[GreenYes] References on subsidies for virgin materials and energy

["Reindl, John" <Reindl@co.dane.wi.us>]

One good source of information are the reports of Green Scissors, found on
their web page at http://www.greenscissors.org/main.htm. Another is the
Welfare for Waste report on the GRRN site at
http://www.grrn.org/order/welfare4waste.html

However, many reports that deal with subsidies for virgin material and
energy generally do not include state and local subsidies. Some of these can
be substantial; Wisconsin, for example subsidies forestry within the state
to the tune of over $60 million a year, and perhaps at least double that.

John Reindl, Recycling Manager
Dane County, Wisconsin 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lori Stole [mailto:stole@hevanet.com]
> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 12:05 PM
> To: 'GreenYes'
> Subject: RE: [GreenYes] In 50 words or less, help me understand
> 
> 
> Can anyone recommend some good references about the subsidies 
> on virgin materials? 
> 
> - Lori
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-greenyes@grrn.org 
> [mailto:owner-greenyes@grrn.org]On Behalf
> Of Philip Prete
> Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2002 5:18 AM
> To: TomT; GreenYes
> Subject: RE: [GreenYes] In 50 words or less, help me understand
> 
> 
> Actually, more important than economies of scale are the 
> three simple words, "supply and demand."  The average 
> consumer (meaning large consumer) does not demand enough of 
> the product to drive manufacturers to reach economies of scale.
> 
> Another two words that tip the scales in favor of the 
> non-recycled paper are "virgin subsidies."  Prices for 
> recycled paper would pull much closer to virgin fiber 
> manufactured paper if the federal tax laws were re-written to 
> remove the advantage given to timber harvest over secondary 
> materials "harvest."
> 
> Of course this applies to virgin feedstocks for plastics, 
> metals and other extracted raw materials as well.
> 
>    -Phil
> 
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