It’s Not Easy Being Green

Pollution Prevention Week is September 15 -21 this year.  I think it’s safe to say most people don’t pollute on purpose.  It’s pretty obvious when someone throws litter out their car window or doesn’t pick up their dog’s poo while on a walk.  Most of us are still polluting, often without even realizing it.  We’ve posted about plastic pollution and household chemicals previously, but many people don’t know that some of the products you’re purposely applying to your body every single day can be polluting and harmful to your health.  Like pharmaceuticals, many personal care products may not be removed during the wastewater treatment process.  All of that soap, lotion, makeup, and toothpaste that washes down the sink and shower drain ends up in our environment….along with everyone else’s.  While we’re focusing on green cleaning products for pollution prevention week, it seems obvious to also try greening the products that go right on our skin; not just for the environment’s sake, but for your health as well.

The FDA doesn’t require cosmetic and personal care product companies to test their ingredients for safety or have their products approved except for color additives (source).  If a product is considered a “drug” as well (for example, some dandruff shampoos) requirements are more stringent.  So, while you may assume that all of the products on the shelf are tested and safe for your health and the environment, this is not necessarily the truth. There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market in the US, most of which haven’t been tested (source)   Knowledge is power, so here are some components in cosmetics and personal care products that you might want to know a bit more about…

Phthalates (DBP, DEP, DEHP, BzBP, DMP): found in nail polish, deodorant, perfume/cologne, aftershave, shampoo, hair gel, hand lotion, insect repellent, plastics.  Phthalates are endocrine disrupters, chemicals that mimic hormones and cause reproductive system problems. 

Isopropyl Alcohol: used in hair color rinses, hand lotion, and aftershave.  Can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Petrochemicals (phthalates, parabens, fragrance, sodium laureth, lauryl sulfate, oxybenzone): Found in shampoos, soaps, conditioners, sunscreens, lotions (and pretty much everything else).  These chemicals can lead to problems with sexual development, cancer, organ toxicity, skin and eye irritation, etc. 

Diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine: Found in shampoos, soaps, and facial cleansers.  They are hormone-disrupters and may lead to liver and kidney cancer.

Propylene glycol: Found in makeup, toothpaste, and deodorant.  Can cause brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities (http://www.drfranklipman.com/what-chemicals-should-you-look-out-for-in-your-personal-care-products/)

Triclosan: Found in antibacterial soaps and toothpaste.  Can lead to cancer, lowered fertility, birth defects, paralysis, and heart broblems.

So what can you do to avoid these chemicals?  Don’t assume that because a product says “organic” or “natural” on the label it is safe.  Read the labels and look up your favorite products to see if they have these ingredients or other dangerous components.  There are some great resources online with information about product safety, the frontrunner being the Environmental Working Group’s SkinDeep Database (see here).  Organic Consumers Association also has information about different brands here.  So, in honor of preventing pollution, take the time to think about what your personal care products and cosmetics could be doing to your health and the health of our waters.

-Written by Jillian Schubert Edwards

Pollution Prevention Night - Sept 17 (Tues) at the Superior Public Library

 Sept 17 Program on Pollution Prevention

Come to Pollution Prevention Speaker Night on Tuesday, September 17 starting at 6 p.m. at the Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave.  Guest speakers, displays, and a short game will be part of the evening’s program on pollution prevention.  Information on proper disposal of household hazardous waste, lead and children, e-waste, environmental and human health connection, and more will be part of the evening’s program. National Pollution Prevention Week is September 15-21.   Helping keep water and air clean has benefits for wildlife and for humans.  Preventing pollution can save money and unhealthy consequences. Doing activities such as fixing leaks in your car, not putting medicines down your toilet, properly disposing of household hazardous waste, and reducing use of items containing toxic materials can help reduce pollution in the environment.  The speaker night is free and open to the public.   Come learn how you can reduce pollution in our community.

   For more information, contact city of Superior Environmental Services Division at 715/394-0392. 

Posted by Wendy

Back to School tips from the WI DNR

Environmental tips can come from many different organizations, and city, state, and federal agencies.  Here are some good tips for this time of year with all the back to school activities going on.

Reduce, reuse and recycle during back to school shopping and moving

Weekly News article published: August 27, 2013 by the Central Office

MADISON – As summer winds down, many families have already started their back-to-school shopping or are moving their college-aged kids to a new city or apartment. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recycling specialists have extra tips to help you reduce, reuse and recycle more and throw away less.

“We know it’s a busy time for students and their families,” said DNR Recycling Outreach Coordinator Elisabeth Olson. “But with just a little planning, you can reduce waste and save money.”

Olson said the DNR’s back-to-school suggestions include:

• reuse paper, folders, backpacks and calculators from last year when you can; if purchasing new supplies, look for those made from recycled content, and those that use minimal packaging;
• use reusable food and beverage containers for school lunches;
• donate or recycle clothes and supplies that are still in good, usable condition;
• recycle old electronics; E-Cycle Wisconsin, a DNR program, makes recycling electronics easier by providing a list of collection locations across the state for items like computers, printers, cell phones and more; and
• talk to your children about the importance of waste reduction and recycling, and to their teachers about teaching and using recycling principles in the classroom. For potential recycling activities, see the agency’s EEK!—Environmental Education for Kids! website.
• Moving suggestions include:
• develop a plan to pack and organize what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of; having a moving plan will give you more time to think about what to throw away or donate, what to reuse and what to recycle;
• reuse boxes, cloth bags or plastic containers from move to move and use reusable or recyclable materials – like newspaper and T-shirts – to package fragile items; and
• donate or recycle old electronics, furniture and other household items. Check with your local recycling program to see if they have a special recycling or reuse collection event to make it easier to reuse and recycle.

More information and ideas are available by searching the DNR website for Recycling for all Seasons.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Elisabeth Olson, 608-264-9258

-posted by Wendy

Happy Long Weekend Friday!

It's finally here! The long awaited Friday of a three day weekend! Our offices will be closed Monday, September 2nd for the Labor Day holiday.  As always, if you have a stormwater concern, you can call the stormwater hotline at 715-394-2761 or visit the illicit discharge reporting form here.

Upcoming Webinars

The Environmental Matters webinar series continues.  All our previous topics are archived.  Join in tomorrow Tuesday Aug 27 at noon to learn about the Importance of Wetlands in Superior with guest speaker Darienne McNamara with the City of Superior Special Areas Management Plan.

Sept 10 Organic Yard Care
Sept 24 Climate Change  Guest: Hilarie Sorensen, MN Sea Grant
Oct 8  Mercury and Environmental Health
Oct 22 Protecting local waters  Guest: Julene Boe, St. Louis River Alliance

Register and see the schedule at www.ci.superior.wi.us/webinar

The Businesses Preventing Pollution Series has also begun.  See the schedule for that series at www.ci.superior.wi.us/business   Sept 4 will be the topic Dental Mercury Management at 9:30 a.m.

We hope you will attend.  The webinars run about one half hour.

-Posted by Wendy

Help stencil storm drains Tues Aug 20 at 6 p.m.

Marking storm drains in Superior with the message - Do Not Dump Drains to Stream - helps remind people to not dump anything down storm drains.  For most storm drains in Superior the contents of the pipes go directly to a stream and do not go to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.    We will supply the paint and stencil and if you could help for one hour starting at 6 p.m. at Carl Gallo Park, 510 26th Ave. E. we would like to mark about 30 drains in the vicinity.  Please RSVP by 4 p.m. on Tuesday if you plan on attending. 715/394-0392.  The day temperature is listed as 90 degrees but maybe in the evening it will be cooler. We are getting a bit of hot summer here at the end of summer.  Maybe a swim would be a good thing today after helping.

We'd appreciate your help and your connection to preventing pollution in Lake Superior.  Every time it rains other materials such as pet waste, lawn fertilizers, and litter can also be carried over to a drain and head down it.  Helping mark drains, picking up pet waste, keeping storm drains clear, fixing leaks in your car - these are just some of the many ways to help make a difference.  Thank you.

Posted by Wendy

A better approach to washing cars

Wash and water tend to go together.   Our vehicles get dirty and when it comes time that we want to clean it up many of us pull out our hose and soap to make our car shine.  An important reminder regarding washing a car is that the soap and water will flow down the nearest storm drain.  In Superior most of the drains go directly out to a stream or lake.  That means soap goes to our streams or lakes.  

What can you do?  Wash your car on your lawn rather than on the pavement will make a big difference in how much soapy water would enter a nearby stream or Lake Superior. 

A friend of mine mentioned a product that she came across promoting a way to wash your car without water.  I looked on the internet and there are several products available.

Eco Touch is one of the waterless car wash products.  You basically spray it on and wipe it off, like a window spray. 
In this case you are using essentially no water (conserving water) and not creating polluted runoff.

 

 

If you still think water needs to be part of washing a car a great option is to go to a local car wash.  Their drains are setup to clean the water.  The high-pressure water gives your car a good cleaning and your car will shine - at least for awhile until dirt, bugs, or bird droppings 'adorn' your car once again.

 

Cars also can be a source of pollution to water via leaks.  Keep your car maintained.  No one wants to see either the rainbow from soap or the rainbow from oil heading to a storm drain.  Let's keep the rainbow in the sky only.  

 

Posted by Wendy

Shoreline and Streambank Management

Today I wanted to write about a topic that doesn't necessarily apply to everyone, but is just as important as other, more widely applicable topics.  Shoreline and streambank management aren't endeavors you can undertake if you don't live on a stream/river or coast.  However, it is still important for you to know about these things so that if you see, say, an unmanicured beach area, you know why it is important that we allow native plants to grow along the water rather than grooming beaches and shoreline areas. 

What is it?  Shoreline and streambank management use a variety strategies to keep shorelines and streambanks stable. Some of these practices include: restoring native vegetation, live staking, brush layering, and many more.  

Why do we need it? Developed shorelines and streambanks, or those without native vegetation, can contribute to a lot of problems. 

Erosion: When shorelines are developed or native plants are cleared so grass lawns give way to sandy beaches, there is an increased risk of erosion.  Usually, soil is held in place by plants and their roots.  Plants also “intercept” rain, meaning that rain hits the plants and is either absorbed or slowed down before it hits the soil.  This prevents erosion because the impact of the rain is decreased when it hits a plant first.  Waves, ice, and surface runoff have more of an impact when native vegetation is removed.

Flooding:  As native vegetation and coastal wetlands are filled, the potential for flooding increases.  Coastal wetlands “absorb” water and store it in, preventing flooding to areas further upland.  Without these natural sponges, there’s nothing to stop this water from flooding upland.  Development can also contribute to flooding through impervious area increases.  Impervious surfaces are those into which water can’t be absorbed, or infiltrate.  Roofs, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and parking lots are all examples of impervious areas.  When it rains on impervious surfaces, this water “runs off” into lakes and streams rather than soaking into the soil.

Water quality: If a lot of erosion is occurring on a shoreline/streambank, all of that sand or soil is going into the water.  Too much sediment in the water is bad for aquatic life.  Also, if you are fertilizing or using pesticides on your lawn and garden right on the water’s edge, those substances could end up in the water.  

Excess nutrients from fertilizers can lead to algal blooms.

These issues don’t just impact the water and the environment.  They can cause problems for you as well.  It’s not great for your home if the ground beneath it is eroding away or if it is regularly flooding.  Ugly algal blooms probably aren’t what you want to see out your windows, either.

What can you do to protect your shoreline/streambank?  Don’t remove native vegetation if you have it.  Make sure you know what species are native and which are invasive.  If you have invasive species, find out the most effective ways to eradicate them.  If you don’t have any native vegetation and have a lawn going to the edge of the water, you should stop mowing the lawn by the water.  Plant native plants in these areas.  Native plants are great because many of them are just as beautiful as non-native ornamental plants, they are often drought resistant, and they attract birds and other wildlife. There are other strategies for streambank/shoreline management, so see the links below for more information.

US EPA

UW Extension

-Written by Jillian Schubert Edwards

Don't flush the fat!

It sounds counter-intuitive in a diet crazed world full of quick results diet products.  We're not commenting on those.  We want everyone to stop putting fats, oils, and grease down any household drain.  It can lead to some pretty sticky situations.  Case in point: London made news this week because a 17 ton fat berg was in their sewers.  A fat berg? What is THAT?  (here's the news story, in case you'd like to see the fat berg yourself)

So where do fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) come from?  Well, when you make meat (think bacon), gravy, or sauces or use cooking oils, shortening, lard, butter, margarine, etc, you're using/creating FOGs.

When fats, oils, and grease are put down the sink, they can clog up pipes either in your home or on the way to the wastewater treatment plant.  Even if they are dumped while still hot and in liquid form, they will cool and solidify on their journey to the WWTP.  The garbage disposal won't get rid of them, either.  Once they solidify, they can build up and reduce the amount of water that can flow through the pipes.  Or they can cause a sewer backup...and that is NOT a problem you want.  

If you've cooked things that use/create FOGs, you need to be able to dispose of them somehow.  Anything with fats, oils, or grease should go in the trash instead of the garbage disposal.  It also should not be put into compost bins. FOGs can attract pests and be fairly odorous in a compost bin, so not a great idea.  First of all, any dishes that were used in preparation or cooking should be wiped down without water or a cloth rag.  You should use a paper towel so that it can be discarded; using a cloth rag will just cause problems later on when the rag has to be washed.  Discard the paper towels in the trash. Any remaining food or FOGs on the cooking implements should also be discarded in the trash.  This will prevent the FOGs from becoming an expensive and gross problem for you down the line.

For more information, check out our webinar "Fats, Oils, and Grease Management for the Food Service Industry" on August 21st.  Register here.

-Written by Jillian Schubert Edwards

Add Native Plants to your yard - Sale going on Sunday, Aug 11

The Hillside Public Orchard is selling locally grown native butterfly-attracting plants grown at the orchard to raise money for further improvements, including a new outdoor brick oven to be used by the neighborhood.  The event is noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the orchard at 10th Street and Sixth Avenue E. in Duluth (near UDAC).  The plants include swamp milkweed, Lindley's aster, pussy toes, black-eye Susan, yarrow and fragrant giant hyssop.  If you can't make the sale and still want to buy call 218-828-0419. 

Written by Wendy