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Waterless Urinals: Cut Costs And Help Save Water

Many businesses provide bathroom facilities for their customers. It's something that the general public has come to expect, although the cost of maintaining public restrooms can quickly add up. Waterless urinals would sound appealing to a business owner looking to cut down on water costs, or an event organizer looking for convenient restroom facilities for event-goers. Creators of this landmark invention claim that waterless urinals can save between 15,000 and 45,000 gallons of water per year. When compared to a conventional urinal, this is assuming that the unit would be used between 40 and 120 times daily.

Invented by Canadian Klaus Reichardt, this urinal model has been secured with several patents, including a patent for a model introduced by the Waterless Company in 1991 and then another by Falcon Waterfree Technologies in 2001. Duravit also have patents on their own models.

One design of the urinal works by using a trap and liquid sealant instead of water. When a man uses the waterless urinal, the sealant, which is lighter than water, floats on top of the urine, sealing off odors. The urine collects into a U-bend pipe. The cartridge and sealant must be replaced from time to time. Another design works by using an outlet system that traps the odors instead of a cartridge. Yet another model employs a deodorizing block for trapping the odors.

This model of urinal has proven to be very effective, whether it be for businesses or large outdoor gatherings. It is so effective in fact that the city of Brisbane, Australia has made their use a necessary mandate due to water restrictions. It's rare to see a flushing urinal in the city anymore. Another example is the Liberty Property Trust Tower in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2006 during the construction of the tower, city planners decided to use waterless urinals for the building, which got local plumbers upset enough to protest since they felt it would mean less work for them. However the city insisted on using the urinals, which would save the city of Philadelphia an estimated 1.6 million gallons of water.

The downside to odorless urinals is that they don't remove surface stain odors. Despite this, waterless urinals would are useful in situations where water supply is limited and the means of supplying water are very few. They are also a better choice for those environmentally minded, cutting urinal water usage by up to 98% and any systems are completely biodegradable.

If you are looking at waterless urinals, you should see the new Greenheart Waterless Urinal System, it can reduce your water usage by up to 98% The the Greenheart waterless urinal system is completely biodegradable and is safe for people and the environment.

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Green Janitorial Chemicals - 7 Shocking Facts to Consider for Protecting Your Building Occupants

Cleaning yields a clean surface, right? Nope, not necessarily. If you use the traditional, conventional cleaners you may have created an even greater issue. Although the surfaces may be free from dirt and grime, they may not be free from toxins that result from the petrochemical based cleaning products used. It is for this reason that it is so important to ensure only green janitorial chemicals and supplies are used in your facility.

Ever since a 1984 World Health Organization report suggested up to 30 percent of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be linked to aliments and symptoms of sick building syndrome (SBS), there has is an ever-increasing awareness of what poor indoor air quality can do to building occupants and guests.

There are many more reasons to strive for a safe, green, clean result. Here are seven shocking facts that serve as additional reasons.

Indoor air pollution levels can be 100 times higher than outdoor air pollution levels, according to the EPA estimates!
Fewer than 200 of the 62,000 chemicals available since the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) was passed in 1979 have been tested for chronic impact on human health.
It takes only 26 seconds for a toxic chemical to get into our body! Chemicals enter into our body through inhalation, ingestion and absorption through our largest organ (our skin).
Asthma has increased in the last 20 years over 600 percent. Today, twenty (20) million people in the USA (including 6.1 million children) have asthma. Asthma accounts for more than 14 million outpatient clinic visits and near 2 million energy room visits.
The average person can be exposed 82,000 toxins to in their daily life. (Of the estimated 85,000 chemicals in the U.S. marketplace, only a small fraction of them have ever been tested for their chronic impacts to human health. While Europe has banned 1,100 chemicals from use in products, the U.S. has banned fewer than ten.)
Ever since the flu pandemic a couple of years ago, many different varieties and brands of antimicrobial soaps, cleaners, sanitizers, have been formulated and available. Unfortunately 275 of the ingredients in anti-microbials are classified as pesticides. US EPA classifies these active ingredients as pesticides because they are designed to KILL microbes.
Cancer rates have doubled since 1960. The cancer rate in 1900 was about 1 in 8,000, Today it is about 1 in 2 during a lifetime. Even with treatment many of these cancers are the cause of death.

Cleaning supplies and products are a huge industry. In fact about $14 Billion is spent each YEAR. For example, in a single state (California) it has been estimated that the following has been sold every single day of the year: 34 tons (or 68,000 pounds) of air fresheners; 74,000 tons (147 million pounds) of all-purpose cleaners, 109 tons (or 218,000 pounds) of toilet bowl cleaners, 102 tons (or 204,000 pounds) of glass cleaners (Source: California Air Resources Board). Recapping this is about the same volume as is contained in twenty-four (24) Olympic size swimming pools! If this is the volume of liquid cleaners sold in one state on one day, can you imagine how much is consumed in the entire country (USA)!

As a result of the demands generated by the end users (building owners and facility managers), new formulations ensure green janitorial chemicals and supplies have high efficacy and are becoming more cost-effective all of the time.

Rae Ann Dougherty, President of Green Cleaning Products LLC, invites you to learn the why and how of greening your office, commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities http://greencleaningproductsllc.com/commercial-green-clean/. At the same time, get your free gift by subscribing to the information packed Green Living News at http://greencleaningproductsllc.com/newsletter-signup/

(c) Copyright - Rae Ann Dougherty. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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Learning The Way Solar Energy Functions

ByLincoln Gartrell

The fact that plants can use sunlight to sustain themselves can seem nearly magical, but recently humankind has developed its own system to work with solar energy. We've progressed far beyond using the sun to simply heat things. Solar energy systems, also called photovoltaic systems, can generate electricity to allow people to run home appliances with solar panels. This is a great option for many individuals not only to save money, but to avoid releasing dangerous emissions in our environment. But how does solar energy work?

The word "photovoltaic" can be split into two parts, with "photo" meaning light, and "voltaic" referencing volts, which are units of electrical force. Putting them together, you get electricity generated by light. Solar panels consist of photovoltaic chips that use this process to create energy for homes. PV chips are almost always made of the material silicon which is a semiconductor, meaning it has a good capacity to release energy when light strikes its surface. This allows for solar panels to easily create energy for a directed purpose within the full scheme of a solar energy system.

The photovoltaic cells in a solar energy system use two layers of semiconductors in order to excite electrons. One layer of cells is positively charged and the other negatively, and so tension is created between them and volts are generated. This is all well and good, but the electricity made when the sun hits a solar panel is in the form of direct current, or DC energy. To change this into something that will be compatible with a normal 240V home appliance, it needs to be changed into alternating current (AC) energy using an inverter.

AC energy tends to be more effective than DC energy. Electrons only flow in one direction with DC energy. With AC energy, electrons continually switch directions in the electrical current, which allows it to be safer (since different amounts of power can be transmitted), and travel longer distances without losing any energy. As described, solar energy systems can generate electricity with an inverter, but they can be supplemented by a city's electricity grid. If you are unable to meet your electrical requirements with solar energy alone, then the grid can provide you with additional electricity for you to seamlessly continue everyday living. Better yet, if you can provide all of your own electricity and still have some left over, it will be fed into the grid and the city will compensate you with cash for the extra energy you've provided.

It's clear to see that the benefits of a solar power system are extensive, and the science behind them is simple and efficient. In case you find the possibility of setting up a solar energy system on your own to be a little overwhelming, many professionals are around to help out with getting a solar energy system installed on your home. In the long term solar panel technology will only grow more sophisticated, and more ways will be found to enhance the usage and amount of electricity people are able to generate. By committing to solar energy and finding out how it can support you, you will be on your way to lowering energy bills and creating a healthier future.

He is an Environmentalist and Energy Conservation Advocate which has a wonderful advocacy in propagating the information about the positive aspects and uses of Solar and Green Energy as a replacement to the traditional resource of energy.

To explore more, visit the link below.

Renewable Energy

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Electric Bikes Can Help Your Wallet and the Environment

If you are looking to improve your personal transport situation then it's a no-brainer to think about using an electric bike. In these stressed economic times there can be few choices which can give you such a bang for your buck and help the environment at the same time. However, helping to save the world like Clark Kent is one thing, but there are a few common questions many people have about e-bikes. I will try to address them here.

I guess most people think of electric bikes as being nowhere near as fast as a motor bike and much more expensive than a regular bike. That is true to some extent. Still, it depends on how far your regular journey is likely to be, and how quickly you need to get there. An e-bike can get you from a to b nearly as quickly as most motor bikes or scooters in an urban setting - and what's that I hear? Nearly free to run? Yes pretty much, apart from a lot of plug-in time. It's definitely the transportation of the future. Over 100 million Chinese people can't be wrong! The trouble is...the initial expense.

Or is it? Have you thought about making an electric bike yourself? Some pre-built electric bikes have given the whole concept a bad name, it's true. Expensive to buy, poor range, low power, sometimes odd looking. You may find a good one, but having a bit more control over your pride and joy could lead to... pride and joy.

So what do you need to make one, and how much will it cost? About $300 should do it for a first attempt, plus a decent donor bike. There are a few quality variables like the motor, and the batteries especially. You definitely get what you pay for, and the cheaper variety can be a false economy. They will probably need replacing much sooner. You will also need access to a few power tools to put it all together properly, and a decent plan of what you want to end up with.

If you have time you can pick up a lot from the many forums on e-bikes, maybe buy a book, or take the easier option and buy a kit. That will cost you about two-thirds the price of a pre-built electric bike, and should be quite easy to put together for most people. For the more adventurous though, I would definitely go for your own 'special'.

You can get a pretty comprehensive plan for a really fast electric bike if you want to take a look this site exploring the future of electric bikes. The author is passionate about 2-wheeled transport and also low energy use - so if you Click Here you can find out how to cut both your journey time and expense!

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Renewable Energy Solutions and Their Importance

Renewable energy solutions are known as systems that generate electricity from resources which are naturally replenished. It is hard to imagine a better world without renewable energy. Until recent decades mankind has only used those methods which have significantly damaged the environment including the atmosphere. Fossil fuel and coal powered electricity are two examples of these harmful methods. Due to the fact that these sources will one day run-out and the mass negative impact they have on the environment, renewable energy solutions have gained significant importance among governments and individuals at present.

There are four major types of renewable energy solutions that are widely being used to generate electricity. They are; Solar, Hydro, Wind and geothermal solutions.

Solar energy solutions:

Solar power is the most widely available source of energy in the world. Solar panels are used to harness the power of the sun into usable electricity. At present, solar plants or solar farms could be common seen in many countries. These plants have of hundreds, if not thousands of solar panels placed to generate mass electricity. The beauty of this technology is that it is very flexible. Solar cells can even be found in calculators and wrist watches.

Hydro energy solutions:

Hydro energy solutions are a technology that uses the flow of water to generate electricity. This is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy that exists. There are some countries in the world that are entirely depended on hydro energy for electricity without the help of any other forms of electricity production. Hydro electricity is generated by capturing the motion of water using water turbines. It is considered efficient since it uses the resource which covers up 75% of the earth's surface.

Wind energy solutions:

The use of wind turbines to harness the power of wind into electricity are known as wind energy solutions. Wind speeds highly determine a wind turbine's capacity of producing electricity. Wind turbines need maximum wind flow without any structural obstructions, to operate at their best. This is the reason why they are usually placed in remote areas and sea shores.

Geothermal energy:

Geothermal energy is produced by using the natural heat of the earth's crust. Geothermal renewable energy solutions are primarily used for heating. Massive power stations are used to produce this type of energy and they are considered quite costly.

Apart from global warming being a primary issue, scientists and scholars have already predicted an energy crisis due to the rapid rate in which the human population is growing. Inventions and mass developments in green energy solutions is said to be the only viable solution to overcome these issues. Fast paced developments in the fields of Information technology has massively contributed to the ways in which these technologies have been developed today. This has been evident since the last decade where bright minds around the world are helping make renewable energy solutions as much effective as they can.

Electricity from Dirt is another method of renewable energy production that's relatively new. It is often considered as the cheapest method of electricity production and has facilitated electricity supply for many under-developed nations.
Most renewable energy methods mentioned in this article are being applied and scaled down to create electricity at home by many residents. Clean green energy produced at home could massively benefit both the environment and the household in terms of reducing pollution and electricity costs.

Fore more information on residential electricity production visit: GreenerkWh.com

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How to Know If Green Janitorial Chemicals Are Really Green: 4 EcoFriendly Certifications to Help You

Beware, listing "Biodegradable" on a green colored label does not make a product environmentally friendly! You want to be green but it is difficult to determine if you are limiting your impact on the environment or just buying another pretty label that the marketing department directed it to be green.

There are good reasons to use green janitorial chemicals and supplies. Indoor air quality that we live and work in is frequently worse than our outdoor air, especially of concern since most of us spend much more time indoors than outdoors. Additionally using non-toxic, environmentally friendly, green janitorial chemicals has been found to enhance health of the cleaning staff, as well as the building guests and occupants.

There are reliable certifications that you can use to select your green janitorial chemicals. While the logos may be simple, the environmental criteria behind them are tough. While not perfect, they are independent. Use these certifications as your guide. They are science based, rigorous, well-respected and have been around a while.

Look for the following four certifications. Each of these third-party reviewing bodies have developed and continue to maintain a strong standard for the products they evaluate.

Design for the Environment (DfE) is a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program, created in 1992. The EPA DfE program provides information regarding safer chemical formulations, as well as best environmental practices. It seeks to prevent pollution as well as the risk pollution presents to humans and the environment. Three main goals of DfE are to define best practices for the industry; promote green cleaning and recognizing safer consumer and industrial and institutional products through safer product labeling; and identify safer chemicals. DfE is unique in that testing happens not only after formulation, but also the individual ingredients are tested even before products are combined for the formulation. This provides an additional level of protection since the manufacturers cannot dilute otherwise harmful chemicals to disguise their existence.
EcoLogo is an eco-labeling scheme that was launched in 1988 and today is a part of the Environment Canada (Canada's equivalent to the US EPA) Environmental Choice Program. It was established to help identify products which are less harmful to the environment, including green janitorial chemicals. EcoLogo is one of oldest certification programs in the world. EcoLogo provides customers with the necessary assurance that the products and services bearing the EcoLogo logo are green and has been verified by a third-party auditor.
Green Seal is a US-based non-profit, third-party organization that began in 1989. The evaluation process is based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for environmental labeling programs, ISO 14020 and ISO 14024. It takes into account a life cycle assessment approach by evaluating a product from the raw materials through the manufacturing process and ending with recycling or disposal. Having a Green Seal certification means that the product has passed post formulation tests and it works as well as others in its class.
European Eco with its eco label flower logo has been used throughout the European Union since 1992 to identify goods that meet strict scientific criteria for minimizing environmental impacts. This voluntary certification has proven to encourage businesses to market products, such as green janitorial chemicals and supplies, that are kinder to the environment. The criteria are agreed at European level and the label itself is only awarded after verification that the product meets high standards. Only the very best products, which are also kindest to the environment, are entitled to carry the European Eco label.

By setting standards and evaluating products, these certifications helps the consumer (public, corporate, entrepreneur, and consumer) to identify, trust, and buy environmentally preferable ("green") goods. In each case, green janitorial chemicals only become certified after a rigorous science-based evaluation by an independent third-party.

Beware of imposters. There are many in the market. Some are company owned, some are developed by industry associations, some are marketing ploys. Some are quite clever. (One of my favorite examples is the graphic of sea lion that was colored green!) Watchdog organizations have sued many of these imposters, but as buyers and users with limited time and a full slate of other responsibilities, you do not have the luxury to research this yourself. Seeking products with one of these four certifications for your green janitorial chemicals will streamline your busy schedule.

Rae Ann Dougherty, President of Green Cleaning Products LLC, invites you to learn green janitorial chemicals that have received these certifications at http://greencleaningproductsllc.com/commercial-green-clean/. At the same time, get your free gift by subscribing at http://greencleaningproductsllc.com/newsletter-signup/

(c) Copyright - Rae Ann Dougherty. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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Save Money and the Planet - Smarter Use Of Energy

According to energy savers.gov the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to save energy and money at home. Start making small changes today.

Plugged In? - Unplug chargers (think cell phones and iPods) when not in use. Only 5% of the power drawn by a cell phone charger is used to charge the phone. The other 95% is wasted when it is left plugged into the wall.

Use a "smart" power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts "phantom" or "vampire" energy use. You'll save the energy equivalent of a 100-watt light bulb that is always on.

The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that not only do appliances continue to draw electricity while the products are turned off, but in the average home nearly 75% of all electricity used to power electronics is consumed by products that are switched off.

New Appliances -

1. Refrigerators--According to the NRDC new refrigerators consume 75% less energy then those built in the 1970's. A family replacing a 1980's fridge with one that meets today's standards will save more than $100 a year in utility costs. Go one step further and buy an Energy Star-qualified model, and your new refrigerator will save you an additional 15 percent or more by using better insulation, more efficient compressors and better temperature control and defrost mechanisms.

2. Dishwashers-god already gave you the most energy efficient and cost effective dishwasher that would be your hands. Most of us however prefer to use a dishwasher. Technology has come a long way with these too. When looking to buy try to find energy star rated these are 25 percent more efficient than the minimum federal standards. Replacing a dishwasher made before 1994 with an Energy Star model can save $25 a year on utility costs. Or at the very least find one with energy saving cycle. Do not rinse dishes before putting them in dishwasher just scrape them this will save thousands of gallons of water a year. Also try to find one that has air dry option and use it instead of heat dry.

3. Water Heater-- Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home, totally about 14 percent of your energy bill. An old water heater can operate for years at very low efficiency before it finally breaks down. If your gas water heater is more than 10 years old, it probably operates at less than 50 percent efficiency.

4. Washer - Replacing a washer built before 1994 with an Energy Star model can save a family $110 a year on utility bills. Energy Star washers use 50 percent less energy than other standard models, and only 18 to 25 gallons of water for a full-sized load, compared to 40 gallons for Standard full-size washers. Many Energy Star models also advertise lower fabric wear, better stain removal and quicker drying times. Wash your laundry in cold water whenever possible. Most of the energy used by your washing machine is used just to heat up the water. If you usually use hot water for your washing you can drop your energy consumption in half by choosing warm water, and up to 90% if you choose cold. This drastically reduces the energy you use and leads to reduction in global warming pollutants that are created either directly in your house by your oil or natural gas water heater or by the power plant that supplies your electric water heater. Don't wash partial loads of laundry. If at all possible use clothes lines or racks to dry your clothing it will make your clothes last longer and save you tons of money on gas or electricity.

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Safety First When Using Organic Solvents and Industrial Organic Solvents

ByTimothy Byron

Today, when most people hear the term "organic" it has a positive connotation. Organic turns our thoughts to eco-conscious food, clothes, and other items created from healthy natural sources and using the least amount of chemicals possible. However, this is not the case with organic solvents and industrial organic solvents. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) actually recognizes many organic solvents as carcinogens. Along with cancer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) relates health hazards such as reproductive damage, toxicity to the nervous system, liver and kidney damage, respiratory illnesses, and dermatitis to exposure to these chemicals.

Even more shocking than the list of health hazards caused by exposure to organic solvents is their presence in so many items used daily on the job and at home. For example, solvents (such as benzene, acetone, toluene, acetic acid, ethanol, methanol, and more) can be found in detergents, glues, adhesives, refrigerants, coolants, paint strippers, cleaners, degreasers, nail polish removers, and so much more. While the odds of completely removing all solvents from your home or workplace are pretty grim, there are ways to ensure your safety when working with these chemicals.

Two of the most significant hazards when working with organic solvents are their flammability and their toxic fumes. Organic solvents in your home should be safely stored away from any source that could ignite. Always open windows and use fans when you are painting, cleaning your oven, or even removing nail polish. Do not forget to take advantage of bathroom fans and the fan in your stove's hood. Wear gloves, masks, and other types of protective gear when possible.

Working with industrial organic solvents, especially large quantities like drums, involves greater safety hazards; however, the same general precautions should still apply. For example, all industrial solvents should be safely grounded to prevent any sparks from igniting the liquid. If the solvents must be used in areas where there is high electrical usage, these areas should be well-secured. Furthermore, many industrial applications involve performing "hot work," such as welding or cutting, in areas where there is high solvent use. To ensure the safety of employees and the worksite, obtain the proper permits, have all solvents completely removed, and properly ventilate the area.

Proper ventilation is a major step towards safely working industrial organic solvents, since their fumes, although occasionally odorless, are exceptionally toxic. Commercial and industrial fans are great for removing fumes at the source by pulling air away from the workspace. If employees must be in contact with industrial organic solvents regularly, businesses should consider installing overhead hoods or fume extractors and provide employees with personal protection equipment to keep the solvents safely away from their clothes and skin.

In addition to these precautions, many companies have decided to use safer alternatives to industrial solvents when possible. For example, many providers offer a variety of low VOC (volatile organic compound) products, such as hand-wipes and degreasers, as well as non-flammable aerosol cleaners, biodegradable cleaning solutions, and environmentally-preferred solvents. These products are great choices for not only protecting your most valuable resource-your employees-but also the environment as a whole.

Organic solvents and industrial organic solvents should be handled carefully on the job and at home. When possible, organizations should consider using low VOC, biodegradable, or environmentally-preferred options.

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Smarter Industrial Solvents and Cleaning Solvents Protect Your Business and Employees

ByTimothy Byron

Over the past few years, the term "going green" has become more than just a marketing buzzword. In fact, research continues to point to the harmful effects that industrial and chemical solvents have on people and the environment. As a result, governing organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) have introduced regulations and guidelines to help protect people and our environment from exposure to these toxic substances.

While the implementation of these regulations and guidelines is great for businesses, their employees, and the environment, it can be confusing for business owners, managers, and others to maintain compliance. One of the first steps towards compliance is to learn the regulations and guidelines as they apply to industrial solvents in your industry. Luckily, there are OSHA training courses and even organizations available to help you transition your company's existing cleaning or maintenance tasks that use non-compliant cleaning solvents to those that are EPA and OSHA compliant.

The next step, naturally, is to start searching for safer industrial solvents that not only work effectively, but are also more environmentally sound. Research has found that many cleaning solvents-even those used for common household cleaning-contain unsafe levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, and styrene, as well as other toxic chemicals. Exposure to these substances can cause eye irritation, respiratory irritation, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and in some cases cancer.

Luckily, this knowledge has prompted many chemists, engineers, and companies to create healthier industrial cleaning solutions. Whether your company is looking for a neutral pH degreaser, a low VOC hand-wipe solvent, an environmentally-friendly paint remover, or a non-toxic aerospace adhesive remover, chances are there is an environmentally-preferred solvent available to meet your needs. In fact, some of these safer industrial solvents were actually created to work harder and make tasks run smoother.

Thanks to advances in technology, production, demand, and availability, transitioning to these safer solvents is not as expensive as many companies believe it will be. Additionally, many industrial solvent providers are eager to help companies find safer solutions that fit within the company's budget. Some of the more reputable providers are so committed to helping your company maintain compliance that they will actually work with you to create a total chemical management solution. This solution will help your company incorporate a safer strategy for procuring, using, and disposing of industrial solvents.

In addition to creating a healthier workplace, healthier employees, and a healthier environment, using safer alternatives to traditional industrial solvents can also help your company save in unexpected ways by lowering waste disposal fees and receiving economic incentives for reduced emissions.

Healthy employees and a safe work environment are invaluable to the overall productivity of any organization. Incorporating safer cleaning practices into your company is a great way to do this. Now, more than ever, safe alternatives to traditional toxic solvents are readily available at reasonable prices, and by doing just a little research, you can easily find a wealth of resources to ensure that your company maintains compliance.

Industrial solvents and cleaning solvents are a necessity in most industries. With greater emphasis being placed on the health of employees and the workplace, a variety of affordable, effective, and safe industrial solvents are available to organizations.

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Easily Preventing an Industrial Degreaser Catastrophe

ByTimothy Byron

Degreasing solvents are products used for the removal of grease, oil, and dirt build-up. Varying from domestic spray to a fast-acting, potent industrial degreaser, these cleaning formulas are relied upon daily in living and working environments. Whether you are investigating ways to keep your family safe, or have concerns about risky employee health liability for your business, knowing the facts about degreasing solvents will help to avoid a potentially catastrophic situation.

Chemical Report: Two (Of Several) To Watch Out For

There is no question about it; chemicals are required for truly effective grease removal. Due to the compounds frequently found in degreasing solvents and the health risks associated with them, the question while shopping for these products should actually be; which chemicals are truly necessary, and at what cost to my health or business?

Trichloroethylene

Grease removal is the number one use for trichloroethylene, commonly referred to as TCE. Exposure to TCE in the home or workplace causes minor symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and poor coordination. Major symptoms of exposure include nerve, heart, liver and kidney damage, unconsciousness, and even death.

Perchloroethylene

Minor inhalation exposure to Perc (Perchloroethylene) from a grease cleaner causes employees to be dizzy, drowsy, and uncoordinated while working with heavy manufacturing equipment. Major inhalation of Perc causes memory loss, vision impairment, and reduced reaction timing skills.

Regulation and Research

Hazardous risks of TCE and Perc found in degreasing solvents have resulted in strict national regulation policies from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). In addition, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) has classified both Trichloroethylene and Perchloroethylene as their highest level of carcinogenic risk, second only to chemicals that have been medically documented and proven to cause cancer.

Safer Solvent Products for Families and Employees

Regardless of how a degreaser will be used and in what environments, health safety is an obvious concern. A family member cleans the home to provide comfortable and healthy living conditions, not to increase the potential for disaster. Business owners are liable for proper working conditions and the safety of employees, making the decision to choose an appropriate industrial degreaser a critical matter.

Safety Report: Who Is Watching Out For You?

The following are used as safer alternatives for hazardous degreasing compounds, including TCE and Perc:

n-Propyl Bromide
Nonylphenoxy Polyethoxy Ethanol
Citrus Terpene

Although these compounds do not qualify for any extreme federal regulations and hazardous classifications, or fall under carcinogenic suspicion, they are chemicals fully capable of removing grease in any home or high-powered trade industry. Purchasing degreasing solvents from suppliers who guarantee their products are compliant with current state, EPA, and OSHA regulations is an excellent way to provide safer cleaning materials to your family or business, and to feel confident you have made a wise choice to prevent a grease removal catastrophe.

Chemical compounds and the health risks associated with them are provided for domestic degreasing solvents users as well as business owners who purchase industrial degreasers for employees.

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Know Your Janitorial Supplies: 7 Things to Know About EcoFriendly Products With EcoLogo Trademark

With so much information swirling about, it is hard to know what is what was referred to by Steve Jobs of Apple Computer as "Reality Distortion" and what is actual. This is especially true in the world of janitorial supplies and cleaning products. Are they green? Can they support your sustainable oriented goals? Can the claim of green clean be made?

Despite the amount of greenwashing in the market place and the number of green logos and trademarks on product labels, fortunately there are several reputable independent third-party certification programs to help you, the consumer, to digest all of this information, including Design for the Environment (DfE), Green Seal, European Eco, and EcoLogo.

EcoLogo is one of the few eco label programs that is approved by the Global Eco-Labeling Network (GEN) and one of only two in North America. They are a founding member of this network, an international association of entities with eco labels that meet the ISO 14024 standards. As of 2010, the Program became a part of the UL Global Network. This promises that the Certified EcoLogo trademark will grow globally and will become even more recognized and sought after. With this credential you can be confident that you are using products that have been developed and manufactured under certified sustainable leadership from which you can benefit.

The Program began in 1988 for Environment Canada (the US EPA equivalent in Canada), thus it is the oldest eco-label in North America. It was established to help identify products which are less harmful to the environment, including green janitorial chemicals. This certification and recognized trademark provides consumers and end users with the necessary assurance that the products and services bearing the EcoLogo trademark are truly green and demonstrates environmental sustainability.

7 Things to Know about EcoLogo Certified Products:

Each product that receives the certification goes through the same multi-step certification process: (1) application by the manufacturer, (2) completion of a third-party review and audit against a set of predefined criteria; and (3) the certification and licensing process.This is an ISO 14024 Type 1 eco-label, thus it meets internationally recognized specifications.The environmental standards are stringent, multi-attribute, and life cycle based.The public and transparent process includes relevant performance requirements that ensures the products work as well as, if not better, than traditional products.With the certification you benefit from the EcoLogo Advantage of higher public trust and proof of environmental leadership.Products with this certification can be found in over 120 product categories, providing you a wide choice of selecting the best products, including industrial and institutional cleaners; household cleaners; de-greasers; disinfectants; flooring products; and laundry detergent.Products available from companies of all sizes (ranging from Fortune 500 companies with well-known brands to leading edge small businesses) carry the trademark.

More information about the EcoLogo Program is at http://ow.ly/7amYE.

For you (the public purchaser, corporate buyer, or consumer who is seeking green cleaning products and janitorial supplies or green natural home cleaning solutions) it is great to know that these certified products are sold across North America and can be found easily. Look for the EcoLogo trademarked label for great confidence in using the most environmentally preferable products.

Rae Ann Dougherty, President of Green Cleaning Products LLC, can assist you in understanding and using green janitorial supplies and green cleaning products. You are invited to receive your free gift by subscribing to the information packed Green Living News at http://greencleaningproductsllc.com/newsletter-signup/

(c) Copyright - Rae Ann Dougherty. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

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Dispose Off Your Computers Safely

ByZehra M Kapoor

Today every company and organizations are fully aware of the latest concepts and technologies involved in the IT sector. This is the reason these companies want to have the latest equipments and technologies installed in their set up. Due to this the worth of the used IT equipments has lowered down to a great extent. Most of the companies and IT organizations update their computers and all related machinery within five years.

This has resulted in profusion amount of used computers and IT equipments in the market which is not required by any one in market. Therefore the process of disposing and recycling these worn out machinery is called IT disposal. If the old and worn out IT assets are not recycled or disposed off properly then it can be very risky for the organization's financial and brand value among their competitors.

Once your computers are acquired by these services they test and label them. These computers are stripped to a basic level. Once these computers are dismantled they are ready to be sold. Many a times these computer parts are given for different charities by these companies. When computers can not be repaired then these services send these computers for recycling. In the recycling procedure many component parts of these computers can be reused.

These companies usually also provide the services of data removal. They make sure that the data and all important information stored in your computers is being removed safely. This service of data removal is very essential for large IT establishments who have a bulk of data and information stored. These services also work on urgent basis. If there are clients who want to dispose their junk in a short time, then these services offer urgent services as well. These services handle your used computers very carefully. They pack all the loose items like mouse, leads, cables or keyboards carefully.

Some companies guarantee the complete destruction of all the data stored in the computers. It doesn't matter if the number of the items to be disposed is less or in abundance. These companies deal with the organizations of all shapes and sizes. Generally the items that are disposed and sent for recycling are computers, laptops, servers, monitors, fax machines, plotters, photo copiers, scanners, cabinets or racks and various other IT accessories. The quantity of the machinery and their working condition is not considered. The best feature of these companies is that it resells the used equipment recycling for you. So it is like throwing out your old machinery but also making profit out of it.

Many IT disposal services offer customer care services for their clients. By using these customer care services, the clients can have an access to their machinery all the way through the recycling procedure. So get rid of your out dated computers and IT equipments now and help save the environment.

Tier1.com offer a bespoke, totally managed Laptop Disposal, end of life IT solution that covers collection, security, re-marketing and ethical environmental disposal. Since 1995, our sole business focus has been to manage the entire process for end-of-life IT equipment in both owned and leased products.

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