The BEAT News

October 8, 2009

In the News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Environmental Monitor
Public Notices Alphabetically by town
The BEAT News Archives

Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)

DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire

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Why We Have an E-Waste Problem:
The Problem with Electronics
From Electronic Tackeback Coalition,
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/problem/problem_index2.htm
stack of tvs

  • Products Are Quickly Obsolete and Discarded

In the US, we scrap about 400 million units per year of consumer electronics, according to recycling industry experts. Rapid advances in technology mean that electronic products are becoming obsolete more quickly. This, coupled with explosive sales in consumer electronics, means that more products are being disposed, even if they still work.
More on how products become quickly obsolete

  • Electronics are Difficult To Recycle

Recycling electronics isn't like recycling cardboard. These products are not easy to recycle. Proper and safe recycling often costs more money than the materials are worth. Why?
Electronics are not designed for recycling
Materials used and physical designs make recycling challenging. While companies claim to offer "green electronics," we are a far way from truly green products. More on not designed for recycling.

  • Electronics contain many toxic materials

Monitors and televisions made with tubes (not flat panels) have between 4 and 8 pounds of lead in them. Most of the flat panel monitors and TV's contain less lead, but more mercury, from their mercury lamps. About 40% of the heavy metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, in landfills come from electronic equipment discards. More on toxics in electronics.

  • Discarded Electronics Are Managed Badly

Most e-waste still goes in the landfill
The EPA estimates that in 2007, the US generated over 3 million TONS of e-waste. But only 13.6% of that was collected for recycling. The other 86.4% went to landfills and incinerators, despite the fact that hazardous chemicals in them can leach out of landfills into groundwater and streams, or that burning the plastics in electronics can emit dioxin. More on e-waste in the landfill.

  • Most Recyclers Don't Recycle, They Export

And what about the 13% that is supposedly recycled? Most recycling firms take the low road, exporting instead of recycling. From 50 to 80% of e-waste that is collected for recycling is shipped overseas for dismantling under horrific conditions, poisoning the people, land, air, and water in China, other Asian nations and to Ghana and Nigeria in western Africa. More info on global e-waste dumping.

  • Prison Recycling: High Tech Chain Gang

Electronic recycling operations are increasingly active within America's prison systems. Inmate laborers are not automatically afforded the same degree of worker health and safety protections as are people employed on the outside, nor are they paid comparable wages. Moreover, reliance on high tech chain gangs may frustrate development of the free market infrastructure necessary to safely manage our mountains of e-waste. More on prison recycling
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Federal Legislation on E-Waste
From Electronic Tackeback Coalition,
http://www.electronicstakeback.com/legislation/federal_legislation.htm

There are three areas where Congress is working on the E-Waste issue, each examined below.

  • Stopping the Global Dumping of E-Waste
  • Research and Development on the Challenges to Recycling and Green Design
  • National Takeback and Recycling Program

Legislation Needed to Stop the Global Dumping of E-Waste

We are hopeful that Congress will introduce strong legislation to ban the export of toxic e-waste from the US to developing countries. This would be an historic step in bringing the US in line with the rest of the countries in the "developed" world, who have agreed to stop dumping their toxic e-waste on poor countries around the globe.

Legislation on E-Waste Research and Development

HR 1580: Electronic Waste Research and Development Act
Status: Passed House. Companion bill, S 1397 (Klobuchar) was introduced in Senate, assigned to EPW Committee

Rep Bart Gordon introduced HR 1580, which:

  • Authorizes the EPA to award grants for electronic waste reduction research, development, and demonstration projects. Grants will be awarded to educational institutions, working with industry, to conduct research to create innovative and practical approaches to reduce the volume and manage the environmental impacts of electronic waste
  • Asks the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on how we can reduce the volume of electronic waste, specifically addressing
    • (i) recycling or safe disposal of electronic waste and low value materials recovered from such waste;
    • (ii) designing electronic devices to facilitate re-use and recycling; and
    • (iii) the re-use of electronic devices; and (B) making electronic devices safer and more environmentally friendly, specifically addressing reducing the use of hazardous materials and potentially hazardous materials in electronic devices;
    • the risks posed by disposal of electronic waste; and
    • the current status of research and training programs to promote the environmental design of electronic devices to reduce electronic waste.
  • Awards grants to higher education institutions to develop curicculum on environmental design for electronics

House Science Committee E-Waste Hearings

The House Committee on Science and Technology has held two hearings on this issue.
Hearing on February 11, 2009 - Hearing info, topics, witness list.
Hearing on April 30, 2008. Link to testimony from the panel from last year's hearings. Ted Smith, ETBC Chair, testified before the Committe, along with representatives from industry and academia.

Congressional Work on a National Takeback and Recycling Program

The topic of creating a national approach to e-waste take back had been discussed for many years at the federal level. (See history, below.) The most recent effort was from the Congressional E-Waste Working Group.

Congressional E-Waste Concepts Paper

In March, 2008, a group of eight members of Congress released a draft "Concepts Paper" for federal e-waste legislation. This document was sent to stakeholders - manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, States, NGOs (including ETBC), etc - for comments. The paper is intended to lead to discussion on a federal e-waste solution Stakeholders were asked to comment by March 14, 2008.

The members of Congress participating in the discussion on e-waste legislation are:

Rep Louise Slaughter D-NY
Rep Mike Thompson D-CA
Rep Zack Wamp R-TN
Rep Albert Wynn, D-MD
Senator Sherrod Brown D-OH
Senator Maria Cantwell D-WA
Senator Ron Wyden D-OR

Why Don't We Have a Federal TakeBack Law?
We often hear representatives from the industry associations complaining that we have a "patchwork" of state laws, and no federal law on electronics takeback. But history explains that it's actually the industry's own disagreements on this issue that has prevented a federal takeback law, which led the states to tackle this issue at the state level. Here's the history:

Multi-Stakeholder Process:
NEPSI 2001-2004. A three year stakeholder process convened by the EPA brought together industry, government, retailers, NGO's and recyclers into a dialogue known as NEPSI - the National Electronic Product Stewardship Initiative. NEPSI fell apart in 2004 because of disagreements within the industry about who would pay for recycling. TheTV companies were adamantly opposed to producer responsibility, and the computer companies were willing to support it.

Industry Associations:
Next, we saw two different proposals from the industry associations. EIA (now ITIC) proposed legislation in 2007 that codified the industry split, proposing a consumer fee based approach to pay for TV recycling, and producer responsibility for IT equipment. When that failed to catch on, the retailers industry association and HP made a proposal that also failed to garner wide support.  

Congressional E-Waste Working Group:
Next, the members of Congress gave it a shot. In March of 2008, the Congressional E-waste Working Group put out a detailed concepts paper for federal legislation in February of this year. The NGO’s liked most of it, as did state and local governments. But industry did not support it.

Prior ity Should Be Legislation to Stop the Global Dumping of E-Waste
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition believes that the issue that most needs federal legislation is the problem of global dumping of our e-waste on developing countries. Most e-waste collected by recyclers in the USis actually exported to developing countries, causing horrific contamination. Before we do any more ramping up of e-waste collections, we need to close the door on the export to poor countries.

Current regulations
Under federal regulations, unwanted electronic equipment that contains a cathode ray tube (CRT) or mercury are considered hazardous waste. But these hazardous waste regulations do not apply, however, to household sources of electronics, or to "small quantity generators" - businesses that generate under 7-8 CRTs per year, because the EPA has decided to exempt them. The EPA revised the CRT rules in July 2006, but did not remove this small generator exemption. Therefore, it is perfectly legal for us to throw our electronic waste into the trash in most states. (Some states have taken action to ban e-waste.)

EPA's CRT Rule

View relevant federal regulations: Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 261

States Can Treat E-Waste as Toxic Waste
States may promulgate their own regulations defining hazardous waste. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control considers cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in computer monitors, television sets, and other devices containing significant concentrations of lead and other heavy metals, as hazardous waste when they are discarded. Therefore, they must be managed in accordance with hazardous waste requirements in California.

Resources on the e-waste export problem
On Sept 17, 2008, the GAO released a called "Electronic Waste: EPA Needs To Better Control Harmful US Exports throught Stronger Enforcement and More Comprehensive Regulation." Link to GAO report.

Learn more about the problem with e-waste exports to developing countries, on the ETBC website.
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What is Zero Waste?

Zero waste is a way to design, create, use, and breakdown products so that no waste ends up being emitted, landfilled, or incinerated. Despite similarities, zero waste is not just another form of recycling; it involves changes at the production level. Goods should be made with plans for how all components will be treated at the end of that product's useful life - whether that means the product is disassembled and each component reused, or the product itself could be reused for a different purpose.

While you may be thinking zero waste is unrealistic - setting zero waste as a goal has amazing results. For one thing, the only way we will ever reach zero waste is to set it as a goal. It is easy to measure and tell how we are doing toward reaching that goal. And that goal effects every decision point in a product's life cycle - or for the consumer - everything about the product you are buying - what is in it, how is it packaged, when I am done is there a way to completely recycle the product or every piece of it? Thinking this way can have a pronounced effect on the amount of garbage you produce, even if you are not reaching zero waste.

for more information on Zero Waste visit:

BEAT's website

Electronic Takeback Coalition's website
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WRLF invites artists to paint in support of land conservation

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation invites artists and photographers to record their impressions of the colorful north Berkshire fall landscape for submission to a juried exhibition to be held at Gramercy Bistro in North Adams during March 2010.  The show and sale will benefit the WRLF, a non-profit land conservation trust. Artist participants in the fundraising exhibit are asked to donate proceeds from the sale of their work to the WRLF.  Any two-dimensional work featuring preserved or scenic lands will be considered, and must be submitted to the WRLF at its Sheep Hill headquarters by December 15th, 2009.  Works for the show, called “Dreaming of Green”, will be selected in January, and the show will be hung at Gramercy Bistro in North Adams throughout the month of March. Artwork can be submitted to the WRLF at its Sheep Hill headquarters on Cold Spring Road (Route 7) in Williamstown by December 15. There will be an additional show of all submitted artwork at Sheep Hill in the late summer and fall of 2010.

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and chef Alexander Smith of Gramercy have partnered in a number of efforts in support of the local food movement and land conservation.   Leslie Reed-Evans, WRLF Executive Director, states “In the doldrums of March we want to be reminded of the colorful splendor of summer and fall in our stunning landscape.  The WRLF’s partnership with Gramercy Bistro celebrates the preservation of farmland and support of the regional farm economy through Chef Smith’s commitment to the use of local ingredients in his creative menu.”

For a submission form or other details artists may call 458-2494 or email ruraland@wrlf.org.

Leslie Reed-Evans
Executive Director
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Sheep Hill
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA  01267

lre@wrlf.org  www.wrlf.org
413-458-2494
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Project Sprout Featured in Orion Magazine

Project Sprout student leaders have written an article in the new issue of Orion about their first in the US student-initiated/run veggie garden at Monument Mtn HS:

http://www.orionmagazine.org/index.php/articles/article/5058

Please pass along, share with others with kids in other schools in the region. The veggies are going to the cafeteria and to food banks, so it's helping the nutrition of our kids and citizens, and it's a great learning experience.

Erik Hoffner
Orion Grassroots Network
888-909-6568
http://www.oriongrassroots.org

The Orion Grassroots Network provides services and support to grassroots organizations engaged in ecological, social, and cultural change. 
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Second Annual Massachusetts Wildlife Trackers Conference

Saturday, November 7, 2009
        9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
        9:00 AM doors open, coffee
        $30 per person (please register)
Doyle Conservation Center, Trustees of Reservations, Leominster, MA

Keynote speaker: Peter G. Mirick of MA Fish and Wildlife “Wildlife Trends: A Century of Success in Massachusetts Wildlife Conservation”
And other featured speakers:

  • Janet Pesaturo, Measuring Marks of Mammals with a Mission
  • Chris Wood, Ecology and Food Habits of American Mink
  • George Leoniak, Track and Sign Certification
  • Richard Wolniewicz, Field Guide to Skulls and Bones
  • Jon Sargent, Tracking Ivory-billed Woodpeckers
  • Andy Finton, Connecting and Protecting Land in MA
    • See more details, find directions, and REGISTER at www.masswildlifetrackers.org. Space is limited. Sign up now.
    • Come meet old friends. Find out ways trackers have been applying their tracking skills.
    • BYO lunch. Coffee and bagels at sign-in. Drinks and snacks are provided.

Contact Information:
Bob Metcalfe 978-361-7569 or on www.newenglanddiscovery.com
Lydia Rogers 978-371-2905 or lydiarogers@earthlink.net
Jane Winn 413-442-6815 or jane@thebeatnews.org
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) www.thebeatnews.org
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Another Invader

Mile-a-minute vine (Polygonum perfoliatum), an invasive vine native to eastern Asia, has been confirmed in two new counties in Massachusetts.

Also known as "devil's tail" or "Asiatic tear-thumb," mile-a-minute vine was first discovered in Massachusetts in 2006 in two locations: Falmouth (Barnstable County) and Milton (Norfolk County). Through a multi-agency effort to uncover new populations of this pervasive weed before it becomes established in Massachusetts, mile-a-minute vine was confirmed this past summer in the towns of Greenfield and Erving (Franklin County) and in Littleton (Middlesex County). In addition, a report from Boston in August led state officials to two seedlings which were immediately removed. A survey of the Boston site revealed no other mile-a-minute plants.

The plants found in Greenfield were removed after identification was confirmed, and state officials will continue to monitor the site over the next several years to remove any new seedlings that may be found. The mile-a-minute vine populations in Erving and Littleton are currently being assessed to determine the best way to manage them. The previously known populations of mile-a-minute vine in Milton and Falmouth are being managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, with the goal of eradicating the plants.

Mile-a-minute vine can be recognized by its perfectly triangular leaves, barbed stems, and clusters of metallic-blue berries. If left alone, this vine can quickly cover large areas and smother any plants in its path. Several other vines may be confused with this invasive species, including bindweed, fleecevine, and Asiatic bittersweet. The University of Connecticut offers a comparison of similar species on their website: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/mam/similarspecies.html

For more information about mile-a-minute vine, or to report a potential sighting in Massachusetts, visit http://massnrc.org/pests/pestFAQsheets/mileaminute.html or call 617-626-1779.
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Complete all 8 Units of Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners in 2 months or less!

Are you a new member of your Conservation Commission, or do you need a tune-up?  Do you have questions about your job description?  What about all those acronyms, such as:  NOI, OOC, COC, RDA, DOA, CPA & ANRAD?  Do you look at engineered plans, wondering when you’ll understand them?  Are you aware of all the legal procedures Commissioners are required to follow under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and other state statutes?  Have you read “the regs”?  Just what are “The Interests of the Act”? Do you need information about acquiring and managing conservation land in your town?  

Thanks to a recent award from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, MACC is offering all 8 units of its certificate training program, Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners, in 5 different regions throughout Massachusetts.  Taking all 8 units of the Fundamentals will ensure that you’ve acquired the basic training needed to do your job effectively and efficiently and will fulfill the requirements to receive MACC certification.  The South Shore Series starts in Fall River on September 11th and 12th.  The Western Series begins on November 7 in Northampton.    To register for training through December, click here: https://www.maccweb.org/edu_workshops.html
Calendar of future training programs will be posted soon.

MACC Fundamentals supported by: Massachusetts Environmental Trust
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Social Capital: Reach Out to a Neighbor
Engage in Dough Diplomacy - Bake Cookies for a Neighbor
From New American Dream, Wednesday, October 7, 2009

cookie

 

Taking action by supporting legislation or greening your home is important, but don't forget that we can also take action in our social lives. New Dream has always believed that change begins with our everyday choices: investing in relationships builds happier people and a stronger community--and may be good for your health. Which is why we're asking you to bring a neighbor some cookies.

Between the mid 1980's and the 1990's, Americans' openness to making new friends declined by about a third. A 2000 Harvard study found that one-third of Americans no longer participate in social activities like inviting people to their home or visiting relatives. Reaching out to others doesn't just add meaning to our lives--it's part of what makes up social capital, the shared values and trust that keep a society together and running smoothly.

Luckily, it doesn't take a lot of your own capital to simply bake some cookies (or any other treat) and share them with a neighbor you don't know. Think of it as the most fun and delicious way to make the world into what you want it to be: an open, trusting place full of people who will wave to you on the sidewalk. As a family activity, making and sharing homemade goodies is a way to have more face-to-face time and less screen time.  So go ahead--knock on that door and then tell us what happened and how it made you feel. 
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Health Care & the Environment: What Does Michael Pollan Know about Health Care Reform?


Health Care & the Environment

In an insightful reaction to President Obama’s health care speech to a joint session of Congress, noted author Michael Pollan (Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food) said something very provocative on the pages of the New York Times. Unlike South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, he didn’t accuse the president of lying. But he did make pretty clear that the health care debate thus far has ignored a very significant part of the problem: an acknowledgment that our transformation into a fast food nation is playing a huge role in making health care more costly and less accessible for all Americans.

In his Op-ed titled “Big Food vs. Big Insurance“, he writes:

"Cheap food is going to be popular as long as the social and environmental costs of that food are charged to the future. There’s lots of money to be made selling fast food and then treating the diseases that fast food causes. One of the leading products of the American food industry has become patients for the American health care industry."
Click here to continue reading...

From Conservation Law Foundation’s e-newsletter, Thursday, October 8, 2009 (www.clf.org).
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