Staff Reporter

HISD Drops its Mask Mandate

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Houston ISD Superintendent Millard House II announced Monday that as of Tuesday, students will no longer be required to wear masks at school.

The change was anticipated after the Centers for Disease Control announced that it was now advising healthy people living in areas where the risk of contracting COVID-19 was thought to be low to medium that they could dispense with wearing masks indoors. This does not suspend the requirement to wear masks on public transportation and indoors in airports, train stations and bus stations.

In an email to principals, House said that:

“HISD is relaxing its mask mandate effective tomorrow, March 1, 2022. Masks within HISD schools, facilities, and school buses will become optional.

“Students, staff, and any other HISD stakeholders that may need an additional layer of protection or are exhibiting symptoms of a communicable disease are highly encouraged to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status. Anyone wanting to wear a mask can still request one when entering an HISD building.

“The district will continue to monitor all COVID-19 data and trends and will be prepared to update its protocols in the event of community or localized COVID-19 outbreaks and recommendations from health authorities.”
House also said the district will continue to clean and disinfect facilities daily and that it will continue to host testing and vaccination clinics.

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Failed Varian cleanup raises questions: Why did it take state regulators so long to rule cleanup of toxic chemicals is not working? | News

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

BEVERLY — In September 2000, city officials wanted Varian to test the bedrock on a certain section of its former property to see if that could be a source of the toxic chemicals spreading into the nearby neighborhood. The company pushed back, saying the tests weren’t necessary.

In November 2021 — more than two decades later — those tests were finally conducted. They revealed levels of the cancer-causing chemical trichloroethylene at 600,000 parts per billion. Experts say concerns about indoor air are raised when levels reach 300 parts per billion.

The high number helped trigger a dramatic ruling last week by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that Varian’s cleanup operation is not working, and in fact is in violation of state regulations. The agency ordered the company to develop a new plan and set a deadline of two years to solve the problem — or face fines if it doesn’t comply.

The turn of events raised obvious questions. Why weren’t those key bedrock tests conducted 20 years ago, and why did it take nearly three decades for state regulators to conclude that the cleanup, which began in 1992, is not working?

The answers lie in part in the state’s semi-privatized approach to cleaning up hazardous waste sites. Under a program passed by the state Legislature in 1993, businesses responsible for hazardous waste spills are required to hire private-sector engineers and scientists called “licensed site professionals,” or LSPs, to assess and clean up the mess.

The system essentially puts the polluters in charge of their own cleanup, with occasional oversight by MassDEP. Advocates of the program say it has worked well for the most part. But the interminable Varian cleanup, which has kept neighbors on edge for decades, has exposed flaws in the system.

The semi-privatized system, which was the first of its kind in the country, was intended to take the onus off an overwhelmed MassDEP staff. Advocates say the agency didn’t have the resources to handle the thousands of spills that occur every year, from small ones at gas stations and dry cleaners to large and complicated sites like the one at Varian.

Under the current system, businesses hire an LSP — there are 456 in Massachusetts — to do the work. According to MassDEP, more than 40,000 sites, an average of about 1,400 per year, have been cleaned up under the LSP program since 1993. Most of them take less than six years.

LSPs are licensed by a state board and are obligated to comply with state environmental regulations, according to Wendy Rundle, executive director of the LSP Association. But the LSPs are also paid by the companies that are responsible for the cleanup — companies that have an incentive to keep costs down.

Rundle acknowledged that there can be “tensions” between LSPs and their clients. But she also said LSPs make a commitment to protect the public’s health and safety, and that MassDEP and the licensing board provide oversight.

“While it might seem on the surface that there’s a conflict of interest, our experiences over 20 years show that the checks and balances in the system work,” she said.

The state LSP board, called the Board of Registration of Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup Professionals, investigates complaints against LSPs and hands out discipline. It’s unclear, however, how often investigations are carried out — the summary of disciplinary actions listed on the board’s website was last updated in 2013.

The system of oversight has obviously been lax at the Varian site at 150 Sohier Road, where thousands of gallons of toxic chemicals were dumped in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s. The company and the state stopped holding public meetings on the cleanup years ago, while the LSPs working for Varian continued to file reports saying the cleanup is “progressing.”

It was not until two years ago, when the public began paying attention to the cleanup after a series of Salem News stories revealed that chemical levels were still high, that MassDEP began taking a closer look.

In the “notice of noncompliance” issued last week, MassDEP Deputy Regional Director Stephen Johnson pointed out several problems with the cleanup, including the fact that Varian had not tested the bedrock as the city had requested 20 years ago. He also said Varian has been using the wrong goal to measure its progress; using a treatment that the company once said was the “lowest rated” option; and injecting solutions to clean up the underground chemicals into the same wells it uses to monitor the chemical levels, a practice that can skew the test results.

Overall, Johnson concluded that the cleanup has failed to adequately characterize the extent of the contamination and to control or eliminate the sources of contamination — leaving residents to still worry whether the chemicals could get into their homes.

A MassDEP spokesman did not respond to questions for this story about why the agency did not discover those flaws earlier.

One other consequence of the privatized system is that the public has no idea how much money is being spent on a cleanup. MassDEP says it is not involved in the contract between the LSP and the “potentially responsible party” — in this case Varian Medical Systems — and the contract does not have to be submitted to the state.

Varian Medical Systems, one of three companies that split off from the original Varian, is the world’s leading provider of cancer-care equipment and software. Last year, the California-based company was acquired by Siemens Healthineers AG of Germany for a reported $16.4 billion.

A spokesman for Varian declined to say how much money the company has spent on the cleanup, other than to call it a “long, complex and costly process.” The company said it disagrees with MassDEP’s conclusion that the cleanup is not working, and said testing by both Varian and DEP has consistently shown “no significant risk to the neighborhood.”

“The health and safety of the area’s residents has always been our primary concern,” the company said.

Staff Writer Paul Leighton can be reached at 978-338-2535, by email at [email protected], or on Twitter at @heardinbeverly.

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Duct Cleaning Gets HVAC Contractors Into the Home | 2022-02-28

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Duct Cleaning Gets HVAC Contractors Into the Home | 2022-02-28 | ACHR News

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New IPCC Report Doubles Down on Water Crisis

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Vice President, River Conservation Strategies

The dry Sonoita Creek creekbed along the Blackhawk Trail in the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area, Pima County, Arizona | Photo by Colleen Miniuk

The IPCC report released today is yet another urgent alarm bell, urging us to wake up to the real dangers of climate change that communities across the globe are already experiencing. Climate change is bringing severe consequences – from increasing floods and failing dams that endanger entire communities, to droughts and tapped-out water supplies that put people, industries, economies and ecosystems at risk.

What is clear is that the climate crisis is a water crisis. Failing dams, flooded homes and dried up rivers will be our future unless we take action now. Just, equitable adaptation for communities, rivers and clean water are achievable and are essential to our collective health, safety, and future.

The threats are real. To address them we must commit to climate adaptation now for communities and ecosystems to thrive in an era of climate change.

Here’s a breakdown:

Threats

Climate change is already wreaking havoc on communities and their rivers and water supplies

Methane-Producing Dams: More than 90,000 dams turn free-flowing rivers across the U.S. into stagnant impoundments that release methane, a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Failing infrastructure: Major flooding and hurricanes have caused dozens of dams to fail in the Carolinas, and Michigan’s Edenville Dam failed catastrophically in 2020. Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe flooding at a time when U.S. dams are aging and outdated.

Rivers running dry: The Colorado River – which supports a $1.4 trillion economy and drinking water for 40 million people – is in crisis due to climate change and decades of overallocation. The river is so over-burdened it no longer reaches the sea.

Disastrous flooding: Record flooding along the Mississippi River in 2019 caused $20 billion in damage to people’s homes, farms and businesses in the floodplain. As flood risk grows with climate change, so does the risk to anyone living in harm’s way.

Let’s Stay In Touch

We’re hard at work for your rivers and clean water. Sign up to get the most important news affecting water and rivers delivered right to your inbox. You’ll also receive monthly news and action alerts for rivers around the country.

Solutions

Protecting and restoring our rivers and freshwater creates stronger communities and is key to climate resilience

Safeguard clean water through green, natural infrastructure: To manage its increasingly intense rainstorms and related polluted stormwater and sewage spills, the City of Atlanta committed to investing in natural or “green’ infrastructure to slow, store and filter the water, protect intown communities from flooding and improve quality of life.

Reconnect rivers through floodplain restoration: In California’s Central Valley, restoring the floodplain gives the San Joaquin River room to move, increasing capacity to hold floodwaters while creating wildlife habitat and recharging groundwater supplies.

Protect healthy, free-flowing rivers: On South Carolina’s Waccamaw River, protecting land from development and establishing a blue trail has improved flood protection and increased access to nearby nature for community recreation.

Remove harmful and unnecessary dams: More than 1,900 dams have been removed nationwide. Demolition of four dams on Oregon and California’s Klamath River is set to begin in 2023 to restore endangered salmon runs, thanks to leadership from the Yurok, Karuk, Klamath and other tribes. The Klamath is a prime example of how dismantling dams, reducing reservoir methane emissions, addressing historic injustices against Tribal Nations and building climate resilient rivers go hand-in-hand.

The dry creek bed of Cienega Creek in the Cienega Creek Natural Preserve, Pima County, Arizona | Photo by Colleen Miniuk

The IPCC report calls on us to focus our attention on climate change impacts and to finally make the commitment to adaptation to give communities, rivers, ecosystems a chance to thrive in the face of climate change. Decision makers at every level must prioritize protection of rivers and water resources and, in doing so, protect people and communities. This moment demands transformation in the way we manage, care for and connect with our rivers and clean water that are essential to all life.

American Rivers released a Rivers and Climate Policy Statement in November. Read more.

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Four Ways That Offices Are Becoming More Sustainable

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

While Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk scramble to colonize Mars, most of us here on Earth are contending with the reality that we’ve only got one planet to live on. The COVID-19 pandemic forced people around the world to realize that an impending health crisis can shift from a faraway abstract threat to an in-your-face reality fast, so it’s no wonder that people are now viewing the ongoing climate crisis with a increased sense of urgency. With this renewed awareness for their physical well-being, employees all over are beginning to realize that the climate crisis can directly impact their individual health, so they’re more willing to work in an office that strives for environmental sustainability.

NEXT Energy Technologies, which surveyed over 600 remote employees, senior managers, and C-suite decision-makers examined how employees want a healthier and more sustainable office once COVID-19 finally fades away (which hopefully will be very soon). “Employees,” the report says, “want the sustainable office of the future, and if they don’t get it, they’re willing to change jobs.” Sustainable practices in the office are no longer a fad, they’re now a tenable measure to coax employees back into the office, and office developers might be pleasantly surprised at the amount of cost-savings these measures can provide.

Biophilic design

It is not just the growing number of amature gardeners that want greenery, office employees are hankering for plants as well. Biophilia, or the rationale that humans have an innate desire to interact with nature, is a design trend that has risen in popularity thanks to its sustainability and the medley of health benefits it provides (such as lowered stress and increased cognition). The crux of biophilic design is that by incorporating natural elements into the aesthetic of a given space, the inhabitants of the space foster a stronger bond with nature, and thus begin to care more about the environment. It’s a nudge in the ecological sustainability direction.

Biophilic office design is more than plopping a houseplant into a cubicle, it’s a concept that has been acknowledged by the scientific and design sectors for decades, and by the general public for hundreds of years. Lush green spaces with abundant plants, water features, and natural materials not only provide a significant mood boost to the people who inhabit the space, it lowers a development’s carbon footprint and better regulates building temperatures.

Biophilic design has long been thought of as a luxury for property owners who want to provide the greatest possible working environment for their staff or who want to demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship. However, based on well-researched neurological and physiological evidence, bringing nature into the built environment is not a mere indulgence, but an investment in health and productivity that makes financial sense. Even small investments which involve very low up-front costs, such as providing employees access to ample daylight, natural views, and plants can provide healthy returns. For instance, “integrating quality daylighting schemes into an office space can save over $2,000 per employee per year in office cost,” according to a peer-reviewed paper by Terrapin Bright Green LLC.

Integrating AI and IoT

Incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT) into the workplace can aid in improving overall energy efficiency. In a virtual panel discussion about the Future of Workplaces, Jeremy Sheldon, JLL’s Head of Leasing in Asia Pacific explained that buildings today have “a whole plethora of systems for functions such as measuring air temperature, indoor air quality, traffic patterns, and space occupancy,” to generate an enormous amount of data which can lead to more efficient decision-making.

AI gives the exclusive advantage of providing a building manager or property owner with the means to tailor building systems to meet sustainability goals. That efficient decision-making Sheldon was referring to can include drastically reducing energy consumption by automating a building’s HVAC system to make continuous adjustments to keep temperatures in a predetermined range depending on the time of day, outside temps, and the number of people in a given space. In another example, AI systems can offer a better understanding of how much light is required for a given space and how long it needs to be on for.

Smart windows

One of the fundamentals of environmentally sustainable design is to work from the outside in, improve the structure before tuning the space. Substituting energy efficient smart glazing windows for inefficient glazing parts of buildings has a lot of promise to reduce energy consumption for lighting and temperature management. Because of that, the smart window is one of the most essential design aspects of today’s sustainable building envelope.

Smart windows which use a glazing of millions of micromirrors can adjust their tint based on cloud cover and sun angle, allowing more light in while decreasing heat and glare. Not only that, they can lessen the heavy-lifting of the building’s HVAC system by directing solar radiation into the room they are built into. In the summer, if there’s no one present in the room, the smart window switches up to keep the solar heat out of the space. When the smart window does sense people in the room, the glazing in the windows reflects the daylight into the ceiling, effectively keeping the room both illuminated and cool. In the wintertime, smart windows shift to radiation heaters, reflecting solar heat throughout the room to lower heating costs. When the smart window detects a person in the room during the colder months, it continues reflecting radiation to heat the room, but points it at the ceiling to minimize the glare.

While property managers and owners can smile at the amount of money and energy they can save by investing in smart windows, employees will also be pleased. Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor in the Department of Design and Environmental Analysis at Cornell University, found that exposure to natural light, which smart windows are designed to maximize more so than traditional windows, can reduce headaches by 63 percent, drowsiness by 56 percent, and eye strain by 51 percent. While employee comfort may seem irrelevant when it comes to sustainability, there’s a consistent correlation between eco-conscious measures and increased worker productivity. Frankly, it’s probably the best argument for implementing sustainable practices.

See also

Recycling wastewater

Recycling wastewater (or “blackwater”) may not sound appealing at first, but it’s gaining traction as a sustainability practice in commercial office development. As surprising as this one may sound, six in ten employees would prefer a universal adoption of 100 percent water recycling in offices, according to a survey conducted by JLL.

Commercial buildings generally use a massive amount of water, and toilet water alone takes up around 63 percent of office building’s water consumption. Recycled wastewater for non-potable use (like industrial processes, irrigation, and, yes, toilet flushes) has been shown to be an efficient and effective method of generating a new and reliable water supply without endangering public health, and will only become more popular in the future.

Recycling wastewater can involve a complex filtration process that includes microorganisms which feed on the organic matter in the wastewater, a series of filters to remove pollutants, and UV light to destroy contaminants. As this is a relatively new advent for commercial buildings, there are significant up-front costs with installing equipment that can treat the wastewater, the long-term cost and energy savings are well worth the expense. Recycling wastewater on-site saves money and energy by reducing the expense of pumping and transporting water to be treated elsewhere. More importantly, reusing water within buildings reduces the strain on city water supplies.

The initiative of water recycling in offices is becoming an increasingly popular sustainability initiative as well as a wise hedge against rising costs and water shortages in the event of persisting droughts. One of the more recent examples of offices opting to recycle wastewater is the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, which uses a network of pipes to filter the dirty water generated by the structure’s daily activities and return it as clean, non-potable water for toilets and drip irrigation. By doing so, Salesforce’s goal of cutting their corporate water use in half is becoming more of a reality.

The pandemic was not the cause of the demand for sustainable offices, but it definitely accelerated it. Offices are becoming greener, not just in response to increased pressure on businesses to fulfill their commitments to sustainability and net-zero carbon emissions, but because it’s becoming increasingly apparent that it’s a solid tactic to attract new talent.

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Dept. of Military Affairs: February 28 – March 4 is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

MADISON, Wis. — As winter melts away to spring, it also marks a return to flood season. Flooding from melting snow or heavy rain is one of the most common and most costly natural hazards in Wisconsin.

To encourage everyone in the state to be prepared, Gov. Tony Evers has declared Feb. 28 – March 4 Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. ReadyWisconsin and the Department of Health Services asks everyone in the state to take this week to assess their flood risk and learn how to protect themselves before, during, and after a flood.

“Floodwaters can rise in a matter of seconds, creating a potentially life-threatening situation,” said Greg Engle, acting Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator. “People often underestimate the force and power of water. Since 2010, more than a dozen people in the state lost their lives during flooding. The more people heed warnings and avoid flooded areas, the more lives we can save.”

Much of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drought conditions, but heavy rainfalls can still produce flooding quickly. While you can’t always stop the waters from rising, the following tips can help improve safety for you and your community before a flood:

Know your flood risk. Assess the potential for flooding on your property if you live in a flood plain or near a body of water, or have a basement. Plan with your family for what you will do if the floodwaters begin to rise.

Build a “Go Kit.” Include items such as food, water, cash, medications and copies of important documents (personal identification like passports and birth certificates, medical records, insurance policies, and financial documents).

Make an emergency plan — If you can’t make it home or need to leave quickly, identify a meeting place for your family. Make a list of emergency numbers and important contacts.

Keep water out of your house. Clean gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from your foundation, repair cracks in your foundation, improve grading so water flows away from your house, and cover window wells.

Investigate flood insurance. Standard insurance policies generally do not cover flooding. Most flood coverage requires 30 days to take effect. Find more information about flood insurance options at https://www.floodsmart.gov/.

Move valuables out of the basement. Store important records and documents in waterproof containers on upper levels of your home.

Follow these tips during and after a flood:

Stay up to date on the forecast. Identify multiple ways to receive alerts about dangerous weather conditions and potential flooding, such as a NOAA Weather Radio, trusted local news outlets, and mobile weather apps.

Never drive or walk through flooded areas — turn around, don’t drown! Just six inches of fast-moving water can sweep adults off their feet, while 12 inches can carry away a small car. Be especially careful while driving at night.

Take steps to protect your health:

Stay out of floodwaters, which can contain bacteria from human and animal waste, sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, downed power lines, and other dangerous items.

If your home floods, follow cleaning and disinfection guidelines to avoid mold growth.

If the power goes out for more than four hours, throw out refrigerated food or any food that came into contact with floodwater.

If your drinking water well is flooded, disinfect the well and test the water to make sure it’s safe before drinking it.

If you use a generator, keep it outside at least 20 feet from your home to avoid illness or death from carbon monoxide, which can occur in enclosed spaces.

For more information on Flood Safety Awareness Week, and for safety information throughout the year, go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

Follow @ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, Twitter, and readywisconsin on Instagram.

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RGF Global Campaign Encourages IAQ Awareness | 2022-02-28

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

RGF Global Campaign Encourages IAQ Awareness | 2022-02-28 | ACHR News

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10 Best Water Filters and Purifiers of 2022

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

When it comes to getting your daily dose of water in, ensuring you’re drinking clean, safe water is key. But how can you be sure your water is safe? The best water filters and purifiers will not only help remove unwanted contaminants from your glass, but they’ll also offer peace of mind.

“We’ve all heard the horror stories of the things found in our drinking water, everything from lead and chlorine to industrial contaminants, pesticides, and even pharmaceuticals,” says Kellyann Petrucci, M.D., celebrity nutritionist and author of Bone Broth Diet. These contaminants can lead to extreme sickness and health issues, making it crucial to drink the cleanest water possible.

And one of the best ways to do so is by adding a water filter or purifier into your daily routine. “Most filters work by trapping and absorbing contaminants and other substances in the filter,” explains Dr. Petrucci. “More advanced filtration systems can also remove pesticides and bacteria.”

Some systems work to remove even more. “Some products use a reverse osmosis process,” says Dr. Petrucci. “This involves a tool using pressure to push water through a semipermeable (only certain particles) membrane layer that has pores small enough to trap contaminants but big enough to allow water to pass through,” she explains.

How to choose the best water filter and purifiers

When it comes to shopping for water filters and purifiers, experts say there are a few things to consider:

✔️ Research your tap water. “You should research the quality of the water that comes out of your tap,” advises Dr. Petrucci. “Knowing the source of your water and the contaminants in your particular source will help you choose what type of filter or purifier you will need to get the level of clean water you want.”

✔️ Look for special features. Different water purifiers and filters will offer various features like special carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, and more. Look for one that will best fit your specific needs.

✔️ Weigh the costs. “Look at the cost of the water system and the replacement filters,” says Petrucci. “This will help you determine what pick filters out the most contaminants within your budget,” she adds.

Ready to quench your thirst with some clean water? We’ve rounded up top-rated and expert-approved water filters and purifiers that will take your water to the next level.

1

BEST OVERALL

Everyday Water Filter Pitcher

“This is what I use, it’s inexpensive, fits easily in my small NYC refrigerator, and it’s certified to reduce chlorine, copper, mercury, and cadmium,” says Keri Gans, R.D., nutrition consultant and author of The Small Change Diet. “Plus, the water tastes great,” she adds.

2

BEST COUNTERTOP

Pro Stainless Steel Water Filtration System

“This is a stainless steel countertop water filter with a 2.25-gallon fresh water capacity, providing more filtered water than pitchers and dispensers designed for the refrigerator,” says Dr. Petrucci. “In addition, the filter also improves the taste of tap water, filters out lead and chlorine, as well as viruses, bacteria, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals,” she adds.

3

BEST BOTTLE

Water Bottle with Filter

With a whopping 4.7-star rating and over 25,000 rave reviews, this water bottle is worth every penny. It can hold up to 36 ounces of water and features a built-in carrying loop, an easy to open lid, and a unique Brita filter that fits inside the straw. The brand notes that it reduces chlorine and gives you fresh-tasting water in every sip. Plus, it’s even a Prevention Pick—so you know it’s good.

4

BEST REVERSE WATER OSMOSIS

RO-90 Ultimate Series Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

“This APEC water system has a very affordable reverse osmosis technology, but it does require installation,” says Dr. Petrucci. It also has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, making it a customer favorite. This filter delivers twice the amount of cleaning and bacteria removal, thanks to the large size, according to the brand.

5

BEST FILTER FOR SINK FAUCET

PLUS Faucet Mount Water Filtration System

If you enjoy the ease of drinking water straight from the tap, you’ll definitely need this handy tool. It’s designed to be attached to the faucet and includes a unique mineral core technology that filters water over natural minerals for a refreshing, clean taste. Certified by the NSF (National Sanitation Foundation), this water filter will help remove 70 contaminants, including lead and mercury (according to the brand).

6

Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration and Purification Systems

7

Sport Water Filter Bottle

“I love Berkey and the fact that they have a portable water bottle is truly amazing. It’s easy to use and just requires a little bit more suction,” wrote one Amazon customer. The bottle also uses the same special filtration design found in the brand’s popular outdoor gravity filtration systems. From streams to lakes, the brand notes that this water bottle filter will work to remove many harmful contaminants.

8

Water Filter Pitcher

Unlike a traditional water pitcher, this pick can fit a large amount of water—and clean up to 150 gallons before replacing! It’s designed with advanced filtration technology that helps remove chlorine, mercury, and lead. The filter is also infused with Japanese activated carbon technology, proven to work 10-12 times better than any other carbon filters, according to the brand.

9

SP2129 Micro Squeeze Water Filtration System

Ideal for those always on the go, this filter pick is lightweight, can fit into the palm of your hand, and is super powerful. The brand notes that it can remove 99.9% of bacteria, including salmonella, cholera, and E. coli. The best part? It can be screwed onto any standard-size disposable water bottle.

10

Glass Slim Pitcher

This beautiful water pitcher will make a great addition to your countertop! It has a sleek and lightweight design, made from 100% coconut shell carbon (making it an environmentally friendly pick). And the spout was designed to prevent spills and drips. The filter also helps to reduce 90% of chlorine.

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Canada’s vision for a resilient North American trade relationship

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

When the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world two years ago, it catapulted us into one of the most difficult periods in modern memory, irrevocably changing lives and livelihoods around the globe. While we are not out of the woods yet, and face renewed difficulties with emerging variants, we have begun to look forward to how we might rebuild the prosperity of our nations and create even more durable economies moving forward.

One thing is certain, we will be better off moving forward and were better able to address the pandemic, thanks to the vibrant, unique trilateral trade relationship between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Allow me to share just one striking example: Houston-based company Integrated Viral Protection (IVP).

IVP leaped to the fore a few weeks into the pandemic, with an innovative air filtration system. But they couldn’t produce this new system alone. That’s where our North American Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA) came in. Together with three manufacturing companies — the United States’ Dust Free, Canada’s Engineering CPR, and Mexico’s Instalaciones y Especialidades Metalicas — IVP launched a transcontinental partnership to create the award-winning Biodefense Indoor Air Protection System that traps the COVID-19 virus using high heat.

While CUSMA has helped lift the weight of this particular crisis, it was created to address many broader issues. Whether it’s climate change, or maintaining North America’s competitive advantage, we have the best shot at tackling even the most pressing global challenges when we engage our collective strength, resilience, and innovation. When we look to recovery – one which has sustainability and inclusivity at its core – we will be better equipped to support our workers, businesses, and communities by leveraging the opportunities provided through CUSMA.

Thanks to CUSMA, those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic – our nations’ small and medium-sized businesses, women, and underrepresented communities — are better positioned to benefit from international trade. On top of this, CUSMA incorporates strong labor and environmental obligations, which will be crucial to our long-term competitiveness. Importantly, its clear dispute settlement mechanisms will help hold us accountable.

What’s more, CUSMA and the stability it yields for our North American economic partnership — where US$110 million in trilateral trade still happens every hour — uniquely positions our industries to leverage our strengths and collaborate, especially in the fast-growing sectors of the future such as critical minerals and clean-tech, and make real, collective progress to tackle climate change. Whether it’s building electric vehicles or developing world-leading clean hydrogen technologies, our cross-border collaboration can make us a hub for innovation to in turn, export to, and compete with the world.

Bolstering our deeply integrated supply chains, and decades-long collaboration through CUSMA, will reinforce our domestic economic security and ensure that the prosperity that flows from international trade begins here, with our North American partnership, and continues to benefit our businesses, industries, people, and communities.

Of course, in any partnership, differences will arise, as they have recently with proposed protectionist measures in both the U.S. and Mexico. But we’ve been here before, and navigating these differences can make our trilateral relationship stronger. Time and again we have met conflict with goodwill and faith and used the mechanisms negotiated between us to maintain rules-based trade. And thanks to this careful work, our companies, workers, and their families are better able to feel secure in their futures.

As is the case with fighting COVID-19, our nations will not be able to achieve long-term growth and prosperity without working together. So, let’s lean into our strengths, resources, and unique trilateral relationship to strengthen the bridges between our countries and improve the well-being of our peoples and economies.

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Walmart’s ‘exclusive access’ sale for Walmart+ members offers huge savings

February 28, 2022 by Staff Reporter

Walmart has launched a sale offering deep discounts exclusively for Walmart+ members.

Walmart last week launched a special online shopping event exclusively for Walmart+ members.

Walmart said it will be offering “some of the most sought-after products for spring” at “Black Friday-like prices.”

Walmart+ members can save up to 40% not only on game consoles but also electronics, fitness, home goods and apparel.

Walmart+ costs $98 a year or $12.95 a month. It includes free delivery from a store, free shipping with no minimum and special promotions.

You can see all of the current deals here.

Here are some highlights:

Lenovo Ideapad 3I 14-inch laptop, Windows 11, on sale for $399. (You save $300)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Lenovo Ideapad 3I 14-inch laptop, Windows 11, on sale for $399. (You save $300)

Shark Pet Plus Cordless stick vacuum with self-cleaning brush roll and power fins technology, on sale for $158. (You save $121)

Margaritaville Bahamas frozen drink machine, on sale for $188.89. (You save $21)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Margaritaville Bahamas frozen drink machine, on sale for $188.89. (You save $21)

Coway Airmega 200m true HEPA air purifier with 361 square feet of coverage, on sale for $147. (You save $82)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Coway Airmega 200m true HEPA air purifier with 361 square feet of coverage, on sale for $147. (You save $82)

NordicTrack Studio Bike 1000 with 10-inch touchscreen and 30-day iFIT family membership, on sale for $799. (You save $401)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the NordicTrack Studio Bike 1000 with 10-inch touchscreen and 30-day iFIT family membership, on sale for $799. (You save $401)

The Pioneer Woman 25-piece ceramic nonstick aluminum easy clean cookware, on sale for $109. (You save $50). Comes in red, green and teal.

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Pioneer Woman 25-piece ceramic nonstick aluminum easy clean cookware, on sale for $109. (You save $50). Comes in red, green and teal.

Ninja Nutri-Blender with one to-go cup, on sale for $34. (You save $25)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Ninja Nutri-Blender with one to-go cup, on sale for $34. (You save $25)

Melissa & Doug United States map floor puzzle, on sale for $6.16. (You save $6.83)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Melissa & Doug United States map floor puzzle, on sale for $6.16. (You save $6.83)

Melissa & Doug dinosaurs 4-in-1 wooden jigsaw puzzles in a storage box, on sale for $6.97. (You save $5.02)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Melissa & Doug dinosaurs 4-in-1 wooden jigsaw puzzles in a storage box, on sale for $6.97. (You save $5.02)

Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Rescue Mission wooden dashboard, on sale for $21.68. (You save $32.31)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Rescue Mission wooden dashboard, on sale for $21.68. (You save $32.31)

HART multiple drive 270-piece mechanics tool set, on sale for $108. (You save $71)

Included in the exclusive deals for Walmart+ members is the HART multiple drive 270-piece mechanics tool set, on sale for $108. (You save $71)

Walmart+ members can get access to this Instant Pot multicooker plus air fryer for $94.

Igloo 56-can reactor soft-sided cooler tote, $44. (You save $30.99)

Chefman Digital air fryer + rotisserie, 10L, $78. (You save $50)

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