>> The chemical industry’s still dependent on toxic and dangerous chemicals — and is greening itself only very slowly. 12 big companies hired outside consultants to figure out the problem: “the consultants concluded the industry was “fiercely defensive” with a “bunker mentality” that was impeding progress.”
>> Part of the problem’s that chemists aren’t trained in the dangers of the chemicals they work with. “No university in the United States teaches even basic toxicology or other environmental sciences to students studying for a traditional chemistry degree, even a doctorate. Chemistry textbooks are devoid of any mention too.”
>> Of course, the industry’s reluctance also has the government’s inaction behind it. Earlier: Hurray for the Dow Chemical FDA! In a funny video update, Zaproot renames the FDA — which in addition to BPA, has also given its stamp of approval to irradiated spinach and high fructose corn syrup — to better reflect its industry ties.
>> The EPA too’s got a bad record. The latest: EPA got sued for not protecting our waterways and drinking water — and now a federal appeals court has ruled that, you know, the Environmental Protection Agency should actually be protecting the environment.
>> Lastly, a little good news from earlier: California officials agree that many chemicals used in consumer products are not actually safe for us or the environment. The L.A. Times reports that state officials and researchers trying to find new green chemicals to replace the old, questionable ones.
Photo by pianetatschai
Hm, the industries are pretty big on lobbying, something environmental association are picking up too (at least here in Sweden). Since I’ve been in the politics I remember that this mostly took the form of a constant shower of leaflets, letters and entire books through my mailbox. The sister of one of my friends complained that she had to “break the world record of indoor high jump” when she tried to get home. Strucks me that perhaps we should extend this favour to the industries themselves. They do have political influence.
On another note: I’ve awarded you the Tree of Happiness award. Bask in the glory for a blog post and pass the honours on to six new bloggers :)
Comment by Rosengeranium (Indoor Gardener) — September 22, 2008 @ 2:46 am
Green Chemistry is really important. Toxic chemicals and petro-chemicals will be the end of us, for sure.
A friend of mine put this conference together in Mass. Check it out.
http://www.hgazette.com/local/local_story_311201940.html
http://www.rsc.org/chemsoc/gcn/pdf/GCBSSummaryNotes.pdf
Comment by JR Moreau — September 22, 2008 @ 10:11 am
Thanks for picking me, Rosengeranium :) And JR — Thanks for the links. I hope the conference is a success :)
Comment by Siel — September 22, 2008 @ 4:50 pm
I found the article very interesting :) And by the way the attribution is ok! Thank you for using my photo.
Comment by Pianetatschai — November 12, 2008 @ 7:51 am