Waste Reduction at WasteCap... In an effort to reduce office paper waste at your office and ours, WasteCap utilizes an electronic newsletter. Past e-newsletters can be found on our website under the "E-Newsletters" tab. Check out our website at www.wastecapne.org for the latest events, publications, and new member listings for WasteCap Nebraska.

E-Newsletter – December 2006:

 View the Adobe PDF version

WasteCap News

WasteCap Welcomes New Staff Member

WasteCap is proud to present Kari Rohren to fill the position of Market Development Coordinator. Kari is currently a junior Environmental Studies student at the University of Nebraska. Having a background in publications and natural resources, as well as extensive experience in customer service and communications, she is warmly welcomed to the team!

Upcoming Events

WasteCap Membership Drive

WasteCap Nebraska is offering a membership discount to businesses that have participated in our events and assessments in the past year but have not yet become a WasteCap member.  From November 1 through December 31, 2006, we are offering $50 off first year membership rates for any new members who join by the end of the year.

In addition, any current WasteCap Nebraska members who recommend our organization to a friend and they become a member before the end of 2006 will receive $50 off their 2007 membership.

Please contact

<info@ERASE-THIS.wastecapne.org>
(402-436-2383) for more information on WasteCap Nebraska membership benefits and application procedures.

Whole Foods Market-Omaha Local Vendor Summit

Whole Foods Market in Omaha will be having a summit on the 10th of January, at 9:00 a.m. Those attending will become acquainted with Whole Foods Market and their Omaha staff, as well as learn valuable tips on how to become a possible vendor at their store.

Trivia Corner

Last Month's Trivia

Last month's trivia question was "What is the grand prize item for adults and youths entered in the local America Recycles Day drawing?"

The correct answer is: a computer system, courtesy of Schrock Innovations

November Trivia Question

You can have a chance to win this month's prize by answering the following question:How much more efficient is an Energy Star computer compared to a conventional computer? How much money will a business save if they only purchase computers with the new requirements?

The answer can be found in last month's newsletter. Please send your responses to Kari Rohren at

<krohren@ERASE-THIS.wastecapne.org>
<info@ERASE-THIS.wastecapne.org>
 . Correct responses will be included in a drawing for a $15 Hy-Vee gift card. Please submit your answers by January 1st for a chance at the drawing. Good Luck!

WasteCap Across Nebraska

WasteCap Webpage Membership Links

WasteCap is providing links to all member businesses from our website membership page as an expanded member benefit.  We have websites for most members, but we would like each of you to double check your link at http://www.wastecapne.org/members/listing.shtml to make sure we have the correct URL.  Please email any corrections to the WasteCap webmaster .

Electronics Update

HP and World Wildlife Fund Join to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their facilities, and reduce CO2 emissions 15% below 2006 levels, HP has joined forces with World Wildlife Fund. The companies will work together to find methods, including renewable energy, to reduce energy and lower emissions by 2010. Learn more about this project at Waste News.

Automotive Companies Hard at Work on New Hybrid Vehicles

General Motors announced its pledge to building new electric vehicles, starting with the Saturn Vue Green Line. GM plans to make a plug-in electric hybrid version, the company’s first on the market. The SUV will run on gasoline and a battery that is charged while it is running, and can be recharged from an external electrical outlet. Nissan will also produce a hybrid version of their Altima sedan and coupe, as well as their Sentra. Read more about these and other new hybrid cars here.

In the News

EPA Uses Enforcement to Cut Pollution

A recent report presented by the Environmental Protection Agency has shown that, within the past three years, pollution reduction has totaled around 3 billion pounds. Seventy percent of this reduction was attained by a concentration on high priority water and air pollution. This was done in part by the enforcement of regulations by the EPA. Defendants will serve 154 years in jail, pay around $43 million in fines, and pay $29 million for environmental projects. Superfund violators will spend $391 million on clean up. The results of the enforcement can also be found on the EPA website.

The Worldwatch Institute Teaches How to be an Informed Consumer

Everyday each of us uses dozens of products, usually not considering the construction behind each one. Some of the choices may come from less than desired work environments, contain materials that are damaging to the earth, or even contain materials damaging to our own personal wellbeing. In ‘Good Stuff’, a 31-page book created by the WorldWatch Institute, you will find how to make purchases that are beneficial to your health, as well as that of the environment. It contains 25 different categories, which cover a wide range of products. Below is a link to the publication, to start you in your smart purchasing.

For more information on how to make informed purchases on everything from appliances, to food products, to everyday items, such as plastic bags and soap, and to view the Consumption Manifesto, please visit this website. While you are there, take the Good Stuff quiz and challenge!

CO2 Emissions Doubled Since 1990

A current study by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization shows that the levels of human induced carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has more than doubled since the 1990’s. The study looked at a 30-year record of air samples. A scientist for the organization, Mike Raupach, stated, “from 2000 to 2005 the growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions was more than 2.5 percent per year, whereas in the 1990s it was less than 1 percent per year…7.85 billion tons of carbon passed into the atmosphere last year, compared to 6.67 billion tons in 2000”. While half of those emissions remain in the atmosphere, the other half is absorbed by land and oceans. The World Meteorological Organization also released that the CO2 levels are over 35% more now than they were in the late 18th century. Find more articles on CO2 emissions and other environmental issues at MSNBC.

WasteCap Connections

Cell Phone and Ink Cartridge Recycling

As part of our waste reduction objective, WasteCap would like to remind you that unwanted cell phones and empty inkjet, laser, fax and copier cartridges may be recycled.  Please contact

<info@ERASE-THIS.wastecapne.org>
  with any questions about cell phone and cartridge recycling or if you are interested in becoming a drop-off site for this type of waste.