Eco Friendly Solvents: How to Find a Suitable Alternative

ByTimothy Byron

Eco friendly products are taking the market by storm as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to increase awareness regarding the effects of using toxic cleaners and materials. Volatile Organic Compounds also called VOCs are solvent composites which get released into the air under normal temperature conditions. The liquid evaporates into gas form without any additional temperature or environmental change. Their low boiling point makes it easy for many molecules to enter the air as evaporation occurs. Paint is a good example because the formaldehyde slowly evaporates while it is sitting idle. VOCs are very dangerous to people, animals, and the environment. They can be found in either natural or man-made compounds. Use of these substances in doors is regulated because the release concentration is higher. Long term health conditions can develop from extended exposure. Skin, eye, or throat irritations are the short term signs of inhalation. Eco friendly solvents labeled low-VOC or no-VOC are a safer alternative to many of the standard cleaning solutions used today by businesses.

Industrial Solvents: Choosing a Safe and Functional Cleaner

Industrial solvents have evolved to include options with high performance capabilities but reduced negative effects. Paints, strippers, cleaners, pesticides, and adhesives are examples of VOC emitting products. Most emit at least a small amount into the air when used and stored. Pollutant levels may remain in the air for an extended period of time after usage. Industrial facilities are a setting where compound release can be very high. Automotive, aeronautic, and military environments consistently use degreasers or cleaners. The EPA provides specific regulations regarding types of chemicals including restrictions on certain organic solvents. Eco-friendly alternatives make it easier for a business to meet guidelines and still obtain needed performance.

Finding a replacement for high VOC industrial solvents should be the first step a business takes to increase safety in the workplace. This step forward also creates a better green image for a business. Reduced costs are a direct result of limited compound release and minimal hazard clean up. A business can take other measures to reduce VOC release as well. Ventilation should always meet if not exceed the solvent recommendations. Store containers appropriately, ensure workers handle them as specified, and dispose of all used solvent according to requirements. Organic compounds are most dangerous in an enclosed environment. The EPA estimates indoor concentrations to average one thousand times more than measured outdoors.

Testing of eco friendly solvents occurs prior to the inclusion of color additives. These also emit organic compounds and can increase the amount released into the air from each solvent. This is important to keep in mind when selecting an alternative cleaner for business or home use. Water-based solvents have lower VOC levels and green products do not add additional compounds to the air during use. An industrial facility in most scenarios cannot use water-based products due to the nature of the cleaning. They are being utilized to clean parts susceptible to corrosion or rusting when exposed to water. These environments must use a chemical based solution that may be substituted with a lower VOC product.

Industrial solvents are dangerous because they emit gas compounds during evaporation. Eco friendly solvents may be used in place of common products to reduce air contamination.

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The Environmentally Friendly Lanyard

ByPeter Long

Recycle, reuse and renew. These are three of the words that are frequently heard when it comes to the environment. People all over the planet are taking these words seriously and the companies which produce lanyards are also taking these words to heart. They are finding new and innovative ways to make their product more environmentally friendly. One way that they are doing this is by using materials which are "green."

There are a number of fabrics that are made from crops. Cotton and bamboo are two exceptional examples of these. Cotton is a plant which has been grown and harvested for centuries. It is a renewable resource. Cotton plants are commercially grown in a number of different countries. The balls are picked from the plant, and then they are spun into yarn. Cotton can either be pure, or it can be blended with other fabrics. It is easy to wash and clean.

Bamboo is another plant that can be harvested and made into cloth. If you have never seen anything made of bamboo cloth, you will be surprised. The cloth which is made is actually soft and durable. The bamboo plant is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet which makes t ideal for commercial use. Furthermore, the plant itself is extremely resilient to all kinds of pests. This means that it can be grown commercially without the need for harsh chemicals. Once the plant is of an adequate size, it is cut down and mashed. The pulp is then processed and spun into yarn. Bamboo cloth can either be pure or can be blended with cotton or similar materials.

Satin is another fabric, which comes from silk, which is also a renewable material. Silk comes from silk worms, which are commercially farmed. Silk farming is an industry that has been around for hundreds of years.

Although lanyards last for years, there may come a time when you do have to get rid of your old ones. Lanyards that are produced using any of these three fabrics are biodegradable. One of the biggest factors concerning the environment is the amount of garbage in the landfills, fortunately lanyards will not add to this growing issue. Alternatively, you could have your old lanyard recycled as these three materials are completely recyclable as well.

When you are investigating buying custom lanyards, you might want to think about getting ones that are environmentally friendly. This is not only good for the environment, but it shows your customers that you and your company are supporting products that are "green."

For more information about Green lanyards or to order CLICK HERE