Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Thu, Apr 11, 2013 @ 07:29 AM
It might be a generational thing but I see “You know you’re [blank]” lists all the time. One of the most popular is “You know You’re a 90’s Kid When.” I saw a new one today though and it got me thinking, what would be some major (and potentially comical) ways to identify yourself as a tree hugger, eco warrior, etc.? So I came up with a list. How many criteria do you meet?
1. You drive a hybrid or alternative energy vehicle.
2. You not only know how solar panels work but you’ve installed some on your own home.
3. You have splinters in your arms.
4. You’ve seriously considered owning a tiny house.
5. You routinely pick other peoples recyclables out of the trash.
6. You always shut the lights off when you leave a room, always!
7. You started and fully utilize your own compost heap.
8. You only buy organic.
9. Your favorite cartoon movie is FernGully.
10. You have not used a plastic shopping bag since 1992.
11. You bike everywhere. Even when it’s cold out.
12. You have at least 2 trees as friends on Facebook.
13. You have an entirely hemp wardrobe.
14. Earth Day is your favorite holiday.
Okay, so there is a chance that some of these are far-fetched, but I think you get the idea. What are some things you do that you think really make you green?
Here are the answers to Tuesday's quiz post.
18:d 19:c 20:d 21:b 22:d 23:c
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Tue, Apr 09, 2013 @ 07:45 AM
We’ve hit the half-way point on our Hazardous Waste Questions posts! Remember, once we’ve posted all the questions you will have a great short quiz to test the knowledge of yourself and your team. Today is the 4th post of 6 so make sure to keep checking back in the weeks to come. As always, answers will be posted at the bottom of Thursday’s post. Good luck!
18. The so-called “satellite accumulation” provisions are applicable only to:
a.) Containers at or near the point of generation
b.) Containers under the control of the operator of the process generating the waste
c.) Quantities of hazardous wastes up to 55 gallons per area
d.) All of the above
19. Adequate aisle space in hazardous waste storage/accumulation areas is necessary for which of the following purposes:
a.) To allow access in case of emergency
b.) To allow weekly inspections of each container
c.) Both a. and b.
d.) To allow double stacking of containers
20. Containers used for accumulating hazardous waste must be:
a.) In good condition and compatible with the waste
b.) Kept closed
c.) Marked with the words “Hazardous Waste” and the accumulation start date
d.) All of the above
21. Transportation of hazardous wastes to off-site TSD facilities is to be accompanied by:
a.) A waste-specific permit, authorization, or approval
b.) A Uniform Hazardous Waste Manifest
c.) A hazardous materials bill of lading
d.) A Material Safety Data Sheet
22. The uniform hazardous waste manifest serves which of the following purposes:
a.) Certification of treatment/disposal
b.) Tracking document for delivery to designated TSD facility
c.) Shipping document for hazardous materials per DOT regulations
d.) b and c
23. According to EPA regulations, a hazardous waste manifest copy with the signature of the TSD facility representative must be received by the generator within:
a.) 35 days
b.) 10 days
c.) 45 days
d.) 5 working days
Check the bottom of our "You know you're a tree hugger when..." post for the answers!
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Thu, Apr 04, 2013 @ 07:06 AM
If you don’t follow any of our social media accounts then you probably missed the start of our newest contest. This time we are giving away a laminated set of the four posters in our Recycling Poster Kit! These posters, which are available for download here, measure 12” x 36” and depict the processes four common recyclables go through in order to be reused.
These posters would be perfect for a classroom, office, or anywhere you think people would be interested in a depiction of 4 common recycling processes.
- Glass Recycling
- Plastic Recycling
- Paper Recycling and
- Aluminum Recycling
Entering is simple, just click the button below to be taken to the entry form, fill it out, and cross your fingers that you win! This contest will run for 11 days, (April 1st - 12th) with the winner being randomly selected on the morning of the 12th. This will allow enough time for us to mail the posters to the winner before Earth day on the 22nd!
And make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and / or LinkedIn to get the most up-to-date information about current contests and promotions!
Looking for the answers to Tuesday's quiz post?
12:d 13:d 14:b 15:b 16: a 17:b
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Tue, Apr 02, 2013 @ 07:35 AM
We've got 34 questions in total so we've got to keep going this week with the hazardous waste questions you should be able to answer. Read on to test your knowledge and check Thursday's post for the answers.
12. The RCRA definition of a corrosive hazardous waste includes liquids with a pH
a.) Greater than 12
b.) Less than 1
c.) Between 2 and 12.5
d.) Less than 2 or greater than 12.5
13. The Toxicity Characteristic list of constituents includes which of the following types of chemicals:
a.) Metals
b.) Volatile and semi-volatile organics
c.) Pesticides and herbicides
d.) All of the above
14. The “mixture rule” generally results in which of the following implications:
a.) Mixtures of characteristically hazardous wastes and solid wastes are to be considered to be listed hazardous wastes
b.) Mixtures of listed hazardous waste and solid wastes are to be considered listed hazardous waste, regardless of physical properties and chemical characteristics
c.) Mixtures of listed wastes are to be evaluated for the characteristics of hazardous waste
d.) Mixtures of listed hazardous wastes and solid wastes are to be treated as hazardous wastes, provided the mixture possesses a characteristic of hazardous waste
15. Provisions for accumulation without a permit are applicable only for:
a.) Non-acutely hazardous wastes
b.) Wastes in containers or tanks or containment buildings
c.) Satellite containers
d.) TSD facilities
16. The accumulation period normally begins at what point?
a.) When hazardous wastes are first added to the container or tank
b.) When the container is full
c.) When the hazardous waste label is affixed
d.) When the waste material is determined to be listed hazardous waste
17. The accumulation period for the hazardous wastes of large quantity generators is:
a.) 30 days
b.) 90 days, with provisions for a single 30 day extension
c.) 180 days
d.) No time limit, provided quantity limitations is not exceeded.
Looking for the answers? Check the bottom of our post about the Recycling Poster Contest.
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 @ 07:07 AM
A while back we wrote a post about the Characteristics of Hazardous Waste. There are four that you need to look for in order to classify which type of waste you are dealing with. They are as follows:
- Flammability
- Corrosivity
- Reactivity and
- Toxicity
In the previous post we gave detailed information about these four categories, below, we have outlined them again with illustrated examples.
Looking for the answers to Tuesday's quiz post?
6:A 7:A 8:C 9:D 10:D 11:B
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Tue, Mar 26, 2013 @ 07:24 AM
Well, how did you do on the questions we posted last week? Remember, if you missed the answers they can be found here at the bottom of the post. Hopefully you could answer them with ease!
Today we are going to keep going with the series of questions that hazardous waste generators should be able to answer.
We’re doing six this time and the answers will be at the bottom of Thursday’s post. So without further ado:
6. Listings of a waste material takes precedence over whether the waste material is characteristically hazardous.
a.) True
b.) False
7. Listed hazardous wastes must also be evaluated to determine whether they possess a characteristic of hazardous waste.
a.) True
b.) False
8. Determinations as to whether a waste material is characteristically hazardous under RCRA can be made by:
a.) Testing a representative sample of the waste using the specified analytical techniques
b.) Applying knowledge of the waste in light of the materials and process used
c.) Either a or b, or some combination, provided appropriate documentation is prepared and maintained
d.) Either a or b; however, no documentation or retention of records is necessary
9. The characteristics of a hazardous waste:
a.) Deal with certain physical properties and/or chemical characteristics of solid wastes
b.) Are ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity and toxicity
c.) Include analytical techniques and numerical thresholds as well as narrative descriptions
d.) All of the above
10. Which of the following is not a characteristic of hazardous waste?
a.) Ignitability
b.) Corrosivity
c.) Toxicity
d.) Explosivity
11. The RCRA definition of an ignitable hazardous waste includes liquids with a flashpoint
a.) Above 140 deg. F
b.) Below 140 deg. F
c.) Below 100 deg. F
d.) Below 140 deg. C
Looking for the answers? They are at the bottom of the Hazardous Waste Characteristics infographic post.
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Thu, Mar 21, 2013 @ 06:37 AM
If you ever find yourself with a spare minute you should do a quick Google search for things to stop doing, things you do that make you look dumb, etc. It’s a pretty common theme in the blogosphere. Don’t believe me? Check out a couple of my favorites before reading on.
Number one on my list is, “15 Grammar Goofs That Make You Look Silly” (this one is even in a handy infographic). Another good one is “10 Things You Need to Stop Doing Today to be Happier.” Pretty good, right? I think the great thing about this kind of post is that we are so used to being told what to do that it is a bit of a novelty to see information presented in this less conventional way.
That said, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and list out six mistakes you may be making, in the area of hazardous waste regulations, manifests, and more, that you should really try to stop.
1. Neglecting state regulations when dealing with hazardous wastes. While RCRA regulates hazardous waste management on a national level, you can still get yourself and your company into trouble if you don’t know about and adhere to individual state regulations.
2. Not properly closing hazardous waste containers. Always remember, if contents would spill out in the event of an overturn the container is considered open.
3. Using hazardous waste storage containers that are too old / not in ideal condition. As a general rule, know that if the container becomes damaged, deteriorated, or begins to leak, the wastes should be transferred to a container that is in good condition.
4. Having inadequate aisle space in your container storage area. Adequate aisle space must be maintained to allow unobstructed movement in response to an emergency as well as to perform weekly inspections.
5. Not performing weekly storage area inspections. This was one of the points covered in our Top 10 Hazardous Waste Violations eBook. It is vital to perform these inspections in order to maintain RCRA compliance. For an idea of minimum inspection requirements download the Top 10 eBook here.
6. Failing to follow compliance documentation rules. This includes, having a contingency plan, having personnel training program and records, having documentation of inspections, having copies of manifests and LDR forms, having biennial reports, having waste analyses / determinations, and having a documented waste minimization program on site.
So what do you think? Are you still making any of these mistakes? And perhaps most importantly, if you are what plans do you have so you can cease making them?
Looking for the answers to Tuesday's quiz post?
1:C 2:A 3:B 4:A 5:C
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Tue, Mar 19, 2013 @ 06:42 AM
One of the first things you will see if you attend one of our RCRA training seminars is our pretest. This test is included so you can gain a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses as they relate to hazardous waste generator regulations.
Since the quiz is about 35 questions long I’m going to break it down over the next few months into 5 question chunks. Answers will be posted on the bottom of Thursdays post!
1. The regulatory program dealing with hazardous waste management was established under which of the following federal laws:
a.) CAA
b.) CWA
c.) RCRA
d.) CERCLA
2. The “Cradle to Grave” aspects of the RCRA program refer to:
a.) Regulation of hazardous wastes from the point of generation through their ultimate disposal
b.) An extensive network of government-owned and operated treatment facilities
c.) Requirements to pay federal environmental taxes on the purchase of hazardous chemicals and the land disposal of hazardous wastes
d.) Extensive requirements for health and safety, including medical monitoring, of those employees handling hazardous chemicals and / or hazardous wastes
3. What are the three primary determinations required of generators under RCRA?
a.) Hazardous waste determination / selection of off-site TSD facility / determination of compliance status
b.) Waste inventory/hazardous waste determination/ determination of generator category
c.) Waste minimization opportunities/ applicability of land disposal restrictions/selection of off-site TSD facility
d.) Listed / Characteristic / Declared Hazardous Wastes
4. Determination of the applicable regulatory category(ies under RCRA requires knowledge of all of the following, except:
a.) Whether listed hazardous wastes also possess any of the characteristics of hazardous waste
b.) How long hazardous wastes are accumulated in containers or tanks on-site.
c.) The types of hazardous wastes management activities conducted on-site.
d.) The sum total quantities of all hazardous wastes generated in a calendar month, and the total quantities accumulated on-site
5. Hazardous waste determinations are to be made by:
a.) Analyzing a representative sample of the waste using the specified analytical procedures and comparing to the applicable regulatory thresholds
b.) Using knowledge of the waste in light of the materials and process involved
c.) Generators can utilize a and/or b, as appropriate
d.) The U.S. EPA or authorized state regulatory agency.
Looking for the answers? You can find them at the bottom of our post about Hazardous Waste Mistakes You Should Stop Making.
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Thu, Mar 14, 2013 @ 07:03 AM
It’s supposed to be in the 50’s this weekend, time changed last weekend, and I’ve decided it is officially springtime. One of the things I like to be stereotypical about this time of the year is spring cleaning. With everything starting over fresh it just seems like a good time to make things in my house / life fresh too. So, this year I think we could all take part in spring cleaning and do it in the “greenest” ways possible. Today I’d like to cover 5 different ways you can go about it.
1. Clean out your Closet – If I’m totally honest, I’d have to tell you I almost called this step “Greening out your Closet,” but it just seemed like too much. Anyway, you can make cleaning out your closet green in a few different ways. If the clothes you decide to get rid of are still in good condition, donate them to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Your donations can help another person give new life to the things you no longer wear.
Alternately, H&M recently started a clothes recycling program. You can take bags of clothes into an H&M store and donate them. Each bag donated gets you a coupon for 15% off one item and you can donate up to 2 bags a day! This is a great option if you’re looking to flesh your wardrobe out again after losing the things you no longer wore.
Lastly, if your clothes are not in shape to be worn anymore you could turn some into cleaning rags for the rest of your spring cleaning projects!
2. Clean out your cupboards – Similar to number one, cleaning out cupboards of things you have not been using is a great way to help others! Do you have old dishes, pots and pans, or baking accessories that you never use? Donate them to Goodwill so someone else can use them!
In a related vein, did you impulse buy some cyan spice earlier in the year (after convincing yourself that it was what all your food was missing) but never get up the gall to try it? Unopened food items can be donated to local shelters and food banks.
3. Choose green cleaners over toxic chemicals – Many stores offer green alternatives to common household cleaners. These products are free of the harsh chemicals and ingredients that make typical cleaners more dangerous. And if none of those strike your fancy there are tutorials online for making your own! Check this article from eartheasy or this one from The Daily Green for a good starting point!
Additionally, if you do decide to switch over to non-toxic cleaners make sure you dispose of any old items you may have properly. Check out our eBook about Household Hazardous Wastes
for more information about the types of items you need to be careful of disposing.
4. This one may not count as spring cleaning per say but I’m including it nonetheless. Plant a garden. Whether you choose flowers or fruits and vegetables, planting a garden is a great springtime activity. I live in an apartment so I can’t do much in the way of gardening but I fully intend to get a tomato plant this year! Having a garden is a great way to get you out in the sun and save yourself a little money on produce this summer. Additionally, it’s a good learning device for kids to teach them about how plants grow into some of the foods we eat.
5. Lastly, when the temperature starts staying warmer open up your house! Try not to run your air conditioner right away. Letting the spring breeze pass through helps to ventilate your home of the stagnant winter air and helps to keep things cool! Take advantage of it now because before you know it you’ll be reaching for the thermostat again to help combat the summer heat waves.
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Posted by Kyley Eagleson on Tue, Mar 12, 2013 @ 07:06 AM
Since starting to work for an environmental company about two years ago I have become much more cognizent of my actions as they relate to the environment. A big thing that I've noticed is that there were some pretty common and simple recyclables I was just completly neglecting! Since realizing the first one (shampoo bottles) the list of items has grown to include most of the following list.
Since I'm assuming I'm not the only person experiencing these oversites I thought I should share the items here to encourage other people to look around at things they may be missing when it comes time to go to the recycling facility.
1. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap bottles – This is something I just recently started doing. I don’t know why it never occurred to me in the past to recycle these items. I think that I (like many people) assumed the residual product made it more work than it was worth. That simply isn’t true though! So take the extra minute to rinse these bottles out and toss them in the recycling with your empty soda ones.
2. Dish and laundry detergent bottles – Much like the last category, I never thought to recycle these items! They too are simply made ready though. And especially with laundry detergent! Rinse out the bottle and poor the water into your wash so you get the full benefit of your soap purchase.
3. Old Glasses – a local eye doctors office may collect old eyeglasses because the can be are reground and made into new eye wear.
4. Old sandwich and freezer bags - Used bags can be recycled at stores offering a plastic bag recycling program (they cannot be placed in your recycling bin with other recyclable).
5. Used aluminum foil - Aluminum foil can be recycled! Just try to get as much food residue off as possible and you are good to go.
6. Metal coat hangers – Have you ever wondered where on earth all the metal coat hangers come from. In my experience, no one really likes using them except for cleaners. That said, do your part to ensure no more of them are produced by taking them to your local drycleaner if you have some to get rid of. Most will accept and reuse or recycle them.
7. Old gift cards, credit cards, store loyalty cards, and hotel keys – These type of things tend to accumulate in my life. Especially the store loyalty cards! Luckily, if you need to purge your wallet you can send old cards to EarthWorks.
8. Pizza boxes – Historically, these have not been recyclable due to the oil stains left by the pizza. Recently, however, many pizza places have taken measures to stop this by adding a paper liner under the pizza. Check if your local place does, you may be surprised to learn you’ve been throwing out perfectly recyclable cardboard!
So step up your recycling game and spread the word about these items that people tend to forget can be reused!
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