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Envirobytes - Archive
EnviroBytes, a Summary of Issues and Events for week ending April 29, 2011
TAKE THE ENERGY STAR VIDEO CHALLENGE AND PLEDGE TO IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY
EPA is challenging Americans to take videotapes of any energy-efficient actions taken in the home, school, workplace and community and to submit them as part of the Energy Star Video Challenge competition. The videos will be featured on the Energy Star website where the public will view and vote for their favorites in the fall. This is also a good opportunity to take the Energy Star pledge to switch to more efficient lighting, cut home computer/monitor power use, and buy Energy Star products. To participate, go to http://www.energystar.gov/changetheworld
EPA is authorizing more than 2,500 products such as all-purpose cleaners, laundry and dishwasher detergents, drain cleaners, car and boat care, to carry the Design for the Environment (DfE) Safer Product label. These products are formulated from the safest possible ingredients and scientifically tested to protect users from potential human health and environmental effects. For more information, go to https://epa.gov/dfe.
NEW COMMERCIAL-GRADE ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED ELECTRIC FRYERS ARE A MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT CHOICEEnergy Star labeled large commercial food service gas and electric fryers are now on the market and are 10 to 35 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Businesses that upgrade to these new models can save between $170 and $500 annually on utility bills and also contribute to a cleaner environment. For more information on Energy Star certified commercial fryers, go to http://www.energystar.gov/cfs
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION COMMITS TO CLEAN WATER PROGRESSDespite the dramatic progress of the Clean Water Act, an estimated one-third of U.S. waters still do not meet the swimmable and fishable standards. The administration has developed a new framework to increase water protection through the promotion of innovative partnerships, water efficient communities, restoring important water bodies, protecting public health, enhancing recreational water use, updating water policies, and scientifically solving water problems. For more information, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/clean-water
ENERGY STAR CHALLENGE FOR INDUSTRY HAS SUCCEEDED IN PREVENTING HARMFUL EMISSIONSA year ago, many partners who joined EPA’s Energy Star Challenge for Industry partnership pledged to improve their facilities’ energy efficiency by 10 percent or more within five years. Merck and Company’s Stonewall site in Elkton, Md. was one among 240 manufacturers whose 34 sites improved their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more. Many companies also developed energy management programs, and earned energy-saving and energy efficient provisions for their facilities. For a complete list, go to http://www.energystar.gov/industrychallenge
EPA EXPANDS GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE USE IN 10 CITIESIn an effort to prevent stormwater runoff from polluting streams, creeks, rivers, lakes and coastal waters, EPA will expand the green infrastructure use in 10 U.S. cities and highlight their successful projects as models for other municipalities. The 10 cities include Washington, D.C. and the neighboring Anacostia Watershed communities, as well as Austin, Tx.; Boston, Ma.; Cleveland, Oh.; Denver, Co.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo.; Los Angeles, Ca.; Puyallup, Wa.; and Syracuse, N.Y. For more information, go to https://epa.gov/greeninfrastructure
HEALTHY WATERS BLOG CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
TOAST TO TAP WATER– Celebrate National Drinking Water Week from May 1st to May 7th, 2011!
Since Americans drink more than one billion glasses of tap water per day, a safe water supply is critical to protecting Americans’ health. How is your community protecting your tap water? What actions can you can take to protect your precious water supply? Share your thoughts and ideas at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
DAMages!
There is a current growing awareness to remove dilapidated dams as a means to restore a river’s health, its natural flow and aquatic ecosystem. Do you know of any dams in your area? Has a dam been removed near you and have you seen the benefits? Share your thoughts at http://blog.epa.gov/healthywaters/
