenge participants’ efforts based on innovation, longevity, cooperative partnerships, consumer outreach, accessibility, pounds of TVs collected from January through August 2009, and ability to ensure that responsible recycling practices were followed. 

 

EPA launched the TV Recycling Challenge to spur manufacturers and retailers to increase the collection and responsible recycling of TVs discarded by consumers as they replaced analog TVs with digital flat-screen TVs.  To date, TV Recycling Challenge participants have recycled approximately 8.2 million pounds of materials.  As America Recycle Day approaches on November 15, 2009, EPA encourages everyone to step up their recycling efforts to conserve resources and save energy.

 

The TV Recycling Challenge is part of EPA’s Plug-In To eCycling program, which is a partnership between EPA and leading consumer electronics companies. The program seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of donating and recycling used electronics, and fostering opportunities for individuals to eCycle. 

 

More information on the TV Recycling Challenge and recycling electronics:  http://www.epa.gov/plugin

 

R329

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

 

View all news releases related to trash and recycling

Green News: EPA Teams Up with NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon in the Race to Clean Air

CONTACT:
Dave Ryan
Ryan.dave@epa.gov
202-564-7827
202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 6, 2009


EPA Teams Up with NASCAR’s Jeff Gordon in the Race to Clean Air

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a training DVD to help auto body shops comply with a rule reducing air pollution from vehicle painting. This type of pollution, called toxic air emissions, can cause smog, cancer or other serious health effects.

The DVD, hosted by NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, includes steps body shops can take to comply with the rule, while improving worker protection and saving the shops money. EPA produced the DVD in both English and Spanish as a supplement to the EPA paint rule training workshops being held for shop owners and employees in many parts of the country.

In December 2007, EPA issued a rule requiring reductions in air toxic emissions from auto body shops that use spray application to paint cars or that use paint strippers containing a toxic substance called methylene chloride. The rule applies to auto painting operations that are smaller emitters, as well as those that emit larger amounts of air toxics. Existing shops must comply with the rule by January 2011; new shops have to comply by 180 days after startup.

More information on ordering the DVD and training workshops:  http://www.epa.gov/collisionrepair

R327

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser. 

 

 

View all news releases related to air issues

Green News: EPA Proposes New Pesticide Labeling to Control Spray Drift and Protect Human Health

CONTACT:

Dale Kemery

kemery.dale@epa.gov

202-564-7839

202-564-4355

 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 4, 2009

 

EPA Proposes New Pesticide Labeling to Control Spray Drift and Protect Human Health

 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled out proposed guidance for new pesticide labeling to reduce off-target spray and dust drift. The new instructions, when implemented, will improve the clarity and consistency of pesticide labels and help prevent harm from spray drift. The agency is also requesting comment on a petition to evaluate children’s exposure to pesticide drift.

“The new label statements will help reduce problems from pesticide drift,” said Steve Owens, the assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “The new labels will carry more uniform and specific directions on restricting spray drift while giving pesticide applicators clear and workable instructions.” 

The new instructions will prohibit drift that could cause adverse health or environmental effects. Also, on a pesticide-by-pesticide basis, EPA will evaluate scientific information on risk and exposure based on individual product use patterns. These assessments will help the agency determine whether no-spray buffer zones or other measures – such as restrictions on droplet or particle size, nozzle height, or weather conditions – are needed to protect people, wildlife, water resources, schools and other sensitive sites from potential harm.

In addition to the draft notice on pesticide-drift labeling, EPA is also seeking comment on a draft pesticide drift labeling interpretation document that provides guidance to state and tribal enforcement officials. A second document provides background information on pesticide drift, a description of current and planned EPA actions, a reader’s guide explaining key terms and concepts, and specific questions on which EPA is seeking input. These documents and further information are available in docket EPA–HQ–OPP–2009–0628 at http://www.regulations.gov.

In a second Federal Register notice, EPA is also requesting comment on a petition filed recently by environmental and farm worker organizations. The petitioners ask EPA to evaluate children’s exposure to pesticide drift and to adopt, on an interim basis, requirements for “no-spray” buffer zones near homes, schools, day-care centers, and parks. EPA will evaluate this new petition and take whatever action may be appropriate after the evaluation is complete. For further information and to submit comments, please see docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2009-0825 at http://www.regulations.gov.

More information: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/spraydrift.htm

Note: If a link above doesn't work, please copy and paste the URL into a browser.

View all news releases related to pesticides and toxic chemicals

Green Quick Tips: Repackage Your Thinking On Packaging

Be Green: Less is more when it comes to packaging

As we start to approach the Holiday shopping season, it is important to think about the packaging that the gifts you buy come in. If there are comparable products that you are interested in but one comes in a big box full of Styrofoam, choose the one with the smaller packaging as it will make less of impact on the environment.

Thank you for reading and here's to Being Green!

If you found this post helpful, please pass it along to a friend.

Follow me on Twitter.