U.S. EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics
November 21, 2013
EPA announced today the proposal of draft guidelines that will help the federal government buy greener and safer products. The draft guidelines were designed to assist federal purchasing decision makers in more consistently using existing non-governmental product environmental performance standards and ecolabels. In response to broad stakeholder interest, EPA is seeking public input on these draft Guidelines and a potential approach to assessing non-governmental environmental standards and ecolabels already in the marketplace which can help federal purchasers identify and select products that are greener and safer for the environment. The draft guidelines were developed by EPA, the General Services Administration, and others following several listening sessions with a wide range of stakeholders on how the federal government can be more sustainable in its purchasing and how it can best meet the numerous federal requirements for the procurement of sustainable and environmentally preferable products and services.
Below are links to a blog from Jim Jones, EPA’s Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention; the Agency’s press release; and draft social media posts that are you are free to share.
Jim Jones Blog: Making Federal Government Purchasing Greener at http://blog.epa.gov/epaconnect/2013/11/greening-federal-purchasing/
Press Release:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/bd4379a92ceceeac8525735900400c27/b932f9e55dc3170c85257c29006e7e8c!OpenDocument (RELEASE)
Social Media:
Facebook:
Did you know that the federal government is the largest buyer of goods and services - in the world? We’re releasing new draft guidelines today that will help the federal government buy more sustainable products - from furniture to cleaning products. This means your taxpayer dollars will be put to greener, more efficient use.
http://go.usa.gov/WVj9
Tweets:
We now have draft guidelines to help the federal government buy greener products. http://go.usa.gov/WVj9 #GreenGov
Tweet 2: We’re helping government buy and increase market demand for green products with new draft guidelines. http://go.usa.gov/WVj9 #GreenGov
EPA Electronic Web Submission System Beta Outreach
November 21, 2013
EPA is developing a fully electronic, Web-based submission system to handle the receipt of responses to future Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) test orders. The Agency is currently beta testing the e-Submission of EDSP data that will be accessible via the EPA-established Central Data Exchange (CDX).
On Tuesday, December 3, 2013, EPA will be conducting a Web-based walk through of the EDSP submission module currently under development and seeking input from potential industry users of the system. Please note that the focus of the session is on the functionality of the system, and that specific requirements for test orders will not be discussed during the demonstration.
Attendees must use an operator- assisted conference for these sessions (Within the U.S. dial 866-900-8984; outside the U.S. dial706-679-4304, Conference ID: 11138289). Please try to dial in at least 10 to 15 minutes before the start of the web demonstration*. Access the session: https://epa.connectsolutions.com/edspdemo/
Those interested in participating may include: 1) Any chemical manufacturers/importers (e.g. anyone who manufactures, imports or processes chemical substances); 2) any pesticide and agricultural- related chemical manufacturers/importers (e.g., anyone who manufactures, imports or processes pesticides, fertilizers, and agricultural chemicals); and/or 3) any pesticide or chemical manufacturer who previously received an EDSP Order or Data Call-in notice from the Agency and would like to electronically submit to the Agency.
For those industries participating, EPA is very interested in obtaining feedback on the test order response module. This feedback will be key to the successful development of this and future electronic submission systems. For those unable to participate in this session, EPA will post copies of the slides and audio file at: http://www.epa.gov/endo/.
*Prior to logging into the session, ensure your Web browser is configured to allow pop-ups and enable Adobe flash so you will be able to view the session. If you have any questions about your browser configuration, please contact your help desk.
Project Manager for the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2)
October 28, 2013
The Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA) is seeking a Project Manager for the Interstate Chemicals Clearinghouse (IC2). The IC2 is an association of state, local, and tribal governments that promotes a clean environment, healthy communities, and a vital economy through the development and use of safer chemicals and products. The goals of the IC2 are to:
• Avoid duplication and enhance efficiency and effectiveness of agency initiatives on chemicals through collaboration and coordination
• Build governmental capacity to identify and promote safer chemicals and products
• Ensure that agencies, businesses, and the public have ready access to high quality and authoritative chemicals data, information, and assessment methods
The functions of the IC2 include:
• Supporting health and environmental agencies with development and implementation of programs to promote use of safer chemicals and products
• Supporting the development of alternatives assessment methods and identification of safer alternatives
• Sharing data and information on use, hazard, exposure, and alternatives
• Sharing strategies and outcomes on chemicals prioritization initiatives
• Building the capacity of agencies by sharing materials, strategies, and trainings
• Assisting agencies in meeting the relevant information needs of businesses, consumers, and the public
IC2 membership consists of Members (state, local, and tribal governments) and Supporting Members (non-governmental organizations, businesses, labor organizations, and academic programs). The IC2 is a program of NEWMOA. NEWMOA provides management and staff support for the Clearinghouse and serves as its fiscal agent.
For more information, please visit http://www.newmoa.org/about/careers.cfm
Press Release - Bringing Back Manufacturing and Creating Local Jobs in WA State
September 19, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 19, 2013
BRINGING BACK MANUFACTURING AND CREATING LOCAL JOBS
WASHINGTON, DC – Liberty Bottleworks, was awarded this week a 2013 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) award in Washington D.C., for their work on sustainable manufacturing and pollution prevention. Liberty Bottleworks is one of ten projects to be honored by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable at an annual ceremony in Washington, D.C. Tim Andis, President/CEO received the award on behalf of Liberty Bottleworks for their sustainable manufacturing practices in producing the only American-made drinking bottle made from recyclable aluminum.
The three-year-old company from Union Gap, Washington is focused on providing consumers with innovative products produced with sustainable business practices. Liberty Bottleworks manufactures America’s first 100% Made in the USA reusable aluminum water bottle and the only bottle in the world to made from recycled materials. The bottles high resolution digital graphics feature numerous artists and are sold through retailers like REI, Whole Foods, LL Bean and thousands of specialty retailers. Many breweries, bands and companies have selected Liberty as their preferred custom graphic reusable bottle vendor for their sustainable practices, unmatched graphics capability and commitment to American manufacturing. The 35,000 sq ft factory built in 2010 is based in central Washington in the Yakima Valley and currently has more than 40 employees. Liberty Bottleworks actively promotes the hiring of military vets and is committed to creating a positive impact on their community, through volunteerism, leadership and engaging the local culture. Earlier this year, the company was awarded the Environmental Excellence Award for green manufacturing from the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB). This past month, Liberty Bottleworks celebrated the delivery of their millionth bottle. With an average bottle life expectancy of 5 years, their current bottles in the market have the capacity to reduce landfill by over a billion one time use bottles.
“The MVP2 Award is a real honor and I’m thrilled for the recognition in our efforts to not only reduce how many plastic one time use bottles go into the landfill but our leadership efforts in zero waste manufacturing,” said Tim Andis, Liberty Bottleworks President.
“Liberty Bottleworks is a tremendous success story on several levels. As innovators, Liberty has re-engineered a common household item using green processes and creative design,” said Don Brunell, President, Association of Washington Business. “As a manufacturer, Liberty has committed to producing its product in the USA and, perhaps more importantly, created great jobs for people here in Washington. The MVP2 Award is well-deserved.”
“What’s good for American manufacturing is good for jobs and the environment,” said Ken Zarker, Pollution Prevention Section Manager at the Washington Department of Ecology, who nominated Liberty. He added, “Liberty is a leader in moving toward sustainable manufacturing. We are proud this company and other pollution prevention winners have shown significant results in saving water, reducing pollution and conserving energy.”
The company has also taken steps to implement a chemicals management program to address chemicals of concern to customers, including Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates that meets customer expectations and performance needs.
The MVP2 Award from the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPRR) demonstrates how organizations can become more competitive, form partnerships, realize cost savings and enhance environmental quality, all at the same time. Jeffrey Burke, NPPR Executive Director, stated, “These organizations have clearly demonstrated that pollution prevention is a smart business strategy and we applaud Liberty Bottleworks for their leadership and commitment to promoting a sustainable future.”
The Washington Department of Ecology worked with the Association of Washington Business (AWB) to forward Liberty Bottleworks to the national awards competition, after Liberty won the statewide AWB Environmental Excellence Award earlier this year.
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For more information:
Department of Ecology (www.ecy.wa.gov/) BLOG
MVP2 Award (www.p2.org/category/news/press-releases/)
www.libertybottles.com
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Broadcast version:
A local outdoor industry company, Liberty Bottleworks, received the Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) Award in Washington, DC, today for their sustainable manufacturing practices. As the only producer of an American-made metal drinking bottle, the three-year-old company is making great strides as a leader toward zero-waste manufacturer. Earlier this year, Liberty Bottleworks won the Environmental Excellence Award from the Association of Washington Business. The company has also been working to eliminate the use of chemicals of concern to consumers, including Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. On the outside, the bottle makes a fashion statement with original artwork.
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The MVP2 awards are awarded during National Pollution Prevention Week, which is the third week of September, September 15–21, 2013. Since Pollution Prevention Week became a national event in 1995, the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) has been advancing pollution prevention awareness through its efforts to encourage and promote widespread participation during this week. By sharing information, National Pollution Prevention Week is a time when organizations can become more competitive, can realize cost savings, and enhance environmental quality.
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Press Release - The National Pollution Prevention Roundtable Announces: The 2013 MVP2 Award Winners
September 3, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC – The 2013 Most Valuable Pollution Prevention (MVP2) awards presented by the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable (NPPR) celebrate the successes of innovators in the areas of pollution prevention and sustainability. The MVP2 awards are presented annually during National Pollution Prevention (P2) Week. Since P2 Week became a national event in 1995, NPPR has been advancing pollution prevention awareness by encouraging and promoting widespread participation during this week.
The 2013 MVP2 recipients represent a broad range of backgrounds including academia, industries, non- profits and individuals that have demonstrated significant accomplishments in pollution prevention. Together, these programs and projects reduced hazardous materials by 757,000 pounds, non-hazardous materials by 7.8 million pounds, water use by 484 million gallons, air emissions by 137 million pounds, and energy use by 484 million kWh. These prestigious awards will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, DC on September 18, 2013.
Awards are presented in four categories. This year’s winners for the Projects/Programs Award were Associated Air Center, Denyo, Liberty Bottleworks, IBM Vermont, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center, Norchem, Owens Corning, SABIC, and Toyota of West Virginia. Honorable Mentions went to Community Closet, Watson Furniture, StandardAero, The Green Building, Toyota of West Virginia, and Washing Systems. Rick Bossingham with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management took home the award for P2 Champion. Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Scott Butner, formerly with the Pacific Northwest National laboratory and a volunteer member of the Pacific Northwest Pollution prevention Resource Centerr, and Donna Walden of the Western Sustainability and Pollution Prevention Network.
Jeffrey Burke, Executive Director of NPPR, stated, “These organizations have clearly demonstrated that pollution prevention is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. They are being recognized for their leadership and commitment to promoting a sustainable future”. The MVP2 awards demonstrate how organizations can become more competitive, form partnerships, realize cost savings and enhance environmental quality all at the same time.
For more information on the MVP2 Awards and NPPR, visit www.p2.org.
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EPA Launches Online Green Sports Resource Directory
August 26, 2013
Release Date: 08/26/2013
Contact Information: Molly Hooven, Hooven.molly@epa.gov, 202-564-2313, 202-564-4355
WASHINGTON — The U. S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) is unveiling a new online Green Sports Resource Directory that can help teams, venues, and leagues save money and reduce carbon pollution through increased energy efficiency, a key part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan.
Additionally, the new directory contains information that can help teams reduce waste and gain recognition for their programs that reduce the environmental impact of their events. EPA Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe made the announcement today during the third annual Green Sports Alliance summit in New York City.
“As a founding partner of the Green Sports Alliance, EPA is committed to working with its members to help teams and sports venues green their operations, and engage fans,” said Deputy Administrator Perciasepe. “EPA’s new Green Sports Resource Directory will provide easy access to information on Agency tools and programs along with success stories to serve as examples of what can be achieved with a winning game plan for going green.”
Currently, the Green Sports Alliance has more than 180 members and is working with more than 75 teams at both the professional and collegiate levels and over 100 stadiums and sports venues across the country, with participation increasing daily. This week’s Summit includes a number of EPA speakers as well as leaders from across the sports community who recognize the potential for real environmental benefits from greening sports events and venues, and the potential for teams to inspire fans to adopt greener practices in their daily lives.
The Green Sports Resource Directory brings together Agency resources to support teams and their fans, stadiums, and venues, who want to improve their waste management, water and energy conservation, and other sustainability efforts.
EPA compiled a Green “Scoreboard” that highlights a number of winning efforts across numerous sports leagues and some statistics on the environmental and saving benefits. The Scoreboard is available on the Green Sports Resource Directory.
More on President Obama’s Climate Action Plan: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimateactionplan.pdf
Visit the Green Sports Resource Directory and view the Scoreboard: http://www2.epa.gov/green-sports
More on the Green Sports Alliance, this week’s Summit, or to learn if your team is a member: http://greensportsalliance.org/
To view the original press release: http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/0c0affede4f840bc8525781f00436213/bfd6ba05f56a994885257bd3004b5f11!OpenDocument
July P2Press
August 13, 2013
P2Press: June 2013
July 1, 2013
Article: States, firms fill chemicals leadership void
June 13, 2013
Read the most recent P2 Pathways article for GreenBiz:
http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/06/11/states-firms-chemicals-leadership-void
In this article, “States, firms fill chemicals leadership void” author Ken Zarker from Washington State Department of Ecology’s Pollution Prevention and Regulatory Assistance Section, discusses the Chemical Safety Improvement Act of 2013 and how its beneficial to look at lessons learned from states action on chemicals management to help craft a workable national solution.
Here is the link to the P2 Pathways landing page:
http://www.greenbiz.com/business/engage/enterprise-blogs/p2-pathways
P2Press: May 2013
June 3, 2013
