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Building Materials You Wish You’d Never Used: and what to do about it now
Nor Cal
March 24, 2010 - 4:05pm

Presented by ADPSR – Architects/ Designers/ Planners for Social Responsibility - Northern California Chapter

April 20, 2010, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
AIA San Francisco 130 Sutter Street, 6th Floor

Co-Sponsored by the Ecological Building Network
 
Every building material does damage to our environment and potentially to our health. But there are some materials that are far more hazardous than others. On April 20th we will present information on a few of the more dangerous (and commonly used) materials, including PVC vinyl and the chemical flame retardants used in rigid insulation, foam cushions, and fabrics.
 
The extent to which these materials are used is frightening, even more frightening is the risk that they pose to the environment and to personal health and safety. Dr. Arlene Blum and Tom Lent will discuss not only the perils of these materials, but more importantly will offer solutions and alternatives that will reduce the dangers that we create.
 
 
Dr. Arlene Blum is the Founder and Executive Director of the Green Science Policy Institute. Dr. Blum is a biophysical chemist, visiting scholar at UC Berkeley’s Department of Chemistry, and author of Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life. Blum’s research contributed to the regulation of two cancer-causing flame retardants used in children’s sleepwear in the 1970s, and prevented unnecessary flammability standards that would have led to the use of hundreds of millions of pounds of persistent toxic chemicals each year. Dr. Blum was selected by the National Women’s History Project as one of 100 “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” received the Society of Women Geographers’ Gold Medal, and a top Purpose Prize from Civic Ventures. Please see www.arleneblum.com
 
 
Tom Lent is the  Policy Director for the Healthy Building Network, and is responsible for defining HBN's guiding philosophy and policies with regard to building materials. Tom has spent nearly 30 years working on the environmental impact of buildings, materials, and energy in both the private sector and with public interest groups. A highly regarded expert in the field of green health care facilities design and operations, Tom was a founding coordinator of the Green Guide for Health Care, sits on the steering committee of the LEED Application Guide for Health Care of the US Green Building Council, and is an advisor to Kaiser Permanente. Tom is currently overseeing the development of the Pharos rating criteria and data entry, working closely with the Center for Clean Products and Clean Technologies at the University of Tennessee. http://www.healthybuilding.net/index.html
 
Visit http://adpsr.org/nor-cal/lecture-april-20-2010
$10.00 donation, No one turned away for lack of funds.
Water Conservation Showcase March 23, San Francisco
Nor Cal
March 7, 2010 - 7:25pm

Northern California's only water conference that brings together research, technology, policy, and consumers.

Explore cutting edge water-conserving technology and strategies through expert-led presentations and exhibits.  Learn about the financial incentives and rebates available in your area from Bay Area water districts.  Engage in cross industry dialogue with government agencies, private and non-profit organizations, and consumers.

This is a free event, visit www.usgbc-ncc.org/waterconservationshowcase for more information.

Pacific Energy Center
851 Howard St
San Francisco, CA 94103

Violators of Alameda County Landfill Ban to Face Fines
Nor Cal
February 27, 2010 - 8:42pm
landfill, stopwaste, stopwaste.org, News Items, Nor Cal
Violators of Alameda County Landfill Ban to Face Fines
Landscapers Must “Keep Plant Debris Garbage-Free”
 
 
In an effort to meet its voter mandate to divert 75 percent of all waste from landfill by the end of 2010, Alameda County has recently enacted a new law that prohibits the disposal of plant debris in landfills.  Those in violation of the ordinance will be subject to citations and fines starting on January 1, 2010.
The Alameda County Landfill Ban applies to landscapers and other large producers of yard trimmings (such as property managers, municipalities and institutions) in Alameda County. Effective immediately, plant debris must be separated from other contaminants, such as bottles, plastic film, fast food containers or construction materials, and must be diverted to the designated “clean green” areas of Alameda County disposal facilities.
Plant debris is defined as:
·       Grass
·       Leaves
·       Shrubbery
·       Vines
·       Tree branches and trimmings
(Note: Palm tree trimmings and sod are not accepted at most composting facilities and should be separated from the plant debris types listed above.)
Those who violate the ordinance are subject to citations and fines of $100, $200 and $500 for first, second or additional violations in a year or to penalty surcharges on their dump fees. Residents should continue to place plant debris in their green organics carts along with food scraps and food-soiled paper.
As part of Alameda County’s aggressive plan to divert 75% of waste from landfill by the end of 2010, the Landfill Ban prevents plant debris – which can be composted and turned into valuable soil amendment– from being sent to landfills. According to StopWaste.Org, landfills are the leading source of anthropogenic methane. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with global warming potential 23 times greater than carbon dioxide. It is produced when organic materials decompose under anaerobic conditions.
 
Keeping organic materials such as plant debris, paper and food out of landfills is the best way to reduce the amount of methane generated at landfills. However, plant debris such as grass, leaves, shrubbery and tree trimmings must be kept free from contaminants, such as glass, plastic and construction materials. Even a small amount can contaminate an entire load of otherwise compostable plant debris.
Professional gardeners and landscapers are expected to do their part to help “Keep Plant Debris Garbage-Free.” By complying with this important law, landscapers and organizations will not only avoid fines, but will help “close the loop,” creating compost and mulch that helps to conserve water in landscapes, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides and improves soil quality.
 
                More information about the Landfill Ban can be found at www.LandfillBan.org, or by calling the Landfill Ban Hotline at (888) 893-9929.
 
 
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