Official Publication of the Cagayan de Oro Port Community on Port Security, Safety, Health & Environment V O L U M E VOL 1 NO.1, JANUARY- 1 , N O . 1 J A N — J U N 2 0 0 8 Cagayan de Oro Port Chosen as the Most Environment Friendly Port in Northern Mindanao JUNE 2008 SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Sanitary Bowls, Waterless Urinals, Anyone? P. 7 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Editorial 2 PMO Requires 3 Vessel Crews to Use Gate 4 for Access Inside the Port Ms. Teen Candi- 4 dates Visit Mangrove Reforestation Project PMO Links Up with SRLSF 4 PLSA SIGNS MOA WITH 4 FVR Inaugurates MacArthur Memorial Marker 5 Envilens 8 Entrance to the Passenger Terminal Building. The Port of Cagayan de Oro has been chosen as the Most Environment Friendly Port among four other ports in Northern Mindanao in CY 2008 by the Port District OfficeNoMin. The four other ports are the Port of Iligan, Port of Ozamiz, Port of Nasipit and Port of Surigao. The PPA-wide Search for the Most Environment Friendly Port was initiated by the Office of the Assistant General Manager for Operations and has the following criteria: Compliance with Waste Management Regulations (31%); Environmental, Clean and Green Programs Undertaken (15%); Port Environment Situation (32%); Information Dissemination (6%); Environmental Achievements and Awards (8%); Institutionalization of Environmental Programs and Com- The Port of Cagayan de Oro mitments of the PMO (4) and; Energy and Water Efficiency (4). The Special Evaluation Team (SET) from the District Office composed of its chairman, Engr. Euprepio Sanchez and two active members namely Ms. Lolita B. Cabanlet and Ms. Zenaida Madtahir, Managers of the Engineering Services, Management Services and Resource Management Divisions, respec- PMO Enforces Security and Safety Measures at the Passenger Terminal In compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, the PMO sustained safety and security measures for passengers at the Passenger Terminal Complex (PTC) by requiring Shipping Lines to provide shuttle buses for embarking passengers whose vessel is berthed more than 100 meters from the Terminal Building or by cordoning off the area between the Pre -Departure Area (PDA) and the vessel when the latter is tively, unanimously voted for the Port of Cagayan de Oro as the Most Environment Friendly Port due to the following reasons: 1. Compliance with Waste Management regulations. The PMO’s Shore Reception Facility (SRF) provided by Golden Dragon International Terminals, Continue on page 5 PILIPINAS SHELL SPEARHEADS OIL SPILL DRILL FOR PORT COMMUNITY berthed just within 100 meters and by stopping cargo handling operations during embarkation. Three layers of security check are also being done at the PDA in order to have thorough security check of baggage. First, all baggage need to pass through the X-Ray scanning machine. Second, only baggage that do not contain restricted items which have been visuallyinspected by the security guards Continue on page 6 Pilipinas Shell spearheads the second Oil Spill Drill exercise conducted 10 May 2008 at the Port of Cagayan de Oro to further enhance the emergency Continue on page 6 PAGE 2 Editorial Know the Port of Cagayan de Oro through the Port Eye Editorial cartoons here The Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office of Cagayan de Oro, in cooperation with the Cagayan de Oro Port Community, has launched the “Port Eye” newsletter to encourage and enlist the eyes and ears of port stakeholders in its campaign towards the promotion and sustenance of port safety, security, health and environmental initiatives. Through this quarterly publication, port users are empowered and ever reminded of their commitment of being more conscious and mindful about the state of cleanliness, orderliness and sanitation of their respective environs. It encourages them also to play a proactive role in ensuring the fulfillment and sustainability of the “Clean, Green and Blue Port” program. The “Port Eye” logo consists of three distinct graphic elements, each representing an important aspect of the program. The “Eye” carved out from that of an eagle’s represents the sharpness and vigilance the program generates. The “Bollard”, firmly anchored on the quay represents the stronghold which the “Clean, Green and Blue Port” program is laid upon. The “Water”, flowing freely in a waving configuration represents life in its fullest splendor and the flourishing water-borne commerce and trade that has benefited from it. It also represents the enduring partnership of the Port Community of Cagayan de Oro whose people and resources the program is entrusted. As part of our growing platform on electronic information and awareness, we are also firming up efforts to launch “Port Eye” on line. We will make the maiden issue and all succeeding issues of the newsletter available through the website soonest. VOLUME 1, NO.1 News PAGE 3 PMO REQUIRES CREW OF VESSELS TO USE GATE 4 FOR ACCESS INSIDE THE PORT The Port Management Office of the Port of Cagayan de Oro now requires the crew of the vessels whether passenger or not and all pedestrians other than those using the Passenger Terminal to use Gate 4 or the Access Control Center (ACC) as their entry/exit points. Answering the request of Shipping Lines that their crew be allowed to pass through the Pre-Departure Area of the Passenger Terminal Complex in getting to their vessels, Port Manager Efren B. Bollozos clarified that under the ISPS Code, the crew of the vessels are required to pass through the Access Control Center from where they should be ferried to their respective vessels. Under the same Code, he said, no one is allowed to walk on foot inside the port especially at the operational areas. Gate 1 B – For Passengers/Pedestrians using the Passenger Terminal Complex PM Bollozos said that the PMO has already identified and segregated the entry and exit perimeter gates for vehicles and pedestrians in consonance with the ISPS Code to ensure the safety and security of all port users and promote orderliness at the Port and convenience to all port users. However, he said that the crew of passenger vessels maybe allowed to enter the port through the Terminal Building if they need to attend to their passengers before boarding time. In PMO Memorandum Circular No. 003-2006 issued by the Port Manager, the following perimeter gates have been identified and segregated: Gate 2 – Exclusive for Cargo Vehicles not A. GATE 1. All the gates at the Passenger Terminal Complex are designated as GATE 1 and further subdivided into GATES 1A, 1B and 1C. The three gates are located at the Northwest portion of the Port of Cagayan de Oro fronting Pacana St. and designated as follows: • GATE 1A. is the entry gate of all vehicles, including taxis and public utility vehicles that will drop off and pick up passengers at the PTC. It is also the exit of all vehicles when GATE 1C is closed. • GATE 1B is exclusively for the entry/exit of all pedestrians at the PTC. • GATE 1C is for the exit of all vehicles at the PTC. However, when there is heightened security alert, lighter traffic or for any exigency, GATE 1C maybe closed. Gate 3 – E.S. Baclig Bldg Gate where the Administration Office & the PICO are located. B. GATE 2. Formerly known as the Macabalan Gate, it is located at the Western portion fronting the E.S. Baclig Building. It is for the entry/exit of all cargo vehicles not subject for weighing. This Gate is also for Ro-Ro vehicles/cargoes under the RRTS program. All passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motorelas and bicycles, not otherwise intended for cargo conveyance, shall not be allowed entry/exit at this gate. C. GATE 3 is the Administration Complex Gate located behind the E.S. Baclig Building, at the Western Portion, fronting Corrales Avenue Extension. GATE 3 is for the entry/exit of persons/pedestrians who shall transact business at the E.S. Baclig Building. D. GATE 4 is the Access Control Center (ACC) Gate located at the Western portion fronting Corrales Avenue Extension, opposite the Office of the Coast Guard-District of Northern Mindanao. It is for all pedestrians and private or service vehicles and the entry/exit gate for the Access Control Center where security and safety processing is conducted. Pedestrians may include port users, personnel from PPA, port workers, visitors and guests. Service vehicles may include all vehicles not otherwise classified as cargo trucks/vehicles. GATE 4 is under the control and supervision of the Port Police who shall strictly implement the PMO’s Access Control Regulations and Pass Control System including the “NO ID: NO ENTRY” policy. GATE 5 or the Agora Gate is intended for all cargo trucks/ vehicles, whether containerized or carrying bulk or break bulk cargoes, subject for weighing. “the crew of passenger vessels maybe allowed to enter the port through the Access Control Center (Gate 4) - Centralized processing of security for non-cargo vehicles and pedestrians/port users other than passengers. Terminal Building if they need to attend to their passengers before boarding.” Gate 5 – For containerized cargoes subject for weighing PAGE 4 News MS. TEEN CANDIDATES VISIT MANGROVE REFORESTATION PROJECT IN EL SALVADOR CITY Thirty (30) young and beautiful environmentalists, candidates to the Ms. Teen Philippines impressed sixteen (16) PMO personnel with their knowledge on environmental issues and concerns during the mangrove planting conducted by the PMO 25 May 2008 in El Salvador City. Ms. Teen Philippines candidates with PMO personnel at the mangrove planting. The young hopefuls are supposed to join the PMO personnel plant mangrove propagules at the Mangrove Reforestation Project Site of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Due to high tide however, only the PMO personnel led by ESD Manager Bong Butaslac, Jr., and RMD Manager Ida S. Aguilar were able to plant about 200 propagules. The Ms. Teen candidates found it impossible to plant in waist-deep water. “Aside from being pretty, the candidates are very courteous and respectful,” Ms. Aguilar said of the young candidates whose ages range from 14-18. PMO personnel conducts mangrove planting and coastal clean-up activities annually not only at the Mangrove Reforestation Project in El Salvador City but in other coastal areas within the vicinity of Misamis Oriental designated by DENR as mangrove reforestation projects to help promote an ecologically healthy and balanced marine environment, preserve and enhance marine life and the ecosystem as a whole. Another mangrove planting is scheduled in the month of July 2008 in Pangayawan, Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, another mangrove reforestation site in time for PPA’s anniversary celebration on 11 July 2008. To date, PMO-Cagayan de Oro has planted about 7,000 mangrove propagules since 2003 in the following areas: • Taytay, El Salvador City , 22 November 2003 • Bulua Coastline, Cagayan de Oro, 18 June 2004 and 27 August 2005 • Pangayawan, Gitagum, Misamis Oriental, 18 August 2006 and 21 July 2007. PMO LINKS UP WITH SAFER RIVER, LIFE SAVER FOUNDATION TO SUSTAIN DEVELOPMENT OF PORT COMMUNITIES Participants of the Livelihood Training Program posed during the commencement program. (Above) Together with Dr. Rose Huerbana of SRLSF, Engr. Isidro Butaslac, Jr. signs the MOA in behalf of PPA The Port Management Office-Cagayan de Oro has linked up with the Safer River, Life Saver Foundation, Inc., a Liceo de Cagayan University based multi-sectoral organization which aims to protect and/or enhance the ecology of the Cagayan de Oro River, other rivers in the city and maximize benefits from their utilization. Port Manager Engr. Efren B. Bollozos said that the linkage will help the PMO attain PPA’s mission to sustain development of its port communities. PM Bollozos said that a Memorandum of Agreement for this tie-up is being reviewed to define the functions and respon- sibilities of the parties involved. The MOA covers two Barangays situated along the Cagayan de Oro river bank and within the port zone namely Barangays Macabalan and Puntod. Initially, the beneficiaries of this tie-up are the residents of the two Barangays covered under the MOA, but other barangays situated along the river bank may be included in the future, PM Bollozos said. At present, there are 16 barangays along the Cagayan de Oro river. Among others, the tie-up will give the residents of the two barangays the opportunity to participate in livelihood training projects of PPA under the Gender and Development (GAD) PLSA SIGNS MOA WITH DENR ON GREEN PROGRAM AT THE PORT OF CAGAYAN DE ORO The Philippine Liners Shipping Association represented by its President Mr. Francisco Descallar entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the supply of tree seedlings that will be planted within the premises of the Port of Cagayan de Oro. The MOA was signed 09 May 2008 with Mr. Descallar and Mr. Maximo Dichoso, Regional Executive Director of DENR as signatories. The signing of the MOA assures PLSA of a steady supply of tree seedlings to be used in its tree planting activities and technical assistance for the maintenance of the planted trees from DENR. The MOA further stipulates that trees planted at the Port must be maintained and monitored. PLSA is required to submit photographs of the growing trees planted and quarterly reports on the maintenance and upkeep of the newly planted trees including replacements of those which failed to survive. PLSA joined the tree planting activity last 10 May 2008 at the Port of Cagayan de Oro together with the other members of the port community consisting of various port stakeholders. program and other projects and activities involving environmental issues and concerns such as tree planting and environment awareness seminars. They will also be recipients of PPA’s recycling project where recovered recyclable materials at the port will be used for their livelihood projects using recyclable materials. VOLUME 1, NO.1 News PAGE 5 FVR Inaugurates MacArthur Memorial Marker The Memorial Marker is a joint project of the City of Cagayan de Oro and the Sisterhood Commission of Norfolk, Virginia, the hometown of Gen. MacArthur. LGUCDO and Norfolk, Virginia will soon sign a Sisterhood Agreement to govern the relations of both Cities and the Marker is their first joint project. City Mayor Constantino G. Jaraula created the MacArthur Marker Former President Fidel V. Ramos delivers his talk Committee to handle the during the Inauguration Ceremony. funding and construction Former President Fidel V. of the project. The Committee is Ramos led the inauguration of the headed by Engr. Elpidio Paras of MacArthur Memorial Marker on the private sector. The Philippine 13 March 2008 to commemorate Ports Authority segregated about Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s landing 1,000 sq.m. of port area at the at the Macabalan Wharf on 13 Northernmost tip of the Port of March 1942 on his way to Austra- Cagayan de Oro where the marker is built. lia. Other guests during the inauguration include Dr. Juan Montero, a member of the Sisterhood Commission of Norfolk, Virginia, Vice Mayor Vicente Y. Emano, Port District Manager Bienvenido P. Basco and Port Manager Efren B. Bollozos, members of the City Council and the MacArthur Marker Committee and a representative from the US Embassy. The McArthur marker has now become a tourist destination in the country and is expected to be as historical as one of the oldest inter-regional highways named after him, the MacArthur Highway that connects Manila to the northern and southern provinces. PPA segregated 1,000 sq.m. of port area where LGULGUCDO & Private Sector built the marker to commemorate Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s landing at the Macabalan Wharf on 13 March 1942 on his way to Australia. CDO Port Chosen ... Continued rrom page 1 consists of one (1) medium size dumptruck and two (2) color coded garbage receptacles for segregation. GDTI workers are protected with hand gloves, masks and boots. The PMO has provided GDTI with a fenced area dedicated for their operations. For oil wastes, GDTI has an established communication system that would alert their Davao branch to handle oil wastes. This set-up and the systems and procedures for the SRF have yet to be duplicated in the four other baseports. The environmental, clean and green programs of PMO Cagayan de Oro are continuing activities. The PMO has the most number of tree planting activities conducted and mangrove reforestation projects implemented. The Port of Cagayan de Oro is the only port with a well-developed and maintained Greenbelt area planted with a total of 351 trees. The PMO has planted 7,000 mangrove propagules in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental, Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City and Gitagum, Misamis Oriental which are all DENR identified areas for mangrove rehabilitation in Misamis Oriental. The Passenger Terminal Complex of the Port of Cagayan de Oro was commended by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) as the most Client-Friendly Passenger Terminal in 2006. The SET visited the Port on 14 May 2008 and conducted an ocular inspection of the Port. The Port District Office has nominated the PMO to Head Office to compete with other regional winners in the search namely the Ports of Davao, Puerto Prinsesa, Tagbilaran and Limay. The Port Community composed of various stakeholders joined hands in preparing the Port of Cagayan de Oro for the search. The stakeholders are Oroport Cargohandling Services, Inc., Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Mindanao (PCG) and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Pilipinas Shell, Harbor Star, Marcoso Tugboat Services, Inc., Phiippine Liners Shipping Association, Golden Dragon Terminals International, Inc. DATCOM Lodge 308, Macajalar Wharf Porters Association and Safer River, Lifer Saver Foundation Congratulations to the Port of Cagayan de Oro and the Port Community !!! The Port Cagayan de Oro is the only port in the country with a Green Belt Area. PAGE News 6 Members of the Port Community Sign Up for Regular Clean-Up Drive at the Port Various stakeholders at the Port of Cagayan de Oro commit to help keep the port clean, green and blue by adopting a particular area at the port to maintain its cleanliness and orderliness under the continuing “Clean, Green and Blue Port” project. In a letter sent to the members of the Port Community, Port Manager Engr. Efren B. Bollozos requested the various stakeholders to adopt an area at the port to sustain the joint effort for the project which started during the early ‘80’s and which has been institutionalized by the Port District Office-Northern Mindanao among its five ports since 1998. Members of the Macajalar Wharf Porters Association join the regular clean-up drive at the Port. PMO Enforces ... Continued from page 1 are allowed inside the PDA. Prohibited items with valid permits and baggage containing restricted items must be deposited with their respective Shipping Lines. They are not allowed inside the PDA. Third, all baggage will be subjected to sniffing by the K-9 dog under the supervision of the Philippine Coast Guard. Various amenities at the PTC. Vehicle traffic at the PTC has also become efficient with the implementation of the Vehicle Access Control System (VACSys), a tracking system that monitors vehicles entering the PTC. The Port of Cagayan de Oro is the only seaport in the country with a computerized tracking and monitoring system of vehicles, making the entry/exit of vehicles very orderly, thereby easing traffic congestion inside the PTC. With these security and safety measures in place at the PTC, the Port of Cagayan de Oro certainly lives up to its name as the Gateway to Mindanao. In CY 2006, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) cited the PTC as the “Cleanest and Most Orderly Port in Northern Mindanao.” At present, the PTC has the following amenities which are well-maintained: - Pre-Departure Area - Shuttle Bus Service - Well-Wisher’s Area - Ticketing Booths - Child Care Center - Pay Parking Area - Kiddie Corner - Drop-Off / Pick-Up Point - Sweet-smelling comfort rooms - Ramp for the DifferentlyAbled Participants of the Oil Spill Drill. 2007 - Executive Lounge with facilities for the differentlyabled PM Bollozos said that the PMO has subdivided the port for adoption Continue on page 7 Pilipinas Shell ... Continued from page 1 response capabilities of various stakeholders and ensure the protection and preservation of marine life in case of accidental oil spillage. Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc. provided the tugboat in putting out to sea the boom and skimmer used in the exercise while various stakeholders such as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the PCG Auxiliary, Oroport Cargohandling Services, the Philippine Liners Shipping Association and PMO personnel actively participated in the exercise. The first Oil Spill Drill was conducted 02 April 2007 also spearheaded by Pilipinas Shell. With the success of the first two exercises, the members of the Port Community has scheduled quarterly exercises to safeguard marine resources against oil spills and other destructive chemicals that may pollute the seas and shores. The Oil Spill Drill is part of the continuing “Clean, Green and Blue Port” project of the Port Community. VOLUME 1, Features NO.1 PAGE Sanitary Bowls, Waterless Urinals, Anyone? Water as a universal cleanser is indeed becoming scarce. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50% of the world population will experience water scarcity within the next 50 years. Rather than wait for water to become a very expensive resource, manufacturers worldwide have designed home fixtures that are environment friendly and use less water or no water at all such as water efficient sanitary bowls and waterless urinals. However, since they are still new in the world market, they are quite expensive and are not yet available locally. The design of ecological, sanitary and environment friendly fixtures is part of the so-called ECOSAN technology being developed not only to conserve water but to make environment friendly facilities for sustainable sanitation practices and more importantly to recycle human excreta and waste water like urine to fertilize the soil. In a seminar conducted by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) in cooperation with Xavier University’s Engineering Resource Center and the Ecosan Training & Research Center for Southeast Asia & the Pacific entitled “Ecosan for Engineers” on June 19, 2008 at the Pearlmont Inn in Cagayan de Oro City, Dr. Robert J. Holmer, PUVeP Director gave an overview of the Ecosan philosophy saying that it is not a specific technology but rather a new philosophy based on an ecosystem-oriented view of material flows. The ecosan philosophy applies the basic natural principle of closing the loop by using modern and safe sanitation and reuse technologies to maintain the fertility of arable lands. The World Watch Report of 2005 reported that annually, the earth is losing 25 billion tons of nutrient rich topsoil. The ecosan philosophy is being implemented with pilot projects in Cagayan de Oro and Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon where ecosan double vault urinediversion dehydration toilets to collect urine and human faeces separately for recycling are constructed. The seminar was attended by almost 80 participants coming from various government agencies like PPA, DPWH, PAGIBIG, NHA, City Health Office, Members of Port ... Editorial Board Members of the Port Community supporting the “Clean, Green and Blue Port” project include Oroport Cargohandling Services, Inc., Philippine Coast GuardNorthern Mindanao (PCG) and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Pilipinas Shell, Harbor Star, Marcoso Tugboat Services, Inc., Phiippine Liners Shipping Association, Golden Dragon Terminals International, Inc. DATCOM Lodge 308, Macajalar Wharf Porters Association and Safer River, Lifer Saver Foundation, Inc. COWD, OCW, LGUs, as well as the academe, private consultants and constructors. Two of PMO’s Engineers, ESD Manager Bong Butaslac, Jr. and Supervising Engineer Marc Avellana attended the seminar. Case studies on sustainable sanitation practices implemented in the Philippines such as the decentralized waste water treatment systems for the public market in Dumaguete and the slaughterhouse of the Bureau of Animal Industry in Valenzuela which also includes a biogas facility were also presented during the seminar. Water as a universal cleanser is indeed becoming scarce. Editorial Staff Continued from page 6 to ensure the sustainability of an environment friendly port. A PPA-PMO personnel will be a stakeholder’s partner in each adopted area. Together with the letter is a FORM where the stakeholder and the PMO personnel state their commitment for a sustainable and environment friendly port. Waterless urinals (above) and how it works. Jessica D. Angeles Executive Editor Saerah M. Pascasio Editor-In-Chief Efren B. Bollozos Chairman Edsel A. Calo Associate/Lay-Out Editor Franklin M. Siao Member Jorice A. Naranjo News/Features Francisco Descallar Member Jurylie Abordo News/Features Carlos M. Canon Member Core Suan Envilens Editor Marc M. Avellana Photo Editor Cyril Beja Circulation Manager Marissa Mendoza Circulation Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr. Member Port Eye is the official publication of the Cagayan de Oro Port Community on port security, safety, health and environment with office address at Philippine Ports Authority, Port Management Office-Cagayan de Oro, Port Area, Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000. Coordinators Amor G. Mann Passenger Terminal Complex Guilbert Anthony Gimeno Terminal Port of Balingoan Valiente Camay Terminal Port of Benoni 7 EnviLens A closer look on environment matters. Plugging the Bulbs The news about compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) is not all sunny. Little noted is that they contain mercury, aneurotoxin that can be released if bulbs are tossed in the trash or incinerated. But when disposed of properly, CFLs actually reduce the amount of mercury escaping into the environment. According to the EPA, “coal-fired power plants emit 13.6 mg of mercury to produce the electricity required to use an incandescent light bulb, compared to 3.3 mg for a CFL.” Length of Degradation —- Practical Values, Mother Jones Types of rubbish have varying amounts of time to properly decompose when scattered around and not on landfill area or compost facility. This is how long some commonly used products biodegrade: Aluminum Cans Cotton rags 1-5 months In America, 1,500 aluminum cans are recycled every second. Recycling an aluminum soda can saves 96% of the energy used to make a can from ore, and produces 95% less air pollution and 97% less water pollution. Paper 2-5 months --- www.cleanair.org Rope 3-14 months Cigarette filters 1-12 years Leather shoes 25-40 years Nylon fabric 30-40 years Plastic bags 10-20 years Orange peels 6 months Banana peels 2-10 days One aluminum can recycled can save enough energy to run a television for 3 hours. --- Health & Home The Chemicals Within Many common household products contain compounds that could be affecting our health. In a report called “Is It in Us?” by a coalition of environment groups, all the participants of the survey tested positive of all 3 classes of contaminants: • BPA or Bisphenol A : a plastic hardener, it’s found in polycarbonate baby bottles, as well as in CDs, DVDs and the resin linings of many food and beverage containers, such as takeout cartons and aluminum and tin cans. • Phthalates: used to soften plastics, these compounds are found in hundreds of personal-care products such as fragrances, body lotions and shampoos • PBDEs: an important class of flame retardants, these chemicals are often used in upholstery, fabrics, circuit boards and casings of computers and TVs —- and apparently escape into indoor air and dusts. —— Project Green, Newsweek --- Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia Quantity of Water The earth’s total allotment of water has a volume of about 344 million cubic miles. Of this: • 315 million cubic miles (93%) is sea water • 9 million cubic miles (2.5%) is in aquifers deep below the earth’s surface • 7 million cubic miles (2%) is frozen in polar ice caps Hot Thermometers Broken mercury thermometers are an environment threat. They add 17 tons of mercury to the US waste stream every year. The mercury in one broken thermometer can contaminate an 11-acre lake. • 53,000 cubic miles of water pass through the planet’s lakes and streams • 4,000 cubic miles of water are atmospheric moisture Glass Recycle • 3,400 cubic miles of water are locked within the bodies of living things When a product is recycled and then reused as a new product, the recycling loop has been closed. Glass is 100% recyclable, and can be used over and over with no loss in quality. The process of creating new glass from old is also extremely efficient, producing virtually no waste or unwanted by-products. If the entire world’s water were to fit into a gallon jug, the fresh water available for us to use would equal only to about one tablespoon. —- www.rivers.gov —- www.mcswmd.org
© Copyright 2024