Endocrine disrupting substances
Endocrine disrupting substances in the environment have become a concern over the past few years. Studies in Canada and other countries have shown that these substances can interact with the endocrine systems of many species and adversely affect growth, reproduction, and development. Even at very low levels commonly found in the environment, many of these chemicals may have biological impacts. Scientists had previously thought low levels presented little risk to the environment. The consequences of endocrine disrupting substances to the health and sustainability of wildlife populations are subject to much scientific research and debate in Canada and around the world. The fossil fuels and chemicals used in the process of creating plastic happen to fall into the category of endocrine disrupting substances.
Website: http://www2.ec.gc.ca/eds/fact/index.htm
Vinyl and the Environment
All types of vinyl products can be recycled and reprocessed into second-generation products. According to a 1999 study by Principia Partners, more than 1 billion pounds of post-consumer vinyl were recycled in North America in 1997. About 18 million pounds of that was post-consumer vinyl diverted from landfills. Overall, more than 99% of all manufactured vinyl compounds ends up in a finished product.
Website: http://www.vinylinfo.com/environment.aspx
Various Information
The Canadian Plastics Industry Association has compiled an extensive list of technical reports, newsletters, special reports, and fact sheets that have been developed by EPIC. All of these are available, in whole or in part, for downloading free-of-charge.
Website: http://www.cpia.ca/epic/default.php?
Guide to resource conservation and cost savings in the Plastics Processing Sector
This report, produced in 1997 by the ministry of environment and energy working with EPIC, identifies potential process improvements that will reduce production costs, conserve resources, and prevent pollution.
Website: http://www.cpia.ca/files/files/files_resource_conservation_and_cost_savings.pdf
Accelerated Reduction / Elimination of Toxics
This is a government program that intends to reduce 177 identified toxins in the environment.
Website: http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/aret/en/index.cfm
Climate Change
Climate change has been called the most significant environmental problem the world has ever faced. For this reason the Government of Canada, Canadians, and the global community are working together to share information and ideas to meet this challenge.
Website: www.ec.gc.ca
New Substances Notification
This web site is intended to provide you with information on the New Substances Program, to assist notifiers in determining whether they are required to notify their substances to Environment Canada, and to understand the exact nature of a person’s obligations.
Website: http://www.ec.gc.ca/substances/ese/eng/esehome.cfm
Smog/Air Quality
This site has many reports, information, and publications from Environment Canada about the air we breathe.
Website: http://www.ec.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=F3622FE4-1
Strategic Options Process
Ministers of Environment and Health have the authority to declare substances “toxic” if they pose a significant risk to the health of Canadians or to the environment. Management options for these substances are developed in consultation with stakeholders through the Strategic Options Process.
Website: http://www.atl.ec.gc.ca/reports/sop.html
Stratospheric Ozone
Website: http://www.ec.gc.ca/ozone/en/index.cfm