TURI logo TURI Newsletter
News from the Toxics Use Reduction Institute
at the University of Massachusetts Lowell 
May 2014 
Event Round-Up

Champions of Toxics Use Reduction Ceremony - June 10  

 


See the TURI Calendar for upcoming community grant events on organic land care and compost tea.
May's Featured Resource: TURI's Grant Programs
 
TURI provides grants to Massachusetts-based businesses, community organizations and academia to support initiatives that reduce toxic chemical use.

In addition to supporting the reduction of toxic chemical use, TURI grants provide the opportunity for organizations across the Commonwealth to learn from grantees' efforts.

Businesses receiving a TURI grant invite industry peers for a demonstration; community grantees invite public participation in their work; academic research grantees publish their results for other academic or industry researchers to build upon.

Learn more about TURI grants and see examples of past projects at
www.turi.org/grants.
 

 

TURI's free weekly e-bulletin features previews of recent publications and websites relevant to reducing the use of toxic chemicals.

 Like us on Facebook

Learn How a Massachusetts Company is Saving Money and Achieving Exceptional Results by Cleaning with Ozonated Water   

   

Do you have janitorial cleaning needs? Tired of spending money on a complicated chemical system with dilution requirements and different cleaners for different tasks?

 

If so, you don't want to miss this Raytheon demonstration. The company's Sustainability Coordinator will demonstrate the system and discuss how they: 

  • evaluated and chose the ozonated water system
  • are saving money and time
  • are realizing exceptional cleaning results

 

You'll also have an opportunity to speak with the facilities staff members who use the system.

 

Space is limited so register now. 

 

 

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Time: 1 to 3 PM

Location: Raytheon Company, 350 Lowell Street, Andover, MA

 

Who Should Attend

 

  • Health and Safety Managers
  • Sustainability Managers
  • Purchasing Agents
  • Small Business Managers
  • Janitorial Cleaning Professionals

Any organization with janitorial needs is encouraged to attend.

 

This event is free of charge, but space is limited. Please register. You must bring a valid ID.

 

2 TUR Credits are available for attending this event. Please bring a valid ID.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Joy Onasch, 978-934-4343

 

 

Grants Available

 

TURI Incentive Grant Special Focus: Conversion from nPB to Aqueous Cleaning


Chromium plating bath TURI's Incentive Grants are designed to help Massachusetts companies offset the cost of implementing a toxics use reduction option.

 

TURI considers all project ideas, but a special area of interest this year is conversion from n propyl bromide to an aqueous cleaning system for industrial parts cleaning. TURI will provide up to $30,000 and the system must be purchased and implemented within the grant period, July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

 

If you are interested in an Incentive Grant, please submit a short letter of intent to Pam Eliason, Industry Research Program Manager.

 

Visit our web site for more information or contact Pam Eliason.

 

N-propyl bromide (nPB) or 1-bromopropane, is a relatively new solvent that is used in vapor degreasing, metal cleaning, dry cleaning, as a solvent carrier in adhesives, and as a chemical intermediate. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies nPB as a volatile organic compound (VOC).

 

Use of nPB is increasing as an alternative for other solvents that have become more strictly regulated, such as methylene chloride, perchloroethylene (perc), and trichloroethylene (TCE). This trend is of concern because evidence has emerged linking nPB to a range of human health hazards. 

 

Read our recently updated Fact Sheet on n-propyl bromide.

 

 Apply for a TURI Community & Small Business Grant

 

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute is pleased to invite proposals from community organizations, municipal departments, small businesses, and regional and state-wide organizations or collaborative groups for support

La Chic Mentoring Plant-based Dye Workshop

under our Community and Small Business Grant Program.

  

You have the opportunity to create and promote healthier communities throughout the Commonwealth by initiating projects that make changes, raise awareness, and educate people about safer alternatives to toxic chemicals. 

  

State-wide or regional projects funded up to $20,000. Local projects funded up to $10,000. Submit your proposal by June 30. Download the application. 

  

Visit our web site for more information or contact Joy Onasch. 

2014/2015 Academic Research Grant RFP Now Available
 
TURI provides seed funding to faculty in the UMass system to initiate research that will lead to new opportunities for companies to reduce their use of toxic chemicals. The seed funding helps researchers gain additional funding to find safer alternatives.

 

The research has contributed to industry adoption of toxics use reduction, has resulted in patents and commercial products, and has contributed to TURI's goal of reducing the use of toxic chemicals to promote safer worker and environmental health.

 

Learn more and download the RFP. Submit your proposal by June 16, 2014. For any questions, please contact Pam Eliason at TURI.

 

If your business has a research need that might benefit from investigation and testing by academic research, please contact Pam Eliason to discuss the possibilities.

 

News Briefs
 

TURI Manager Joy Onasch was a featured guest on Debra Lynn Dadd's Toxic Free Talk Radio, speaking on "Can Dry Cleaning be Less Toxic?"