Going Green by SouthwestIowaNews.com

GOING GREEN Top Green Celebrities page 13

Organics page 9

Saltwater Pools page 3

5 Ways to ReUse page 8

Algae and Fuel Industry page 4

Glad Bags for Corn Storage page 11 April 2010

2 April 2010

GOING GREEN

April 2010

GOING GREEN Top Green Celebrities page 13

Organics page 9

Saltwater Pools page 3

business

index

e 5 Ways to ReUs page 8

Industry Algae and Fuel page 4

n Storage Glad Bags for Cor page 11 April 2010

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The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Did you know? While you might be considering a hybrid car to benefit the environment, that very same car can also benefit your bank account. Though many hybrid cars might cost more to take off the lot than their traditional automotive counterparts, the savings in fuel can add up significantly over the course of a single year. And the savings don't stop there, as there is also a significant disparity when comparing the average annual fuel costs among hybrids. According to FuelEconomy.gov, a Web site sponsored by the United States Department

of Energy, 2010 Toyota Prius owners could expect to spend roughly $825 this year on fuel (based on 45 percent highway driving, 55 percent city driving, 15,000 annual miles and the price of fuel used by the vehicle). On the opposite end of the spectrum, owners of the B M W ActiveHybrid X6, a hybrid SUV, can expect to spend just under $2,500 per year on fuel. While that's a substantially higher estimate than the Prius, the figure is still much lower than traditional SUV owners will spend on fuel this year.

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GOING GREEN

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

April 2010 3

Saltwater Pools Are a Greener Backyard Option Many homeowners love and enjoy their pools, but don’t feel so good about the variety of chemicals needed for the upkeep of the system and sanitation of the water. As the green movement has continued to grow, saltwater swimming pools are becoming a popular option for homeowners across the country. Saltwater swimming pools use little to no chemicals to maintain the pool. A chlorine generator conversion system is all you need to retrofit an existing pool. While some handy homeowners have been known to handle the conversion themselves, to ensure accuracy it may be best to leave the retrofit to a pool installation professional. A chlorine generator works by producing chlorine from regular salt so that

homeowners do not have to buy, use or store chlorine tablets or powder. Through a process of electrolysis, saltwater passing through the chlorine generator separates the salt molecules (sodium chloride) into sodium and chloride. At the same time, hydrogen atoms are freed from the water. Then the hydrogen and chloride atoms freely circulating through the water combine to form sodium hypochlorite, which is better known as chlorine. That chlorine sanitizes the pool and inhibits algae growth. After sanitizing, some of the chloride molecules will eventually rejoin the sodium to return to salt, beginning the process again. Some residual chlorine will remain to keep the pool clean.

There are two major types of chlorine generators. One is a brine system that keeps a stored amount of salt in the generator, while the other requires salt be added directly to the water. Although much of the work is hands-off, a saltwater pool is not completely maintenance-free. It’s important to regularly check the pH of the pool for the correct water balance to ensure the chlorine generator works effectively. The device will also need to be periodically cleaned of mineral deposits. Some experts advise a constant circulation of the water, meaning that the pool may have to be filtered 24/7 for optimal results. There are several benefits to saltwater pools that go beyond the green factor.

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The lower levels of chlorine generated are less likely to cause irritated, red eyes while swimming or give off that chemical chlorine aroma. Discoloration of hair or swimsuits is also eliminated. Most chlorine generators require a salt content of 2500 to 6000 ppm in the pool. Most people can tolerate a salt taste threshold of 3500 ppm, so a pool that is in the higher end may not be as pleasant to swim in. Saltwater pools will not produce that dried-out feeling that often comes with swimming in a regularly chlorinated pool. Saltwater creates mild soft water, so many pool enthusiasts report feeling refreshed and their skin soft upon exiting the water.

Saltwater pools generate their own chlorine, negating the need to buy, store and use chlorine products in most cases.

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GOING GREEN

4 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Algae adds ‘green’ look to fuel industry Associate Editor

When the average person thinks about “going green” probably one of the last things that enters their mind is fuel. However, thanks to a cutting edge project going on right here in Shenandoah the future of biodiesel might have a very green future indeed. That is because 2009 saw the unveiling of Green Plains and BioProcessAlgae, LLC’s Phase I photobioreactor pilot project, which is aimed at making befouls from algae. Algae fuel, also called algal fuel, oilgae or third generation biofuel, is a biofuel from algae. Algae are highcost/high-yield feedstocks to produce befouls. It’s one

of the most potential sources for meeting our energy needs, producing 30 times more energy per acre than terrestrial crops. Among its biggest energy potentials is transforming it into bio-diesel and ethanol. The process for transforming the green scum into power involves separating the oils from the sugars, which are then used to produce bio-diesel or ethanol. Using current GreenFuel bioreactor technology, a single acre of algae can produce about 10,934 gallons of biodiesel. To put that in perspective, that’s nearly 30 times the potential of an acre of soybeans. This algae will also provide 96 tons per acre of high-protein meal by-product. The benefits and capabil-

ities of algae are unquestioned, however, what BioProcessAlgae, LLC’s Phase I photobioreactor pilot project set out to prove was the commercial viability of producing algae for biofuel. Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Director Gregg Connell, who has been crucial in spearheading the project said the initial test phase has gone better than expected. Connell said the original plan for Phase I was “proof of concept” and that involved two main aspects. “One, could you scale?,” said Connell. “Go from test tubes in a laboratory to 11foot bioreactors and that was successful. The other was, could you capture industrial CO2, rather than feeding in bottled CO2? Again that was successful.” Connell said all of the

Phase I testing has been very positive, and he expects the project to continue to move forward and pick up steam. “Phase II will be the next phase and that will be to optimize growth,” he explained. “These guys have a great business plan behind it, they have great science, they are a wellfunded company and we’re just extremely excited about the future.” Currently the United States, like other nations, is reliant on non-renewable petroleum fuels for energy. However, a small-scale experiment by the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, using algae to produce biodiesel may be the only viable method by which to produce enough automotive fuel to replace current world gasoline usage. The United States Department of Energy estimates that if algae fuel replaced all the petroleum fuel in the United States, it would require 15,000 square miles (38,849 square kilometers), which is a few thousand square miles larger than Maryland. The production of these algae is also green because it takes carbon dioxide that

would normally end up in the atmosphere and uses it for something productive. “What’s exciting is it’s taking waste products from an ethanol plant, like water and carbon dioxide, 148,000 tons of which is dispensed into the air as a green house gas,” said Connell. “They’ll use that to produce massive amounts of algae. “To put it in prospective, if you had a diesel car, one acre of algae would allow you to drive that car 370,000 miles, compared to about 2,400 miles on soybean oil, which is the basis for most bio-diesel.” Despite the difficulties involved, the advantages of algae as a fuel source are many. One advantage of many befouls over most other fuel types is that they are biodegradable, and so relatively harmless to the environment if spilled. Microalgae have much faster growth-rates than terrestrial crops. The per unit area yield of oil from algae is estimated to be from between 5,000 to 20,000 gallons per acre, per year; this is seven to 30 times greater than the next best crop, Chinese tallow (699 gallons). Algae can also grow on

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This is an artist rendering of the algae plant.

marginal lands, such as in desert areas where the groundwater is saline. It can grow anywhere from the tropics to the Arctic Circle, in fresh and saltwater, and even in wastewater. Microalgae have much faster growth-rates than terrestrial crops. The per unit area yield of oil from algae is estimated to be from between 5,000 to 20,000 gallons per acre, per year; this is seven to 30 times greater than the next best crop, Chinese tallow (699 gallons). The biggest step yet towards making algae biofuels a reality is currently taking place in Phase I of BioProcessAlgae, LLC’s testing. The second phase, which would cost about $4,209,266 would be to build a facility about 10 times the size of the first one and would produce roughly 81 kilograms a day of algal biomass. The final phase of the project, which would be a commercial facility would cost around $80 million and produce 850 kilograms per hectare a day of algae biomass. If all goes as planned the fuel industry may soon be a greener place – both figuratively and literally.

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GOING GREEN

April 2010 5

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Something as simple as drying clothes outside on a clothesline is one way to make a positive impact on the environment during the warmer summer months.

Summer a Great Time to Go Green Summer is synonymous with many things, such as vacations, backyard barbecues and soaking up the sun. While those have long been summertime traditions, summer can also be a great time to start living a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. And many of these lifestyle adjustments are easy to make, especially during the warmer months of the year. Let nature dry your clothes. Clothes dryers need substantial amounts of energy to operate. Homeowners can greatly reduce their carbon footprint, however, by choosing to dry their clothes outdoors on a clothesline during summer months. Install solar lights around your property. Another way to save energy, and money, around the house this summer is to install solar garden lights around the property. Such lights are typically inexpensive, and the day-

time sunlight will power them through the night, saving energy and money. Cover the pool. Few things are more enjoyable come summertime than taking a dip in the backyard pool. While pools are not typically seen as environmentally friendly, covering the pool can make it much more beneficial to the environment. That’s because a cover will keep water from evaporating, meaning you’ll fill the pool far less often. And a pool cover will keep the heat in the pool, reducing your heating costs in the process. Change the bulbs. Energy-saving light bulbs inside the house can make your home more comfortable once the temperatures heat up. Energy-saving bulbs emit less heat and also last much longer than their traditional counterparts. Change your barbecue routine. Backyard barbecues are a staple of sum-

mertime for families across the country. However, these gatherings can often prove unfriendly to the environment. Rather than using paper plates or napkins at your next backyard barbecue, use reusable plastic plates and cloth napkins. This is far less wasteful and can make a very positive impact on the environment. Don’t be so quick to turn on the air conditioning. Air conditioners use substantial amounts of energy. In lieu of turning the air on at the first sign of a heat wave, consider installing ceiling fans or simply opening the windows. Many families don’t spend much time at home during the daytime hours when temperatures are at their peak anyway, which should make it easier to get through summer without relying so heavily on costly and environmentally unfriendly air conditioning.

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The Valley News/Herald-Journal

GOING GREEN

6 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Build with concrete to be ‘green’ Do you notice cold spots from time to time throughout your house? All too easily, an uncomfortable chill is produced when the air outside travels through a typical, wood-framed wall. It’s called ‘thermal bridging’. To address this problem and achieve energy efficiency at the same time ask your builder about the latest technology in ‘green’ building methods and materials. Canadian technology continues to deliver environmentally friendly advancements and that includes the elimination of drafts, cold spots and dampness throughout your home. “The answer is the use of concrete, not wood, for walls” says Todd Blyth at

Nudura Corporation, a leading name in building systems. “Our system, for example, consists of Legolike, stay-in-place concrete forms and among other benefits, it reduces the temperature variables that cause thermal bridging. “In addition, builders prefer the Nudura preassembled units because they cut construction time in half. The system also produces far less waste than the traditional wood-framing method — and already, this Canadian innovation (of reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded polystyrene foam insulation) is the choice building method for the construction of more efficient homes, schools,

hospitals, condominiums, hotels, offices and other public buildings.” Better still, says Blyth, research shows that if the building envelope of your house is constructed with these interlocking concrete forms, you can save up to 70% in energy consumption in a home that is up to nine times stronger than those built with traditional stick building methods.” Here are a few more Nudura (nudura.com) tips on building for energy efficiency: Sizing: Build with a proper sized heating and cooling system. If you get that right, the money you could save with operation and energy efficiency will

pay for a long list of upgrades. Te m p e r a t u r e Exchange: Concrete walls transfer heat at a much slower rate allowing your home to use less energy when heating and cooling. Combining integrated floor and ceiling technology with an air filtration system is also a big advantage. Moisture Reduction: The moisture produced by a traditional wood-frame home can be harmful to your health if it leads to mold growth. Building a concrete home eliminates moisture being trapped in the walls during the construction phase. Ensure that your structure provides for efficient air filtration without air leakage.

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GOING GREEN

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

April 2010 7

Fish or Foe? What Seafood Is Better for You and the Environment Yes. Environmental Defense, a Washington, D.C.-based organization, rated fish you’d commonly find at your local seafood store or supermarket fish counter. Here’s a selection of what to choose and what to avoid.

reproduce very quickly. There is also very low mercury contamination risk. Black cod: These Alaskan fish are usually caught with bottom long lines that don’t harm other species or the ocean floor.

ly contains mercury. Monkfish: Populations of monkfish are dwindling. Also, dredging fishing methods are terrible for the ocean environment.

Maybe Reconsider

Good Choices

These fish are not as sound as the “good choices,” so think again before buying. Orange roughy: A slow-growing and maturing fish. Schools can’t recover quickly enough if they are overfished, which they usually are. Bluefin tuna: This slow-growing fish is a favorite for sushi. But watch out because it usual-

These fish are typically dangerous to eat because of contamination. Bluefish: This species typically contains mercury, PCBs and pesticides. Swordfish: Another fish high in mercury. Atlantic salmon: These fish are often raised in fish farms that pollute nearby waterways. They can also contain PCBs, pesticides and dioxin, which is a super-toxic chemical.

These fish are healthy and eco-smart options. Dungeness crab: When harvested, only the large adult males are caught. This leaves plenty of crabs behind to propagate the species. Mahi-mahi: Mahimahi populations are considered very resilient because they grow and

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A greater number of people are adapting a “green” lifestyle to the way they eat, choosing foods that are better for the environment, like organic food. Not only do proponents of organic food say it tastes better and is more nutritionally sound, they say it is grown without chemical pesticides or other additives, making it a better choice for the environment. That’s fine for the food cultivated in and on the soil. But what about the food people enjoy from the sea? Are there ways to pick and choose among seafood, selecting species that are less likely to have high pollutant levels and positive ecological sustainability?

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GOING GREEN

8 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Ways to Reuse Common Items in Other Ways

Recycling is certainly about those blue and green bins parked at your curb. But it is also about how you can put items you would normally toss in the trash or recycling bin to other uses. Anyone who has shopped at retail giant Target recently may have noticed that their shopping bags list ways to reuse the bag after it’s served its purpose of toting home your low-priced goods. This may have gotten you thinking about other things that can be reincarnated for multiple purposes. Every time you use an item for an idea beyond its original manufactured intent, you have increased the validity of that product and, in turn, keep people employed. You also discover ways to reduce waste, and that’s a good thing. Here are just a few items, with

five ways to use them in new ways.

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Sure, it may seem that paper bags have faced extinction, but as more people realize the benefits of going green, paper bags are making a comeback. They can do a heck of a lot more than just carry groceries. 1. Do we even need to mention that paper bags are the primary material of choice for covering textbooks? 2. Kids can cut bags into placemats to bring along to restaurants or other people’s homes. Just pack along crayons and they can color while waiting for food. 3. Durable paper bags can be used as recycling collectors and easily sort recyclable items. 4. From masks to aprons, paper bag costumes are limited only by the imagination. 5. Crumple bags to form a way

Moms and dads out there know that a hungry baby goes through dozens of jars of baby food a month. That’s a lot of recycling! There are ways to reuse baby food jars, though. 1. Many baby food jars are just the right size for holding a votive candle. 2. Use these cute jars for storing buttons or other small notions that inevitably get misplaced. 3. Use the jars to hold homemade spice blends. You can also transfer store-bought spices to the baby food jars so all spices are in uniformly sized containers for a more organized pantry. 4. Personalize your paint palette by using jars to mix paints. They can also hold paint for young artists. 5. Hardware storage is easy

when you keep small nails, screws, bolts, or whatever in sealed jars.

Socks If the washer and dryer mysteriously consume a sock and you’re left with a spare, or if your socks are past their prime, you can use them for other things. 1. When dusting or cleaning, simply slip the sock over your hand and use it to wipe down anything in the home. 2. Fill a sock with rice or wheat, heat in the microwave for a few seconds, and use it as a heating pad. 3. You can certainly make a sock puppet, or two, or three. 4. Put a ball inside and tie off the end to make a tug toy for a dog. Or fill with catnip for a kitty. 5. Fill with leftover soap pieces and use in the washing machine for washing delicates.

Aluminum Foil It’s more than just for warming food. Rinse them off and use foil scraps for these reasons. 1. Layer about seven pieces of foil and cut through them with scissors that are dull. The foil will sharpen the scissors again. 2. Use a ball of spare foil to clean baked-on pots and pans. It works just as well as steel wool. 3. Foil makes great gift wrapping in a pinch. 4. Think about how many children’s dress-up costumes can be created with foil, from robots to martians to angels. 5. Use a double-thickness of foil as a piping bag when doing cake decorating.

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GOING GREEN

April 2010 9

Organics Beneficial to Humans and Animals, Too

Organic farming pays well known dividends for the environment, but is also beneficial to the health of both humans and animals.

In recent years, more and more people have embraced organic products as a part of their daily diet. Whereas a decade ago grocery stores may not have had any organic products, nowadays most grocery stores offer an abundance of organic items, and not just those in the produce section. Organic dairy products have increased in popularity, and many stores now even sell organic frozen pizzas. So why such a quick turnaround with respect to how consumers feel about organ-

ic products? Perhaps consumers realized that organic products have proven friendly not only to the environment, but to people and animals as well.

Medical Benefits Organic agriculture can be considerably healthier than crops grown in a traditional fashion. Traditional ways of raising crops have involved the use of pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides. These

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chemicals produce toxic residue that is found on the fruit and vegetables people eat every day. This residue makes fruits and vegetables unnecessarily unhealthy, in particular to infants and children, whose immune systems are not as strong as those of their adult counterparts. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports indicate that 90 percent of fungicides are carcinogenic, while 60 percent of herbicides and 30 percent of insecticides could potentially cause cancer. People are also at heightened risk of drinking contaminated water the more such chemicals are used to grow fruits and vegetables. Agricultural runoff is one of the leading contributors to contaminated water supplies, which pose great health risks to those who drink or even cook with tap water. But the risk associated with traditional, as opposed to organic, methods of farming is not restricted solely to fruits and vegetables. Treating farm animals with supplemental hormones could prove highly detrimental to anyone who consumes the products of such animals. A 1998 study from researchers at the Harvard Medical School, for example, found that the hormone IGF-1 is a potent risk factor for prostate cancer. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s particularly alarming when considering that traditional farming methods routinely called for treating cows with recombinant bovine growth hormone, which results in a two- to tenfold increase in levels of IGF-1. Because organic farming methods do not

involve the use of hormones, this is not a problem for those who purchase organic dairy products.

Benefits to Animals Animals raised in accordance with traditional farming methods often pay the ultimate price. Because they are fed diets high in grain to promote fast growth, commercially raised cattle receive less fiber than their natural diet calls for. This often results in high acid buildup, making the cattle more susceptible to bacteria such as E. coli and, in some instances, more likely to suffer sudden death. Chickens can also be victimized by traditional farming methods. Breeding chickens by traditional means often requires them to be placed in very limiting cages that do not afford them any room to move. In addition, they are bred to gain weight far faster than nature calls for. While they gain the weight, their heart and lungs are not capable of supporting the rapid growth. Couple that with the unnatural conditions in which they are raised, and their compromised immune system is facing an uphill battle, one that requires the use of antibiotics to keep them alive. This use of antibiotics is not allowed in organic farming, making for healthier poultry and healthier animals as well. To learn more about organic products and their impact on the environment, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov.

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GOING GREEN

10 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Hidden Danger in CFL Light Bulb R E CYC LI N G Did you know the U.S. Congress passed an energy bill in 2007 banning the incandescent light bulb by the year 2014? That’s because the incandescent bulb, the one Thomas Edison helped perfect in the 1800s, has been superceded by the compact fluorescent light (CFL) and LEDs because of their benefits to the environment. But could the CFL really be too good to be true? Less than a month after the U.S. energy bill was passed, research in Britain has led to the UK Environment Agency issuing guidelines about CFLs. They’re calling for evacuation of any room where an energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulb is broken, due to the release of toxic mercury.

According to environmental impact studies, CFLs stand to save at least five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. They also are more cost-effective in the long run: CFLs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs up front, but through longer burn times and less energy usage, they save home and business owners money. But each CFL contains 6 to 8 milligrams of toxic mercury. Broken bulbs, where mercury could be released into a home, and even improper disposal of the bulbs present separate environmental problems. If a CFL bulb is broken, these suggestions are offered: Vacate the room for at least 15 minutes.

The debris should be removed with rubber gloves. Do not use a vacuum, which could push toxic dust into the air. Put all broken glass and debris into a sealed bag and bring to a recycling center for proper disposal.

Recycling saves energy, landfill space and natural resources. Home recycling requires a trivial amount of time, yet offers substantial benefit to the homeowner as well as the environment. According to the EPA, the national recycling rate is just 30%. Increasing materials recycling in the US to 60% could save the equivalent of 315 million barrels of oil per year. Recycling is a great way individuals can make a difference, both locally and globally.

Other Impacts of CFL’s In a side note, mercury poisoning is not the only health implication from CFLs. Early studies indicate that people suffering from certain skin ailments, such as eczema and psoriasis, could experience flare ups. There has been a link to CFLs and migraine headaches. If you suspect your bulbs are causing health problems, see your doctor.

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The Valley News/Herald-Journal

GOING GREEN

April 2010 11

The ‘Glad Man’ never saw this one coming Large plastic storage bags are being used by a father and son farming team in southwest Iowa as a practical alternative to traditional metal bins for the storage of excess grain. pallet of six. The cost is $700 each bag. 2009; was this the best time to try these Whether to store onsite rather than truckBy BETH STEEVE Special to the Clarinda Herald-Journal The bags are not reusable. The bags come bags? Doesn’t grain have to be dry to take ing to another location -- sometimes a disin two sizes and hold alternately 12,500 or advantage of this type of storage? Au con- tant location -- or sell immediately. As Ben Recently appearing on the snow-covered 9,000 bushels. Optimum storage time traire. Although there is no drying appara- put very succinctly, “These bags level the fields of southwest Iowa are the biggest varies up to 12 months as a recommended tus with the Flexi Bags, wet grain can be playing field between the big corporate Glad bags you’ve ever seen. And, they maximum. stored up to 30 days with no deterioration farms and the small independent farmer.” could spark a trend to change one of the Ben Vardaman first saw the bags when in quality. At that time, the grain should The cost and maintenance of bins becomes most common sights on modern he was sent to Australia by John Deere, be moved to a drying bin. The advantage a side issue. Whether share renting or cash Midwestern farmsteads everywhere – the Inc. on a business trip in 2006. A Canadian is to buy time when time is in short supply. renting, he now has the option of storing traditional metal bin storage buildings. team was going through Australia cutting The recommended storage times are from grain on site which helps him track producMike and Ben Vardaman, a Clarinda- wheat, much as crews follow the wheat 30 days for corn at 30 percent moisture to tion (and quality) at his different locations area father and son farming team, are using harvest here in the US. Ben noticed there as long as 12 months for grain below 15 and, most important, keeps him in control this new system to store excess corn. As were very few storage bins to be seen. He percent. If the grain goes into the bag wet, of his storage. any farmer knows, grain storage is a major was amazed at the huge, marshmallow- it comes out wet. When asked if custom bagging and problem at harvest. The entire crop comes looking bags lined up along the field gateThe bags have been very successful at auguring could be a possibility to make the in within a two week to two month period ways, which he later learned were grain storing wheat, corn, silage and a variety of Flexible Storage more widely available, creating a glut at the local buying stations storage bags. He learned that the other crops in other areas. The auger is Mike responded. “The Unloader, which is – coops, elevators and (now) alcohol Argentines had originated the concept of very powerful and tends to crack soybeans, the auger, could work very well in a cusplants. the plastic bags almost 30 years ago. The so at this time, they are not considered a tom or cooped situation because there isn’t The Vardamans were seeking a novel bags are used extensively in Argentina, prime candidate for use. much time pressure to unload. The Bagger solution to grain storage that would limit Brazil, Canada and New Zealand as well as If you are thinking - ‘what’s the big would probably be needed by most people the average $30,000 to $50,000 investment Australia. The reasoning is simple: They deal? It’s costs as much as a bin, why at the same time, so that would probably necessary for a new bin that may sit empty are cost-efficient and portable. bother?‘ Read on. Both Mike and Ben work best if each farmer had one, or maybe for six- to nine- months each year. What When Ben married his wife, Amanda reiterate that the biggest benefit of the two could share.“ The good news is that the farther/son team found was the Flexible Bix, in 2007, he moved home to Clarinda, portable bins is flexibility. They give the the Bagger is about half the cost of startup, Grain Storage system manufactured by and began farming with his dad. operator options. In 30 days, for example - making the original investment more Richiger, S.A. Richiger S.A. is based in the With a bumper crop shaping up as har- hopefully out of the harvest - a farmer has attractive if you know someone with an town of Sunchales, Province of Santa Fe, vest approached in late 2009, Ben remem- time to rearrange his storage to accommo- Unloader who would be available to auger Argentina, about 500 kilometers North of bered the bag storage system. Faced with date drying, if needed, for longer storage; out. Buenos Aires. Ben enlarged on the custom angle. “The the decision whether to build another bin or or to find his market if he wants to sell. The huge plastic bags resemble white sell his excess at what is traditionally the Obviously, 4 to 12 months opens the door Unloader can be operated by one person. It Glad bags and can be filled with corn at lowest prices of the year – harvest – Mike for a host of opportunities. see ‘GLAD MAN’, Page 12 any convenient field site – no hauling to a began researching the bagging system in Portability is part of that flexibility. bin many miles away or selling at whatev- earnest. He and wife, Lynnette, went to the er the market price is that day to avoid stor- Four State Farm Show in Pittsburg, Kan., age fees because storage options are and met dealer Chris Finck of SMS, Co., exhausted. Arlington Heights, Ill. The rest, as they say, For the small farmer, the bags provide an is history. innovative storage option that is both Finck said that sales of the Flexi-Storage portable and affordable without investing system have increased steadily in the four in a huge bin. Also, share-renting is sim- years since he’s added it to his line. Areas plified by putting a bag in the field of each that have ‘fringe crops,’ where there are farm – no question where and what the more types of crops grown in lesser quanyield is and no hauling to a bin at a distant tities, began using the bags and sales devellocation thereby simplifying contract and oped rapidly. Sales into areas with large verification practices. crop concentrations, like Iowa, have develThose are all reasons that the Vardamans oped more slowly because there is so much decided to make the initial investment in storage in place – grain bins and elevators. the Flexible Grain Storage system. The ini- But these well-developed areas are looking tial outlay for the Bagger and Unloader is at the bags more and more for all the reacomparable to the price of an average new sons already mentioned. Chris said that bin – approximately $50,000. The Bagger sales stagnated for a long time because is a huge, square funnel system that fills there was no convenient way to empty the the bag, which expands to either 200- or bags (the number one negative in an article 250-feet long. The Unloader augers the written by Bill Wilcke in a University of corn into a wagon or truck, winching the Minnesota Extension article printed in bag onto a roller by a unique braking sys- 2001.) Now that the Unloader has been tem that actually pulls the tractor back into added to the package, sales have really the bag as it empties. The bags are sold begun to take off. separately and the two farmers bought a Coming out of a late, wet harvest in

12 April 2010

‘GLAD MAN’

Continued from Page 1 is entirely realistic that one person could work as a ‘custom unloader’ in the future, much as a custom baler works today.” The key to that scenario is common usage, of course. Mike and Ben have only now begun to come full circle. They’ve just completed unloading their bags in the past few weeks. They freely admit there is a learning curve. Learning how to set the bags to fill, how to guard against rodents, and patching holes are a few of the challenges they’ve faced. But, overall, they have been very pleased with their results and they are more than happy to share information about this new technology. Steve Hoegh, Numerator for the National Agricultural Statistical Service, a division of USDA, who was invited to view the unloading process, said: “I find this very interesting. We (at USDA) don’t make value judgments, our job is to collect information and analyze it. What happens in our work is that when there are changes in the agriculture process, we have to adjust our statistics to record it. At one time, storage was not counted if it was not in a bin. Then we began seeing corn stored

GOING GREEN on the ground or in pits. Now that is counted if it is used on a regular basis. So these bags could redefine storage in the same way - if they came into common usage.” He added that “if the corn is wet in a bin, and right now that is an issue, something has to be done with it. That is no different than these bags. If the corn is too wet to store, it has to be dried at some point. Not all steel bins are equipped with dryers, either.” When we viewed the unloading, the bag had torn in one place, and there was damage to the corn stored in that area, but once the damaged area was cleaned out – not more than 2 bushel - the rest of the bag was in fine condition. Shawn Shouse, an Iowa State University Extension Field Specialist – Agricultural Engineering, was less enthusiastic. “Grain storage in poly bags is not a new idea. It has been done through the years with varying levels of success. In an emergency with the proper corn and weather conditions, it can work quite well. I do not think it is advisable as a long-term grain storage plan.” Shouse also mentioned the article printed through the Uof Minnesota Extension Dept by Bill Wilcke, mentioned earlier. Wilcke’s article outlines the experience of

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

a farmer using the bags in the late 90s. Vardaman’s experience mirrored his in many ways, however, with the addition of the Unloader, Vardaman’s experience was much better over all. Wilcke does explain how the vacuum seal is created in the bags.. Corn stored at 25 to 30% moisture in a relatively warm temperature will ferment. The bacteria produced then consume oxygen and create carbon dioxide and organic acids as by-products. This low oxygen, high carbon dioxide, acidic environment preserves the corn and protects it from deterioration, as long as no more oxygen is introduced – meaning, the bag remains sealed. Corn stored at 16 to 20% moisture in a warm temperature follow the same procedure except it does not produce the mold inhibiting acids. It is assumed that lack of oxygen will eventually stop the mold growth. Again, an airtight seal is critical to stop mold growth. Dry corn, (below 16%) should store well in either warm or cold temperatures. In summary, the main risk of spoilage is due to holes in the bag which lets in both oxygen and moisture. Checking the bags frequently for holes (rodents are the main problem) and repairing the holes is critical.

Vardaman says the manufacturer includes a repair kit that is very good and easy to use. As Mike said: “Everyone that I told about the bags is coming around now, asking how they’re doing. There is a lot of interest about them.” For more information, contact the Vardamans at (712) 542-5923 or Chris Finck , SMS Co. in Centralia, MO. (573) 682-514. The Richiger Web site is http://flexigrainstorage.com/company.htm Beth Steeve, rural Clarinda, is a freelance writer and assists her husband in his independent farm operation. She specializes in financial and farm services information and writes two columns Bee Centsible and Bee’s Farm Journal.

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GOING GREEN

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

April 2010 13

Top Green Celebrities . . .

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

When celebrities are plastered on magazines at the end of supermarket checkout aisles touting the latest and greatest innovation out there, oftentimes the public listens up. It’s hard not to feel enthused about celebrities’ latest pet cause, becoming eco-friendly. You’ll find movie stars and recording artists driving hybrids, shunning meat and helping to d e s i g n organic clothing lines. But who

among the long list of Alisters doing their part for the green movement get top nod for being true environmental advocates? Check out this list. Leonardo DiCaprio: Dicaprio is one of the first celebrities who comes to mind when thinking of environmental causes. He has lent his talents to a variety of documentaries, expressed concerns over the state of the environment to former President Bill Clinton, and

even started the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which helps raise awareness of environmental issues. Ed Begley Jr.: It’s one thing to go green because it seems the “in” thing to do, but Ed Begley Jr. has completely immersed himself in l i v i n g green. He composts, has retrofitted his home in all things green, and even showed up at the Academy Awards on a bicycle one year. Edward Norton: He is a stalwart supporter of alternative energy ideas. He also lends his talents to helping low-income families go

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green. Cameron Diaz: This talented actress has supported many green movements throughout the years and has even brought the green message to other countries around the world. Alicia Silverstone: A devoted a n i m a l activist, Silverstone is a vegan ( e v e n avoiding honey) and lives in a Hollywood home equipped with solar panels and other green features. Tom Hanks: This popular actor felt a hybrid car wasn’t green enough. He prefers an entirely electric vehicle.

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GOING GREEN

14 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Power-Up Green Initiatives With Battery Recycling Batteries have become the lifeblood of modernday society. These miniature powerhouses are the key to providing portable, convenient power for the myriad of electronic items we rely on daily. But batteries can come at a cost to the environment. If not properly disposed of or recycled they can prove dangerous — leaching heavy metals and contaminants into the soil and groundwater, resulting in a number of negative side effects for both the environment and individual health, possibly including autism. Batteries Power the World Cordless phones, remote controls, flashlights, gaming systems, mobile phones, children’s toys — the list of items powered by alkaline or rechargeable batteries continues to grow. Batteries are even working in ways the average person may not witness. During a power outage, phone lines still operate because they are equipped with batteries. Batteries also help control power fluctuations, run commuter trains and provide back-up power for critical needs like hospitals and military operations.

Easy to Trash, But We Shouldn’t Batteries provide many advantages and everyday conveniences. However, it’s the way they are disposed of that poses problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each year more than three billion batteries are thrown away by American households. In a typical year, disposed AA batteries alone, placed end to end, would circle the earth six times. “Since 2007 the state of California has banned the dumping of alkaline batteries in landfills with other municipalities soon to follow,” says Steve Stark, general manager of the Green Electronics Division of Perf Go Green Holdings, Inc. “Our goal is to make a difference by leading the fight in reducing batterydumping in our landfills.” Batteries, while generally inexpensive and easy to buy, can be inconvenient and expensive to dispose of properly. Consumers may spend as much as $50 for a pail to recycle dead alkaline batteries. Generally people want to recycle batteries in

the right way, they just don’t want to pay to do it. According to a 2005 survey of telephone respondents in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, nine out of 10 people (92%) said t h e y

would be encouraged to recycle their batteries if they were collected from their home. When spent batteries are dumped into landfills they can have extremely negative effects on the planet, as

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well as the life that it supports. Rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, cobalt, mercury, and lead, which can leach out of landfills into the air, ground, and wa t e r.

Single-use alkaline batteries, deemed safer for disposal, still may contain trace amounts of mercury. They also are composed of corrosive acids that can eat through many materials,

and are 100 percent, lead-, mercury- and cadmiumfree. The battery life is also equal to other popular name-brand batteries on the market. The company is also making it a snap to recycle the batteries once they are spent. With the PerfPower(TM) recycling kit, individuals have a hassle-free and environmentally sound solution to properly handle their dead batteries. They simply buy the PerfPower(TM) batteries with a special redemption code; visit www.irecycled.com to register to receive a postagepaid recycling package (valued at $16.95); then place all spent PerfPower(TM) batteries and packaging into return unit and send it back to the company. If a person can mail a letter, he or she can recycle batteries at absolutely no cost. To reduce the health implications and environmental effects of batteries, recycling is necessary. For more information on recycling initiatives, visit www.irecycled.com. For other green products, visit www.perfgogreen.com.

and if burned can explode and release toxic fumes into the air. Cadmium can cause lung damage, kidney disease, and death, while lead can damage the kidneys, nervous system, and reproductive system, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Some doctors and autism experts say that environmental mercury in water and soil may be one contributor to the rise in autism cases in recent years. Recycling is the Answer Recycling or discarding of batteries in the proper manner, meaning using a reputable company that guarantees safe recycling methods, is the only way to ensure harmful batteries do not end up in landfills. However, because up until now there have been no widespread recycling programs, currently only 2 percent of batteries are recycled. PerfPower(TM) from Perf Go Green is changing the way consumers use and dispose of batteries. These alkaline batteries are made from recycled materials,

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GOING GREEN

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

April 2010 15

Easy Ways to Reduce Air Pollution When compared to water pollution, air pollution tends to take a backseat. While each issue is equally important, it’s easy to forget the prevalence of air pollution. After all, unless you live in a city, the air above your head probably looks as healthy as ever. And one doesn’t go jumping into dirty air the same way you might in a dirty ocean or lake, so the issue of air pollution might not resonate as much. Unfortunately, air pollution is still a prevalent issue, whether you live in a city with millions of other people or reside on a countryside farm where the nearest neighbor is a mile away. Regardless of where you live, what you do can greatly impact the quality of the air you breathe. Here are a few simple steps that will ensure you’re making a positive impact on the air up there. Turn the lights off: Believe it or not, most people leave extra lights on throughout their home. This is both bad for the environment and bad for the utility bill. Turn the lights off in rooms you’re not using, and put a dim light bulb in any exterior lights you keep on overnight. Properly dispose of household

items: Solvents, pesticides and household paints can damage the air thanks to their chemical composition. Whenever disposing of such products, due so in accordance to all local laws. In addition, when storing these products, make sure they’re properly sealed in airtight containers. Call the repair man: Leaky air conditioners and refrigeration systems can send harmful gases into the sky. Have all such appliances examined for leaks once a year, and don’t procrastinate in cases where a call to the repair center is necessary. You can also learn to do your own “repairs” that will help the environment as well. For example, check filters on all air conditioners around the house. A dirty filter will require the air conditioner to work harder to cool a room, causing you to turn the A/C up and, in so doing, increasing your energy bill. By checking and cleaning the filter, you’ll reduce the emissions your A/C is sending out into the air while also reducing your bill. Show some tolerance when it’s hot or cold: Turning on the air conditioner or heater doesn’t improve air quality. Unless

the temperature absolutely calls for it, avoid turning on the A/C by opening some windows and keep the heater at a lower temperature while throwing on a sweater. Recycle: While it’s hard to believe in the 21st century, many households still don’t recycle. During the production of items such as plastics, glass bottles, cardboard, and aluminum cans, harmful emissions are produced and sent into the air. By recycling, fewer of these items need to be produced, and that will lessen the damage done to the air. Carpool to work: With the everincreasing prices of fuel, carpooling to work has never seemed such an attractive option. Not only will you help the pocketbook by sharing the weekly gas tab with at least one other person, but you’ll substantially decrease the amount of harmful emissions vehicles send into the air each day. If you carpool with three other people who are all used to driving to work in their own cars, you’ve cut the amount of emissions the four of you would normally produce by 75 percent. Take care of your car: Several things impact how efficiently a vehicle will burn

How clean the air you’re breathing is depends largely on the personal choices you and your neighbors make each day.

fuel. Tires that aren’t properly inflated, a dirty air filter and even your own driving habits can have a negative impact on the efficiency of a vehicle. Rapidly accelerating burns more fuel, as does a lot of stopand-go driving. A dirty air filter makes the car work harder and reduces fuel efficiency, as do poorly inflated tires. Keep up with all manufacturer guidelines. To learn more about reducing air pollution, visit the Environmental Protection Agency Web site at www.epa.gov.

How to go green in the kitchen ances. Today's energy efficient appliances can conserve energy, water and more. But before you invest in new items, find out if you can upgrade your current appliances. If buying new items is the greener option, find out if you can recycle your old stove, refrigerator or dishwasher, or whether there are regional "takeback" programs for old appliances so they don't end up in a trash heap. 4. Cooking for two? Use the toaster oven. Singles, couples or even small families can save energy by cooking meals in a toaster oven instead of a larger oven. Many toaster ovens are large enough to accommodate a small steak, burgers, pizza, and are also proficient at reheating leftovers. 5. Buy locally whenever possible to reduce the amount of miles it takes to get the food from the farm

to your table. 6. Buy in bulk ... provided you're going to use the items. Bulk items generally require less packaging than those packaged individually. Invest in items that can be used around the house, not just in the kitchen. And while you're thinking in bulk, cook meals in bulk, too. This way you save on energy and will be ahead of the game when time pressed during the week. 7. Reuse what you can, like glass jars, plastic bottles and bags instead of tossing them in the trash. 8. Upgrade instead of replacing whenever possible. However, sometimes you may want new items in the kitchen to improve functionality or to replace something that is damaged. Look to green materials or even reclaimed or recycled items. Using antique fixtures and furniture is another great way to go green.

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Eating organic and easily sustainable foods is a surefire way to do your part for the environment. However, there are many other ways to go green in and around the kitchen. 1. Invest in quality cooking tools. Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to utensils, pots and pans. Higher quality items will better stand the test of time and will be less likely to end up in the trash with moldy leftovers. Invest in kitchen staples that are sturdy and will last. It makes a good investment. 2. While we're talking about leftovers, don't let them go bad in the refrigerator or freezer. Keep them in eyesight so you can have last night's vegetable casserole for lunch today. Also, being mindful of how much you cook and portion sizes enables you to be less likely to waste leftover food. 3. Upgrade your appli-

GOING GREEN

16 April 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Mandatory Recycling Tips from Recycling Center Glass Compartment: Bottles and Jars ONLY. NO windows or broken glass. Rinse Bottles and Jars, place loosely in compartment. Do NOT leave in bags or boxes. The aim here is to have glass BY ITSELF in the compartment so glass items will dump out easily and that there will be minimal sorting. This idea applies to all items in all compartments.

Household Hazardous Waste is accepted the 1st Saturday morning of each month. Please call ahead to set an appointment and let us know what you will be bringing. (Items accepted include oil and lead-based paints, pesticides and household cleaners.)

Landfill Hours & Fees Page County Landfill and Recycling Center 2032 N Avenue Clarinda, IA 51632 712-542-4215 or 800-498-4777 FAX: 712-542-5858

HOURS: Monday-Friday Saturday

9 am-4:30 pm 9 am-11:30 am every Saturday April 1-Nov. 30 9 am-11:30 am 1st Sat. morning of the month Dec. 1-March 31 Closed for normal Holidays

PROHIBITED WASTES: Waste oil and oil filters, antifreeze, hazardous waste, liquid waste, lead-acid batteries and infectious waste. Some of these items can be recycled. Contact the Landfill for assistance on disposal of these items. Page County Landfill currently operates a Satellite building for Household Hazardous Waste for Page County residents.

STAFF: Myron Magwitz, Manager Tom Maxwell, Landfill Operations Supervisor Mike Miller, Recycling Operations Supervisor Keith Bischof, Office/IT Supervisor Carroll Polsley, Part-Time Truck Driver Paul Anderson, Recycling Truck Driver

RATES: Notice: All loads must be tarped or you will be assessed a $10 charge. No exceptions. Waste Disposal: $75/ton Minimum Charge: $15 up to 400 pounds Tires: Car & Pick-up Tires $2.00 each Truck Tires $7.00 each Tractor Tires $30.00 Appliances $10.00 each Stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, hot water heaters, washers, dryers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, dishwashers, furnaces, vending machines, etc.

Cans Compartment: Tin and Aluminum cans ONLY. (No nails, wire hangers or scrap metal of any kind. There is a freeof-charge scrap metal pile at the landfill for these items.) Rinse Cans out and place in compartment loosely. Do NOT place bags or boxes of cans in the compartment. Plastic Compartment: #1 - #7 Plastic Containers ONLY. No plastic grocery bags, styrofoam, vinyl siding, plastic toys, kitchen appliances, computers, etc. Place plastic in compartment loosely. Do NOT put plastic in any kind of bag. Paper & Cardboard Compartment: Please bag shredded paper in see-through bags. Boxes must be emptied of styrofoam and plastic wrapping. Please flatten boxes to save room. Place paper and cardboard in compartment loosely. Do NOT put BAGS of paper in the compartment.

Please do not mix recyclables!