Blue Eco-friendly Containers

Next time, if you see a blue container, don't just think of "Maersk Line" container. It may be one of the 400 eco-friendly prototype containers being tested and used in the real world.

After researching and testing, the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL) introduced 2 types of eco-friendly containers in September and October 2008.

The objectives are:
1. Reduction of wood in container floor.

2. Application of water-based exterior paints.

3. Eco-friendly production that are relatively subtle and cost neutral to the industry.

The 2 selections being tested are:



1. A pattern of every other wood blank separated by a steel strip that runs the length of the container, which IICL calls the “omega”.



2. The “tunnel” pattern which includes a wide steel strip up the middle of the box with wood planks on both sides.

Traditional Containers:
All-wood container floor
Solvent-based paint

Advantage: dry within 24 hours even in extreme humidity

Disadvantage: adverse effects on earth ozone layer.

Eco-friendly Containers
Half wood, half steel plating
Support folk lifts and heavy cargo
Allow blocking materials to be nailed into the floor
Meets IICL and classification society criteria
Low-solvent, non-zinc water-based paint

Advantages:
Allows Hydrocoat to be applied inside without harsh paint fumes. reduces the risk of toxic solvent exposure.

Disadvantages:
Require temperature and humidity control for drying.
Unknown about the tolerance of salty, moist air on ocean waters.

So, if you use one of these 400 blue containers next time and want to write a comment, you can send it to Universal Cargo Management and we will forward it to IICL and/or its shipping line.

Furniture to be Greener, but Pricier

With a new law (S.1660 - Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act) passed by President Obama, USA Today reports that we will embrace for more expensive furniture in the coming years. Here’s the excerpt:

“Formaldehyde, which is used in many building materials, is linked to cancer and has long been known to cause respiratory problems.”

“Particle board, which is created using sawdust, wax and formaldehyde-based glue, is often used in inexpensive furniture and cabinets and can contain high formaldehyde levels.”

“Some Chinese plywood, also used in low-priced furniture, also can contain high levels of formaldehyde to compensate for excessive moisture during production. Domestic hardwood plywood, considered to be among the highest-quality materials available to make furniture and cabinets, is dried using costlier techniques that eliminate the need for glue containing formaldehyde to bond the plies.”

“Prices for plywood and particle board could increase from 3% to 15%, but notes that this wood is only a small part of the total cost for a piece of finished furniture.”

“ California officials just extended the deadline until Dec. 31, 2011, for stores in that state to sell furniture and cabinets that surpass formaldehyde limits.”

For more detail about the news, please go to the link below or attached PDF.

www.usatoday.com/money

For more detail about the law, please go to: www.opencongress.org

The Carbon Footprint the 2010 World Cup

2010 FIFA World Cup recently completed. What have left are Spain’s celebration, fans unforgettable memories and about 2.75 millions tons CO2 emitted into our atmosphere. Let’s convert this 2.75 millions ton CO2 into some comparable & concrete numbers.

The carbon footprint the 2010 World Cup:
2.8 million tons of CO2, which is equivalent to:

• 6 times more CO2 than in 2006 World Cup in Germany
• 1 million cars operated over a year
• 6,000 space shuttle fights
• 10 billion cheeseburgers manufactured

Why was it so much CO2 in this season’s World Cup in South Africa ?

• Not too many direct flights: all people have to take multiple stops before arriving Johannesburg , South Africa .
• 70% of electricity are come from burning coal.
• Lack of train or subway networks: fans have to drive their own vehicles or take all kinds of buses.
• Hotels are not as green & efficient as World Cup in Germany, using 4 times more energy.
• Sponsors were not keen on sponsoring carbon-neutral projects.

Sources: Feasibility Study for a Carbon Neutral 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa

The Guardian “What's the carbon footprint of ... the World Cup?”, http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2010/jun/10/carbon-footprint-world-cup