Title: [GreenYes] National Asscoiation of Counties adopts Framework EPR policy
PRODUCT POLICY INSTITUTE:
FIRST NATIONAL POLICY SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK FOR
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION ADOPTED BY
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES
Kansas City, Missouri (July 15, 2008) - The National Association of Counties
today adopted the first national policy supporting a "framework" approach to
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). The groundbreaking national
resolution exemplifies growing support and momentum toward sustainable
production.
"NACo's adoption of the Extended Producer Responsibility framework is a
great step forward for our environment," says Commissioner Victoria
Reinhardt, Ramsey County, Minnesota. "Smart design protects the environment
and saves money by preventing costly waste."
Extended Producer Responsibility is a concept whereby product manufacturers
are primarily responsible for the life cycle impacts of their products. The
"framework" concept goes beyond product-by-product approach and establishes
consistent principles and procedures for product makers in order to achieve
producer-lead responsibility for sustainable product design and management.
Reinhardt was the author of the framework resolution for NACo, in addition
to three other product-specific producer responsibility resolutions for
paint, electronics, and mercury-containing lamps.
"NACo's resolution signals the beginning of the end of local governments
providing "free" disposal services to producers of toxic and throw-away
products," says Bill Sheehan, Executive Director, Product Policy Institute.
The Product Policy Institute works with local governments to support state
producer responsibility and comprehensive framework policies.
In January 2008, the California Integrated Waste Management Board was the
first state agency in the United States to adopt a framework for an Extended
Producer Responsibility system. With EPR implementation legislation expected
to be considered in California and several other states, and now with the
first national association of elected officials supporting the EPR
Framework, the effort toward achieving sustainable production gains
significant momentum.
"We are delighted that county elected officials from California and across
the country are united in supporting the need for product producers to
become part of the waste management solution," says Heidi Sanborn, Executive
Director, California Product Stewardship Council.
Both the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC) and the Product
Policy Institute are dedicated to reversing the trend of manufacturers
producing more disposable and toxic products every year.
The National Association of Counties adopted the resolution in support of an
EPR Framework approach at their annual meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact: Commissioner Victoria Reinhardt, 651-247-9958,
<mailto:victoria.reinhardt@no.address>
victoria.reinhardt@no.address Bill Sheehan, Product Policy Institute,
706-613-0710, <mailto:bill@no.address> bill@no.address (
<http://www.productpolicy.org> www.productpolicy.org). Heidi Sanborn, CPSC
<mailto:heidi@no.address> heidi@no.address (
<http://www.caproductstewardship.org> www.caproductstewardship.org),
916-485-7753.
See text at <http://www.productpolicy.org/resources/index.html>
http://www.productpolicy.org/resources/index.html
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Bill Sheehan
Executive Director
Product Policy Institute
P.O. Box 48433
Athens, GA 30604 USA
Tel: 706-613-0710
Email: <mailto:bill@no.address> bill@no.address
Web: <http://www.productpolicy.org/> www.productpolicy.org
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