A fishy Irish tale about cows?
Researchers from University College Dublin reported that by including 2% fish oil in the diet of cattle, they achieved a reduction in the amount of methane released by the animals.
The benefits to animals of omega 3 fatty acids in fish oils have been well documented - helping the heart and circulatory system, improving meat quality and reducing methane emissions.
Science Daily reported that these last two benefits may only apply to cows but lowering emissions is important for the environment, as methane given off by farm animals is a major contribution to greenhouse gas levels.
To read the full article visit Science Daily at http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205457.htm
This information was sourced from the Resource Recovery Forum http://www.resourcesnotwaste.org
Gas fields natural traps for CO2
Support for carbon capture and storage has come from the University of Edinburgh, where researchers have found that nature has been storing CO2 in water within gas fields for millions of years. The findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest if CO2 is injected into a depleted oil or gas field the CO2 should dissolve into the water that naturally forms at the bottom of the field.
Dr Stuart Gilfillan said they were able to show there was no leakage from the fields, but says those seeking sites will need to carefully study the hydrology. This story sourced from: http://www.environmentalmanagementnews.net/StoryView.asp?StoryID=1002789
Savings from biodegradable plastic could "power capital"
A biodegradable plastic that literally dissolves on contact with water saves enough energy to power Canberra and enough carbon dioxide to take 140,000 compact cars off the road during the Easter period.
Azo Materials reports that a recent environmental study carried out by Melbourne's RMIT University found that a biodegradable plastic, developed by an Australian company based in Melbourne, Plantic Technologies Limited, saves up to 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide compared with conventional plastics. This is equivalent to the average annual emissions of a compact car and the amount of energy to annually power 2.5 average Australian homes. To view the full article visit Azo Materials http://www.azom.com/news.asp?newsID=15857
This information comes from the Resource Recovery Forum
www.resourcesnotwaste.org
Change that Sticks
The American Society for Quality reported that Leon Spackman had identified nine steps to make process improvement permanent. Extracts from the article included:
To avoid the frustration and wasted time and money spent on efforts that go nowhere, there are nine steps an organisation must follow to implement process improvement projects and make change last over the long haul. While the need for effective and engaged leadership is not emphasized specifically, it is nonetheless an essential ingredient running through these steps:
1. Understand and plan for level of maturity.
2. Link process improvement to strategic plan and establish criteria for success.
3. Allocate appropriate resources.
4. Train employees and change the culture.
5. Implement the plan reasonably.
6. Coordinate efforts throughout the organization.
7. Publicise results.
8. Provide rewards and tie results to bonuses and promotions.
9. Be patient. Have a long-term view.
To understand what Spackman means by these steps go to: http://www.asq.org/quality-progress/2009/04/process-management/change-that-sticks.html As you may have other insights comments are welcome. Add comment below.
New Event: Survive or Thrive in Business
A Savvy Business Persons’ Guide to Tough Economic Times 06 May 2009, 8.30am – 10.30am: organised by NSW Department of State and Regional Development at North Parramatta.
Viktoria Darabi of Savvy and Successful lists strategies to make sure a business is in the best shape to manage customers and markets in these uncertain times. This seminar is suitable for businesses whose traditional markets are eroding or have disappeared completely. For more details and to register: http://events.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/Events.aspx?eventid=130
Previously advertised Events:
Get the Most out of IT Infrastructure: 22 April 2009, 8.30am – 10.30am: Professionals from the information technology (IT) industry, Maria and Mani Padisetti of Digital Armour Corporation, and Joseph Figliano of IT Advantage, describe how to contain costs and get the most out of IT investments. The two key questions in information technology are whether a company truly needs what is being recommended, and whether the company is getting the most out of what it already has. To register online go to: http://events.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/Events.aspx?eventid=60
Tips, Tools and Tactics to increase profit by using Internet: 29 April 2009, 8.30am – 10.30am: Presented by Michael Pulo Director of Logged On, this seminar includes, growing a business through increased sales and profit, reducing marketing and sales costs and measuring marketing and returns on investment.
The seminar also offers a strategy comprising business goals and internet marketing, and explains keywords such as SWOT, web analysis and design, and actions such as critical tasks, resources, internet education, processes and systems and results from web analytics and performance gaps. A free report is provided to all participants.
To register online go to: http://events.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au/Events.aspx?eventid=61
Both events hosted by NSW Department of State and Regional Development at 470 Church St, North Parramatta.
Recycling Plastics and Rubber Tyres for Steelmaking: Hundreds of thousands of used car tyres could be recycled every year and turned into steel, thanks to a discovery that rubber can be partially substituted for coke in electric arc furnaces. Professor Veena Sahajwalla, will discuss how the new technology not only removes used tyres from the waste stream but also cuts the energy demands and costs associated with steelmaking.
Monday April 20, 2009 at 6:30pm for 7.00pm at University of Wollongong. For more information go to the Clipboard column in last week’s magazine or enquiries@futureworld.org.au Phone: 02 4274 2939 Fax: 02 4274 4725
A low carbon economy based on renewable energy: In this public lecture Barney Foran from the Fenner Centre for Research and Environmental Studies at the ANU will be describing and testing the renewable energy transition to 2050, as well as discussing essential technologies, the science-based approach to modelling whole economy transitions, and flaws in today’s mindset, policy and economics.
Dr Foran was the first speaker and has subsequently chaired the current series of ten seminars on renewable energy held at the Australian Academy of Sciences in Canberra. Tuesday April 21, 2009 at 6:30pm for 7.00pm at University of Wollongong Northfields Avenue, North Wollongong. For more information see the Clipboard column in last week’s magazine or enquiries@futureworld.org.au. Phone: 02 4274 2939 Fax: 02 4274 4725
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