Archive for the ‘Eco News’ Category
New Legislation Could Tighten Penalties for Environmental Crimes
June 18th, 2010 | 
Author: by Lori Brown
Published on June 18th, 2010 (via Earth911)
As the oil spill in the Gulf continues to dominate headlines, environmental legislation has become an even more hot-button issue in Washington as well.
One of the newest pieces of legislation introduced to the Senate is the Environmental Crimes Enforcement Act (ECEA). Introduced by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), the bill aims to hold companies accountable for environmental crimes and to protect victims of environmental crimes by mandating restitution for criminal violations of the Clean Water Act.
The ongoing spill in the Gulf resulting from the April 20 explosion of an offshore oil rig has brought renewed attention to corporate accountability for recovery costs and restitution of those affected by environmental disasters.
The ECEA directs the Sentencing Commission to amend sentencing guidelines for environmental crimes to reflect the severity of those crimes.
“Currently, restitution in environmental crimes- even crimes that result in death- is discretionary, and only available under limited circumstances,” stated Leahy during his June 9 introduction of the bill.
“Under this bill, those who commit Clean Water Act offenses would have to compensate the victims of these offense for their losses. That restitution will help the people of the Gulf Coast rebuild their coastline and wetlands, their fisheries, and their livelihoods should criminal liability be found.”
Full Article Link: http://bit.ly/dhRbLf
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Start a Work Recycling Program
by Trey Granger
Published on May 31st, 2010
For many of us, home recycling is a pretty easy process. Our city provides us with a recycling bin, and we have Earth911 to tell us what to put in it.
Plus, more programs now allow us to throw everything in one place, so you don’t even need to sort. This convenience can also make recycling outside of the home a challenge.
However, it’s important to remember the same reasons you recycle at home still apply at places like your job.
In fact, the U.S. EPA estimates that 40 percent of all waste is generated in the workplace, so your business could be doing a lot by recycling.
But where do you start when there’s no bin at your curb? This handy guide will break down the process for you, and have you recycling at the office in no time.
1. Know what to throw (in the bin)
2. Follow the leader
3. Share the wealth
Full Article: http://earth911.com/news/2010/05/31/start-a-work-recycling-program/
Earth Hour News Wrap-up as Earth Hour reaches the Americas
March 28, 2010: Sydney Australia: 13:30 AEST/ 02:30 GMT
Asuncion, Paraguay: Largely driven by a Facebook event, rresidents of Asuncion, Paraguay gathered in front of one of the major shopping malls of Asuncion with candles forming the number “60” and a drum batcada making a powerful unplugged fiesta in celebration of Earth Hour 2010. Amateur astronomers offered their support to produce a makeshift observatory to seize the darkness while historical landmarks such as the Cabildo, Palacio de López and Palacio de López also dimmed, surpassing local organizers expectations.
Hamilton, Bermuda: Bermuda Cathedral in the city of Hamilton joined many iconic buildings in the town in switching off its light for Earth Hour 2010. Local residents united at Front Street and enjoyed entertainment and dinner to watch Hamilton go dark during the event. A student challenge was also created to get as many students to post their comments with pictures and drawings on what they did to mark the hour.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: Iconic landmarks such as the Manzana de las luces, Palacio Barolo and Monumento a los Españoles turned their lights off to mark Earth Hour 2010. On the night, a ‘big switch’ prop was placed in Obelisco where the city mayor marked the beginning of the hour by switching it off. Volunteers then spent the hour assembling the Earth Hour logo with candles and celebrating Earth Hour in a party atmosphere.
Montevideo, Uruguay: Demonstrating the power of the individual, two Uruguay residents led the charge for their country to take part in the global Earth Hour relay for the first time this year, securing support from the Municipal Council of Montevideo and corporate support from Coca Cola. Entertainment venue Conrad Punta del Este shut off its external decorative lights.
Full Article: http://www.earthhour.org/Media.aspx?page=3
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_c5K7Jdw9E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap1Kpc90fiw&feature=related
