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New Law Effective Today Will Provide Free Mercury Thermostat Recycling & Help Protect Public Health
A new law designed to protect public health and reduce taxpayer costs through the collection of mercury thermostats is effective today. The Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008 (AB 2347, Ruskin) increases the number of thermostat collection locations and makes recycling more convenient. The law requires heating and air conditioning wholesalers with physical locations in California to collect thermostats from the public and contractors. Retailers are also encouraged to participate.
Co-sponsored by the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) and Sierra Club California, AB 2347 is California's first full producer responsibility legislation and makes California only the third state to pass such a law in an effort to protect public health.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin. On average, mercury thermostats contain about three grams of mercury. Each year in the U.S., as many as 630,000 infants are born with mercury levels associated with IQ loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
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Mercury Solar Systems Expands Footprint in the Northeast with Acquisition of K-Star Solar
Mercury Solar Systems, Inc., one of the leading solar integrators in the Northeast, today announced that it has acquired K-Star Solar, Long Island's leading residential solar installer. The acquisition strengthens Mercury's presence in the Northeast and its solar business in Long Island, NY. Financial terms were not disclosed.
"Long Island is an important market for us with Long Island Power Authority ranked as one of the top ten solar utilities in the country," said Jared Haines, President, Mercury Solar Systems. "With K-Star we have an instant footprint in this market and we believe together we can offer commercial and residential customers cutting edge, highly efficient solar solutions at affordable prices. The federal and state incentives for solar systems have also never been better, but customers need a company with local knowledge to help them leverage the benefits of solar."
Upon closing, K-Star Solar will be re-branded Mercury Solar Systems and Kevin P. Harvey, K-Star's current President, will
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Gear up: Insulated steel CamelBak Better Bottle Stainless
Stainless steel bottles have drawbacks: no-frills narrow screw tops and the fact that metal is a poor insulator. But CamelBak's Better Bottle has a convenient spill-proof flip top for easy sipping and a mouth wide enough to clean and fill. It also sports a vacuum-sealed double wall to keep beverages cold for hours.
Price: $30
Where to get it: Most outdoors stores.
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URG Joins Partnership, Announces Support for Recycled Rides Program
The United Recyclers Group (URG) has announced support for the 'Recycled Rides' program, a community service initiative of the National Auto Body Council (NABC). In Recycled Rides (http://www.recycledrides.org/), all segments of the auto salvage and collision repair industries come together to fix up and donate working automobiles to selected families in need in cities across the nation. The goal for the 2009 program will be to refurbish 140 vehicles, all simultaneously donated to deserving families selected by local human service agencies, on November 23, 2009, the Monday before Thanksgiving.
"The United Recyclers Group is proud to join forces with NABC to support the Recycled Rides program," says Michelle Alexander, URG Executive Director. "What Recycled Rides does by providing restored vehicles for less fortunate families across the nation is outstanding. With this new partnership, URG members will now have the opportunity to get involved in an important way, by donating parts for vehicles being repaired
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Angry at scavengers
I thoroughly agree with Don Redmond's letter (Nov. 1) regarding the big mess that recycling scavengers make on trash day.
Not only do they make noise, but they also tear my bags apart. I wrap all my recyclables in a trash bag and tie them with a knot. I have a shredding machine, and last week I emptied the container into a bag and tied it tightly. Someone came by and tore the bag open looking for cans. When the truck came and emptied the blue container, of course the shredded pieces flew all over the sidewalk.
Because of their appearance and behavior, I hesitate to confront them, but they make me very angry. Can anything be done?
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