The European Parliament approved new targets for "e" waste collection, but strong opposition is expected from some European Union states.
The Parliament's goals are ambitious: 70-85% of electronic waste generated by EU states should be recovered, 50-75% of it recycled and 5% of this waste reused. Parliament also proposed that all but the smallest electronic retailers should be responsible for taking back, for free, smaller e-waste items such as electric toothbrushes and mobile phones (100 million mobile phones are tossed aside in each year in Europe alone). Going still further, Parliament proposed a stop to the export of e-waste to less developed countries by limiting the countries available for e-waste recovery, recycling and disposal efforts.
With estimates suggesting e-waste has grown worldwide to 50 million metric tons per year (that's 151 Empire State Buildings each year) curbing this waste is seen as increasingly important. The proposal is certainly a bold one and might encourage the US and China (the world's top e-waste producers) to also examine their e-waste policies.
Mother Jones Magazine is offering an on-line version of the March/April 2006 "Fate of the Oceans" issue. Topics include pollution, industrial fishing and the impact of global warming on marine life. Visit the link below to learn more: Mother Jones Magazine
A Senate bill to stop oil and gas tax-breaks was blocked. "The Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act" would have stopped tax breaks totaling over $2 billion per year for the five most profitable oil and gas companies...
5/18/2011
Green Fact:
Known as the fastest animal on the planet, cheetahs may reach top speeds of 60-70 miles per hour. Specially ridged foot pads help to provide greater traction, which enhances their ability to accelerate and change direction