My Knowledge

Published July 14, 2008

General News

Mobile City (Alabama) Council Calls Request To Tax Or Ban Plastic Bags "Tough Sell"

A local environmental leader asked the Mobile City Council on Tuesday to consider taxing or banning the plastic bags found at most stores. Mobile city leaders said that while they thought plastic-bag use poses a problem, they are not ready to enact legislation against it. "That would be a tough sell," Council President Reggie Copeland said. Mayor Sam Jones said he had not given plastic bag legislation any serious thought. ...Mobile Register, 7.9.08
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Seattle City Council To Hold Hearing On Styrofoam Ban And Fee For Paper Or Plastic Bags

Yoko Wang, owner of Toshio's Teriyaki in Rainier Valley, is not too worried about a possible ban on Styrofoam clamshells in Seattle. She's confident that biodegradable containers will be available by the time the city mandates the switch -- in July 2010. Today, the City Council will hold a public hearing on Mayor Nickels' proposal to ban foam at restaurants and grocery stores, and impose a 20-cent fee for each disposable paper and plastic bag used in the checkout line at all grocery, convenience and drugstores. ...The Seattle Times, 7.8.08
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Big Plastics, Big Dreams For Vancouver Manufacturing Startup

The owners of Smak Plastics Inc. say they hope to make it big by making big plastic parts. The Vancouver manufacturing startup projects sales growth to $5 million in the next three years, with plans to increase staff from 11 employees to 25. Smak Plastics uses rotating machinery fitted with large molds to create products such as playground slides, trash cans and one-man canoes. ...The Columbian, 7.3.08
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Business

Startup Green Sneaker Maker END Uses Recycled Plastic Bottles

Sneaker makers are going greener, step by step, cobbling soles from recycled tires and laces from used plastic milk jugs. But getting used, hardened rubber to hold up under a runner's pounding has eluded even multibillion-dollar conglomerates such as Nike. Now comes Portland startup END (Environmentally Neutral Design), which aims to do what none has dared: market performance running shoes as sustainable footwear. The year-old company has won two angel investment competitions, more than 70 retail accounts, and accolades from other shoe designers and sustainability experts. ...The Oregonian, 7.7.08
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Home Show's Focus Is Eco-Friendly Construction

So-called green, eco-friendly, energy-efficient and sustainable building products were all the rage at the recent Pacific Coast Builders Conference home building trade show at the Moscone Center. New laws and building standards are forcing builders to create homes that are easier on the environment now and in the future. Virtually every year, California building codes impose new rules mandating better energy efficiency, reduced use of water and increased use of recycled materials. ...The Modesto Bee, 7.6.08
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New Technology

Designing Cars For Low-Carbon Chic

As governments seek to cut carbon emissions through regulation and consumers react to rising fuel prices, automakers and designers are mapping out a new generation of lighter, sleeker vehicles that could give a radical new look to urban streets. Carmakers are now racing to design more innovative bodies incorporating advanced aerodynamics and light, biodegradable plastic components. They are also trying to second-guess the kind of styling that the next generation of car buyers will want. ...New York Times, 7.9.08
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Commodity Prices Put Squeeze On Businesses - Will Costs Shift To Public?

Rising commodity prices are squeezing profits and putting manufacturers and suppliers at each others' throats. Ultimately, consumers may have to pay more as the costs are passed along. The rising cost of plastics is squeezing companies that supply finished goods to retailers or parts to manufacturers because they are often locked into contracts that don't allow price changes. Thanks to record oil prices, the cost of polypropylene has jumped 54 percent in the past year. Polyethylene is up 39 percent. ...Chicago Tribune, 6.28.08
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Whitepapers

How to Purchase an Injection Mold

By Rick Puglielli, ProMold Plastics
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Marketing Environmentally Degradable Plastic Products

By Frank Ruiz, Heritage Bag Company
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