Author Archive

Dave Heun

Dave Heun is a freelance writer and editor with more than 30 years of experience in publishing and digital media. Heun is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in journalism. He worked as a reporter and editor for 24 years at the Kane County Chronicle, and spent seven years in marketing and communications in the medical laser industry. He has also been a freelance writer for the past eight years with the Daily Herald in the Chicago suburbs. His writing experience covers many facets from business, the arts, and sports, to environmental issues and high-energy physics. Part of his role with the medical equipment company called for working with environmental consultants and recycling companies involved with the recycling of scrap materials from old medical equipment, particularly surgical lasers.

Many parts of the country absorbed plenty of rain this summer, which can present a series of problems for homeowners – unless they really like seeing their trees, shrubs, plants and, especially, their lawns thrive under such conditions.

It means there was a lot of lawn mowing going on in certain parts of the country. And more of that mowing these days is being done with “greener” mowers.

It is true that the mowing season will be coming to a close in those places in which winter will soon cast its long, cold shadow. Yet, this is generally a good time to buy a mower for next year in season-ending sales.

Many who have contemplated a new mower, either prior to summer, or now as the season winds down, are taking a closer look at those “greener” mowers – those that cut fuel costs and air pollution while you cut your lawn.

Many mowers are being manufactured with strict exhaust emissions standards in mind, such as those in California. Regardless of state standards, it is good practice to consider mowers that are kinder to your pocketbook and the air you breath.

While the green trend has recently picked up in lawn care and maintenance, electric mowers have been around for years. However, improvements are being seen in cordless, electric mowers that make them more practical and appealing. Most rechargeable cordless mowers are now designed to have enough electric charge in them to cut a typical one-third acre lot – as long as the grass is not too long, and is cut on a weekly basis.

A commitment to conservation has to be made to use electric mowers, because they tend to be heavier than gasoline models and generally are not self-propelled – another reason you wouldn’t want your grass to get too long between mowings if using a cordless electric unit.

Older model gasoline mowers produce huge amounts of air pollution, in addition to being noisy in the neighborhood. Plus, you have to deal with disposing of old oil each year. Newer over-head valve engines cut down on some of that pollution, but they are still not as desirable as the zero pollution coming from electric mowers.

When comparing costs, one has to take into account that a 24-volt battery model handles most normal grass-cutting jobs. Those chargers consume between 45 to 90 watts of electricity during a full-charge overnight. At an electric rate of 10 cents per kilowatt-hour, it costs only about five to 10 cents for each cutting.

Considering the cost of oil, gasoline, spark plugs and filters for use of a mower during a summer season, the five cents per mowing is a mere fraction of the cost.

It is possibly the easiest item to just mindlessly toss into the garbage can because as you are discarding them your mind is usually focused on the task of replacing them at nearly the same moment.

But they are just as easy to recycle, thus cutting down on the chance of polluting lakes and streams, and exposing the environment and water to lead and acid.

Household batteries contain all sorts of heavy metals – cadmium, lead mercury and nickel – which are a detriment to the environment when they turn up in landfills.

It has been estimated that more than 2 billion batteries end up in landfills every year in the United States. When you consider that Americans buy billions of dry-cell batteries every year to power radios, toys, cell phones, watches, laptop computers, and portable power tools, it is apparent we are nearly overrun by batteries.

In addition to keeping harmful elements out of the land and air by recycling batteries, it can also result in saving resources by recovering the plastics and metals that can be used to make new batteries.

Alkaline batteries, the everyday household batteries used in flashlights, remote controls, and other appliances are prime candidates for consistent recycling efforts, as many cities and counties have recycling programs and several reclamation companies now process these batteries.

It is most tempting to just pitch those small, round “button-cell” type batteries found in items such as watches and hearing aids – but they contain mercury, silver, cadmium, lithium, or other heavy metals as their main component. Button cells are increasingly targeted for recycling because of the value of recoverable materials, their small size, and their easy handling relative to other battery types.

Many states have battery-recycling laws in place, but a habit of recycling your household batteries can aid the environment, regardless of any mandated regulations. In other words, you don’t need the government to explain how easy it is to recycle batteries.

Check to see if your city or county has drop-off locations for old batteries. Many cities allow battery recycling by simply placing the old batteries in bags and putting the bag on the ground near your regular recycling bin.

In many states, the larger lead-acid batteries from autos, boats, and sump pumps can be taken to any store that sells these batteries. The stores will take these batteries for free or a small processing charge. Then the batteries are totally recycled, including lead plates, battery acid, and the plastic cases.

As the conservation and “green” movement looks for more followers and more momentum, much attention has been directed to the global phenomenon of the multi-billion dollar fast-food industry.

Some fast-food chains are making great strides toward being “green” in all of the key facets of such an operation – obtaining local and reliable sources for its food; using recycled packaging materials; and constructing buildings with green initiatives in mind such as LED lighting, clearly marked recycling bins, and landscaping that can sustain itself without much water.

But conservation organizations and supporters feel there is much to be done in the future.

Obviously, you look to the top to see how such environmental concerns are unfolding with the most powerful fast-food chain. Experts agree that McDonald’s could undeniably change the face of supply chain sustainability with “green overtones” to every facet of its business. After all, the company operates 31,000 stores with yearly sales of over $23 billion, and McDonald’s executives have been in the news in attempting to improve their environmental scorecard by working more closely with suppliers who themselves have environment-friendly business models. At the same time, they are trying to phase out suppliers who are harmful to the environment. To that end, it was reported earlier this year that the company supports a moratorium on soya suppliers to prevent harmful environmental practices in the Amazon.

McDonald’s introduction of its first “green” restaurant in Chicago is a signal of the potential future of the franchise. In addition, it has introduced free EV charging stations for customers in a North Carolina restaurant, with the only potential problem being that it generally takes longer to charge an electric vehicle than the average amount of time a customer spends in a McDonald’s.

McDonald’s restaurants in South America are already delivering used oil to be converted into biodiesel fuel.

But “green” watchdog groups are encouraging the company and others like it to work on improving its packaging materials, and also incorporate more green design into the restaurant buildings.

The McDonald’s “green” restaurant in Chicago is estimated to use 25 percent less energy than a traditional McDonald’s by featuring a green roof, a storm water retention system and energy-saving kitchen and network equipment. It also features the use of recycled milk containers to be used in making the tabletops, and a partition built out of Coca-Cola bottles.

Researchers are determining if waste from fast-food chains can somehow be converted to energy sources or compost for farmers.

Imagination seems to be the only boundary for fast-food chains in trying certain measures, as over the long haul it would definitely be a money-saving initiative to convert to more green restaurants.

While the “greening” of our lifestyles is becoming more apparent, and our awareness of conserving natural resources is reaching new levels, it is still unusual to find a store that practices all that is being preached.

It is hard to predict if these types of stores will multiply and prosper in the future. That all depends on how consumers worldwide view stores with a mission to draw environmentally conscious patrons, or to educate those who want to learn more.

One such example exists in the small community of Geneva, Ill., where a shop called Peaceful Parlour recently opened its doors. “Many things in the store are made from things we saved from going into the landfill,” store owner Shari Ralish explains.

That would include hammocks made from hemp or recycled plastic bottles; door mats created from wasted fishermen’s ropes; and organic, cotton shopping bags that are alternatives to plastic bags.
The “green” toys in the shop are made from recycled plastic milk jugs and have no small parts that could be dangerous to children. “The toys in here are ‘Alexander approved,’” Ralish said, referring to testing the products on her son Alexander first. Recycled cardboard furniture and botanical paints also are available for children.Feeding spoons and baby bowls are made from bamboo, Ralish said, emphasizing that many items in her store are “natural earth products that have no toxins.”

Ralish said she “avoids plastics in any we can” when choosing products to sell.

Rainwater diversion kits for creating rain benches or rain barrels are also on display, along with various plant-based cream moisturizers, oils and mists that are targeted for different sensations, from calming to energizing fragrances.

Household items and some furniture pieces are made from re-used fabrics, assuring that original items are getting second or third uses. “We are hoping as more people learn about us, they will stop in for a visit,” Ralish said.

www.peacefulparlour.com

In many parts of the country, using an outdoor deck can be a year-round pleasure. In other parts, it is a nice haven for about half of the year, or however many warm months occur. In either scenario, decks continue to be an excellent gathering place or a setting for an individual’s peace and quiet. Decks remain a popular part of the American home landscape as part of a new home or an addition to an existing home. Yet most of the people who have them built probably never even consider their environmental and energy-saving benefits.

Why are decks energy efficient? If you own a deck, you spend less time indoors. That means you should be using less power inside for air-conditioning, lights and electronic gadgets. Those who make a point to spend plenty of time outdoors on their deck should see a lower utility bill.
A roof or pergola over your deck, or a tall side wall near the deck, can block the sun from your home and provide extra shading. This is most noticeable if these structures, or a strategic set of bushes or trees, can shade the large glass door that usually is an entryway onto a deck.

Saving energy is one aspect. Being environmentally friendly is another. It has been reported that a company called Trex has developed a new decking material called Transcend, which is made from 95 percent recycled materials, mostly recycled plastic bags and sawdust.

Transcend also has a thin polymer top cap, which makes it easier to clean and eliminates the need for some of the harsher cleaning chemicals that are common for decks. Alternative decking materials are becoming more readily available and should be considered when contemplating a deck project. While some of these materials may cost more than wood, the trade-off is the longevity of the product and its lower maintenance needs.

As awareness grows about the damage that unwanted pharmaceuticals could cause to the nation’s water supply, more government agencies and communities are hiring recycling companies to conduct “drop-off” days or weekends to collect such unwanted medications.

One such drop-off day in the suburbs of Boston, Mass., in the summer of 2008 resulted in a 30-gallon barrel being filled to the brim and overflowing with medications that the residents no longer needed.

At universities and high schools across the country, the dilemma of medications getting into the water supplies or groundwater aquifers has been prominent enough to develop class studies. A “Disposal of Unwanted Medications” curriculum has been developed to help high school youth understand why chemicals from medications are being found in the environment, the harm these chemicals can cause, and what can be done about it. Such courses often have a heavy emphasis on the science behind wastewater.

Part of the dilemma, of course, is that the federal government for years advised flushing prescriptions down the toilet once they were no longer needed. The premise had been it was the most effective way to keep the drugs out the hands of young children in the home. While it was safe and sound advice in that regard, it is now a cause for concern in that testing has shown pharmaceutical waste is getting into the nation’s water supplies via groundwater. An Associated Press investigation a year ago found that the drinking water supplies of 41 million Americans are contaminated with some level of pharmaceuticals.

Not all states mandate testing of water supplies for traces of controlled substances, but it is likely to become more common – as will “drop-off” days for the purpose of incinerating the drugs — which can be costly but is considered safer for the environment.What are the options at this time? Ask if your pharmacy is involved in any program in which unused medications are collected. Ask your local government leaders if the recycling companies they use have any protocol for unwanted pharmaceuticals. Watch for any possible “collection” days or weekends in your area.

Your state health or environmental protection departments may conduct annual “household hazardous waste” collection days as an alternative to special take-back events, and it is possible those events would include unused medications as well as supplies, such as hypodermic needles.Some states are testing mail-back programs, in which the drugs are sent directly to state drug-enforcement authorities for disposal.

Not many Americans can claim to be automobile experts when it comes to maintenance, but most can tell when the tires on their automobiles are losing tread or getting low on air. Mostly, we can all tell when a tire on our car has gone flat. How does the general “health” of our tires affect our environment – and our pocketbook?

It’s been preached often by environmental experts that tires low on air are not only unsafe, but they demand more fuel use. The debate about tires and their effect on gasoline and oil consumption has entered the current green era, and it has resulted in nearly every hybrid vehicle being equipped with low rolling resistance (LRR) tires. LRR tires are designed to minimize the energy wasted as heat while the tire rolls down the road. And it’s not just for the hybrid vehicles. Manufacturers are also developing LRR tires for gas-powered cars and trucks.

The end game for all of this is better fuel efficiency. The Yokohama Tire Corp. reported studies that have shown that a vehicle averaging 15,000 miles a year could enjoy a savings of $100 a year on gasoline (at $3 a gallon) with the generally thinner LRR tires. Proponents of LRR tires use the example of riding a bike with low air in the tires. Because more rubber is on the road, it is harder to pedal the bike. The same theory would hold true with automobiles, as much energy is used to overcome rolling resistance – meaning gas mileage suffers and more carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere.

Properly inflated LRR tires, they reason, provide the least amount of resistance against the road; yet adhere to the same federal guidelines used to control traction, treadwear and temperature resistance as with standard tires.

Those who are conscious about protecting the environment and conserving energy look to LRR tires as a popular upgrade. Aside from the switch to LRR, it is always a good idea to have your standard automobile tires checked when they are cold (at least three hours after being driven) for proper inflation with a reliable tire gauge.

While this may sound like it goes without saying, you may be amazed to find that some of your tire valve stems don’t have caps that seal against leakage. Take a look at those on occasion to make sure they are still on your tires.

Could the current “green” awareness movement result in millions of Americans and Europeans going back in time?
If so, the place to start this time travel apparently is in our own back yards – and front yards.

The green, weed-free and well-manicured lawns of today didn’t exist in America until late in the 18th century. Before that, a typical rural home would simply have packed dirt or a garden with various plants and vegetables in the front of the home.

Wealthy folks in Europe were the first to start manicuring their lawns and actually defying nature – by trying to make one species of plant, in this case grass, dominate a wide area. Nature, being what it is, will fight that notion and push for a more diverse setting – thus the years-old battle against weeds and other invasive plants on our beautiful lawns.

When industrialists from America traveled to Europe, they came back with the thought that these beautiful, sweeping lawns on an estate were a sign of prestige and beauty.

So it was, the well-manicured lawn was born in America. It wasn’t until years later, with the creation of power mowers and garden hoses that having a green lawn became more practical. And its staying power has been significant, with a major upswing during the Baby Boom era and the creation of the modern subdivision in the 1950s. Until then, taking care of a lawn took too much time and effort for most families.

So, fast-forward to the modern day “green” movement – and we’re back to talking about the environmental and financial benefits of creating low-maintenance gardens or natural prairie plants on one’s property in place of the lavish, sprawling lawn.

There is no doubt that those little patches of green at the homes of most Americans have translated into huge business. Before the current recession took hold, a Gallup survey in the early 2000’s indicated that more than 26 million households had hired “a green professional” and that the number was expected to grow.

Environmentalists estimate that there are about 40 million to 50 million acres of lawn in the United States. Considering that in some parts of the country, an average size lawn can soak in 10,000 gallons of water a month, the amount of water used in greening up our lawns nationwide is staggering.

Slowly, some are switching over to native plants and grasses, some of which need to be cut only twice a year and can also be used to create a “meadow” as a play area for children.

A grass seed known as “eco-turf” seed is becoming more popular, as it is blended with plants such as wildflowers and clover. Most feedback from owners of such a turf claim it holds up better for kids and pets, requires very little water and virtually no fertilizing.

For many, it means putting away the sprinklers and spreaders while saving money and water through a process that actually creates an environmentally friendly habitat on their property.

As many as 30 years ago, a school, office building or a home that took the steps to convert to solar energy were looked upon as pioneers setting the stage for a new era of energy.

But a quick look at the history of solar energy tells us that ancient Greeks and Romans understood the benefit in designing architecture in a way that allowed the sun to light and heat indoor spaces. They were quick to build houses and other structures that utilized glass or mica on the south sides of buildings to hold in the heat provided by a winter sun. And they did it with conservation in mind, not just as a way to stay warmer during cold months. Greeks and Romans were able to calculate the use of the sun’s energy, and would use those calculations to offset the need to burn wood, which was often hard to come by.

Forward-thinking industrialists could see that fossil fuels powering the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century would eventually be used up. So solar power was again a way to conserve.

Despite this long history with solar energy, it never quite took hold in the late 1970s, when it first began to appear with solar panels on tops of buildings. In fact, many scoffed at the notion that this could work – especially if one was trying to utilize the new technology in regions of the country that couldn’t count on the sun being out consistently for days at a time.

But enter the current green movement and awareness, and the potential rises for solar energy to again become more accessible, more effective and, ultimately, more popular.

The technical description of a solar panel is a panel composed of several individual photovoltaic cells that are arranged in a grid pattern. This allows the panel to collect clean, renewable energy in the form of sunlight during the day, and converting that light into electricity in a direct-current voltage form for storing in a battery or for direct conversion to typical 120- or 220-volt alternating currents.

The technology, called solar photovoltaic, or PV, has been around for 70 years, with the discovery credit going to Albert Einstein. In some states, like California, new energy metering laws permit residents with solar grid systems to feed their excess solar energy back into the public electricity grid, which in effect will “spin back” the individual’s meter and qualify that person for compensation, or credits, for producing electricity.

Ken Sobel, the president of United Sustainable Energy in San Diego, was quoted in a national wire service story as saying that the cost of materials needed to install solar energy has become less expensive and more attractive for homeowners.

“Solar panels on a roof are a ‘badge of honor’ showing commitment to being socially responsible and green,” Sobel said.In general, solar panels are guaranteed to generate electricity for 25 years, and those in the industry estimate that a homeowner can expect to recoup in savings the entire investment in a solar panel system within about five years.

The Solar Energy Industries Association web site at seia.org is considered a good starting point for a consumer to get a basic primer on solar energy and its options. Solar-estimate.org is a free public service site that estimates solar, wind and renewable energy system costs and the payback and financial advantages.

You see a notice on occasion that a cell-phone recycling program is taking place in your community, but too many of us just let old cell phones pile up in a drawer or supply closet.

The same happens at any number of businesses, large and small. The result is that nearly 800 million cell phones, piling up since 1980, are no longer in use. The bad news is that, eventually, we get tired of seeing old cell phones gathering dust, and far too many of us throw them out with our regular trash.

The Environmental Protection Agency calculates that in a single year, such as 2009, the total number of cell phones disposed of and ending up primarily in landfills is 129 million – or 17,270 tons of old cell phones.

On the opposite side of that equation, the EPA reports that about 11.75 million cell phones were recycled, or about 1,570 tons.

The numbers aren’t too impressive yet, but recycling options for your cell phones are becoming more prominent and consumers have more choices to consider.

Still, understanding the potential damage of not recycling your cell phone is taking some time to sink in. Experts in the land pollution sector of the EPA say that if a cell phone is disposed of improperly, the metals such as lead and cadmium can leach into the ground and pollute drinking water.

On a national scale, only 10 percent of cell phones are recycled. The EPA estimates that for every 1 million cell phones recycled, we could recover 75 pounds of gold, 772 pounds of silver and 35,274 pounds of copper. Multiply those figures times the more than 100 million cell phones retired each year and it is easy to see why environmental experts are continuing to push cell phone recycling.

The second annual National Cell Phone Recycling Week was held in early April to raise awareness and decrease the number of cell phones in our landfills. Your community recycling program may accept old phones, as well as nearby phone or electronics stores. There also are numerous web sites that direct people to drop-off sites such as recyclemycellphone.org or charitablerecycling.com.

You can also find information about cell phone recycling on wirefly.org.

The EPA estimates there are 57.8 million old unused cell phones “in storage” in people’s homes. That’s 9,271 tons of valuable material that could be recycled. Turn in your old phones and do your part to keep America from becoming a nation of electronic hoarders.