Great Lakes Pollution Prevention Roundtable (GLRPPR) Environmental News

Electronic Waste Transformation

2012-05-11T17:02:55-05:00

Source: Chemical & Engineering News, 4/2/12.

For years, African countries have been a dumping ground for outdated electronic equipment, mainly from Europe. Now, rapidly expanding use of computers and mobile phones within Africa is generating more electronic waste--or e-waste--than is imported, according to the United Nations. African countries, however, are seeking to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear that is their e-waste problem. At a meeting convened in Nairobi, Kenya, last month by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) with support from several electronics manufacturers, 18 African governments endorsed a strategy. They intend to transform informal material-recovery efforts into a regulated recycling industry that generates economic development and controls pollution.

Study Shows Antarctic Waters Changing due to Climate

2012-05-10T15:04:35-05:00

Source: Environmental Protection.

Research suggests that up to 60 percent of "Antarctic Bottom Water", the dense water formed around the edges of Antarctica that seeps into the deep sea and spreads out through the world's oceans, has disappeared since 1970.

Ecosystem Effects of Biodiversity Loss Could Rival Impacts of Climate Change and Pollution

2012-05-10T14:54:25-05:00

Source: Environmental Protection.

Loss of biodiversity appears to impact ecosystems as much as climate change, pollution and other major forms of environmental stress, according to a new study from an international research team.

Michigan fracking: Revolution or regulation?

2012-05-10T14:44:38-05:00

Source: Great Lakes Echo.

Podcast

Michigan lawmakers recently reported on the increased development of natural gas from shale. Supporters say the practice creates jobs and improves the economy. Critics say that if not properly regulated it threatens groundwater, the source of drinking water for half of the state's population.

Echo reporter Sam Inglot lays out the the issue.

Foxconn CEO: Apple to share the cost of improving workers' conditions

2012-05-10T14:37:00-05:00

Source: The Next Web.

Foxconn has revealed that Apple will jointly share the cost of improving the conditions of workers at its Chinese factories which produce the US company's iPhone and iPad devices.

Speaking to media at the launch of its new China headquarters in Shanghai, Foxconn CEO Terry Gou revealed Apple's commitment to helping improve the welfare of its one million plus workforce in the country, Reuters reports.

Microsoft goes green, commits to becoming carbon neutral from July 1

2012-05-10T14:29:33-05:00

Source: The Next Web.

Microsoft has become the latest technology company to commit to reducing its environmental footprint, today announcing that it wants to make its data centers, software development labs, air travel, and office buildings carbon neutral.

The software giant's new initiative will begin from July 1 (also the start of its fiscal year 2013), introducing a new "accountability model" that will make every Microsoft business unit responsible for the carbon that they generate -- providing rewards for increasing efficiency, purchasing renewable sources of energy, and reducing their environmental impact.

Firm seeks to add sewage sludge to composting mix

2012-05-10T14:19:31-05:00

Source: Star Tribune: South Metro.

For the first time in Minnesota, treated "bio-solids" would be blended with yard and food waste to create nutrient-rich black dirt.

Ship ready to sail on Lake Michigan, but will coal-ash problems make this its last season?

2012-05-10T14:12:37-05:00

Source: Waste & Recycling News.

U.S. EPA has given Lake Michigan Carferry until Dec. 15 to stop dumping coal ash into lake

Upcycle Your Old Phone and Help a Child in Need

2012-05-10T08:36:22-05:00

Source: Earth911.com.

Electronics upcycling is a win-win situation for consumer and recycler. The consumer gets to keep his or her old device out of landfills, sometimes gets paid for the contribution and gets a sweet new phone out of the process. The recycler gets to turn a profit and have a green reputation.

Study: Plastic in 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' increases 100-fold

2012-05-09T16:58:28-05:00

Source: MSNBC, 5/9/12.

The amount of plastic trash in the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has increased 100-fold during the past 40 years, causing "profound" changes to the marine environment, according to a new study. Scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego found that insects called "sea skaters" or "water striders" were using the trash as a place to lay their eggs in greater numbers than before. In a paper published by the journal Biology Letters, researchers said this would have implications for other animals, the sea skaters' predators -- which include crabs -- and their food, which is mainly plankton and fish eggs. The scientists also pointed to a previous Scripps study that found nine percent of fish had plastic waste in their stomachs.