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Nikkei Ecology

August 2006 Issue

Cover Story 1

Communication front line in environmental and CSR management
Aggressive communication ability

Only patient and hard-working efforts move people’s hearts

Challenges taken up by environmental communication experts (Mukoyama Paint and YAMAGEN)

Best communication takes place at work sites (Sekisui Chemical and DyDo DRINCO)

Earnest and serious dialogue with stakeholders (DENSO and Toyota)

Risk communication begins (NISSAN DIESEL MOTOR and Fujimi)

Fostering future admirers (Toshiba, TAKARA SHUZO, and Canon)

Cover Story 2

Eco Brand Survey 2006: The beverage industry has advanced sharply in the ranking thanks to its high reputation for container recycling efforts

Learn about Technologies

First Step in Technology
[Microbubble] Small giant in a washing machine purifies water used for laundry, providing economic benefit to families 

Products
[Hybrid construction machinery] Fuel consumption has fallen by 40% with the help of a battery-powered motor, but the price needs to be reduced

New Energy
[Solar thermal energy] Collected solar thermal energy can be used to stably generate power and produce fuel by thermally decomposing water

Energy Conservation
[Fiber with accelerated vaporizing function] Fibers that absorb solar energy cool down the skin by utilizing the “sprinkling water” effect in clothing

“Honor Students” in Recycling
[Pachinko Pinball machine] Material recycling rate of 85% has been achieved by technician’s manual disassembly, contributing to higher profitability

Learn about Environmental Laws

Easy-to-Understand Environmental Law
[Top Runner Program under Energy Conservation Law] Flat-screen TVs, trucks, and other items are added to the program

How to Read the Waste Disposal Law Part 7
Authorization of industrial waste management businesses

EU Regulations to Challenge Japanese Corporations Part 2
RoHS directive

Environmental Laws Q & A
What is the reason for tightening the regulatory limit for zinc concentration in effluent to 2 mg/l?

This Month’s Environmental Law
Last year’s achievement of home appliance recycling is announced, revealing a sharp increase in recycling rate and expanded use of waste plastic

Trend and News

Chemical Substance
The system of indicating toxic substance content begins operation, and spot-checks may be carried out for products on the market

Eco Car
Toyota launches Prius that runs on natural gas, while oil producers aims to produce 1 million ton of bio-diesel oil  

Measures against Global Warming
Will NEDO’s July 2006 public announcement to purchase emission rights (100 million tons) provide impetus for emission rights business?

CSR
With CSR procurement gaining momentum in Japan, Europe, and the U.S., the electric industry formulates its global code of conduct

Chemical Substance Control
Plasma TVs are dropped from the RoHS directive

Chemical Substance
The safety measure study panel for accessories containing lead has been established

Measures against Global Warming
Although department stores are fully prepared for the second year of “cool biz”, sales depend on temperatures during summer

Recycling
In response to the Containers and Packaging Recycling Law revision, convenience stores aim to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags by 35% through customer cooperation

CSR Frontline

A self-evaluation report by the Japan Association of Corporate Executives concludes that the framework for CSR is established but its effectiveness is yet to be proven

Evaluation of corporate sustainability reports from 50 companies around the world is to be made in the Global Reporters 2006 Survey


Climate Change Policies
Q and A to understand climate change policies

Q: Are US companies going to participate in emission trading?
A: Some state governments and the Senate show signs of strengthening measures against climate change


Learn about Environmental Issues

Truth and False of Environmental Science
[Genetically-modified foods] Are they really bad for human health?

Threats Waiting around the Corner
“Satoyama” forest is in danger of dying because of the insects that live in acorn trees and spread germs in the forest

Junko Edahiro’s eye-opening facts on environmental terms in English
[LOHAS]


Column

Kankan Gakugaku (Active Argument over Environmental Issues)
So Kuramoto, writer

Secret Tips for Environmental Management
Vision: The power to incorporate environmental conservation into core business

Cuisines of Japan
Local summer dishes that suit lifestyle and hard work on the farm

Honest opinions by the “Eco-Moms”
How many environmental key words do you know?

Artisanship in repairing
Outdoor wear – Patagonia, Inc.

The reality of NPOs
[Chubu Recycle Citizens’ Organization] The success of its waste-reduction strategy has become a good example to follow nationwide; next is a strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions

Report

Inside-Out
[Blind spot in the revised Containers and Packaging Recycling Law Part 2] Chemical analysis proves to be ineffective in identifying the source of offensive odor in a residential area

From BusinessWeek
Scientists are seeing a host of possibilities in electricity produced by microbes

WorldWatch Institute
Is nuclear power generation a trump card in preventing global warming? Should an accident occur in a power plant near New York, damage would amount to several trillion dollars

ECO Seminar

How to Make the Best Use of ISO
[Bridgestone Elastic Part 2] Employees can understand environmental risks easily by using unique calculation formula

New Environmental Study
[Survey of toxic substances in waste piles] Local governments are required to take urgent measures against imminent threat of fire and contamination of surrounding areas

Quick Guide to Environmental Key Words
Deposit

World Trend

From EU
Is the boom in solar power generation real? The boom will be supported by the Energy Policy for Europe

From UK
Preparations are underway to determine CO2 emissions for EU ETS Phase II, starting in 2008; “the National Allocation Plan for the next phase will be easier to understand”

From USA
Can you make a toast to global warming, which may change the balance of power in wine-producing areas?

From Germany
Efforts to improve energy efficiency; one good example is a 100,000-watt energy savings planned at a high school

From China
Wind power generation companies are keeping close watch on the implementation of the Renewable Energy Law