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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards Understanding the functions of pigments in plastics To improve plastic recycling rates, it is essential to analyze the factors influencing the recyclability of different plastics. This article focuses on examining the role of pigments in plastics. Pigments are insoluble particles, whether organic or inorganic, blended with polymers to provide specific colors to plastics. While their primary purpose is coloring plastics, pigments also contribute unique properties such as heat resistance, UV protection, flexibility, and more. Pigments are generally classified into two main categories: organic and inorganic pigments. Major performance properties of pigments in plastics Weatherability or aging Light fastness Flexibility, warping, or nucleation Transparency The characteristics and potency of pigments can vary from one type to another. Let's compare organic and inorganic pigments in the context of the color orange. Organic Pigments: Organic pigments consist of carbon atoms forming strong, stable chemical bonds and can be derived from plants, animals, or synthetics. They present challenges in terms of mixing and dispersion, often leading to the clumping of pigment particles, resulting in visual inconsistencies in the final products. Organic pigments are chosen for their ability to provide intense and vibrant colors, although they tend to be relatively expensive. Example 1: Organic orange As you can see on right. There are a few family of orange pigments within organic pigments. They all have unique properties and usages. Inorganic Pigments: Inorganic pigments, primarily composed of minerals, are typically more cost-effective. However, they tend to be more toxic than organic pigments due to the presence of lead salts. Unlike organic pigments, inorganic varieties, including metal oxides, sulfides, and carbon black, disperse more easily within the resin. Titanium dioxide, a widely used inorganic pigment, offers attributes like odorlessness and absorbency. It is employed to enhance whiteness and opacity, serving as a bleaching and opacifying agent in porcelain enamels, providing brightness, hardness, and acid resistance. Inorganic pigments are preferred when high opacity is required. Example 2: Inorganic orange This is inorganic orange pigment. Some colors have more families than the others. Other Unique Pigments Carbon Black: Carbon black stands out as one of the most versatile and widely used black pigments for thermoplastic and anti-static applications, including automotive fuel caps and pipes. It also serves as a common filler in plastics, films, adhesives, and paints. Carbon black is known for its excellent color strength, cost-effectiveness, and UV-resistant properties, attributed to its small particle size and high oil absorption. Its versatility allows it to be used for color modification or tinting. Aluminum Pigments: Aluminum pigments find their application in various polymer types to introduce metallic functionality and enhance aesthetic qualities. Fluorescent Pigments: Fluorescent pigments and light-conducting pigments possess unique characteristics, collecting and re-emitting light, making them valuable in diverse applications. Article sources: https://www.differencebetween.com/what-is-the-difference-between-organic-pigments-and-inorganic-pigments/ https://www.britannica.com/science/titanium-dioxide https://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/selection-guide/pigments-for-plastics Problem with the recycling of black and pigmented plastic! Carbon black's unique characteristic of absorbing near-infrared light creates challenges in the recycling of black plastics. Sorting sensors cannot detect reflections from these materials, resulting in a significant portion of black plastics ending up in landfills. This issue extends to products with darker pigments in general, which often necessitate processing into black or darker shades or disposal in landfills. Additionally, brightly colored items, such as PET, present recycling difficulties because their vibrant hues can contaminate the recycling process, preventing them from being recycled alongside clear or white PET products.

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Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back How to choose a right light bulb The cost-effectiveness of when to turn off lights depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity. The type of light bulb you use is important for several reasons, as all light bulbs have a nominal or rated operating life that is affected by how frequently they are switched on and off. Turning off lights when they are not needed can help save energy and reduce costs. (*The energy cost may slightly vary due to inflation.) Let's break down the costs associated with different types of bulbs according to the Department of 1) Incandescent Bulbs: - Incandescent bulbs are the oldest and least efficient lighting technology. - They convert 90% of the energy they use into heat, resulting in wasted energy. - A 60W incandescent bulb consumes 0.06 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per hour. - Operating the bulb for 1,000 hours would result in a consumption of 60 kWh. - Assuming an electricity cost of $0.11 per kWh, the cost of operating the bulb for 1,000 hours would be $6.60. 2) Halogen Bulbs: - Halogen bulbs are slightly more efficient than incandescent lights. - A 43W halogen bulb uses about 25% less energy than a 60W incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. - Operating one halogen bulb for 1,000 hours would cost approximately $4.73. 3) CFL Bulbs: - Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are about 75% more efficient than incandescent bulbs. - The cost-effectiveness of turning CFLs off depends on their operating life, which is affected by how frequently they are switched on and off. - A general rule of thumb is to leave a CFL bulb on if you'll be out of a room for 15 minutes or less, and turn it off if you'll be gone for more than 15 minutes. - Operating a 15W CFL bulb for 1,000 hours would cost around $1.65. 4) LED Bulbs: - Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the most efficient type of bulb. - The operating life of an LED is not affected by turning it on and off. - LEDs offer advantages such as instant full brightness, compatibility with occupancy and daylight sensors, and resistance to vibration. - Operating a 12W LED bulb for 1,000 hours would cost a mere $1.32. - It's important to note that these cost calculations are based on an assumed electricity cost of $0.11 per kWh. Additionally, electricity prices can vary depending on factors such as customer classes, rate schedules, peak and off-peak rates, and additional service charges or taxes imposed by utilities. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Did you know that over 90% of brides and grooms in Japan opt to rent their wedding gowns? Did you know that over 90% of brides and grooms in Japan opt to rent their wedding gowns? You might assume that cost-saving is the primary reason, but surprisingly, renting a (western-style) wedding dress or kimono in Japan is not cheap at all. The average rental fee for 4~5 hours of a ceremony is around $2000, and that's just for a wedding dress. As for grooms, the average cost of a tuxedo rental is an additional $800-1000. This raises the question: why not purchase one instead? According to surveys, the main reason for renting is the opportunity to wear a high-end gown that would otherwise exceed their budget if purchased. Also, with rental being the preferred choice, it's not surprising that most stores focus on offering rentals rather than selling. Now, you may wonder about purchasing from stores abroad. Well, it’s not that simple. Factors like the cost of flights, tax, and sizing issues make it challenging to purchase a dress. After all, this is a dress for a special occasion. You would want to avoid any surprise that an imported dress is not what you expected. Additionally, storage is a significant issue if you buy a gown, particularly in urban areas with limited space. An average home does not come with an enormous walk-in closet large enough to accommodate storing a gown with a long lace train. In general, wedding venues typically offer dress rentals for a fee. However, what surprised me was learning about the handling fee charged by venues for bringing your own purchased dress or one rented from outside. If you choose to use dresses from external sources or purchased elsewhere, you may incur a handling fee ranging from $300 to $700. On the other hand, the handling fee for a tux is about $80-250. In summary, my original intention for this article was to explore the concept of the circular economy. However, I was flabbergasted by these rental fees and became sidetracked. Anyway, the idea of renting gowns seems to make sense to me, regardless of the reasons why a person opts to rent. However, you only wear it for a half day. So, it is hard to justify the cost of $2000 in my opinion. #wedding #weddingvenues #circulareconomy #upcycle #recycle #reuse #conserve #japan #price #soexpensive #CTDP #ConnectingTheDotsProject #kanahutchens #conservation #sustainability #sustainable #Eco #environment ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Green Burials *A warning, this post may be a bit morbid to some readers so if you are not in the mood of reading about burials and cemeteries, please skip the story. Green Burial is an eco-friendly and sustainable approach to laying the deceased to rest. It involves using biodegradable materials like shrouds or eco-friendly caskets, avoiding embalming and burial vaults, and allowing the body to decompose naturally. It aims to minimize the environmental impact of traditional burial methods and create a more natural and environmentally responsible way of handling human remains. Q: What are the environmental impacts of cremation and lawn burial with a vault? A: Even though the carbon footprint would depend on the details of the types of materials such as the type of casket or the technology of the cremation site, cremation typically requires fewer resources compared to conventional lawn burial with a vault, as it does not involve the use of large amounts of land, concrete vaults, or metal caskets. Cremation does have an environmental impact and can generate pollution. The process involves burning fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution. Additionally, cremation can emit mercury from dental amalgam fillings, which poses environmental concerns. While cremation is generally considered to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional burial with embalming and burial vaults, it is not entirely free of environmental consequences. Q: How does one mark the actual green burial spot? A: Ideally by GPS. Q: What is the environmental concern with embalming? A: Embalming fluid typically consists of the carcinogenic compound formaldehyde. Q: Are there replacements for embalming fluid which are eco-friendly? A: Various formaldehyde-free embalming fluids are available, and among them is one entirely made of nontoxic and biodegradable essential oils. This particular fluid has recently received the GBC seal of approval. Q: Would the lot be reused? A: According to Green Burial Council, Green cemeteries have the option to reuse burial plots in the future if desired, similar to practices in many countries where graves are routinely "rented" and later refilled, sometimes transferring the bones to an ossuary. There are no legal restrictions against plot reuse in green burial cemeteries. Q: What happens to the burial during the winter in the cold regions? A: Burial in winter is possible depending on the frost levels and the preparation of the gravesite. Cold climates offer various methods for snow removal and thawing the ground, such as using coal fires, heaters, or thermal blankets. In some cases, graves can be dug in advance and filled with straw, compost, or other organic material, then capped for easy removal when needed. Q: Isn’t a concrete vault for the conventional lawn burial considered green? A: Concrete and metal vaults may be seen as "natural" by some, but their manufacturing and transportation contribute to significant energy use and carbon emissions. No state or province legally requires vault purchase; it's at the discretion of individual cemeteries. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back How to keep dill and cilantro fresh in a fridge!! How to keep dill and cilantro fresh in a fridge!! In our experiment, eco-mesh bags did not preserve vegetable freshness as effectively as we had hoped. This raised the question: how can we keep produce fresh without relying on single-use plastic bags? To explore alternatives, we compared dill stored in a mason jar to dill stored in a plastic bag over a two-week period, changing the water daily. The water in the jar was changed once or twice a day to prevent contamination. The results were striking: the dill stored in the plastic bag wilted and turned yellow, while the dill in the mason jar remained fresh and even appeared to grow slightly. #ctdp #connectingthedotsproject #kanahutchens #connectingthedots #environment #eco #sustainability #ctdp #veggies #vegetables #fruits #fridge #cooling #freshfood #freshproduce #produce #grocery #inflation #Sustainability #sustainable #conservation #EcoFriendly ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Our hero: Ron Finley ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back The Real Reasons Why You Need House Plants Many people may have heard the common notion that plants produce oxygen and as a result, people began buying plants with the intent of filtering the air. The only issue here is house plants don't filter enough air. In 2019, Bryan E. Cummings and Michael S. Waring published their studies which showed that in order to filter a room with plants at the same level as pre-existing outdoor-to-indoor air exchange in a typical building, each square meter of space needed 10-1000 plants. All in all, plants do remove VOCs1, just not enough in a household to be considered a reliable filter. Though houseplants aren’t the most effective filter, don’t let that be the reason you don’t have plants in your house. Plants still produce a myriad of health benefits some of which are still being explored deeper. A few include… In conclusion, plants may not be as great of a filter as the common notion may suggest, however, they still hold great health benefits that should encourage you to keep plants in your household. A great beginner guide to plants is Jenny Raworth and Val Bradley’s book, Click HERE to access their complete guide! If you want to read more on the importance of air quality and how to maintain it, click HERE 1: Volatile Organic Compounds 2: Serotonin is a hormone in your body that influences your mood, sleep, bone health, and more. 3: Pathogens are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that invade the body and can cause health issues. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Buy Nothing What is Buy Nothing Project? The Buy Nothing Project is the world's biggest gift economy, being used in communities around the world, allowing neighbors to share freely with one another. Some of you may have been already familiar with or have enrolled in one of Buy Nothing communities. It is a wildly popular social-network communities for "gift economy." What is "gift economy" you may ask. Essentially, every item you get on Buy Nothing communities is for free. All gift exchanges on the community require no money, no barter, no string attached. How is that possible? People from your neighborhood posts items which they no longer need. Items vary except a few exception such as live animals or illegal items. It could be a bed, concert tickets, baby clothes, furnitures, and so on. All these would be posted on the community site on Facebook If you are interested, you leave a comment. Often, it is up to the lister to decide who he/she decides to give the item to. But the most popular method is first come first served Once in a while, listers chooses to have ruffles. Anyway, everything is for free. Then you may ask, how can I join in a group. Well, this is how it goes. How to join your local Buy Nothing Community Step 1 - You need to have a Facebook account as it is where communities are formed. Step 2 - In the Facebook search engine, you enter your neighborhood's name and the key word, Buy Nothing. For instance, if you live in South Loop neighborhood of Chicago, you search "South Loop Buy Nothing." Step 3 - Other option is that you can get an invitation from someone who has been a member already. Step 4 - Then, you need to sign on the agreement on the community rules. Step 5 - Admins will decide if they accept you. Sometimes, the community can be quite large and it takes time to approve new members. Step 6 - Once you get approved, you are ready to list your unwanted items or ask for the items. Sample Listing on Facebook Start your own Community If there is no Buy Nothing community, you can form your own. This is the website which shows you how to form your own community group. https://buynothingproject.org/ ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Pesticides and Mental Health A systematic review explores the potential link between chronic pesticide exposure in farmers and mental health issues In a study conducted by epidemiologist Freya Kamel and her team, it was found that out of the 19,000 individuals examined, those who had utilized both two categories of pesticides and seven specific pesticides had a higher likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis. Out of the seven specific pesticides associated with depression diagnoses in Kamel's study, only aluminum phosphide, diazinon, and malathion remain registered and actively used, according to a statement from Cathy Milbourn, a spokesperson for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has revoked the registrations of ethylene dibromide, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T), dieldrin, and parathion. Currently, aluminum phosphide, diazinon, and malathion are undergoing a review process by the EPA. In particular, individuals who had used organochlorine insecticides were found to have a risk of being diagnosed with depression that was up to 90 percent higher compared to those who had not used these insecticides. The use of some organochlorine insecticide chemicals has been banned in the U.S. but not all of them. Additionally, for fumigants (pesticides that, when applied to soil, form a gas to control pests that live in the soil), the increased risk of depression was as high as 80 percent in comparison to individuals who had not been exposed to them. Despite differences in the time and location of the studies, similar reports have been documented. The researchers observed comparable outcomes when they reevaluated the same cohort documented between 1993 and 1997. Among farmers with the greatest cumulative days of pesticide exposure over their lifetimes, there was a 50 percent elevated likelihood of receiving a depression diagnosis at a later time. In a separate study conducted in France, farmers who used herbicides were almost twice as likely to receive treatment for depression compared to non-users. This risk appeared to be escalated when herbicide applicators had been engaged in such activities for over 19 years, involving a study of 567 farmers. These findings may imply that chronic exposure to low pesticide levels over time might elevate the risk of depression. Additionally, the potential link between pesticide poisoning (significant exposure in a short timeframe) and depression has also been studied. The farmers in Colorado, who experienced pesticide poisoning, had twice the risk of developing depression over the subsequent three years. Furthermore, within the pesticide applicators from North Carolina and Iowa, those who had been affected by pesticide poisoning were 2.5 times more likely to receive a diagnosis of depression at a later point in time. While these studies are based on statistics and don't establish a direct link between pesticides and depression, animal experiments suggest that such a connection is plausible. According to Cheryl Beseler, an environmental health researcher at Colorado State University, pesticides have been shown in rat tests to alter brain cells, neurotransmitters, and the production of protective acids. Kamel emphasized that there's little doubt that pesticides can influence brain functions. Experiments have shown that pesticides damage rats' brain tissue and receptors, and they may also have indirect effects by promoting other health issues linked to depression. For instance, Dr. Beate Ritz, a neurologist and professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, discovered that Californians exposed to pesticides are more prone to developing Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by a dopamine deficiency that can lead to depression. At last, modern agriculture is a complex field with various challenges. It must provide affordable, safe food, ensure farmer and consumer safety, and maximize productivity and profitability. Balancing these factors is extremely complicated due to the need to reduce herbicides and pesticides, adopt sustainable practices, and meet changing consumer preferences. Biotechnology and regulatory frameworks also influence this complex landscape. Researchers and policymakers are actively seeking innovative solutions to address these challenges and maintain a safe and sustainable food supply. In the meanwhile, it is deeply concerning to consider the exposure of hard-working farmers, who work tirelessly to provide food for our tables, to these chemicals that possess the potential to negatively affect their well-being. We must pursue and advocate farming practices that are both safe and sustainable. Also, as end consumers, it is crucial for us to ensure that we thoroughly wash produce before consumption. ←Previous Next→

Home Our Mission Recycling Plastics Air Water Land Lifestyles Economy & Politics Media & Awards < Back Aspartame (artificial sweetener) and Health Recently the World Health Organization’s (WHO) cancer research agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), classified the commonly used artificial sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, although another UN committee reaffirmed that there was a safe daily level of consumption. So let’s delve into the current findings on Aspartame to get to get to the bottom. Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, is regulated by the FDA in the United States. It undergoes safety testing and requires FDA approval before it can be used. The FDA sets an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for aspartame, which represents the maximum amount considered safe for daily consumption over a person's lifetime. The FDA has set the ADI for aspartame at 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, while the JECFA and EFSA recommend a slightly lower ADI of 40 mg/kg/day. For example, the daily max consumption for an individual weighing 132 lbs (=60 kg) would be 2400mg to 3000mg per day. It is approximately 8-12 cans of diet soda per day assuming there are 200 to 300 milligrams of aspartame in each can. Aside from individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder that affects the breakdown of phenylalanine, aspartame has not been conclusively linked to specific health problems according to studies. Products containing aspartame are required to carry a warning label for individuals with PKU. In 2023, citing “limited evidence” for carcinogenicity in humans, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement that Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has been categorized by the IARC as "possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2b)”, specifically for hepatocellular carcinoma, which is a type of liver cancer. (IARC is the cancer research agency of the WHO). It is crucial to understand that IARC classifications are determined based on the strength of evidence regarding whether a substance can cause cancer in humans, rather than assessing its likelihood to cause cancer. Now, let’s compare the ruling of IARC with those of other health organizations. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA): The JECFA is an international expert committee jointly operated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). One of its primary roles is to evaluate the safety of food additives, considering various health impacts, including cancer. In assessing the risk associated with a specific harm, such as cancer, the JECFA considers factors such as the frequency, amount, and manner in which people are exposed to a particular food additive. After conducting a dietary exposure assessment, the JECFA has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to establish an association between aspartame consumption and cancer in humans. Consequently, based on current dietary exposure estimates, the JECFA has determined that the consumption of aspartame under the limit does not pose a health concern. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA is responsible for ensuring the safety of food ingredients, including artificial sweeteners like aspartame, in the United States. The FDA has expressed that scientific evidence consistently supports the conclusion that aspartame is safe for the general population, as long as it is produced following good manufacturing practices and used within approved aforementioned limits and conditions. European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): The EFSA oversees the regulation of food additives within the European Union. Following a comprehensive risk assessment of aspartame conducted in 2013, the EFSA stated that both aspartame and its breakdown products are safe for human consumption at 40 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, that is the same level with the ADI level of JECFA, and EFSA. So why does the statement from IARC sound more alarming? The difference is that IARC's classification reflects the strength of scientific evidence regarding the potential carcinogenicity of aspartame. Reportedly, IARC sites have limited evidence for carcinogenicity in humans. Also, the IARC hazard evaluation considers all types of exposures (e.g. dietary, and occupational) but is not limited to dietary consumptions. On the other hand, other organizations’ risk assessments listed above are based on the probability of harm occurring under specific conditions and levels of exposure. More research is needed to better understand the potential carcinogenic hazard of aspartame. Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, WHO states, “The assessments of aspartame have indicated that, while safety is not a major concern at the doses which are commonly used, potential effects have been described that need to be investigated by more and better studies.” So let’s keep in mind that scientific understanding and research in this field are continually evolving, and future studies may contribute additional insights. ←Previous Next→