Category: Pollution prevention

People want solutions, not physical products: rise of the subscription model

Read the full story in the Guardian.

The subscription model is being adopted by suppliers of kitchen appliances, furniture and even toys. Could it one day dominate over traditional ownership?

Zero Waste takes initiative focuses on student outreach to reduce ASU’s landfill waste

Read the full story from the State Press.

For ASU’s Zero Waste program, reducing the University’s waste is less about recycle bins and compost and more about outreach.

According to Zero Waste program coordinator and ASU graduate Katie Schumacher, Zero Waste is a diversion program and department that oversees the University’s goal to reduce the total amount of waste sent to the landfill by at least 90 percent.

Forget Going for the Gold; We’re Going for Green! How U.S. E.P.A. Programs Accelerate Innovation in the Chemical Enterprise

Read the full post from the American Chemical Society.

At this year’s Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in Portland, OR, I had the opportunity to interview David Widawsky, Director of the Chemistry, Economics, and Sustainable Strategies Division at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We discussed regulation, innovation, the future of green chemistry and much more.

Engineering Students and Alumni Recognized for Distinguished Achievement in Helping Businesses Save Energy and Money

Read the full story from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Have you ever wondered how American small manufacturers stay competitive in today’s global economy? Maybe not, but since 1976 the US Department of Energy has been supporting teams of experts who each day develop the resources needed and provide engineering technical support to these businesses. These teams provide recommendations to help manufacturers operate at the highest level of energy efficiency and productivity.

These experts are members of the Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) program that is administered through the Advanced Manufacturing Office (AMO) under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at the Department of Energy. Led by engineering faculty, students at the selected IACs perform on-site assessments at small- and medium-sized manufacturing business partners, and have directly assisted more than 17,000 businesses, saving 6.1M metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions and 481 MBtu saved in energy consumption.

Recently AMO announced this year’s recipients of the third annual IAC Outstanding Student and Distinguished Alumni Award, which recognizes students and alumni who have made a significant impact through their work in energy efficiency and outstanding accomplishments in promoting the practices and principles of energy engineering. Nominations were submitted for students and alumni. Though recognized for different achievements, one characteristic all awardees share is an exceptional ability as engineers and having advanced energy efficiency in the often hard to engage small and medium-sized manufacturing community.

EPA Establishes Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals and Seeks Experts to Serve

As directed by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Agency is establishing the Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals (SACC). The purpose of the SACC is to provide independent advice and expert consultation on the scientific and technical aspects of risk assessments, methodologies, and pollution prevention measures or approaches. Members of the SACC will have expertise in scientific and technical fields relevant to chemical risk assessment and pollution prevention. Members will also have diverse background and experiences, including professional experiences in government, labor, public health, public interest, animal protection, industry, and other groups.  EPA is seeking public comments and nominations. 

For more information, including how to submit comments or nominations to serve, please visit https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2016/08/26/2016-20550/science-advisory-committee-on-chemicals-establishment-of-a-federal-advisory-committee-request-for.

U.S. EPA Region 1 offers webinar series on climate resilience for small business

U.S. EPA Region 1 is conducting a webinar series on climate change resilience for small businesses, especially those located in or near flood-prone areas that use hazardous chemicals.  This training takes a “source reduction first” approach to the training for these businesses. Participants will learn how to:

  • Assess pollution prevention/source reduction options
  • Use online maps to learn if they are in or near flood-prone areas
  • Comply with hazardous waste management regulations
  • Prepare a business continuity plan
  • Find out about how they can obtain energy audits and funding from the Massachusetts Small and Midsize Business Direct Install Program

Webinar 1: The Resilient Business: Strategies for Pollution Prevention & Financing Energy Efficiency

  • Session 1: Wednesday August 31, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. EDT – Register
  • Session 2: Wednesday, September 14, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EDT – Register

Webinar 2: The Resilient Business: Strategies for Pollution Prevention & Reducing Flood Risk

  • Session 1: Wed. Sept. 21, 1:00-2:30 p.m. EDT – Register
  • Session 2: Wed. Sept. 28, 11:00 a.m-12:30 p.m. EDT – Register

For more information about the webinar series, contact: Roy Crystal, 617-918-1745, Crystal.Roy@epa.gov.