Protecting Our Oceans

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As pollution becomes a growing concern, especially for the oceans, many families are looking for ways to reduce the pollutants and trash that they generate. And while many steps have been taken over the years, the growing population combined with greater use of disposable items has made protecting the oceans more difficult. 

You may think that there is little which can be done, at least by a single family. But when the efforts of one family are combined with many others, that can make a huge difference in protecting life in the ocean. All it takes is starting small and doing what you can to help sustain marine life. And it makes for a fun family project as well. 

With the recent celebration of World Ocean Day, here are a few tips you and your family can follow to help protect our oceans. 

Reduce Single Use Plastics 

One of the biggest pollutants in the oceans is single use plastic items. From water bottles to plastic bags, straws, and packaging, over eight million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean every year. By reducing the number of plastic products that we use, families can keep more of it from winding up in the ocean. 

Start by assessing how much plastic is being used in your home and then take steps to curb its use. Refillable bottles, not using straws, and properly disposing of plastic packaging can go a long way towards protecting our oceans. 

Respect Sea Life

The ocean was made for everyone to enjoy. But you and your family can help protect marine life by being respectful of nesting sea turtles, coral reef systems, and the like when on vacation. In addition, you can reduce the usage of materials from the ocean by not purchasing items made from coral, tortoise shells, or sharks which are common at seaside retail businesses. 

The less you purchase such items, the less in-demand they will be, the more such creatures will be left alone. 

Purchase Sustainable Seafood Products

Overfishing is one of the greatest concerns that many have with protecting ocean life. You can help contribute to protecting such life by purchasing seafood that came from fisheries and farms. It’s easy to tell by looking for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) labels.

By purchasing seafood from fisheries and farms, you can help reduce fishing in the oceans. This reduction will help protect marine life. 

Learn More about the Oceans

Perhaps the best way to initiate change is to learn more about life in the ocean and what effect we have on it. From watching videos and documentaries to visiting museums dedicated to ocean life to art exhibitions and more, there is much you can do to help educate your family on how we can protect the ocean and its inhabitants. 

There is much you and your family can do to protect marine life. By reducing the use of plastics, purchasing sustainable seafood products, and educating yourself more about the impact of pollutants, the more your family can contribute to protecting life under the sea.  

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

San Diego Energy and Utility Bills

Posted by STN Admin on

Over the past few years, San Diego residents have faced higher utility costs and energy bills; and that is expected to go up for 2023 and the foreseeable future. But just how much they are going up and the status of the electrical grid are questions that need to be answered. 

There is little doubt that California residents have seen a sharp rise in their energy and utility costs starting in 2020. But the factors that led to the rises may be alleviated to a certain degree in 2023. That does not mean you should expect your bills to go down, but it does mean that this year may be better than the previous three years. 

Electricity Bills Going Up

The average energy bill will rise roughly $22 per month for 2023. That may change depending on several factors, most importantly how hot it gets this summer. The higher the summer temperatures, the more the air conditioners run, the more likely spikes in energy bills occur. 

Air conditioners are one of the biggest energy users, meaning that the less they run over the year, the more stable the energy costs will be. So, the heat of the summer will play a major role in energy and utility costs. Since temperatures cannot be accurately projected over the coming months, San Diego residents will simply have to wait and see. 

Traditional & Renewable Power Sources

The increased investment in wind and solar power means more renewable sources are online for 2023. However, another factor is that the California state legislature has delayed the retirement of some older fossil fuel power plants. This means that more power will be available for California residents in the foreseeable future. 

Increased Water Supply 

Unlike 2020, 2021, and 2022 in which California experienced deep drought conditions, the winter of 2023 brought considerable snow to the higher elevations. This means an increased water supply for all southern California. While the drought is not officially over, the amount of new water present will help alleviate the shortages experienced in the recent past. 

In addition, the water will increase the amount of power generated by hydroelectric dams. This means more electricity will be available for use. However, the water that comes from the increased amount of snow needs to melt at a normal rate for the water supply to be sustained throughout the year. Melting too fast may cause even more issues that may affect the electrical supply.  

It is not to say that utility bills will go down as a result, but the presence of more water should help avoid shortages. It also may help to stabilize water bills and keep them from spiking during the hottest months of the year. 

While San Diego residents can expect their energy and utility costs to rise, the amount may not be nearly as high as projected just last year. The combination of an increased water supply, older fossil fuel plants remaining online, and a strategic plan in place for the electrical grid, 2023 may only see moderate rises in the costs of electricity, water, and gas. And this is good news for San Diego families and their wallets.

 

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

Oil Wells and Their Negative Effects on the Environment and Living Close to Them 

Posted by STN Admin on

 

Although fossil fuels are still an important part of providing power for vehicles and the electrical grid, they come with many negative effects in terms of the environment and those who live close to them. With studies that date back decades, the negative effects of being near oil and gas wells have been properly noted. 

But what are the negative effects that homeowners might expect if they live near oil or gas wells? The answer begins with the contaminants found in such areas and how they can affect the health of you and your family. 

Air Pollution

In one study by Stanford University, researchers discovered that those living within 2.5 miles of an oil or gas well experienced a higher degree of air pollution. This higher level resulted in greater negative health effects for those who lived nearby. Particularly those who lived downwind from the oil or gas wells themselves. 

Disrupting Wildlife

Although all human activity influences wildlife, oil and gas wells are particularly notorious for changing established patterns of wild creatures. This includes disrupting the nesting and breeding of a wide range of species. 

Such effects are magnified on wildlife that migrates. Having to pass near oil and gas wells not only changes their well-established patterns of travel, but the negative health effects also influence their breeding and the raising of their young. The result is a greater risk of lower wildlife populations all due to the presence of fossil fuel-producing sites. 

Negative Health Effects

The measured effects ranged from mild, allergic symptoms to more serious health concerns. Being located near oil and gas wells may increase the likelihood of heart disease, and premature birth, and augment the negative effects of asthma. 

For those susceptible to allergies and respiratory illness, the presence of oil and gas wells means increased exposure to toxic particles in the air. From carbon monoxide to volatile organic compounds or VOCs, the adverse health risks increase when exposure to these chemicals occurs. 

Climate Change Concerns

The increased amount of pollutants, particularly greenhouse gases, has a negative impact on the Earth’s ability to regulate temperature. The result is a warming climate that may lead to catastrophic effects in our lifetime. 

Both in terms of where the oil and gas are produced and how they are used means detrimental effects on our climate. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions starts by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. 

Other Effects

The most widely known is when oil spills occur. The effect they have on wildlife can be devastating. And while the big spills get all the media attention, it is the more frequent smaller spills and contamination of surrounding environments that do the most damage over time. 

Add to this side effects such as increased light pollution, the odorous smell, and the generally dirty nature of oil and gas wells and you have a substantial effect on the environment. The only recourse is to begin the move away from petroleum-based products which will reduce the presence of oil and gas wells. 

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you. 

 

What You Need to Know About California’s Zero Emission Vehicle Program

Posted by STN Admin on

For California residents, zero-emission vehicles have now become part of the future. This type of vehicle, sometimes called a ZEV, is the goal for all California car owners by 2035. The initiative represents the culmination of three decades of legislative work for the state of California. 

But what does this mean for California drivers? The answer begins with a brief history of how the state got to the policy of zero emissions. Plus, what exactly is a ZEV and how does it help to reduce emissions? 

History

The road towards zero-emission vehicles began in 1990 as part of California’s Air Resource Board or CARB requirements. Since then, there have been modifications to the initiative, most notably in 2012 that have combined with two bills known as the Advanced Clean Car Regulations. 

The result is that California became the first state in the US to actively pursue a zero-emission policy through the promotion of the ZEV or zero emission vehicles. That policy was augmented to what it is today through the passage of legislation that will outlaw the sale of new fossil fuel vehicles by 2035. 

What is a ZEV?

Zero-emission vehicles constitute cars and trucks consist of three different types. 

  • 100% Battery Power
  • Hydrogen Power
  • Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles: w/Ultra-Low Smog Forming & GHG Pollutants

In essence, a ZEV produces no emissions that translate to an increase in GHG or pollutants that form smog or other irritants in the atmosphere. This includes all cars and light duty trucks to be sold in the state. 

What Changes Can We Expect? 

The Advanced Clean Cars II regulations which were adopted in 2022 will start applying their standards in 2026 and gradually increase to 100% by 2035. The timeline for implementation is as follows. 

  • 2026: 35% of all new vehicles sold must be zero-emissions
  • 2030: 68% of all new vehicles sold must be zero-emissions
  • 2035: 100% of all new vehicles sold must be zero-emissions

To accomplish this task, California’s electric grid and powering stations must be increased dramatically. As the shift from fossil fueled vehicles to electricity will require tripling the number of power plants across the state. 

Plus, an estimated 1.2 million chargers will be needed to support the full transition to electrically powered vehicles. In addition, there will need to be a vast increase in the number of hydrogen stations as well to accommodate vehicles powered from clean hydrogen energy. 

How It Impacts You?

The bottom line is that zero-emission vehicles are part of California’s future. Which means by 2035 if you wish to purchase a new vehicle, it will need to be either battery or hydrogen powered. However, the used car market is still intact under the emission guidelines. Plus, you can purchase new fossil fuel vehicles in other states unless the regulations change. 

If all goes according to plan, a typical ZEV will have well over a million charging stations along with your residence to find the power needed for travel. The future of travel in California will be with zero-emission vehicles. 

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.

 

Recycling After Home Renovations

Posted by STN Admin on

 

When you see home renovations occur and witness the large amount of demolition being taken away, you might believe that all the waste goes to the landfill. But you may be surprised that a large portion heads to recycling centers. 

But whether you are making improvements to stay in the home for a long time or simply house flipping to get the most out of your investment, there are things you need to know about recycling the demolition waste. 

What Items Can Be Recycled?

The answer is that many of the items being replaced can be recycled. A short list of the items that you can donate to recycling includes the following:

  • Appliances, Bathroom, Kitchen, and Lighting Fixtures, and Cabinets
  • Bricks, Ceiling Tiles, and Carpeting
  • Dimensional Lumber, Doors, and Ductwork
  • Flooring, Insulation, and Landscape 
  • Marble, Metal Frames, and Plywood
  • Paneling, Pipes, and Siding
  • Stone, Tile, and Trim along with Antique Molding
  • Toilets, Windows, Wood Beams & Posts, and More 

There are many basic items and materials that can also be recycled from the waste generated from the remodeling. This includes asphalt, concrete, drywall, metal, wood, window glass, and even dirt and vegetation. 

To Donate, Recycle, or Sell?

There is a difference between recycling used items and donating them. Typically, donated items are those that can still be used by other people with little to no repair needed. While the list of donated items can be large, the most typical for most home renovations include the following:

  • Bathtubs, Toilets, & Sinks
  • Cabinets, Doors, and Windows
  • Working Appliances, Lighting, & Handles 
  • Lumber, Tiles, and Wood Flooring

You can donate these items as part of your home renovation. Plus, any items that are intact and can be used again should be considered for donation purposes. 

If the items are valuable enough and in-demand, you can sell them directly. While you may not get as much as you paid for them originally, it can help reduce the cost of the home renovation. The most obvious online places to sell used items are Craigslist and eBay, but you may find online sites that sell locally for items that may be difficult to ship. 

Keep in mind that if it costs more to sell than to donate, you are better off donating. 

Where to Find Recycling & Donation Centers?

Everything starts with your local resources. Check out what recycling and donation centers are in your community. A few of the national organizations include the following. 

  • Building Materials Reuse Association
  • Construction & Demolition Recycling Association
  • Freecycle Network
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStores 

You can also check with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and your local and state governments for places to recycle or donate such items. 

Whether you engage in home renovations to stay in your residence for the rest of your life or are house flipping a property you just purchased, recycling the demolition and waste is necessary. Not only to protect the environment but to get the most out of your renovation efforts without spoiling the community where you live. 

Contact Brickley Environmental Today 

With numerous dangers facing your home or business, calling the professionals at Brickley Environmental is a good place to start. We offer our knowledge and experience along with the tools to detect and remove infestations of various types. The services provided by Brickley Environmental include the following. 

  • Asbestos Abatement
  • Mold Remediation
  • Lead-Based Paint Removal 
  • Demolition 
  • Hazardous Waste Removal

If you are facing any of these issues, call Brickley Environmental today. Our friendly, courteous staff will take your call and answer your questions, so you can make the best-informed decision about what to do next. At Brickley Environmental, we are here to help you.