Environmental Management System
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Environmental Tip — Recycling: The Pollution Prevention Program recently asked the occupants of 41 buildings — 6,639 Sandians — “What kind of recycler are you?” Seventeen percent of the email message recipients responded. The results were 688 “always” recyclers and 458 “sometimes” recyclers. Eleven responded that they don’t recycle. Requests for additional collection containers are still being processed. There’s also information about recycling at home. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — America Recycles Day America Recycles Day is November 15th. Learn more about recycling by visiting the America Recycles Day <http://nrc-recycle.org/americarecycles.aspx> website. With the holidays approaching, one way to help the environment is by purchasing gifts made from recycled content. The Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival is scheduled for November 16-18. Visit <http://www.recyclesantafe.org/> to learn more about the festival. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, visit the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — EMS Excellence Awards nominations: The semi-annual Environmental Management System Excellence Awards recognize innovation by Sandians that contribute to the vision of the lab’s Environmental Management System. The EMS Core Team will recognize those who demonstrate excellence in any one of the five categories:
— Water Conservation/Energy Reduction
— Risk Mitigation/Environmental Protection
— Environmentally Preferable Purchasing
— Waste Minimization
— Recycling
The deadline for nominations is Jan. 7. For information on the nomination process, go to the EMS website. Your EMS champion, environmental compliance coordinator and/or pollution prevention representative will be glad to help you with the nomination preparation. Submit your nominations now by contacting Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov. Winners will be announced at the Jan. 23 awards ceremony.
Environmental Tip — Tricks for Halloween: Celebrate Halloween in an ecofriendly way by searching in the back of your closet or at the thrift store for costume ideas instead of buying plastic costumes. You can also compost your jack-o-lantern after Halloween and your kids can use reusable shopping bags to carry their candy. Check this Sierra Club website for more Halloween tips. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Using and disposing of CFLs: Electric lighting accounts for up to 25 percent of the average home energy budget. The electricity used over the lifetime of a single incandescent bulb costs five to 10 times the original purchase price of the bulb itself. Compact fluorescent lights (CFL) have revolutionized energy-efficient lighting. CFLs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescents. CFLs use 50 to 80 percent less energy than incandescents. A 22-watt CFL has about the same light output as a 100-watt incandescent. There is some concern about the mercury vapor contained in CFLs, so to learn how to dispose of them properly in Albuquerque, go to this website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
(NM) Environmental Tip — Recycling your old refrigerator: Pointing out that a 25-year-old refrigerator can use up to three times as much electricity as a new one, PNM is offering a refrigerator recycling rebate, giving customers an incentive to get rid of their inefficient refrigerators. They’ll even pick up your old fridge. For more information, check this PNM website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Getting Rid of Fleas: Fleas usually gain entry to your home through your pet or visitors’ pets. For every flea on your pet, there may be as many as 30 more in the pet’s environment. Bathe and comb your pet regularly. Use mild soap, not insecticides. If fleas are found on the comb, dip the comb in a glass of soapy water. Citrus is a natural flea deterrent. Pour a cup of boiling water over a sliced lemon. Include the lemon skin, scored to release more citrus oil. Let this mixture soak overnight, and sponge on your dog to kill fleas instantly. Visit this EarthEasy website for more eco-friendly tips on getting rid of fleas. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental tip — natural cooling for your home: Air conditioners can use up to 1/6th of US electricity and on hot summer days consume 43 percent of the U.S. peak power load. According to DOE, heating and cooling systems in the US emit more than a half billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year. Visit this site for tips on blocking the heat and naturally cooling your home. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Compost bin content: Compost is one of nature’s best mulches and soil amendments. Best of all, compost is cheap. You can make it without spending a cent. Using compost improves soil structure, texture and aeration, and increases the soil’s water-holding capacity. Visit the Compost Guide for a list of what makes good composting material and what should be avoided. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip – Natural fly deterrent: Flies don’t like mint, bay leaves or eucalyptus, all of which you can use to help deter flies from visiting your home this summer. Check this EarthEasy website to learn how to use natural fly deterrents. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Environmentally friendly ways to eliminate cockroaches: The best defense against cockroaches is a clean kitchen and bathroom. In addition, you can put boric acid in areas of infestation (away from children and pets). You can also use catnip to repel roaches. For a complete list of eco-friendly tips to get rid of roaches, go to this EarthEasy website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip – Washing your car: Washing your car in the front yard may be fun for your kids and a nice way to cool off, but it can also send soap and road grime (oil, tar, dirt) into storm sewers that can flow into the waterways. Automatic and self-service car washes use water efficient equipment such as computer-controlled systems and high-pressure nozzles and pumps to clean cars thoroughly while conserving water. The Clean Water Act, established by the government in 1972, requires car washes to pipe dirty water to treatment facilities or into state-approved drainage facilities. For more information, visit this International Carwash Association website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Alternatives to dry cleaning: The chemicals used in dry-cleaning are solvent-based and can be harmful to the environment. To learn about alternatives to dry cleaning, visit this Eartheasy website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Natural garden pest control: Each year, North American homes use approximately 136 million pounds of pesticides on lawns and gardens and in the home. Natural pest control is less expensive than buying and applying pesticides, and it’s safer for your garden, natural wildlife and the environment. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (4131) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Backyard wildlife habitat: Here’s a way to e nhance your backyard, create a fun project for the family and contribute to local wildlife conservation — develop your own backyard wildlife habitat. Any age can participate, you can go at your own pace and everyone enjoys the lasting benefits. Young children especially can learn the basics of nature appreciation through their own window into the natural world. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Sustainable seafood: Around the world, many traditional fisheries are threatened with collapse, due to unsustainable fishing practices and habitat destruction. Some fisheries, however, remain healthy and productive due to successful management, responsible harvesting and advances in contained fish farming. You can help support sustainable fisheries with the choices you make at the restaurant or the seafood counter. Visit this website for the sustainable seafood guide. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Summer BBQs: Instead of using toxic lighter fluid or petroleum-based fire-starter products to light your grill, try a safer alternative like a chimney-style or electric starter. If you barbecue a lot, consider replacing your charcoal grill with an electric one to reduce pollutants. And lighting citronella candles at your BBQ is a great method for keeping away bugs without polluting the air or hurting living things. For more summer BBQ tips, click here. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Summer Picnics: For your next outdoor meal, set your picnic table with cloth napkins and reusable plates, cups and utensils. Tablecloths and plates look better, cost less than throw-away paper and plastic products in the long run and decrease the trash going to landfills. If you do use plastic, remember that it can be washed and used again. And if you see a column of ants marching toward your table, you can keep them away safely by sprinkling one of the following where you don’t want them to go: salt, sage, red chili powder, cucumber peelings or cream of tartar powder. For more summer picnic tips, check this Los Angeles County website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Albuquerque’s Urban Environment Report Score: The Earth Day Network’s Urban Environment Report (UER) scores the current environmental performance of 72 US cities based on more than 200 indicators The system takes into account populations that may have greater sensitivity or susceptibility to environmental, health and social problems. To find out Albuquerque’s environmental performance score, go to the UER website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Reducing your junk mail: The average person receives more than 64 catalogs a year, which translates to more than 17 billion in the US annually. The environmental impacts of logging, pulping, transporting, using and disposing of this four million tons of annual catalog paper are substantial, and 40 percent of those catalogs never get opened. When you receive unwanted mail-order catalogs at home, you can call the company’s toll-free phone number and ask to be removed from the distribution list. And remember to share the few catalogs you want with neighbors and friends, or use the companies’ online catalogs. For more tips on reducing junk mail, visit this website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Personal care products: Many of the personal care products we use every day — such as soap, shampoos, moisturizers and lotions — contribute to dependency on petroleum and impact the environment through drilling and refining. In addition, when these products are washed off of our bodies, they are released into the environment and require intensive cleaning processes to be removed from water sources. Many environmentally friendly products with fewer synthetic compounds and chemical toxins area available for purchase. You can also visit the New American Dream website to find out how to make your own. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — New EMS newsletter: The winter edition of the Environmental Management System newsletter includes information on Earth Day, EMS Award nominees and other interesting environmental facts. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Climate Control with Plants: Well-placed trees, shrubs, ground covers and grass affect solar radiation more than structural devices such as awnings, and can help cut air-conditioning costs. In addition to cooling during hot months, deciduous plants drop their leaves in winter and allow the sun’s rays to warm buildings. During hot months, shade trees intercept and soak up the sun’s heat while transpiring cooling moisture into the air. And air-conditioners run less in a house shaded by trees than they do in a house with a sunbaked roof and walls. For planting tips, check this website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Your morning coffee: Coffee is the world’s second most valuable traded commodity, second only to petroleum. At more than 2.5 billion pounds per year, the US consumes one-fifth of the world’s coffee supply. The desire to boost coffee production has caused many producers to abandon traditional shade-growing techniques in favor of coffee grown in the sun under aggressive application of fertilizers and pesticides. Meanwhile, vast stretches of native forests have been cleared, giving Latin America the world’s highest deforestation rate, part of which is blamed on conversion to sun-grown coffee. For more information about fair trade coffee, check the New American Dream website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Pack a Waste-Free Lunch: A waste-free lunch means you have no packaging to throw away when you’re done — nothing but apple cores, banana and orange peels, peach or cherry pits. The best way to reduce garbage is to stop making it. Here are five simple ways to pack a waste-free lunch: Bring a reusable carrier (cloth bag, lunchbox, etc.), reusable containers, thermos for drinks, cloth napkins to wash and re-use and silverware to wash and re-use. Check this website for more tips on packing a waste-free lunch. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Routing roof gutters: Rainwater and snow-melt from rooftops that is not captured in gutters soaks into the ground and recharges underground aquifers. Sending the gutter and downspout drainage into the yard (away from the house foundation) allows this natural process to continue. Consider the unnecessary contributions to storm water overflow when all the neighborhood rooftops empty onto driveways, curbside gutters and down storm drains. Whenever possible, divert the downspout away from pavement and into the lawn, yard or garden. Extend the downspout, if necessary, to keep water away from the house foundation. For more information, check this EPA website. For more on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental tip for an Earth-friendly Valentine’s Day: This Valentine's Day show your love for the earth by sending recycled-content greeting cards. Consider making new cards from scrap paper or by attaching new backs to the fronts of old card. This can be a craft project for family and friends that helps everyone reduce paper waste while saving money. Also consider sending electronic valentines. Visit this site for more information. For additional information on Sandia's Environmental Management System, go to this website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental tip — restricted trees: Certain trees may not be planted within the city limits of Albuquerque, and there is a penalty for violating the provisions of this ordinance. The following trees are prohibited: all Cypress, of the family Cupressaceae, genus Cupressus, and all Mulberry, of the family Moraceae, genus Morus. When buying trees in the city limits, look at the labels. All nurseries within the city limits, from the small local grower to the large chain, may not sell prohibited trees and must properly label restricted trees. Visit this website for more information. For additional information on Sandia's Environmental Management System, visit this site.Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Recyclable Clothes: Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products. You can close the loop by donating your used clothing articles to people who will use them. Visit this EPA website for more recycling tips. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Winterize Your Vehicle: Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts and will keep you safe on the road. For more information, go to this EPA website. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip – Environmentally Friendly De-icing
It’s winter storm season. This year, consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leaks from car engines and chemical snow-melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil. Visit http://www.epa.gov/region03/winter/#waq for more information. For additional information on Sandia's Environmental Management System, please visit the website.
Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Air Quality Forecasting: Together with state and local governments, the EPA has expanded air quality forecasting to include year-round, daily information on particle pollution. Microscopic particles in the air can get deep into the lungs, potentially causing serious health problems. Unlike summertime ozone, particle pollution can occur throughout the year. Although particle levels aren’t high every day, you should check your Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts to determine whether you need to take action to reduce your exposure. Forecasts, health information and maps showing real-time particle levels are available on EPA’s AIRNow website. Daily air reports are available for both the New Mexico site and the California site. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
(NM) (CA) Environmental Tip — Holiday trees: American Forests recommends keeping and planting a live tree this holiday season because of the many benefits planting trees has for the environment. If you have space for a “ball and burlapped” or containerized tree and can provide the extra care this type of tree requires, it’s well work the additional cost and effort. For more information about holiday trees, check the American Forests website. For information about recycling cut trees in Albuquerque, check this website; for Livermore recycling information, click here. For more on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Decorating: This year, consider decorating for the holidays with more energy-efficient mini-lights rather than the larger, old-fashioned lights. Turn them on only when someone’s around to appreciate them. This practice also reduces fire hazards. Wrap gifts using old newspapers or paper bags and avoid foil and plastic-embossed paper because it uses more resources in its manufacturing process. For more on the subject, check this EPA website. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Holiday Cards: Have you ever thought about all the paper used to make holiday cards? This year, consider buying cards made from recycled paper (look for “post-consumer” content) and printed in non-toxic inks. You can also buy cards and envelopes that can be recycled. Email your holiday cards or choose cards printed on white stock without metallic or plastic coatings and buy cards wrapped in the least bulky or most recyclable packaging. Consider substituting postcards for cards that require envelopes and reuse the fronts of old holiday cards as gift tags. For more information on the subject, check this Environmental Protection Agency website. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Save energy this Thanksgiving: Saving energy saves money, reduces air pollution and helps us all breathe easier. The EPA offers a few simple tips to save energy this Thanksgiving: skip preheating the oven and limit the number of times you open the oven door, make the most of a hot oven by cooking several things at once, make sure stove-top burners and reflectors are clean before you start cooking, use pots and pans that match the size of your burners and use the microwave when possible because it uses only half the energy of a conventional oven. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Green Thanksgiving: When preparing for the Thanksgiving meal, use a canvas bag to carry your groceries, and buy food items that use the least amount of packaging. Try to find packaging that contains recycled, post-consumer content. And unwanted Thanksgiving dinner leftovers offer an opportunity to start composting food waste. If you keep leftovers around the house, stock up on reusable food containers that can save resources all year long. Try not to use disposable utensils, plates, napkins or tablecloths during the holiday weekend. Using dinnerware and silverware for the Thanksgiving meal is a tradition that is also good for the environment. Another way to reduce solid waste and protect the environment is to recycle beverage containers and the aluminum foil used throughout the day. For more on a “green” Thanksgiving, check this website. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — What to do with fall leaves: The US Environmental Protection Agency says Americans generate about 229 million tons of municipal solid waste each year, a little more than 12 percent of which is yard waste. But there are alternatives to putting leaves and yard waste out with the trash. You can recycle the leaves either for use as mulch or, in decomposed form, as compost for amending soil. If your soil drains well, you can spread up to five inches of chopped leaves on all garden beds and under all shrubs, hedges and trees. This layer will settle down to about three inches. If you don’t want to use leaves for mulch, turn them into compost, which saves transportation and disposal costs and provides an environmentally sound way to manage yard waste. For more information, check this column in The Birmingham News . For information about Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Fall Planting Pointers: Though many people gear up to work on their yards and gardens in the spring, fall is actually an ideal time for yard work. By the time autumn rolls around, summer heat waves are long past, rainfall is usually more plentiful and new trees, bushes and flowers have a greater chance of surviving than they would if they were planted during a hotter season. To bring your garden to life in the fall, compost the leaves, fertilize organically and plant trees. Choose species native to your area as well as those that are drought- and pest-resistant and can grow in the kind of soil and amount of sunlight available on your property. For fall gardening tips, go to this Earth Share website. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — ‘Green’ Burial: Green burial has a much smaller impact on the environment than traditional casket burial, and is intended to provide environmental and ecological benefits over time. One example of a green burial involves preparing the body for burial without embalming fluid or other ecologically harmful chemicals, using a biodegradable casket made from natural materials like willow, bamboo or paper, and burying the casket in a land preservation site. Trees, shrubs and flowers are planted nearby and over time, the body becomes part of the green environment. For more information, go to this website. For additional information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Raising ‘green’ kids: One of the best ways to teach your children to care about and respect their environment is to be a good role model. If you show enthusiasm and respect for wildlife and nature, your child will follow the lead. Parents can help educate children about the environment by encouraging outdoor learning at home, taking a weekend adventure to a state or national park or participating in community “green” activities. For tips on raising “green” kids, go to this Family Education website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — The cost of commuting: How much does it cost you to drive to work five days a week? If you commute 20 miles a day, get 17 miles per gallon and pay $2.30 per gallon of gas, your monthly cost is $33.53 and your annual cost is $402.36. You can calculate your own monthly and annual commuting cost at this website. There’s also an environmental cost of commuting. In the US, about half the air pollution comes from cars and trucks. Sandia has options available to help you find alternatives to get to work while reducing the impact on your wallet and reducing the impact on the environment. You’ll find New Mexico tips here and California tips here. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Green Shopping: A family of four can save $3,000 a year simply by buying products in the largest size they can use and by buying long-lasting reusable items. Items with excess packaging and products that need to be discarded after only a few uses cost more money, use up valuable resources and create more waste. Ten cents of every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging. Small sizes use more packaging for each ounce of product than larger sizes. So, if you buy large sizes, you save money, reduce waste and help the environment. The next time you shop, buy cereal in a large box instead of in individual serving sizes, buy juice in concentrates and use reusable containers instead of single-serving packages, and avoid the small boxes of raisins and buy the same amount in the 24-ounce box. For green shopping tips, check this Earth 911 website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Preserving the Environment
Many of you are participating daily by incorporating the Environmental Management System (EMS) into Sandia work processes. The EMS is a continuing cycle of planning, evaluating, implementing, and improving processes and actions undertaken to achieve environmental goals. We thank you for your diligence and are going to start offering weekly environmental tips to help you preserve our environment at work and home. For additional information, please visit our website.
Environmental Tip — New EMS Newsletter: The summer edition of the Environmental Management System newsletter includes information on the upcoming awards ceremony; the lecture series, with featured speaker Noel Brown; some of the award nominees; and other interesting environmental facts. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Reusable and Long-Lasting Products
Products that can be reused are cheaper in the long run than those you throw away and buy over and over again, and goods designed to last a long time are also cheaper in the long run than those that wear out quickly. A family can save $1,000 each year by buying reusable and long-lasting products such as rechargeable batteries for toys, flashlights and radios, and washable plates, cups and flatware for parties and picnics instead of disposable products. If you bring bags to the market, either cloth ones or your old paper and plastic ones, many markets will credit your bill for using your own bags. For more information, go to this website. For more on Sandia's Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
(NM) Environmental Tip — Biodiesel for the Rail Runner
The state has announced that the Rail Runner, the new Rio Grande corridor commuter train, will run on biodiesel fuel. According to a news release announcing the fuel choice, the Rail Runner is one of the first commuter rail systems in the country to use biodiesel, which is made from the vegetable waste of farm products and is about 20 percent less expensive than regular diesel fuel. Sandians can commute to work using a combination of Rail Runner and city buses. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Dog Waste
About 80,000 registered dogs live in Albuquerque and they create 20 tons of waste each day. According to the City of Albuquerque website, improper handling of pet waste can spread serious diseases among pets, and disease-causing bacteria and parasites can infect people. When walking with your pet, take a plastic bag or paper cup along to collect the waste so it can be disposed of properly. For information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Composting
According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 23 percent of the US municipal solid waste stream. That’s a lot of waste to send to landfills when it could become useful and environmentally beneficial compost instead. Composting offers the obvious benefits of resource efficiency and creating a useful product from organic waste that would otherwise have been landfilled. Compost also can suppress plant diseases and pests, reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, promote higher yields of agricultural crops and facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted and marginal soils. For more information about composting, go to this EPA website. For more information on Sandia’s Environmental Management System, check the EMS website. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Weeds
With recent downpours, weeds are popping up everywhere, but instead of using w eed killer that contains harsh chemicals, try this eco-friendly, health-friendly tip at the care2 website to control weeds in your garden. For weeds growing in sidewalk cracks and between bricks (not in the garden), combine one cup of salt, one teaspoon of liquid detergent and one gallon of vinegar in a bucket, stir to blend and sprinkle it over weeds. For weeds in the garden, lay down newspaper between rows, and a thick layer of mulch. This will prevent weed seeds from sprouting. Use a small shovel or your hands to pull out weeds. (You can compost the weeds to produce rich soil after you’ve removed them.) Remove weeds when the soil is damp and try to get all the roots. It is easiest to remove younger weeds, so don’t let them get out of control. Questions or comments to Katrina Wagner (10331) at 844-1810 or kmwagne@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Diapers
Diapers are undoubtedly not a topic most people think of on a daily basis — even parents deal with diapers for only a few years. The environmental impact of the vastly popular disposable diaper, however, won’t go away. It’s estimated that the 10,000 tons of disposable diapers tossed into landfills each day can take up to 500 years to decompose. Manufacturing those disposables consumes more than 1 million metric tons of wood pulp and 75,000 metric tons of plastic each year. For more on disposable vs. reuseable (and eventually, recyclable) diapers, go to this website. For updated Environmental Management System activities and events, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — EcoSpun Fiber
EcoSpun is a high-quality polyester fiber developed by the US company Wellman Inc. Many different fabrics are made using EcoSpun, including fleece fabrics that are warm, durable, weather resistant, lightweight and comfortable. They are very soft to the touch. One would never guess the source of the fiber — recycled plastic pop bottles. EcoSpun can also be blended with other fibers, such as wool, cotton and tencel, for enhanced qualities. EcoSpun is used mostly for vests, jackets, pants, blanket throws and accessories. It is also used in carpets, home furnishings and fiberfill. For more information on benefits, process and where to find EcoSpun clothing, go to this website. Also, for updated Environmental Management System activities and events, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Natural Insect Pest Control
Insect pests such as cockroaches are an intimate part of every home. In the air, carpet, counter or cupboard, every home shares its resources with these tiny, often unseen invaders. Pesticides are available for most common household insect pests, but these potent chemical compounds may be more harmful to you and the environment than the pests. Some natural, non-toxic ways to control household insect pests may be as easy as going to your spice rack or a mixture of strong soap and water. To learn more about how you can alternatively control household pests such as cockroaches, ants, flies and moths, go to this website. For updated Environmental Management System activities and events, go to the EMS website. Questions or comments to Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov.
Environmental tip — Expanded Rapid Ride Services
With increasing gas prices, mass transit can help reduce your commuting cost, especially for those coming from the West Side. The City of Albuquerque’s Transit Department, ABQ RIDE, kicked off the inaugural service for the West Side Rapid Ride Pilot Project (Route 156) at Cottonwood Mall on April 17, 2006. If you use public transportation just a couple of times a week from the West Side, it is possible to save fuel costs of up to $600/year! For information on bus schedules and locations, please visit the City of Albuquerque website. The Rapid Ride buses are diesel-electric hybrid models. These buses joined the City’s transit fleet in Dec 2004. They use 20-40% less fuel than a standard diesel bus, and emit up to 90% less CO 2, NO x and particulates. The bus manufacturer, New Flyer, was awarded a 2005 Pollution Prevention award and its Environmental Management System (EMS) was recommended for ISO 14001 certification. For more information on Sandia's commute assistance program, please contact Debbie Moore, 844-7433. Also, see the EMS website for updated EMS activities and events.
Environmental Tip —Recycling Ceiling Panels
Did you know that you can recycle old ceiling panels? Find out how Armstrong recycled more than 25 million square feet of old ceiling panels. That’s equal to 436 football fields, 15.5 million pounds or 2,917 hippos (soaking wet). For additional information and to find out how you can help, go to this website. For more information c ontact Oriana Saiz (10331) at oasaiz@sandia.gov. Also, see the EMS website for updated EMS activities and events.
Environmental Tip — Natural Resources
A backyard wildlife habitat or “naturescape” can be created in your own backyard and a miniature version can even be created on your patio or deck. Basic elements include fresh water (i.e., a bird bath and, if in a yard, water low to the ground); plants and feeders that provide nourishment for birds, insects, etc.; and rocks, trees, bushes and/or bird houses for shelter and nesting. Plants should be native to your area. The National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program provides helpful, detailed examples. Questions to Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov. For updated EMS activities and events, go to the EMS website.
Environmental Tip — Reduce Personal Junk Mail
By contacting the Direct Marketing Association, you can be removed from many companies’ mass marketing mailing lists for up to five years. Write a separate postcard or letter for each member of your family who receives junk mail. On each, note the full name and address along with a request to “activate the preference service” and mail it to DMA Mail Preference Service, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512. You can also register online (or print a pre-formatted form for mailing) at this website. For updated Environmental Management System activities and events, go to the EMS website. Questions to Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Paper Recycling
The largest component in US landfills is paper, and American businesses every day generate enough paper to circle Earth 20 times. Every Sunday, Americans waste 90 percent of recyclable newspapers, throwing away about 500,000 trees. Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4,000 kilowatt hours of energy and 7,000 gallons of water. For updated Environmental Management System activities and events, go to the EMS website.
Environmental Tip — Paper vs. Plastic
How many times have you been asked in the grocery store whether you want paper or plastic bags? If just 25 percent of US families used 10 fewer plastic bags a month, we would save more than 2.5 billion bags a year. Environmentalists have often debated over the correct answer, which turns out to be neither. To help the environment, you should purchase reusable canvas bags, which will never need energy to be recycled or take up space in a landfill. For additional information go to the Community Ecology website or contact Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov. For updated EMS activities and events, go to the Environmental Management System website.
(NM) Environmental Tip — It’s spring-cleaning time
The average home can accumulate as much as 100 pounds of hazardous household waste — paints, insecticides, automotive products, solvents, cleaners — in the basement, garage and storage closets. When you’re planning to get rid of them, look for warnings on product labels and follow the manufacturer’s disposal guidelines. Albuquerque/Bernalillo County residents can take them to the Hazardous Waste Collection Center operated by Rinchem (6133 Edith Blvd. NE) Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. For more information go to this website. There is no hazardous waste disposal facility in Valencia County, but residents can get disposal guidance by calling the county manager’s office at 839-3843. For more information, check the Environmental Management System website or contact Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov.
Environmental Tip — Household Hazardous Waste
Household wastes are considered hazardous if they can burn easily, corrode or irritate the skin, have the potential to generate heat or explode or are poisonous to humans and animals. These wastes include paints, insecticides, automotive products, solvents, and some cleaners. To see alternatives to common household hazards/products, go to this City of Albuquerque website. For more information, contact your Environmental Protection Representative or Oriana Saiz (10331) at 284-8046 or oasaiz@sandia.gov. For updated activities and events, check the Environmental Management System website.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP-Recycling
Reducing solid waste: Please do your part in minimizing the waste generated by you. Sandia currently has programs for recycling cardboard, white paper, aluminum cans, toner cartridges, metals, computers, and many other items. If you already recycle and know people who do not, take action by asking them to recycle. If you have a question about recycling, please contact Oriana Saiz (oasaiz@sandia.gov).
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP-Recycling
Executive Order 13101: Did you know that Sandia is required by Executive Order to succeed in reaching established recycling goals? The Executive Order states "in addition to white paper, mixed paper/cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and glass, agencies should incorporate into their recycling programs efforts to recycle, reuse, or refurbish pallets and collect toner cartridges for remanufacturing. Agencies should also include programs to reduce or recycle, as appropriate, batteries, scrap metal, and fluorescent lamps and ballasts." It is your responsibility to comply with this Executive Order. If you have questions about how to do your part, please contact Margie Marley, 284-3982 or send an e-mail to mmarle@sandia.gov. Also, see the EMS website for updated information on EMS activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL TIP-Green Purchasing
As a Federally funded facility, did you know that each piece of furniture we purchase has to have recycled materials built into it? For example, office chairs: these contain metal, wood, fabric and plastic, all of which are available to manufacturers as recycled raw materials. So next time you go to buy any piece of furniture, look for the “made with recycled materials” mark or ask the company. Contact Samuel McCord samccor@sandia.gov with any questions.
Environmental Tip - Recycling White Paper
Please remember that no white paper used for printing or photocopying should ever go in the trash. It should always be recycled, shredded or placed in a destruction bag depending upon the level of subject-matter sensitivity. If you have any questions, please contact Margie Marley, mmarle@sandia.gov, or your respective derivative classifier.
Environmental Tip - Used Up Toner Cartridges
When you replace the toner or ink cartridge with a new (remanufactured) cartridge, remember to place the used one back in the new box and write “recycle” on it. Then complete the process by placing the box next to the nearest white paper recycling blue tote. Remote locations such as Tech Areas III & V can place the box in their dumpsters and the Solid Waste Transfer Facility will pull it out to be recycled. If you have any questions, please contact Samuel McCord, samccor@sandia.gov.
See EMS website: http://environment.sandia.gov/
Environmental Tip - Christmas Tree Recycling
PNM is sponsoring “Treecycling” in Albuquerque. City residents can recycle up to 5 trees from December 31, 2005 through January 14, 2006. There will be a charge for any trash brought with the trees. Both the Eagle Rock and the Montessa Park Convenience Centers are open 7 days a week, from 8am to 5pm. Look in your latest PNM bill for an advertisement. For more information, please call the City of Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department at 761-8188.