WHO WOULDA THOUGHT

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Who woulda thought
by JANE BOGNER
SUNDAY, July 10, 2005

In 2003, Europe experienced the hottest summer on record which triggered a few avalanches. This year in Switzerland, a ski resort is taking a novel approach to the problems posed by global warming, it plans to wrap up a glacier. The London Telegraph reported that geographers at Zurich University have predicted that within the next 30 years 70 per cent of Switzerland's glaciers will disappear.

The Gurschen glacier above the Andermatt ski resort is to be covered with an insulating PVC foam. This, it is hoped, will protect the snow layer from heat, ultraviolet rays and rain, thus halting the recession of the glacier. The foam costs $82,000 and can be stored during the winter and reused.

The Green Guide (greenguide.com) recently answered a question about home insulation. It reported that SoyOyl, a soy-bean based alternative to the polyol component, has been developed. This product contains less petrochemical content, making it environmentally attractive. In addition, new blowing technologies eliminate the ozone-depleting byproducts of installation.

These soy foams are very low in VOCs, extremely fire-retardant, and when properly installed, should provide no health risks to homeowners or installers. They release no loose fibers or dust and are not susceptible to mold. BioBase501 was chosen by Environmental Building News as one of their top 10 products for 2003 and Healthyseal received the National Association of Builders Green with Envy Award.

Use of organic polymers made from corn or soy are slowly working their way into the marketplace. These polymers help decrease our dependency on imported petroleum.

The United Soybean Board website has an interesting report on soy-based thermoset plastics. Soy-based polyurethane and polyester products include molded mill work, parts for motor vehicles, furniture, mattresses, carpet pads, insulation for coolers and water heaters, packaging and pallets, materials for ships, flotation devices, and shoe soles.

The 2003 John Deere HarvesterT combine is made with more than 285 pounds of soy composite materials. The most promising product in development is a compostable film to be used as agricultural mulch. Typically, farmers use 240 pounds of LDPE plastic film per acre. Over 1.3 billion pounds of this film is used annually, which has to be removed and hauled to the landfills at increasing expense.

One of the Star Trek series introduced the replicator. Space travelers could call out for their favorite food and it would appear instantly. Chef Homaro Cantu in Chicago is getting a little closer to that reality.

On a Canon i560 inkjet printer, Cantu prints images of maki (a type of sushi) on edible paper made of soybeans and cornstarch. The paper (ordinarily used for transferring images onto birthday cakes) is printed with organic and food-based inks and is flavored with powdered soy and seaweed seasonings. His edible menus are often seasoned to taste like the main course. Dinners at Moto are priced at $240 per person for a meal consisting of a 20-course tasting menu with wine.

According to David Bernstein (New York Times), Cantu has applied for patents on more than 30 inventions, including a cooking box that steams fish. The tiny opaque box is made of super-insulating polymer which is heated to 350 degrees in an oven. A piece of raw fish is inserted and delivered to diners who watch the fish cook.

Summer fun

One of my hiking friends, Gloria Ashorn, has given up paper plates for summer picnics. She purchased colorful reusable plates, cups, etc., and takes them to the beach and even to the Elks annual picnic. It's the little things that all of us do that makes our planet and our lives more pleasant and sustainable. We thank you all

VALCORE Recycling Vice President Jane Bogner's "A Sorted Affair" is published every other week in the Times-Herald, Community Outlook Section. For recycling information call Genie Kaggerud, VALCORE Recycling manager at 645-8258 or visit www.VALCORErecycling.org.