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. 

 

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.

 

How to Properly Recycle Your Electronics

Posted by STN Admin on

E-waste has become one of the largest refuse issues in the world. With many containing toxic substances, it is imperative that you recycle such devices whenever possible. To properly recycle electronics, you will need to know what places accept electronic items.

If you have old electronic devices like outdated cell phones, chargers, and more, there are ways to safely recycle them, so they do not wind up in a landfill. Below are a few places to take such devices so either their parts or the entire item can be used again. 

Recycling Locations

Before you start the recycling process, remove any personal information. In addition, remove any batteries as they may need to be recycled separately. Plus, any broken parts should be put into bags so that any hazardous material inside does not leak. 

You should be able to find all recycling centers that accept e-waste through your local directory. You can also go online to places such as Call2Recycle which takes rechargeable batteries and cell phones across the US. 

Plus, if you go to Computer Technology Association and visit their recycling locator page or the recycling database at Earth911, you can enter your zip code and find any recycling centers that are near you. 

Donations

But what if you have devices that still work or perhaps could be made to work again? Then you can donate your items to a nonprofit or charity organization that accepts them. There are local organizations that cater to seniors and those who may not have the budget to purchase new devices that can use your old ones. 

Plus, you can get a receipt that can be used to deduct the taxes from next year’s income tax form, so you can benefit in that way. Places such as Dell Reconnect which works with Goodwill, eBay for Charity, and the World Computer Exchange are places that will accept donations of working items or items that need a little work to become operational again. 

Tech Companies 

Another option to recycle your electronic devices is to take them to a tech firm. There are many manufacturers along with retailers that will properly recycle electronics or refurbish them for other uses. 

You can also check with other large and local tech companies to see what type of recycling program they offer. Just remember that you have several options, so choose the one that best suits your needs. 

Understanding how to properly recycle electronics not only means a cleaner, safer world, but it also means that others will benefit from what you no longer need. Proper recycling means less e-waste which protects the environment while allowing others to enjoy the benefits of technology.  

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.

Protecting Your House from Mold in the Spring

Posted by STN Admin on

 

Mold is an ever-present organism mostly found in the outdoor air. Although in its dry state, it may cause some mild allergic reactions such as sneezing and coughing, it is when mold finds a home in a dark, moist environment that it becomes far more dangerous to residences and buildings. 

In the spring, the added moisture and warm temperatures create the perfect environment for mold to grow. It only needs to be in a location left undisturbed. Once it begins to grow, the mold will consume organic materials such as wood and drywall. The spores multiply into the millions which not only spreads the mold further, it can affect the health of those living inside. 

But there are ways to control the mold in your home before it can become an issue. By taking a few steps today, you can prevent most incidents involving mold from developing in your house. The key is to inspect and act before the mold can settle. 

Controlling Mold Growth

While mold will find its way into your home, you can keep it from doing any damage by following these instructions. 

Lower Humidity Levels: Mold needs moisture to grow. By reducing the humidity level in your home to under 50%, it will become difficult for the mold to grow and spread. Purchase a humidity level meter to monitor the results inside your home. 

Fix Leaks: A water pipe leak serves as the perfect growing area for mold. Fix all leaks in the roof, walls, basement, and anywhere there is plumbing. 

Keep the Air Moving: Turning on fans in rooms with higher humidity levels, such as the exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom robs mold of the moisture it needs to grow. 

Cleaning Up Mold

If the mold has established itself in your home, whether near a leaky pipe or a moist area inside the walls, you can remove it using one of the most common household chemicals, bleach. The bleach is more than powerful enough to destroy mold and mildew on contact. However, you will need to handle it with care. 

  • Wear rubber gloves, rubber boots, and goggles
  • Open windows and turn on fans 
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of bleach
  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Only mix with water

Apply the bleach with a sponge directly to the area covered with the mold. Once you wipe away the mold, dry the area using a fan. You’ll want to keep the air moving until it’s dry. However, if you discover a large patch of mold, then chances are the infiltration will be far more than you can effectively clean up. That is the time to call a professional mold removal service. 

If you suspect that your home is infested with mold based on having unexplained musty odors for example, then you should get it tested. In many cases, mold does not reveal itself in the open until after it has caused considerable damage. After a flooding event or if musty odors are present, hire a professional company to inspect your home for mold.

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.

How to Properly Recycle When Spring Cleaning

Posted by STN Admin on

 


Spring cleaning is the time of year when you remove all the unwanted materials from your home. It is an annual house cleaning that coincides with the warming temperatures where people open their windows and let the fresh air in. But how can you combine spring cleaning with recycling to get the best of both worlds?

Instead of simply bagging up the trash and letting unwanted items pile up in closets and storage areas, you can employ a recycling system in your home. The result protects the environment and makes cleaning the home during the spring less taxing.

What Can Be Recycled?

There are many items around your home that can be recycled. The first step is locating all nearby recycling centers. Then take the items when ready and earn a little profit when you turn them in. 

  • Aluminum
  • Cardboard
  • Glass
  • Paper 
  • Plastics 
  • Steel & More 

You can rinse out and crush the cans so they can be put into large bags for recycling. Cardboard boxes if strong enough make for good moving boxes. But for those that are torn, thin, or compromised simply fold them up for storage until you take them to the recycling plant. 

Rinse out glass containers. However, you can leave the labels on since they will be removed by the recycling process. Store paper items such as magazines, newspapers, telephone books, and the like in smaller boxes or bags so they are easy to carry. 

Rinsing and crushing plastic bottles for storage saves space and doesn’t attract insects. Certain metals such as steel, copper, and those used in electronic items can be recycled as well. Find recycling centers that accept metal and electric devices after your home cleaning session. 

How Can You Employ Reusable Items?

You can cut down on waste and make your next spring cleaning far less taxing by relying more on reusable items. 

Rags, Sponges, & Towels: Instead of using paper towels, rely more on reusable items such as rags, sponges, and towels for cleanup. You can use a simple homemade cleaner such as one-part vinegar to seven parts water for quick cleaning while not filling up the trash with paper towels. 

Reusable Batteries: Disposable batteries can become quite expensive. Instead, purchase reusable batteries with a charger to save money over the long run. It also means less to throw out during spring cleaning. 

Reusable Bags: Instead of collecting or throwing away plastic bags, rely on reusable bags when you shop. They will hold up more, last far longer, and are washable so they can be reused repeatedly. 

Compost: For both food and yard waste, you can instead put more nutrients into the ground for your lawn or garden by learning to compost. This form of recycling can do wonders for your landscape or garden when properly employed. 

When you plan for your next spring cleaning, be sure to make a quick note of what recycling opportunities are available. Your next house cleaning can include recycling unwanted materials and purchasing goods that can be recycled or have a long life in your home.


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.