Illinois Sustainable Technology Center - University of Illinois
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ISTC News
Electronic Waste Transformation
5.11.12
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Abstract: For years, African countries have been a dumping ground for outdated electronic equipment, mainly from Europe. Now, rapidly expanding use of computers and mobile phones within Africa is generating more electronic waste--or e-waste--than is imported, according to the United Nations. African countries, however, are seeking to make a silk purse out of the sow's ear that is their e-waste problem. At a meeting convened in Nairobi, Kenya, last month by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) with support from several electronics manufacturers, 18 African governments endorsed a strategy. They intend to transform informal material-recovery efforts into a regulated recycling industry that generates economic development and controls pollution.
Study: Plastic in 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' increases 100-fold
5.9.12
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Abstract: The amount of plastic trash in the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" has increased 100-fold during the past 40 years, causing "profound" changes to the marine environment, according to a new study. Scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego found that insects called "sea skaters" or "water striders" were using the trash as a place to lay their eggs in greater numbers than before. In a paper published by the journal Biology Letters, researchers said this would have implications for other animals, the sea skaters' predators -- which include crabs -- and their food, which is mainly plankton and fish eggs. The scientists also pointed to a previous Scripps study that found nine percent of fish had plastic waste in their stomachs.
EcoATM raises $17M to bring e-waste kiosks to you
5.7.12
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Abstract: The average U.S. household owns 24 different consumer electronic devices, many of which are no longer being used. Some devices end up stashed in a drawer (you know the one). Other obsolete or broken devices -- nearly 2.4 million tons in a year according to the most recent EPA figures -- are tossed into landfills. Electronic waste is considered the fastest-growing portion of the municipal waste stream. And yet, inside these devices are valuable resources including silver, gold, aluminum, copper and titanium that could be reclaimed. San Diego-based startup ecoATM has developed kiosks that can be placed in grocery stores and malls to make the electronics recycling process so convenient that consumers will change their wasteful habits.
ISTC Researcher Converts Plastic to Oil
5.3.12
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Abstract: B.K. Sharma of the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign talks about the conversion of waste plastics (such as plastic bags and bottle caps) to oil.
DOD Announces Winners of the Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards
5.2.12
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Abstract: The Department of Defense has announced the winners of the 2012 Secretary of Defense Environmental Awards. Each year since 1962, the Secretary of Defense has honored individuals, teams, and installations for their outstanding achievements to conserve and sustain the natural and cultural resources entrusted to the Department of Defense. A ceremony honoring the 2012 winners will be held June 6, 2012 at the Pentagon.
Graphene-Based Conductive Material Could Revolutionize Wearable Tech
5.2.12
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Abstract: The University of Exeter has developed a material that researchers are hailing the world's lightest and most flexible electrical conductor. The carbon-based "GraphExeter," as it's dubbed, can be applied to a variety of surfaces, including wearable electronics such as cellphones, MP3 players, and circuitry-enhanced clothing. Plus, because the material is transparent over a broad light spectrum, it can also enhance the efficiency of solar panels by more than 30 percent.
How Microsoft is Using Data to Slash its Energy Bills
4.27.12
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Abstract: Many companies already collect data to make sure their sustainability programs stay on track. But data collection also can go a long way toward helping companies set up an effective -- and potentially even profitable -- program in the first place. That message was underscored in sustainability sessions at the OSIsoft user's conference in San Francisco this week. OSIsoft has a working alliance with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). And Bill Mitchel, Microsoft's senior director of environmental sustainability, said his company believes it can reduce energy use by 10 percent through data monitoring and other adjustments at its Washington state headquarters. That monitoring includes tracking when employees are in the building and also reducing the unnecessary use of lights, heating or other utilities.
Honda Debuts Rare Earth Recycling for Cars
4.27.12
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Abstract: A wide variety of products -- including consumer electronics, solar panels and more -- use rare earth minerals, which are pricey and can be environmentally damaging to mine. This article discusses a process, developed by Honda and Japan Metals & Chemicals, that claims to be the first mass-production process for recycling those minerals. It's applying the process to hybrid-vehicle batteries and scrap metal from cars, but if the process is successful, it could potentially have implications for other industries.
Energy Department Announces up to $2.5 Million to Deploy Fuel Cell Powered Baggage Vehicles at Commercial Airports
4.25.12
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Abstract: As part of President Obama's all-of-the-above energy strategy to reduce America's reliance on foreign oil, the Energy Department today announced up to $2.5 million available this year to demonstrate and deploy fuel cell electric vehicles for transporting passenger baggage at major U.S. airports. The projects selected for funding will demonstrate first-generation, fuel cell powered baggage towing tractors under real-world operating conditions, and collect and analyze data to test their performance and cost-effectiveness. This funding, part of the Department's commitment to U.S. leadership in advanced fuel cell research and development, will help industry bring advanced fuel cell technologies into emerging markets and provide airlines and airports with new choices for ground support operations that cut energy costs, air pollution, and petroleum use.
Cloud computing raises new ethics, sustainability questions
4.25.12
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Abstract: Just a decade ago, it would have been hard for all but the most tech-savvy to imagine the extent of cloud computing today. The cloud -- what some are calling "the factory of the 21st century" -- is a complex system of data centers worldwide that store, process and deliver information on demand over the Internet, providing users with resources, applications and information that they previously would have stored locally. The cloud, run by a network of IT service companies, Internet firms and telecommunications services providers, offers services to all of us, from banks and retailers to individuals like you and me. It is both real -- requiring traditional inputs such as electricity -- and virtual.