National Movement to Stop Buying Energy from Garbage
Zero Waste Advocates say renewable energy credits may be supporting the destruction of natural resources and the polluting practices of burning and burying garbage.
The GrassRoots Recycling Network (GRRN) warns that well-meaning public and business leaders working to offset their carbon emissions may be inadvertently spending money on renewable energy credits (RECs) that support the destruction of natural resources and the polluting practices of burning and burying garbage.
Landfill and incineration industries have lobbied to have the greenhouse gas emissions from their facilities considered "green energy," worthy of tax credits similar to the ones given to solar and wind energy projects. In fact, "garbage-to-energy" is now being legally classified in numerous states as a "renewable" energy source. Eric Lombardi, GRRN Board President says "This is in direct opposition to the goal of the Zero Waste Movement -- to eliminate waste, not enshrine it as a renewable resource."
GRRN Board Member Carly Weir says "Giving tax credits and subsidies to the garbage industry competes against wind, solar and recycling projects, and creates a financial reward for producing garbage and destroying natural resources. In the battle against climate change, we need to act decisively against waste and greenhouse gas emissions by eliminating, not just reducing these sources, and giving priority to clean, carbon-free energy."
GRRN asserts that ultimately reducing waste is still the best decision for the environment and the economy. Communities and institutions would be better served by committing to zero waste goals and keeping compostable organics out of the landfill in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally consumers and institutions can purchase RECs from carbon offset companies that provide waste-free energy.
GRRN has a list of waste-free carbon offset and renewable energy providers along with action steps for college and institutions at www.grrn.org.
For more information: www.grrn.org
Eric Lombardi, GRRN Board President (303) 444-6634
Carly Weir, GRRN Board Secretary (970) 668-5703
Linda Christopher, GRRN Executive Director (707) 321-7883
September 14, 2007