Greetings all,
Just a reminder … GRRN has launched
a new campaign about buying “renewable energy credits” (REC’s)
that are NOT from garbage-based energy, such as landfill gas or
incineration. The campaign, “Garbage is NOT Renewable Energy”,
is described briefly in the press release below, which I would encourage
everyone to forward to anyone you know that is buying REC’s.
Also, send folks to the GRRN website where there is a LOT more good technical
information on this topic. (http://www.grrn.org/landfill/notrenewableenergy/index.html)
Grazie,
Eric
For Immediate Release-- Friday, September 14, 2007
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
visit www.grrn.org for facts and
supporting documentation.
For quotes or information contact:
Eric Lombardi, GRRN Board President (303) 444-6634
Carly Weir, GRRN Board
Secretary (970) 668-5703
Linda Christopher, GRRN Executive Director (707)
321-7883