Montgomery County Transfer Station Recognized With Highest Health and Safety Honor by the Maryland Department of Labor

DERWOOD, Md. - Covanta Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Covanta Holding Corporation (NYSE: CVA) and a world leader in the development and operation of Energy-from-Waste and other renewable energy projects, announced that the Montgomery County Transfer Station operated by Covanta Montgomery, Inc. has earned Star status in Maryland's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) administered by the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSH). An official flag-raising ceremony was held onsite. VPP Star status is the highest honor given to worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health management systems. Sites such as the Montgomery County Transfer Station have demonstrated their commitment to effective employee protection beyond the requirements of state or federal standards and participants develop and implement systems to effectively identify, evaluate, prevent and control occupational hazards to avert injuries and illnesses. "This achievement was made possible by the steadfast commitment to health and safety by those working at the Montgomery County Transfer Station. I salute this group of employees for their accomplishment in obtaining this prestigious recognition," said Seth Myones, President, Covanta Americas. "As a company, we are proud to reach the milestone of having 40 facilities achieve VPP Star status. The achievement reinforces our unwavering focus on the continuous improvement of health and safety programs at all Covanta worksites." In awarding this elite status, MOSH gives strong consideration to the level of employee engagement and ongoing involvement in on-site health and safety program development combined with long term commitment and support from management. Star recipients routinely incur injury and illness rates that are at or below the state average for their specific industry. As of July 23, the transfer station has not had a recordable accident for two years. Continuous improvement of health and safety programs is central to Covanta's corporate and workplace cultures and has lead to a majority of Covanta's North American facilities earning the prestigious VPP Star status. The transfer station joins 39 other Covanta sites in North America. Covanta is among the top 10 companies in the United States to enter the majority of its operating locations in the OSHA VPP Star Program. An integral part of the Montgomery County community, the Montgomery County Transfer Station has processed more than 9 million tons of trash since 1993. After processing, all trash is transported by railroad to the Covanta-operated Montgomery County Resource Recovery Facility in Dickerson, where it is converted into clean energy and used to power local homes. The Energy-from-Waste facility processes up to 1,800 tons-per-day of solid waste, generating up to 55 megawatts of renewable energy or enough power for 40,000 homes and recycles more than 10,000 tons of metal annually. About Covanta Covanta Energy is an internationally recognized owner and operator of large-scale Energy-from-Waste and renewable energy projects and a recipient of the Energy Innovator Award from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Covanta's 44 Energy-from-Waste facilities provide communities with an environmentally sound solution to their solid waste disposal needs by using that municipal solid waste to generate clean, renewable energy. Annually, Covanta's modern Energy-from-Waste facilities safely and securely convert more than 20 million tons of waste into 9 million megawatt hours of clean renewable electricity and create more than 9 billion pounds of steam that are sold to a variety of industries. For more information, visit www.covantaenergy.com.

Melvin Wylie

Ukraine Offers United Nations to Create World Grain Reserve

KYIV, Ukraine -  The Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Prysyazhnyuk informed that his country had initiated the creation of the world's grain reserve under the auspices of the United Nations. Ukraine would take on the responsibility to form the reserve of 10 to 12 mln tons of grain, preserve it and make grain interventions on the market following the respective decisions by the UN. Ukraine's 2011 grain crop at the moment is 35.6% larger than the amount of crop harvested by August of 2010. According to the Minister, these indicators allow Ukraine to create the world grain reserve fund. "We brought a motion to the UN suggesting to create the world grain reserve on the territory of Ukraine," said Prysyazhnyuk. The Minister also noted that Ukraine can now position herself as one of the world grain market leaders. World grain reserve would presumably be used to regulate world grain prices by intervening in the market in times of low grain supply. This would provide for the stability of the world grain prices as well as guarantee food security of the global population. Given the ongoing famine in Africa and global food insecurity, the creation of the world grain reserve is expected to be a useful tool for the UN in its struggle to provide humanitarian assistance in line with the UN World Food Programme. Ukraine used to bear the title of the breadbasket of Europe in the past and has been referred to as such ever since. It is estimated that Ukraine produced approximately one quarter of all agricultural output of the Former USSR. Experts believe Ukraine's annual grain production to be at least 33-35 mln tons per year, which leaves a substantial amount of grain for export considering the fact that the domestic consumption is set at the mark of 25-26 mln tons. Ukraine expects to harvest over 40 mln tons of grain in 2011. Earlier, the President of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine Mykola Bezuhly said that the future world grain reserve is to be managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations while international financial institutions will sponsor the fund.

Melvin Wylie

Tropical Storm & Hurricane: The Importance of Having a Disaster Plan For You, Your Loved Ones and Your Pets

All too often when a disaster strikes, pets are left to fend for themselves and end up lost, injured or killed. The best way to avoid this tragic scenario is to have a well-thought out disaster plan that includes your pet, so that you know where to go and what to take, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.). "Many public shelters that are set up for disaster victims don't accept pets so you need to find out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept pets," said Jeanne M. Salvatore, senior vice president and consumer spokesperson for the I.I.I. "It is tragic, but people have actually died because they were ordered to evacuate and did not want to leave their pets behind." Disasters do happen—and advance planning is best way for everyone to survive the catastrophe and get their lives back to normal as soon as possible. The I.I.I. offers the following tips to protect you, your loved ones and your pets in the event of a disaster: 1. Have a Disaster Plan

• Plan in advance where you will go and how you plan to get there.
• Map out your primary route and a backup route in case roads are blocked or impassable. Make sure you have a map of the area available.
• Put together a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians along the evacuation route and outside your area that might be able to shelter your pets in an emergency. Include emergency phone numbers.
• Talk to your vet, the humane society or the local emergency management agency for information regarding community evacuation plans that include pets.
• Make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets in the event you are not at home when a disaster strikes. And, plan where you will meet or how you will reach each other.
• Review the I.I.I.'s five step evacuation plan and consider downloading the I.I.I. podcast on evacuation so you have it for easy reference on your PDA.
• Take the Ten Minute Challenge to seeing how long it would take to get you, your family, your pets and all of your important items out of the house.

  2. Make a Grab-and-Go Disaster Kit for Your Pets

• Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container.
• Pet first aid kit
• Leashes, harnesses, crates and carriers for transporting pets
• A muzzle, if your pet requires one
• Food and water for at least three days; a manual can opener
• Cat litter and litter box
• Comfort toys
• Recent photo of you and your pet in case you become separated
• Name and phone number of your veterinarian
• If you have pet insurance, the insurance company contact information and policy number

  3. If You Must Evacuate, Take Your Pets

• Be prepared to leave early; do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind.
• Keep pets on leashes or in carriers at all times.
• Make sure your pet is wearing up-to-date identification. Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet gets lost and you cannot be reached. And mark the crate or carrier with similar information.
• Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird's feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport; instead provide a few slices of fresh fruit or vegetables with high water content.
• Review the I.I.I.'s article on pet evacuation which includes more detailed information as well as evacuation tips for reptiles and pocket pets such as hamsters and gerbils.

  4. After the Disaster

• Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. While you assess the damage, keep dogs on a leash and other animals in their carriers.
• Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings.
• Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.

  KEEP YOUR INSURANCE UP-TO-DATE Insurance is an important part of disaster planning. In addition to having an evacuation plan, the I.I.I. recommends these three steps:

• First, contact your insurance agent to make sure that you have both the right amount and type of insurance protection. You should have enough insurance to rebuild your home and replace all of your personal belongings. And, ask about both flood and earthquake insurance as these disasters are not covered under standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. Separate coverage is available for both disasters, however. The I.I.I. has a brochure on insurance for your house and personal possessions. More information on flood insurance can be found at www.floodsmart.gov
• Second, make sure you have an up-to-date home inventory. This will help you purchase the right amount of insurance and will make the claims process faster and easier. The I.I.I. has free Web-based home inventory software at KnowYourStuff.org.
• Third, take reasonable steps to make your home disaster-resistant. The I.I.I. has a video outline five key steps for Making Your Home More Hurricane Resistant. For detailed information on how to disaster-proof your home or business, go to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

  RELATED LINKS

• ASPCA
• American Kennel Club
• American Veterinary Medical Association
• The American Red Cross
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• Humane Society of the United States

Melvin Wylie

Chevrolet Harnesses Sun to Power Volts and Dealerships

•    Capacity to charge a dozen Volts daily; excess energy to supplement dealer's use
• Two dozen U.S. dealerships pledge to install solar-powered charging stations

Chevrolet is harnessing the power of the sun to install solar-powered electric charging stations for its Volts at dealerships in North America. The Green Zone initiative will generate electricity equivalent to 12 full vehicle charges per day and excess electricity created will help supplement the dealership's power needs. "The Chevrolet Green Zone will provide our U.S. dealers with added flexibility when it comes to charging their vehicles, while also reinforcing GM's commitment to renewable energy projects," said Chris Perry, vice president, Global Chevrolet Marketing and Strategy. American Chevrolet in Modesto, Calif., and Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc, Mich., are the first U.S. dealerships to complete their solar charging capability by installing Green Zones on their property. "The question isn't whether to install a solar canopy, it's where and how many," said Joe Serra, president of Serra Automotive. "It's a win for us because the electricity generated will help reduce operating costs, and it's a win for the environment since solar power helps reduce our carbon footprint." Each canopy generates enough electricity for up to 4,500 charges per vehicle annually. The proof of concept for the Green Zone project is housed at the Detroit Hamtramck assembly plant, manufacturing home of the Volt. "The beauty of this program is that there is no capital cost required from the dealership," said Dave Halvorson, president of American Chevrolet in Modesto. "Not only do we generate the solar energy to increase our reliance on renewable electricity, but the Green Zone is a billboard of our commitment to the environment." The Chevy Green Zone Initiative is part of GM Ventures' recent announcement to invest $7.5 million in Sunlogics, a solar panel manufacturing and development company that will supply the panels and install the dealer charging stations. Both American Chevrolet and Al Serra Chevrolet partnered with Sunlogics for installation of their Green Zones. "Just one of these canopies provides enough renewable energy to power two to three homes per year, or more than 25 percent of a dealership's energy consumption," said Perry. "Collectively, that will be a lot of power we are putting back into the grid." As part of the GM Ventures investment announcement in Sunlogics, General Motors committed to double its solar output globally – from 30 megawatts to 60 megawatts by 2015. The company derives 1.4 percent of its U.S. energy consumption from renewable resources. GM is the leading user of renewable energy in automotive manufacturing. It has three of the largest automotive rooftop solar power installations in the United States, and the world's largest rooftop solar installation at its car assembly plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Additionally, GM has started construction on a new solar field at its Detroit-Hamtramck facility and completed construction on a solar array on top of its Baltimore Operations facility.

Melvin Wylie

18th Episode of GreenNews4U

Welcome to the 18th Episode of GreenNews4U! In this episode I will be discussing a new technology of air purification in buildings, homes, apartments, casinos, hotels, vehicles, hospitals and so much more. To do this my special guest is Woody Young. Woody graduated from Ohio State with a degree in Marketing and Ornamental Horticulture. He spent the following 3 years in IBM's young executive program followed by time at Kidder Peabody. He started Young's Evergreen Nursery Co. where he was one of the first to package all of the landscaping needs of world class hotels and movies within one company. In 1982 he took over the California Clock Company, home to the iconic 1930s Kit Cat Clock. In 2004 Woody phased out of Young's Evergreen Nursery in order to better focus on his expanding portfolio of companies. Woody started Street Surfing soon after and brought the globally popular "Wave Board" to market for the first time. Woody now owns 15 companies, all of which he truly believes are doing good in the world. His companies range from high end encryption software, organics and server technologies to improved NASA technologies used in hospitals. Woody has authored or co-authored over 30 published books and executive produced the movie Dog Jack. I look forward in having Woody back on my show to discuss his other products and also talk about job creation here in the U.S.A. To download this episode go here View Air Oasis Here    

Melvin Wylie

Europe's Largest Solar Power Plant to Open in Ukraine

By the end of the current year the newly built solar power plant in Crimea is set to reach the production rate of 100,000 megawatt-hours of electricity in a year. This rate makes the station the most powerful solar power plant ever built in the region and one of the largest solar power plants in the world. The power plant of this caliber is estimated to reduce Ukraine's carbon dioxide emission by 80,000 tons. The solar power plant in Okhotnykovo, Crimea, is a part of the country's national Natural Energy project. The State Agency of Ukraine for Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation (SAUEEEC) launched the project in 2010. It is aimed at producing electric energy from the "clean" sources - the sun and the wind - in the amount of 2,000 MW. The objective of this initiative is to supply the low transportation cost electricity and preserve the environment. The SAUEEEC expects the production share of alternative energy to make up to 30 percent of Ukrainian energy market before 2015. The Okhotnykovo plant will provide an output of 80 MW making it the largest solar power plant in Europe. Currently, the largest solar power plant is located in Italy and produces 72 MW. After the construction of the remaining two out of four power production lines is finished, the area of the power station will equal 207 football fields. The power plant will provide green energy for around 20,000 households. Kaveh Ertefai, the CEO of the Austrian company "Activ Solar" responsible for the project, said: "Project of this scale means a radical change of solar energy development in Europe, while securing Ukraine's position as renewable energy provider." Ukraine funds its energy saving projects by the profits the government receives from selling CO2 quotes under the Kyoto protocol. In 2009, having traded its CO2 emission quota to Japan Ukraine received almost USD 400 mln from Japan. The amount of solar radiation in Ukraine reaches from 800 to 1450 W/m² per year and provides for an expansive potential market of solar energy projects. As of 2009, Ukraine is the twelfth largest energy market in the world with an installed capacity of 54 GW. Ukraine exports its excess electricity to Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Slovakia.

Melvin Wylie

Power Consumption Facts for the US

Source by Power SuperSite

Melvin Wylie