One advantage that source reduction has over recycling is that
I believe that much more of it is cost effective at _current_
prices even though source reduction would also benefit from
incorporating costs that are currently externalized. As we
have learned from experience with understanding energy use and
efficiency, there are many barriers to the optimal functioning
of market mechanisms that create inefficiencies that can be
remedied through deliberate action (e.g. information, standards,
etc.). Such efforts cost money, but can be generally shown
to be very good investments for society.
Ironically, for much source reduction (not all of it though),
attention environmental impacts and externalities can distract
from close examination of costs already being incurred that
could be used as good rationales for source reduction. For
recycling though, quantification of the externalities does
seem to be an important part of policy-making.
--Bruce
Bruce Nordman
BNordman@LBL.gov
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
510-486-7089; fax: 510-486-4673
http://eande.lbl.gov/EAP/BEA/People/b_nordman.html