January 2008

More affordable products
Clorox and Sierra Club are partnering on a new line of plant-based cleaning products to be sold in 24,000 stores in April. They will bear the Sierra Club logo and endorsement. "The Green Works line will make it easier and more affordable for Americans to buy eco-friendly products," said Carl Pope, Sierra Club's Executive Director.

New water source
After getting State Health Department approvals, a huge new water treatment plant in Orange County will inject purified sewage water into the groundwater basin to fight salt water intrusion. Approval was pending at press time. From 70 to 130 million gallons of water a day could be reclaimed by the system which is touted to use less electricity than moving the same amount of water from remote sources via aqueducts.

Good for the air
John Balmes, M.D. has been appointed to the California Air Resources Board by the Governor. Dr. Balmes teaches pulmonary/critical care medicine at U.C. San Francisco. The Club applauds this appointment.

Smells funny
Despite repeated requests from environmental organizations, the EPA refuses to require manufacturers to disclose and label all ingredients in air fresheners. Phthalates, found in some air fresheners, cause birth defects or reproductive harm and can be particularly dangerous to young children. So-called air fresheners do not clean the air, they only mask smells and add toxic chemicals to the air. The EPA has asked for voluntary disclosure.

China bans plastic bags
Over 3 million plastic bags are used in China every day using 37 million barrels of oil /year for their manufacturer. The Chinese government has decided to do something about this waste. Beginning in June thin plastic bags will be banned in supermarkets and stores there.

Emissions Protection Agency
Against the recommendations of his own staff, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson denied a waiver the State of California needs to move forward with stricter emissions standards for automobiles. Sierra Club has joined the fight to overturn the decision along with 16 states and other environmental organizations. EPA's own lawyers agreed there was no legal basis for denying the waiver.

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