Last September, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final rule on mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases. The rule requires the largest emitters of greenhouse gases to collect data regarding greenhouse gases and report that data to the EPA.

Even if you aren’t an emitter that is required to collect data and report, you still can do your part to prevent greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting global warming. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Replace incandescent light bulbs: Replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Replacing regular light bulbs with CFLs reduces the amount of electricity you use–and also saves you money. CFLs also now come in a variety of colors (e.g., soft white, bright light, daylight) that can better accommodate your lighting needs in the workplace. Not sure about CFLs because of possible disposal issues with the mercury they contain? Watch for the new-generation light emitting diode (LED) bulbs that are starting to come onto the market. These bulbs use even less electricity, with the added benefit of no mercury disposal issues.
2. Use less heat and air conditioning. Just two degrees lower in the winter and two degrees higher in the summer can save you lots of money and prevent thousands of pounds a year of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere. Also, reduce your heating and air conditioning needs by using programmable thermostats, effective insulation, and well-maintained HVAC systems.
3. Reduce, reuse, and recycle: Manufacturing processes emit various types of greenhouse gases into the environment. If you can reduce the amount of manufacturing, packaging, and/or shipping you do, you’ll reduce your emissions.
4. If you drive, drive smart: If you have a fleet of company cars or trucks, make sure that the vehicles are properly maintained, which not only makes them safer but also uses less fuel. Every gallon of fuel that isn’t burned prevents about 20 pounds of carbon dioxide from being emitted. Also, properly inflated tires improve fuel usage by as much as three percent.
5. Plant trees: If you have the room to put trees on your facility, plant some. One tree can absorb as much as one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime (and, if located properly, can help cool your facility during the summer). Consider native species first when selecting what trees to plant; they will be better adapted to environmental conditions in your area and require less upkeep.  If you join the Arbor Foundation (membership is only $10) you have the choice to receive 10 free trees or the foundation will plant 10 trees in a national forest for you.  Remember Earth Day is April 22.

Winter is almost here.  Some places have already experienced snowfall and hazardous roads.  Here are some winter driving tips for you to consider.

Tip #1: First, check to make sure your vehicle is mechanically ready for the winter.

• Make sure your windshield wipers work properly. For some, snow blades may be a better choice than the all season blades. Visibility is key for driving in not-so-good weather conditions

• Take your vehicle in for a mechanical check up on anti-freeze/coolant, oil changes, windshield wiper fluid, and take care of any major vehicle issues that could possibly become hazardous during the winter season.

• Also, check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated, under or over inflation can reduce the gripping action of the tires due to the tread not meeting the road surface which may cause or increase your chances of getting into an accident.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full. More fuel in your tank will help reduce moisture problems and also helps to add weight.

• For RWD vehicles, extra weight may be necessary. Make sure it is distributed evenly and securely fastened. Bags of sand or kitty litter are great choices and help provide traction in case you go into the ditch or become stuck.

Tip #2: During snowy winter months, set your alarm clock to an earlier time leaving you with plenty of time to get to work in case of accidents and traffic back-ups.

Tip #3: Start your vehicle 10 minutes before leaving to get the vehicle warmed up. Also make sure that you fully brush off your windshield, all windows, mirrors, brake lights and headlights. Do not brush off little patches, you want to be noticed when your driving down the road and it can become very dangerous.

Tip #4: Always wear your seatbelt!

Tip #5: Choose the best route for work. Avoid hills, crowded areas and bridges.

Tip #6: Do not use a cell phone while driving in the snow or on ice. Concentrate on driving not the conversation. Your life could depend on it. (Note: See blog “Is Texting While Driving Deadly?”)

Tip #7: Drive with caution, be aware of posted speed limits and leave enough room for the driver in front of you in case you have to stop abruptly. Be advised that during serious weather conditions, it is best to slow down even in posted areas to help prevent accidents.

Tip # 8: Importantly, stay alert to the actions of other drivers. You do not know what their next move could be. Anticipate vehicles from side streets, in front of you, as well as behind you.

Tip #9: Keep your vehicle stocked with simple emergency equipment in case you do get into an accident or stall. Consider having these essentials tucked away in your vehicle:

• Blankets

• A small shovel

• Tow rope

• Bag of sand or kitty litter for traction

• Long jumper cables

• Flashlights

• Flares or neon sticks

• A cell phone, C.B. Radio or ham radio

• A windshield scraper and brush

• Snacks (it’s best if you leave energy or snack bars in a place like your glove compartment or center council compared to a backpack or storage place where they could ultimately be left for a period of time and could stale.)

• Non-alcoholic beverages (also should be left up front where could be visibly seen. You don’t want to drink anything that’s been sitting for a while.)

• Candles and matches

• An extra or old pair of winter boots

• Gloves, hats, scarf’s, etc (you wouldn’t want to be outside in a harsh winter with just your work cloths on.)

• And anything else you may consider to be part of your emergency kit.

Tip #10: Use Common Sense. If you feel that you pose a danger while driving or feel that you could be in danger, stay home, its not worth losing your life over it.

Keep you and other drivers safe for the winter season by using these tips.

If you’re like most people, you’re more than happy to buy green — as long as it also saves greenbacks. A recent study by the Shelton Group found that people who buy eco-friendly products at least occasionally are more interested in spending their money wisely than in improving the environment.

Myth: Never leave the lights on when you leave a room.

Reality

Mom had it right when it comes to incandescent bulbs, but she’d be wrong about today’s compact fluorescent lights. The more often you switch CFLs on and off, the shorter their operating life. In most parts of the country, it’s cheaper to leave fluorescents on if you’ll only be out of the room for 15 minutes or less, according to the Energy Department (www.energysavers.gov). In areas with high electric rates or during peak demand periods, the length of time may shorten to 5 minutes. On average, a CFL bulb costs $2.50 more than an incandescent bulb, but it will save $5.41 annually on your electric bill compared with an incandescent, according to the Energy Department.

If you haven’t converted to CFLs because you fear pollution from the mercury they contain, keep in mind that generating electricity is the main source of U.S. mercury emissions. A 60-watt light bulb will use 480 kilowatt hours of electricity and contribute almost 6 milligrams of mercury to the environment over its lifetime, according to Energy Star. A CFL will use less than a fourth of the electricity and result in a third of the mercury emissions. For more information on properly disposing of CFLs, visit http://www.energystar.gov/cfls.

Myth: You can trust product labels that say “green,” “eco-friendly,” “earth smart” and the like.

Reality

The green-washing machine loves to crank out vague marketing terms, and the Federal Trade Commission has begun to crack down on environmental claims that fail the regulatory smell test (visit www.ftc.gov and search “Sorting Out Green Advertising Claims”). Manufacturers have begun to improve the labeling, consumer information and advice on their Web sites, including lists and definitions of ingredients. Also look for the EPA’s Design for the Environment label.

Myth: Switching to solar is a great way to achieve energy savings.

Reality

Solar systems, even with government incentives, are expensive. The owner of a typical single-family home in the United States wastes almost $350 annually on heated or cooled air that escapes to the outdoors. So for most houses in most places, the first line of defense is to reduce demand, says Bruce Harley, author of “Cut Your Energy Bills Now.” That means tightening up the house and its ductwork, improving insulation, switching to CFLs, upgrading appliances and changing your behavior. After that, if you still want to go solar, you may be able to make do with a smaller system that costs less. For example, instead of a 4-kilowatt photovoltaic system (the size recommended for the average home) — which would cost $16,800 installed after an average state-tax incentive of 25 percent and the federal discount of 30 percent — you might get by with a 2-kilowatt system, which would cost $8,400.

Myth: Energy savings (and tax credits) will eventually pay for replacement windows.

Reality

True, windows are a big energy waster, but you probably have bigger fish to fry. The average cost to replace a window with a high-efficiency model is $300 to $700, and another 50 to 100 percent if you must replace a rotten or damaged frame, according to http://www.CostHelper.com. Through 2010, you can get a tax credit for 30 percent of your cost, up to $1,500, for super-efficient windows (many that are currently Energy Star-approved don’t qualify). Many older homes don’t have huge amounts of window area, and newer houses tend to have more energy-efficient windows that meet existing standards for Energy Star labeling. If you still want to upgrade your windows, you may wait until products meeting new and more rigorous Energy Star standards reach the market in April 2010.

Myth: “Biodegradable” products that return to their natural state save landfill space.

Reality

Modern landfills are designed to keep out sunlight, air and moisture to prevent air and water pollution, thus inhibiting degradation. The FTC’s definition of a biodegradable product is one that will completely decompose within a reasonably short time under customary methods of disposal. Because most landfill garbage won’t pass that test, you’re better off reducing your contribution to solid waste (according to the EPA, the average American generates almost five pounds of garbage a day). At the store, look for a claim of “post-consumer recycled” content, then recycle what you can. Also use sites such as Freecycle.org instead of hauling reusable stuff to the dump.

Myth: You’ll recoup the higher price you pay for a hybrid car in savings at the pump.

Reality

You may not earn back the $3,000-plus premium you’ll pay for a hybrid with savings at the gas pump. Hybrids always run cleaner than gasoline-fueled engines, but they only make financial sense when gas prices are high, you drive a lot and you plan to keep the vehicle for, say, five or more years. (Use our hybrid calculator to compare the ownership costs of a hybrid versus gas-powered vehicle.) Paying the hybrid premium might be worth it as an insurance policy against higher gas prices in the future, says Bradley Berman, editor of HybridCars.com.

Myth: It’s worth paying 20 to 40 percent extra to buy organic because the food is healthier.

Reality

A recent and hotly debated British study asserts that organic food is no more nutritious than conventionally grown food. But this isn’t an all-or-nothing issue: If you want to minimize your exposure to pesticides and save money on organics, too, spring for the organic label only on the Environmental Working Group’s “dirty dozen” — fruits and vegetables that carry the most pesticide residue. They are (from most to least residue): peaches, apples, sweet bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, grapes (imported), carrots and pears. The clean 15 (from least to most residue) include onions, avocados, sweet corn (frozen), pineapples, mangos, asparagus, sweet peas (frozen), kiwi fruit, cabbages, eggplants, papayas, watermelons, broccoli, tomatoes and sweet potatoes.

Myth: You can reduce your carbon footprint by eating locally grown foods.

Reality

While locavores often cite “food miles” — that is, the distance food is shipped to market — as a reason to eat local, Christopher L. Weber and H. Scott Matthews, professors at Carnegie Mellon University, say that transportation accounts for only 11 percent of total greenhouse-gas emissions associated with food, while 83 percent is related to production. Produce grown close to home may be fresher and taste better. But food grown where conditions are most auspicious will require less fertilizer, pesticides, labor and investment in tools, says Art Carden, who teaches economics at Rhodes College in Memphis. If you really want to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet, cut back on consumption of red meat, which Weber and Matthews say is responsible for producing 150 percent more greenhouse gases than chicken or fish.

Myth: You can neutralize your personal share of greenhouse-gas emissions by buying carbon offsets.

Reality

Measuring your carbon emissions is a squishy science, and measuring the offsets is even squishier. For example, Carbonfund.org sets the cost to offset an airline trip cross-country (round-trip) at $8.92 for .0.89 tons of fumes. Sustainable Travel International charges $45.34 for 1.8 tons. (The price of a carbon offset can vary from $5 to $25 per ton on average. Clean Air-Cool Planet, a nonprofit devoted to climate-science education, says that it’s impossible to prove that buying offsets will “render purchasers carbon neutral.” There’s no clear standard in use for certifying offsets, although the FTC is investigating the issue. For further guidance, read “A Consumer’s Guide to Retail Carbon Offset Providers” Cleanair-coolplanet.org. Also check the fine print on sellers’ Web sites to see whether the criteria for selecting projects are explained and the benefits quantified.

Myth: New homes are more energy-efficient than older homes.

Reality

Homes built over the past decade or so gobble about as much energy as homes built decades ago. That’s because newer homes are bigger, more architecturally complex and full of energy-hogging electronics, says Harley, the author of Cut Your Energy Bills Now. Even a new-home owner will benefit from paying for an energy audit and following through on its recommendations. According to the Home Performance with Energy Star program http://www.energystar.gov, improving energy efficiency will produce utility-bill savings of 20 percent or more.

Just a couple of years ago the only people putting solar panels on their houses wore Birkenstocks and preferred tofu to T-bones. But now that energy bills are skyrocketing and it has become downright fashionable to reduce your carbon footprint, the idea of adding solar electricity to your home doesn’t sound all that far-fetched to the rest of us.

Green technology has also become more cost-effective, thanks to the economic stimulus package, which offers a 30% tax credit for extreme green projects completed before 2017.

That said, even with the tax credit, these projects aren’t cheap. They make the most sense if you are planning to shell out thousands to replace your aging heating and cooling system anyway and are a resident of one of the 20 states and a few cities offering additional tax incentives.

In Montgomery County, Md., for example, you can get $5,000 in local credits toward solar panels. Here’s what three of the most promising green tech projects will cost you (after the feds’ tax credit) and how long they would take to pay off, assuming your energy bills are in the medium to high range, compared with the national average of $2,200 a year.

The least expensive way to harness the power of El Sol is to heat your water with it. Antifreeze circulates through black tubes up on the roof, where the liquid absorbs heat, and then through your hot-water supply, where it releases that warmth. Since that’s not enough to get the water fully hot, the system pre-warms the water for your conventional heater, lowering your water heating costs, which are about 14% of your energy bill, by 50% to 70%.

Cost: $4,000 to $6,000

Payback time: five to nine years

These units, which can knock 40% to 70% off your total energy bills, make use of the energy stored deep in the earth. In the summer they expel indoor heat - except instead of releasing it into the air, they discharge it hundreds of feet underground. In the winter the pump works in reverse, concentrating underground warmth and using it to heat your house (you’ll need to keep your old heating system as a booster for very cold days).

Cost: $15,000 to $30,000

Payback time: three to 10 years

The problem with solar panels has always been what to do when the sun isn’t shining. With today’s systems your house stays on the electrical grid, which supplies whatever power you need at night and on cloudy days. But when the sun is out, the solar cells produce more electricity than you can use, and the excess goes out to the grid through a two-way meter. The juice you supply is usually credited against what you draw from the utility and should result in a 70% to 100% savings on your electric bills.

Cost: $20,000 to $30,000

Payback time: five to 10 years

ReCellular, a leading electronics sustainability firm, recently announced a new partnership with TerraCycle to establish over 1,000 “phone brigades” by the end of the year, building on a similar concept previously launched by TerraCycle. The brigades will collect and donate cell phones, raise funds for local causes and keep e-waste out of landfills.

“Economic, social and environmental sustainability have been at the core of our business long before the term ‘triple-bottom line’ was coined,” says Chuck Newman, CEO and founder of ReCellular. “Today, we are proud to be a part of the emerging green economy, and to partner with an innovative company such as TerraCycle. We look forward to expanding this relationship over the coming months.”

The Phone Brigade program could be a way to earn money for your favorite charity.
The partnership provides a solution for TerraCycle to expand their upcycling efforts to include consumer electronics. First launching the Brigade concept in 2006, TerraCycle pays schools and non-profits to collect 20-ounce soda bottles. Today, more than 20,000 participating locations are part of the Brigades, and the programs have raised more than $100,000 from millions of reused and recycled soda bottles, yogurt cups and snack wrappers. This money, primarily, has been donated to public-school organizations.

According to TerraCycle, the company “decided to expand their upcycling collections to help address the estimated 65,000 tons of cell phones that are discarded every year.” Cell phones contain both hazardous chemicals and valuable materials for reclamation, making them ideal for recycling.

Anyone can sign up to participate in the TerraCycle Phone Brigade, and volunteers will receive donation boxes for collecting and shipping phones. Brigades will be compensated for each item they collect, which provides schools and other grassroots organizations with new ways to fundraise.

The phones will be delivered to the ReCellular phone processing facility, where they will be either refurbished and reprogrammed for reuse, or are recycled to reclaim materials needed to make new electronics equipment.

In 2008, ReCellular collected over 5.5 million phones and raised over $4 million for charities across the country.

Green Energy Center Gets Project of the Year Recognition from U.S. EPA
EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program Recognizes Ohio Landfill Gas to CNG Fueling Operation
NEWPORT BEACH, CA – January 13, 2009
FirmGreen, Inc. (FGI) was recognized today at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) annual conference with a Project of the Year Award for its Green Energy Center (GEC). The high Btu landfill gas utilization project, located near Columbus, Ohio is a public-private partnership with the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).

“Forward thinking and dedication are key ingredients to successful alternative energy projects like the Green Energy Center,” said Rachel Goldstein, EPA LMOP Program Manager. “It is a win for the environment and the local community.”
FGI used its patented CO2 Wash® landfill gas (LFG) clean-up technology to convert raw LFG that would otherwise be flared into pipeline quality natural gas for a potential array of clean, renewable energy sources. The CO2 Wash unit processes 300scfm of raw LFG into ultra-pure medium Btu methane that powers a 250kW micro turbine to generate electricity for the facility.  The high Btu methane is used as a fuel for SWACO vehicles.  The clean-up technology was invented in Ohio by Acrion Technologies, Inc.
“FirmGreen is much honored to have been selected as EPA’s Project of the Year,” stated Steve Wilburn, founder and CEO of FirmGreen, Inc. “We have worked closely with the Landfill Methane Outreach Program staff for several years and congratulate them on their dedication and support.  The Program is really one of the true success stories within our federal government.”

“By utilizing waste gases generated from SWACO’s landfill, we produce domestic, renewable transportation fuels, improve the environment and generate economic growth.  We are proud of our ongoing partnership with SWACO as we work to clean our air, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, provide clean and affordable vehicle fuels, and spur job creation.”

“Forward thinking and dedication are key ingredients to successful alternative energy projects like the Green Energy Center,” said Rachel Goldstein, EPA LMOP Program Manager. “It is a win for the environment and the local community.”

The GEC demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of utilizing CO2 Wash as the technology platform for a smaller scale high Btu landfill gas project. The project accomplished its goals with a facilities design that:

•is self-sustaining; the facility generates enough electricity for its own operations.
•demonstrates that smaller landfill operations have a viable LFG utilization option at a competitive cost
•enables landfill and waste water operations to respond effectively to national environmental policy with a single project.

Save the Planet and Win launched its new environmental website and social network that lets everyone lower their carbon footprint, help reduce global warming, and participate in a worldwide collective — while having some fun and winning prizes and cash along the way.
At Save the Planet and Win, people can calculate, monitor, and reduce their own carbon footprint by participating in free green and social marketing promotions, in addition to the option of purchasing verified carbon offsets at the site’s Carbon Offset Store. Save the Planet and Win represents the first Voluntary Personal Carbon Registry (VPCR) in the United States.

Save the Planet and Win also features a Carbon Collective — where members can join friends, family, and co-workers to track the total carbon reductions achieved by the collective. Other social aspects of the site include the ability to share sustainable solutions, post every day tips (and videos) for reducing carbon emissions, and talk about the issues with a community of green-minded folks.

The new website rewards both the planet and its members. There are multiple chances to win, including a weekly sweepstakes and Click Green and Win promotions. Members watch a green-focused message from one of Save the Planet’s sponsors and in return the sponsor makes a points donation to the member’s account. Points can be used to purchase carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality, donated toward a social cause (ranging from reforestation projects in Mexico or the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative), or members can choose to cash in their points for actual dollars.
“We know that global climate change is having and will have an enormous impact on the earth — from rising sea levels, flooding, and increased storm activity to a rise in diseases like malaria and major changes in ecosystems and habitats. However, at an individual level, the concept of combating this trend can seem quite overwhelming,” said Luis Daniel Prestamo, COO at Save the Planet and Win.
“Save the Planet and Win makes the important work of fighting global warming, such as reducing greenhouse emissions and investing green projects, more understandable and personal for each of us. The website uses the power of community to help encourage everyone to make seemingly small changes in their daily lives that can have a big impact on the earth. By sharing our green accomplishments, we can increase environmental awareness, inspire others to make a difference, and become inspired ourselves,” Prestamo continued.

In 2007, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that the evidence of a warming trend is “unequivocal” and that human activity is “very likely” the key contributor for the warming that’s already been observed. The report found that we have to cut our greenhouse emissions by 85% by the year 2050 in order to stabilize the earth’s atmosphere and avoid the worst impacts of global warming.
Sign up at http://www.savetheplanetandwin.com/ and encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to join your efforts to combat global warming. You’ll be helping to make the planet a healthier and safer place for us all — and there’s no reason you can’t have some fun, win some cash, and meet some great people at the same time.
About Save the Planet and Win
Reducing carbon emissions is serious stuff, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun doing it. Save the Planet and Win is committed to finding fun and creative ways to increase environmental awareness and reduce carbon emissions. They’re the first carbon offset group that goes full circle for consumers — do something small for the earth, help on a global scale, and get something back in return. At Save the Planet and Win, it’s about being earth friendly, while being consumer-friendly as well. For more information, visit http://www.savetheplanetandwin.com/.

Trains transporting the most toxic hazardous materials must use the safest, most secure route.   Railroads will be required to route every train carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route under a new federal rule announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.

Railroads will be required to route every train carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route under a new federal rule announced today by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.

“This strong measure better ensures that rail shipments of hazardous materials will reach their final destinations safely and without incident,” said Secretary Peters, noting the rule applies to trains hauling Poison Inhalation Hazard ( PIH ) commodities such as chlorine and anhydrous ammonia which are heavily used in farming, water purification, and manufacturing.

Secretary Peters explained that beginning June 1, the rule requires railroads to conduct a comprehensive safety and security risk analysis of its primary route and any practicable alternative routes over which it has authority to operate. The analysis must consider information provided by local communities and a minimum of 27 risk factors like trip length, volume and type of hazmat being moved, existing safety measures along the route, and population density, she said. Railroads must implement their routing decisions based on these analyses by September 2009.

In addition, the rule includes several rail security provisions designed to guard against tampering with the rail hazmat car during transportation, the Secretary said.

The new rule complements the Department’s proposal last month to increase by 500 percent on average the amount of energy a rail hazmat tank car must absorb during a train accident before a catastrophic failure occurs, Secretary Peters said. This dramatic improvement in puncture resistance can be achieved with innovative designs, materials, and technologies available today and in combination with speed restrictions, she said.

“Stronger hazmat tank cars moving on the safest and most secure rail routes will enhance safety for people living in big cities and rural towns all across America,” Secretary Peters said.

The interim final rule on rail hazmat routing was developed by the Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in consultation with the Federal Railroad Administration, and fully complies with the provisions of the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
 

“Assuring the safety and health of working men and women are the foundations of our respective organizations,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. on forming new alliance with Safety and Health Professional certification Organizations.

“OSHA is pleased to join with BCSP, CCHEST, and ABIH as we collaborate to develop products, programs and resources that will advance safety and industrial hygiene competency in the workplace.” added Foulke.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently formed a new Alliance with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), the Council on Certification of Health, Environmental and Safety Technologists (CCHEST) and the American Board of Industrial Hygiene (ABIH). The groups will work collectively to help enhance the education and expertise of safety professionals and industrial hygienists, as well as promote the value of safety and health accredited certifications.

In addition, the Alliance will produce materials and programs that promote the benefits of achieving safety and health certifications. Alliance representatives will collaborate to distribute information to employers and employees through print and electronic media, conferences, meetings and other events.

“BCSP is pleased to join with CCHEST and ABIH in signing our Alliance with OSHA,” stated BCSP President Paul Adams. “As credentialing organizations dedicated to advancing professional expertise, we share a common goal with OSHA in helping safety, health and environmental practitioners promote safe and healthful workplaces. Through this Alliance, BCSP will work with our partners to promote the education, training and skills needed by professionals entrusted with protecting American workers, and to reach out to and encourage their certification.” BCSP is a nationally and internationally accredited peer certification board that awards the Certified Safety Professional certification.

CCHEST President Kevin Moorhead acknowledged, “We are excited to work with OSHA through the Alliance with BCSP and ABIH. Each of our organizations has one goal in mind, and that is to help advance safety through certification, training and education so that safety becomes a way of life for everything we do on the job and also at home. By working together we can achieve a higher level of safety performance.” Formerly known as the ABIH/BCSP Joint Committee, CCHEST certifies individuals as occupational health and safety technologists, construction health and safety technicians, and safety trained supervisors.

ABIH provides certification for the industrial hygiene profession and promotes high standards for those serving public health interests. “Promoting advanced knowledge in health and safety through this Alliance will improve the conditions in workplaces across the United States and help to ensure that workers’ health is protected,” said Lynn O’Donnell, ABIH executive director.

Can you picture what it means to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1 million metric tons? News stories are packed with measurements of greenhouse gas reductions, but understanding them can be difficult — until now. EPA’s new Greenhouse Gas Calculator helps turn greenhouse gas savings into more easily understood terms.
The calculator converts greenhouse gas-related savings estimates, typically presented in “million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents,” into familiar terms such as the greenhouse gas emissions that would result from:

• Driving a particular number of cars for a year,
• Using a particular amount of gasoline or barrels of oil,
• Using a particular number of tanker trucks’ worth of gasoline,
• Providing energy to a particular number of homes for a year,
• Growing trees across a particular number of acres for a year,
• Recycling a particular quantity of waste instead of sending it to the landfill, or
• Generating electricity from a particular number of coal-fired power plants for a year.

Users can enter savings in emissions, electricity consumption, gallons of gasoline, or number of vehicles into the calculator and determine up to 13 different ways to express the magnitude of the savings. The calculator uses the latest emission factors, approaches and statistics available through 2007.
As an example, if a typical household switched all its incandescent light bulbs to Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs, it would save about 75 percent of the lighting electricity use, or about 1,463 kilowatt hours a year. After five years, these energy savings are equivalent to:

• Saving about 10,289 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions,
• Conserving 530 gallons of gasoline,
• Saving 11 barrels of oil,
• Planting 120 tree seedlings, or
• Recycling 1.6 tons of waste.