Protected: P2Press: June 30, 2009
June 30, 2009
Asbestos-Contaminated Vermiculite Insulation Fact Sheet
June 23, 2009
In light of the U.S. EPA’s recent action to declare a public health emergency for Libby, Montana, last week, they are launching a renewed public awareness campaign to notify the public about the important information on vermiculite insulation and its potential to be contaminated with asbestos fibers.
For more information on vermiculite insulation:
http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/verm.html
Fact Sheet (pdf).
Furniture Sustainability Certification Launched
June 16, 2009
Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) International, the trade association for the commercial furniture industry, has launched its “level” product certification program. The sustainability standard takes into account material use, energy and atmosphere impacts, human and ecosystem health and social responsibility.
Manufacturers evaluating products to the BIFMA e3 sustainability standard and undergoing an independent, third-party certification process can achieve the level conformance mark. NSF International and Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) are the first third-party certification bodies to be recognized under the level certification program.
The standard is modeled after Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) with specific prerequisites, optional credits, and three conformance levels. LEED and its Green Building Rating System provide several best sustainable practices for furniture.
BIFMA member firms Allsteel, Gunlocke, HON Company, Herman Miller, Kimball Office, National Office Furniture and Steelcase have products that meet the standard’s requirements and have received third party certification by either NSF or SCS.
The furnishings industry has an existing environmental audit program called Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture (EFEC) program through the American Home Furnishings Alliance. To become EFEC-registered, companies need to analyze and understand the environmental impact of its processes, raw materials and finished products on a facility-by-facility basis.
From the June 3, 2009, Environmental Leader.
Protected: P2 Press: June 15, 2009
June 16, 2009
Comfirmation Hearing for Nominated EPA Assistant Administrator Steve Owens
June 11, 2009
The confirmation hearing for nominated EPA Assistant Administrator Steve Owens was held Tuesday, May 12. During the hearing, Senator Udall (D - New Mexico) stressed the importance of pollution prevention, to which Steve Owens agreed.
You can view the entire recorded webcast of the hearing at: http://epw.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=1318c0b9-802a-23ad-4e24-50578f77750f
Steve Owen’s speech begins about 38 minutes into the hearing. At about 58 minutes, you can hear the exchange between Senator Udall and Steve Owens about the importance of P2.
P2Rx
June 4, 2009
- state and local pollution prevention programs
- manufacturing extension partnerships
- cooperative extension
- nonprofit organizations
The diversity of audience contributes to an overall breadth of P2 information and opportunities.
For more information go to www.p2rx.org
Protected: P2Post: May - June 2009
June 3, 2009
Protected: UPDATE - P2Press: May 30, 2009
June 3, 2009
TRS P2OST Spring 2009 E-newsletter
June 1, 2009
To view the Toronto Region Sustainability spring 2009 e-newsletter go to http://www.oceta.on.ca/TORSUS/newsletter/spring2009/.
