missym’s Recent Comments

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  Energy Analysis

  Just note that the report Umbra links to only takes into account energy when analysing the various materials - it does not take into account nasty chemicals generated in the production process, waste issues, the likelihood of recycling or biodegradability.On Umbra on travel mugs posted 2 years, 6 months ago 22 Responses

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  Mercury issues

  Rulvy - I think you are being unnecessarily pessimistic.  I agree that we need to consider these decisions carefully rather than make knee-jerk greenwashing decisions. And I agree completely with your point that using renewable energy would solve a lot of these problems - sadly, in Australia, due to a short-sighted and old-fashioned government, that's a long way away from reality despite the country's natural resources (I'm an Australian living in Sweden).

  But... power stations are the single largest source of mercury emissions into the environment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), (when coal power is used -as is often the case in Australia).  The mercury released from powering an incandescent bulb for five years exceeds the sum of the mercury released by powering a comparably luminous compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) for the same period and the mercury contained in the lamp.

  Secondly, some manufacturers such as Philips and GE make very low mercury content CFLs. Hopefully with the increased market they would have with less incandescant bulbs on the market, they could develop the products even further.

  Thirdly - if the government is recommending the use of these bulbs then hopefully they would implement recycling or takeback programs.

  I think Australia should be commended for this step. Sure, it's not the same as signing Kyoto, but for a country that has until fairly recently been in denial about climate change (at least as far as our PM is concerned), it's a positive step.

  Regarding the eyesight issue, again, there must be steps we can take.  Since we started using computers so much there has been an increase in many vision symptoms such as astygmas and computer-related short-sightedness as well, so it's not an isolated problem.On They've Had Their Filament posted 2 years, 9 months ago 8 Responses

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  Greenpeace

  Actually, I don't think Peter Garrett has been on the Greenpeace board.  

  According to his website:

  "Peter served two terms as president of the Australian Conservation Foundation. In his first term, from 1989 to 1993, significant results were achieved for many threatened areas of the Australian environment including Coronation Hill in Kakadu, Shoalwater Bay in Queensland, the Queensland Wet Tropics rainforest and Jervis Bay in NSW. In his second term, the ACF grew strongly, developed partnerships with non-government organisations, progressive business groups and companies, and expanded its campaigning into marine conservation and northern Australia.

  He received the Australian Humanitarian Foundation Award ( environment category) in 2000, and in 2003 received the Order of Australia (Member General Division) for his contribution to environment and the music industry."On Featuring the singer from Midnight Oil! posted 2 years, 11 months ago 4 Responses