New Case Studies: Identifying Safer Cleaners for Auto Repair and Bike Shops
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The Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School Automotive Technology Program received a TURI grant to purchase safer aqueous bio-based parts washers to replace a solvent parts washer and aerosol products that contained toxic solvents.
But is the safer system affordable? The annual cost to use the solvent-based machine and the aerosol cans was $3,300. The annual cost for the new system is $182. This equates to an annual savings of $3,118.
And in case you missed it last month, find out what the high school students think about the new cleaning products by
watching this video.
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The TURI Lab identified safer cleaning products and processes for the UMass Lowell Freewheelers bike shop. The goal was to protect the health and safety of the workers and enhance the shop's contribution to the University's sustainability efforts.
The lab conducted an evaluation of cleaners and degreasers used by the shop to remove common contaminants found on bike frames, chains and wheels. Products were screened for effectiveness and safety; some cleaners were removed from inventory.
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Congratulations to Suzi Peck on Her Retirement
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Suzi Peck has worked on toxics programs and data management at MassDEP for many years, including managing the launch of the TURA Program in 1989. She returned to manage the TURA program in 2011, bringing a deep understanding of the law and the data it has gathered, as well as a deep commitment to its objectives and success.
We will miss her insight, hard work and passion, not to mention her “data geek” abilities! We wish her all the best in her retirement!
Speaking of which, there is a…
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MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of
Environmental Analyst V (EA V)
. This position is in MassDEP's Bureau of Air and Waste (BAW) and will manage the implementation of the Toxics Use Reduction Act (TURA) and other toxics-related programs.
This position will be located in MassDEP's Boston office located at 1 Winter Street.
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Thursday, June 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
Great Hall, Massachusetts State House:
Champions of Toxics Use Reduction Ceremony
Join us at the State House to recognize Champions of Toxics Use Reduction.
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Thursday, June 13, 1 to 4 p.m., BCBSMA Innovation Center, Well-B, 800 Boylston St., Boston:
The Chemical Class Approach Towards Healthier Products, Healthier People
Arlene Blum, Executive Director and Founder of the Green Science Policy Institute, will introduce the six classes of harmful chemicals. Rather than addressing the tens of thousands of chemicals in the market one at a time, the chemical class approach educates architects, designers, and business and government decision makers about chemical families containing many of the hazardous substances commonly found in our products.
Liz Harriman, Deputy Director of TURI, will present the toxics use reduction approach, linking classes and categories and providing an overview of the Massachusetts market, highlighting opportunities to create, source, and implement, healthier and safer products.
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Reminder: Apply for a TURI Grant
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TURI invites grant proposals for projects that reduce toxic chemical use in businesses, communities, towns and cities. Funds can be used to offset the cost of technology, safer products, workshops and materials.
The grant categories include:
Industry Grants
of up to $30,000 for manufacturing facilities to improve processes or install technology that results in reducing toxics.
Small Business Grants
of up to $10,000 for businesses that provide services directly to consumers to change processes or replace toxics with safer alternatives.
Community Grants
of up to $10,000 for local projects and up to $20,000 for regional or statewide projects, to create and promote healthier communities.
Academic Research Grants
of up to $25,000 to create partnerships between academia and industry to find innovative solutions that reduce toxic chemical use.
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