Illinois Passes New Electronic Waste Laws - Requires Companies to Offer Recycling of Old Electronics
The Illinois E-Waste laws were passed September 17th, 2008. They are a set of regulations that focus on the rising amount of electronic waste accumulating in our environment. Items like televisions, monitors, laptops, MP3 players, and fax machines contain harmful substances to the environment, like lead, copper, and phosphorous. When they are not recycled, landfills pile up with this waste. The toxic chemicals within the electronics are released into the earth where the pubic can then be exposed to them.
The E-Waste laws were campaigned by the Environmental Law and Policy Center. With this legislation, companies and producers of electronic materials are now required to take back any old electronics for recycling. Not only does this help the environment, but parts of these electronics, like glass or metal, can be reused to make many more devices.
Bloomington/Normal has been fortunate enough to already feature electronic take-back programs within the community. Now with state-wide legislation, however, a bigger difference will be noticed. More communities will have easier access to recycling electronics, and the impact they have on the environment will be lessened. According to Governor Blagojevich, by 2012 it will be illegal to dump any electronics in landfills. These laws are a crucial step to ensuring the environmental health of not only our own communities, but the whole state of Illinois.
2008 Presidential Election: Where Do the Candidates Stand on the Environment?
The political season is in full swing, and the election is less than a month away. It is important to stay informed and educated on the important issues the country faces. Your votes are going to decide the future, and it’s important to make an informed one. Learning about both candidates is very important.
What exactly are Sen. Obama and McCain’s stances on the environment? What should we, as a country, be doing to create alternative energy sources? 
Which candidate is more closely in tune with what you think needs to be done to start solving the climate crisis?
Following are some links to websites that outline both candidates’ environmental platforms:
- From BarackObama.com
http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy
- From JohnMcCain.com
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/17671aa4-2fe8-4008-859f-0ef1468e96f4.htm
- "A Look at Barack Obama’s Environmental Platform and Record"
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/07/30/obama_factsheet/
- "A Look at John McCain’s Environmental Platform and Record"
http://www.grist.org/feature/2007/10/01/mccain_factsheet/
Make sure you know the environmental issues before you cast your ballot.
The Third Annal Sustainable Gourmet is Coming Up!
It’s already time for the third annual Ecology Action Center Sustainable Gourmet! It’s a chance to eat local and organic food, attend an organic wine tasting, learn about the importance of organic viniculture and sustainability, and and even win some prizes.
The event is Friday, October 24th, 2008, from 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm. It is going to be held at 200 W. College Street, the Bank of Illinois Building, on the top floor and roof plaza.
Tickets are available in advance for $30, or at the door for $40. Tickets must be purchased at the Ecology Action Center (200 W. College Street). Tickets are limited and will sold first come first served.
This is a fundraiser for the Ecology Action Center. We are a not-for-profit organization, and our mission is to educate the community about a safe and healthy environment.
For more information, call 309-454-3169.