Climate Change and Your Carbon Footprint

Climate Change has become one of the most discussed and debated topics in politics and in some cases, business. Global Climate Change (can also be referred to as Global Warming) is an increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere which is likely to shift weather patterns across the globe. Although Earth’s climate does change naturally every several thousand years, some believe that humans have accelerated this shift by emitting billions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

A greenhouse gas is a substance that absorbs heat. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Methane (CH₄) are the most commonly known greenhouse gases, but there are many more. Normally each night, the residual heat from the sun’s rays escapes from the Earth into space. However, with an increase in greenhouse gases, the heat is trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere and cannot escape as easily to cool our planet. This is what causes climate change. Although Methane is up to 21 times more potent a greenhouse gas than Carbon Dioxide, CO₂ plays a huge role in climate change. This is why you may hear about people trying to reduce their “carbon footprint”.

There are several websites and organizations which specialize in calculating carbon footprints. If you have access to some basic information in your company related to travel, freight, and energy costs, you can calculate your carbon footprint. Some are more detailed than others and require a company to pay for an audit to properly calculate the impact they are having. Many of these companies then offer carbon offsets (usually in the form of Renewable Energy Certificates) to fund clean energy projects around the world.

The prices for offsetting your carbon footprint vary greatly between the many organizations that offer such services. The least expensive seemed to be Verus Carbon Neutral (http://www.verus-co2.com/index.php) at approximately $2.75/ metric ton of carbon. The most expensive was PlanetAir based in Canada at $40/ metric ton (http://planetair.ca/index.php?sel_lang=english). Most web sites offer individual and business calculations and offsets. For more information on how to calculate your carbon footprint and strategies to reduce or eliminate your impact on Global Climate Change, check out these websites: http://www.carbonfund.org/site/, http://www.terrapass.com/.

Nichols Green Product Identification

Are you utilizing our Nichols eBusiness Center? If not, you should be. Not only can it take steps (waste) out of the ordering process, it can provide you with real-time information such as inventory levels, order status and now (a new feature) products are flagged to help you identify those that are 3rd party certified, products with recycle content and those that support a green cleaning program such as microfiber. Check it out, if you don’t have a password, request one and try ordering online! http://ebiz.enichols.com/?mode=catalog

Login or request a password: http://ebiz.enichols.com/login.do

News for Schools:

Science of Green: New Research Documents Benefits of Green Cleaning
By Mark Bishop, Deputy Director

When Healthy Schools Campaign began working on green cleaning issues in 2003 we had a simple premise: clean for health, reduce the use of nasty chemicals, and we'll have a healthier learning environment as a result. I must admit that we took what I consider a very logical and acceptable leap of faith. (I mean, it doesn't take much to think that if you choose to not put contaminants in a room, you'll have a room with fewer contaminants in it.)

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Announcing the Green Guide for Health Care™ Operations Pilot Program – Join Now!

In first quarter 2010, the Green Guide for Health Care, in collaboration with Practice Greenhealth, is launching a one-year Green Guide for Health Care Operations Pilot Program for healthcare organizations engaged in any or all aspects of green operations initiatives, based on Green Guide v2.2 Operations section. The intent of the Operations Pilot is to create a learning community of peers to share best practices across the different areas that comprise sustainable health care operations using web-based tools and resources, and to facilitate market transformation as the Green Guide evolves to meet the sustainability guidance needs of the healthcare community. Benefits of participation include recognition on the Green Guide website as an early adopter, a leadership role in shaping new tool development, and enhanced access to professional services. Participation may be confidential upon request. The Green Guide Operations Pilot program will include a representative cross-section of Green Guide Operations projects. Selection into the program will be based on size and type of health care facility, geographic location and focused areas within the Revised GGHC Operations Section (released December 2008). The Operations Pilot project team will consist of Kumkum M. Dilwali (Senior Director, Green Guide, Project Manager), Janet Brown (Vice President Facility Engagement, Practice Green Health), and Lorissa McAllister (Practice Leader, Progressive AE), with overall program guidance by the Green Guide Co-Coordinators, Robin Guenther, Walt Vernon and Gail Vittori.

Be an active member of an on-line Operations Pilot learning community. Participate in Pilot only teleconferences and focus groups – learn from your peers and industry experts.

Track Operations Section(s) of interest to assess credit achievability, share best practices, overcome barriers and challenges, and celebrate your progress.

Stay connected to pilot program participants via a dedicated Operations Pilot portal on the new Green Guide website.

For an Expression of Interest application, contact info@gghc.org.

IBEL Fact Sheet - The Next Generation of Environmental Labeling

The Information-Based Environmental Label (IBEL) is an ambitious effort to create the next generation product labeling system designed specifically for the commercial cleaning industry. The industry has embraced "green," resulting in over 2,000 unique products made by over 500 cleaning product manufacturers currently "certified" under well-recognized third party programs.

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Green Update – Sanitary Maintenance Magazine

By Nick Bragg, Deputy Editor, Sanitary Magazine

Faced with the ongoing challenge of keeping pace with emerging terminology, new green certifications and evolving environmental claims, today's jan/san industry is caught in a green whirlwind. As evidenced by the countless end users who've embraced more sustainable initiatives, green cleaning has arguably been the number one trend in the cleaning industry for the past five years — and it's showing no signs up letting up any time soon.

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Michigan Recycling Coalition Position on Yard Waste Ban Exemption (HB5334)

The Michigan Recycling Coalition asks legislators to oppose exemptions to the Yard Waste Ban. Do not turn back the clock and provide exemptions to the Yard Waste Ban for landfills on assurances that they will capture gases for energy production. Landfills are engineered to exacting and expensive specifications to control toxic releases resulting from the disposal of municipal solid waste (MSW). Such expensive controls are overkill for the disposal of yard waste. Putting yard waste back into the landfill at higher cost and little benefit to governments and businesses to try and capture energy, the amount of which is open to debate, is short-sighted.

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Rubbermaid Commercial – New Product Announcement - NEW Element Recycling Stations - Recycling Solutions to Fit Your STYLE

Contact your Nichols Account Manager or Customer Service for more information and pricing. sales@enichols.com or 800-442-0274

Aesthetics

• Rounded edges and graceful lines provide a stylish look for any appearance-conscious, indoor environment.
• Available in 2 Uni-Koat® powder coated colors – Silver Metallic and Desert Pearl
• High aesthetic word labels, for waste stream differentiation, appear to actually be etched onto the unit.

Sustainability

• Fully integrated recycling station makes it easy to build a successful recycling program and encourage recycling compliance.
• All units made with recycled material and meet or exceed EPA guidelines for post-consumer recycled material content both for metal and plastic.
• Can count towards achieving LEED credit by providing a receptacle for recycling and being constructed out of recycled content.
• ADA compliant

Flexibility

• 1, 2, 3, and 4 waste stream configurations to meet the varying segmentation needs of different regions.
• Waste streams include factory labeling:
  • 1 Stream – Trash
  • 2 Stream (3 options) – Paper/Trash, Paper/Cans & Bottles, Trash/Cans & Bottles
  • 3 Stream – Paper/Trash/Cans & Bottles
  • 4 Stream – Paper/Bottles/Trash/Cans
• Other restrictive opening configurations, labeling, and special colors may be available through RCP specials process.
• Galvanized liner options to create an all fire-safe steel station available.
• Locking options to secure contents and prevent theft also available.

Productivity

• Differentiated waste stream opening shapes and word labels help minimize contamination by giving visual cues for appropriate waste disposal.
• Smooth surfaces provide for easier cleaning.
• Rigid plastic liners that contain bag leaks are standard. Ergonomics and Durability
• Front-open doors and comfortable, recessed hand grips for easy waste removal.
• Durable construction resists dents from daily wear and tear in high traffic areas.
• Uni-Koat® durable powder coating resists scratches and scuffs and minimizes fingerprints.
• Optional slide-out bag hoop feature enables emptying of receptacle without having to lift the polyliner bag out of a rigid liner.

In the News

Your resource for sustainability education and information.

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