Radiohead Gets Green Cred

Saving the energy and greenhouse gas emissions they would have produced flying to New York, the band Radiohead performed live via satellite for "Late Night With Conan O'Brien " fans. They also delivered an important, timely message about recycling plastic bags.

Californians Advised on Mercury Risks from Compact Fluorescent Lamp Breakage

Recently released results of tests conducted by the State of Maine suggest that under certain conditions mercury vapor released from a broken compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can pose a health risk. A new report prepared for the Mercury Policy Project and co-released by Sierra Club California concludes that, while sensitive populations should take extra precautions to reduce risks associated with breakage, CFLs can and should still be used in everyone’s homes until a nontoxic light bulb becomes available.

People should feel perfectly comfortable buying and using compact fluorescent lamps in their homes. CFLs play an important role in increasing efficiency, cutting home energy costs and curbing global warming. Just as with many other household products, consumers should take some precautions if a bulb happens to break or when it's time to recycle one.

For specific recommendations, see my article in California Progress Report.

By Bill Magavern
Director
Sierra Club California

ETAAC Approves A Greener Future

Meeting today, the Economic and Technology Advancement Advisory Committee (ETAAC) approved a new draft of its report on the promotion of new technologies and economic activities that will guarantee a low carbon future for California. Created by the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as AB 32, ETAAC aims to facilitate investment in and implementation of technological research and development opportunities. This year the California Air Resources Board will adopt a master plan for cutting greenhouse gas emissions; this effort will require replacing our old and polluting energy infrastructure with greener alternatives. At the request of Sierra Club California and Californians Against Waste, the committee added several sections on improving waste management techniques and dramatically increasing recycling efforts. Both Sierra Club California and ETACC agreed that improved recycling and composting and better management of landfills would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Click HERE to see the newest version of ETAAC's draft document.