zero waste: a stepping stone to a sustainable guernsey paul connett, phd paul connett, phd executive...

Zero Waste: Zero Waste: A Stepping A Stepping Stone to a Sustainable Stone to a Sustainable

GuernseyGuernsey

Paul Connett, PhDPaul Connett, PhDExecutive DirectorExecutive Director

AmericanAmericanHealthHealthStudies.oStudies.orgrg

[email protected]

Guernsey, February 23, 2010Guernsey, February 23, 2010

mailto:[email protected]

Since 1985Since 1985 I have given over 2000 pro bono I have given over 2000 pro bono

presentations on waste to presentations on waste to communities in 52 countries, communities in 52 countries, includingincluding

49 states in the US, 49 states in the US, 7 provinces in Canada, 7 provinces in Canada, 189 cities in Italy… 189 cities in Italy…

Paul ConnettPaul Connettha parlatoha parlato

in in 189 citta’189 citta’

And on And on Jan 12, 2010, I Jan 12, 2010, I gave a presentation gave a presentation (Zero (Zero Waste: Theory and Practice Waste: Theory and Practice Around the World) Around the World) before before the Division for Sustainable the Division for Sustainable Development at the United Development at the United NationsNations

ISLANDS: ISLANDS: PC has spoken PC has spoken ononGuam,Guam,

Hawaii (Big Island, Kawai, Maui, Ohau),Hawaii (Big Island, Kawai, Maui, Ohau),

Ireland/ Northern Ireland Ireland/ Northern Ireland

Isle of Man, Isle of Man,

Mauritius,Mauritius,

Prince Edward Island (Canada),Prince Edward Island (Canada),

Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Puerto Rico, St. Martin,

Sardinia, Sicily and VentotenneSardinia, Sicily and Ventotenne

OUTLINEOUTLINE

1. A few words about Sustainability1. A few words about Sustainability

2. Ten Steps to Zero Waste2. Ten Steps to Zero Waste

3. Zero Waste progress around the 3. Zero Waste progress around the worldworld

4. Arguments against incineration4. Arguments against incineration

5. Linking Zero Waste to Sustainability 5. Linking Zero Waste to Sustainability

6. Back to the Big Picture6. Back to the Big Picture

DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT QUESTIONSDIFFERENT QUESTIONS

2020thth CENTURY CENTURY

WASTE WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we get rid How do we get rid of our waste of our waste

efficiently with efficiently with minimum damage to minimum damage to our health and the our health and the

environment ?”environment ?”

2121stst CENTURY CENTURY

RESOURCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we handle our How do we handle our discarded resources in discarded resources in

ways which do not ways which do not deprive future deprive future

generations of some, if generations of some, if not all, of their value ?”not all, of their value ?”

DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT TIMES DEMAND DIFFERENT QUESTIONSDIFFERENT QUESTIONS

2020thth CENTURY CENTURY

WASTE WASTE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we get rid How do we get rid of our waste of our waste

efficiently with efficiently with minimum damage to minimum damage to our health and the our health and the

environment ?”environment ?”

2121stst CENTURY CENTURY

RESOURCE RESOURCE MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

“ “ How do we handle our How do we handle our discarded resources in discarded resources in

ways which do not ways which do not deprive future deprive future

generations of some, if generations of some, if not all, of their value ?”not all, of their value ?”

The key issueThe key issuewas SAFETYwas SAFETY

The key issue isThe key issue isSUSTAINABILIYSUSTAINABILIY

SustainabilitySustainability We would need We would need FOUR planetsFOUR planets if if

every one consumed as much as every one consumed as much as the average the average AmericanAmerican

We would need We would need TWO planetsTWO planets if if every one consumed as much as every one consumed as much as the average the average EuropeanEuropean

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, India, China etcIndia, China etc. are . are copying our consumption patternscopying our consumption patterns

Something has got to change and Something has got to change and the best place to start is with the best place to start is with wastewaste

We are living on We are living on this planet as if this planet as if we had another we had another

one to go toone to go to

We cannot run a throwaway society We cannot run a throwaway society on a finite planeton a finite planet

Waste is the evidence that we are Waste is the evidence that we are doing something wrongdoing something wrong

Landfills Landfills BURYBURY the evidence the evidence

IncineratorsIncinerators BURNBURN the evidencethe evidence

We need to face the real We need to face the real problem…problem…

Our real task is to fight Our real task is to fight over-consumptionover-consumption

““The world has enough The world has enough for everyone’s for everyone’s needneedbut not for everyone’s but not for everyone’s greedgreed””

Mahatma GandhiMahatma Gandhi

Not only is Not only is over-consumptionover-consumption

giving us a local waste giving us a local waste crisis crisis

but also…but also…

… … a Global crisis a Global crisis

Global warming is a symptom Global warming is a symptom Over-consumption is the causeOver-consumption is the cause

The Global Crisis:The Global Crisis:

Since the Industrial Since the Industrial Revolution Revolution we have we have imposed a imposed a linear societylinear society on a planet that on a planet that functions in circlesfunctions in circles

Extraction Extraction ProductionProductionConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

A LINEAR SOCIETYA LINEAR SOCIETY

Extraction Extraction ProductionProductionConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

Advertising/TVAdvertising/TV

Over-advertisingOver-advertisingproducesproducesOver-consumptionOver-consumption

By the time a high schoolstudent leaves school, he or she

will have watched over350,000 TV commercials.

Paul Hawken The Ecology of Commerce.

MythMyth versus versus RealityReality

THE MYTH:THE MYTH: The more you consume the The more you consume the

happier you becomehappier you become THE REALITY:THE REALITY: The more you consume the fatter The more you consume the fatter

you become!you become! And the more waste you produceAnd the more waste you produce

Extraction ofExtraction ofVirginVirgin

MaterialsMaterials

Production ofProduction ofManufacturedManufactured

itemsitemsConsumptionConsumption WasteWaste

Solid wasteSolid waste

Air pollutionAir pollution

Water pollutionWater pollution

Carbon dioxideCarbon dioxide

ENERGYENERGY

A LINEAR SOCIETYA LINEAR SOCIETY


MaterialsMaterials


itemsitemsConsumptionConsumption

DiscardedDiscardedMaterialsMaterials









ENERGYENERGY ENERGYENERGY


MaterialsMaterials













GLOBAL WARMINGGLOBAL WARMING


MaterialsMaterials














How do waste management How do waste management practices affect this picture?practices affect this picture?


MaterialsMaterials













LANDFILLSLANDFILLS


LandfillsLandfillsare are NOTNOT

SustainableSustainable


MaterialsMaterials













INCINERATION INCINERATION


Incinerators Incinerators are are NOTNOT

SustainableSustainable


MaterialsMaterials













OTHER THERMAL DESTRUCTION FACILITIES OTHER THERMAL DESTRUCTION FACILITIES



MaterialsMaterials














RECYCLING OF MATERIALSRECYCLING OF MATERIALS


MaterialsMaterials














REUSE OF OBJECTSREUSE OF OBJECTS


MaterialsMaterials














COMPOSTINGCOMPOSTING

COMPOSTCOMPOST

Kg Greenhouse gas/tonne Kg Greenhouse gas/tonne Municipal WasteMunicipal Waste

A combination of recycling A combination of recycling and composting and composting is 46 times is 46 times betterbetter

-461-461

at reducing greenhouse at reducing greenhouse gases thangases than X 46X 46Incineration generating Incineration generating electrictyelectricty -10-10

Waste Management Options and Climate Change. AEA 2001

OTHER OTHER arguments arguments against incinerationagainst incineration

1) It is a waste of energy1) It is a waste of energy

2) It is a poor economic investment 2) It is a poor economic investment

3) Very few jobs created for very large 3) Very few jobs created for very large capital investmentcapital investment

4) It wastes valuable time4) It wastes valuable time

5) It is very inflexible and stifles 5) It is very inflexible and stifles innovationinnovation

OTHEROTHER arguments arguments against incineration against incineration (continued)(continued)

6) It generates a toxic ash 6) It generates a toxic ash 7) It doesn’t get rid of landfills7) It doesn’t get rid of landfills8) It produces toxic air emissions8) It produces toxic air emissions9) Incineration is extremely unpopular 9) Incineration is extremely unpopular

with the publicwith the public

10) There is a far better and 10) There is a far better and sustainable alternativesustainable alternative

“Even if we made incineration safe we would never make it sensible.It simply does not make sense tospend so much money destroying resources we should be sharing with the future.” (PC)

The modern incinerator is The modern incinerator is attempting to perfect a bad ideaattempting to perfect a bad idea

At the At the industrial level industrial level our task in the our task in the 21st Century is not to find better 21st Century is not to find better ways to destroy discarded materialsways to destroy discarded materials

But to stop making packaging and But to stop making packaging and products that have to be destroyed!products that have to be destroyed!

And at the And at the personal level personal level to search to search for a lifestyle beyond consumerismfor a lifestyle beyond consumerism

The Waste problem will not be The Waste problem will not be solved with better solved with better technologytechnology

But withBut withBetter Better organizationorganizationBetter Better educationeducationand better and better industrial industrial

designdesign

2. The ZERO WASTE 2. The ZERO WASTE

20202020StrategyStrategy

ZERO WASTE says NO to ZERO WASTE says NO to

Mega-landfillsMega-landfills and and

Mass-burn incineratorsMass-burn incinerators

ZERO WASTE ZERO WASTE IS A IS A NEWNEW

DIRECTIONDIRECTION

NO to INCINERATORS

NO to LANDFILLS

THE THE FRONT ENDFRONT END

OFOFRESOURCERESOURCE

MANAGEMENT,MANAGEMENT,INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL

DESIGNDESIGN&&

POST-CONSUMERISMPOST-CONSUMERISM

THE THE BACK ENDBACK END

OF OF WASTEWASTE

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT

THE KEY

is to find a way to use

COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

at the back end to drive

INDUSTRIAL RESPONSIBILITY

at the front end

Zero Waste can be Zero Waste can be approached with a series of approached with a series of

simplesimple steps steps

which arewhich arePracticalPracticalCost effective Cost effective andandPolitically acceptablePolitically acceptable

10 steps to Zero Waste10 steps to Zero Waste

1.1. Source SeparationSource Separation

2.2. Door-to-door CollectionDoor-to-door Collection

3.3. CompostingComposting

4.4. RecyclingRecycling

5.5. Re-use, repair & deconstructionRe-use, repair & deconstruction

10 steps to Zero Waste10 steps to Zero Waste

6. Waste reduction initiatives6. Waste reduction initiatives

7. Economic incentives7. Economic incentives

8. Residual Separation and Research8. Residual Separation and Research

9. Industrial responsibility9. Industrial responsibility

10. Interim landfill for the stabilized 10. Interim landfill for the stabilized “dirty” organic fraction.“dirty” organic fraction.

““The Fantastic 3”The Fantastic 3”

The San Francisco systemThe San Francisco system

ALL BOTTLES, CANS AND ALL BOTTLES, CANS AND RECYCLABLE PAPER GO IN THERECYCLABLE PAPER GO IN THE BLUE BLUE CARTCART

ALL FOOD SCRAPS, YARD TRIMMINGS AND ALL FOOD SCRAPS, YARD TRIMMINGS AND COMPOSTABLE PAPER GO IN THE COMPOSTABLE PAPER GO IN THE GREENGREEN CARTCART

I “Fantastici 4”I “Fantastici 4”

Capannori, ItaliaCapannori, Italia

CapannoriCapannori

LUNEDILUNEDI ORGANICOORGANICO

MARTEDIMARTEDI MULTIMATERIALEMULTIMATERIALE

MERCOLEDIMERCOLEDI CARTACARTA

GIOVEDIGIOVEDI FRAZIONE FRAZIONE RESIDUARESIDUA

VENERDIVENERDI ORGANICOORGANICO

SABATOSABATO MULTIMATERIALEMULTIMATERIALE

Organic Fraction Organic Fraction heirarchyheirarchy

1) Food to humans (in time marketing, 1) Food to humans (in time marketing, Prof. Andrea Segre, Facolta di Prof. Andrea Segre, Facolta di Agraria, U. Bologna)Agraria, U. Bologna)

2) Food to animals (bones, meat etc)2) Food to animals (bones, meat etc)

3) Backyard composting3) Backyard composting

4) Community composting (e.g. 4) Community composting (e.g. Zurich, Switzerland)/ community Zurich, Switzerland)/ community gardensgardens

5) Co-composting with local farmers5) Co-composting with local farmers

6) Centralized composting facility.6) Centralized composting facility.

The importance of The importance of CompostingComposting

1)1) Returns nutrients to the soilReturns nutrients to the soil

2)2) Increases soil’s retention of waterIncreases soil’s retention of water

3)3) Retains carbon (vs. Global warming)Retains carbon (vs. Global warming)

4)4) Makes it easier for cities to handle the Makes it easier for cities to handle the recyclables (jobs and businesses!)recyclables (jobs and businesses!)

5)5) But to use compost in agriculture you But to use compost in agriculture you MUST have it clean – which means you MUST have it clean – which means you MUST have DOOR-TO-DOOR collection.MUST have DOOR-TO-DOOR collection.

CompostingCompostingFacilityFacility

1 2 3

Composting plant for San Composting plant for San FranciscoFrancisco

Local farmers are using the Local farmers are using the compost to grow fruit and compost to grow fruit and vegetables for San Franciscovegetables for San Francisco


MaterialsMaterialsRecoveryRecovery

FacilityFacility

1 2 3

at Pier 96

MATERIALS RECOVERY FACIILITYMATERIALS RECOVERY FACIILITY

5. Reuse,5. Reuse,RepairRepair

&&DeconstructionDeconstruction

Reusable itemsReusable items

Value of Los Angeles discarded Value of Los Angeles discarded materialsmaterials

Reuse, Repair & Reuse, Repair & DeconstructionDeconstruction

Urban Ore, Berkeley, CaliforniaUrban Ore, Berkeley, California

Grossing $3 million per yearGrossing $3 million per year 27 full-time well-paid jobs27 full-time well-paid jobs

Urban Ore Urban Ore operating for operating for 30 years30 years

EconomicsEconomics

““Economically, incineration Economically, incineration represents ONE BIG BLACK BOXrepresents ONE BIG BLACK BOX

The Zero Waste strategy The Zero Waste strategy represents 100’s of LITTLE GREEN represents 100’s of LITTLE GREEN BOXES” BOXES”

(Ted Ward, Zero Waste, Del Norte (Ted Ward, Zero Waste, Del Norte County, California)County, California)

DeconstructionDeconstructionReuse &Reuse &Repair CenterRepair Center

Furniture,Furniture,Flooring, Flooring, etcetc

VIDEOSVIDEOS

www.AmericanHealthStudies.org

Examples of Reuse and Repair Examples of Reuse and Repair Centers from California, Vermont, Centers from California, Vermont, Nova Scotia and AustraliaNova Scotia and Australia

Reuse and Repair Reuse and Repair CentersCentersCan be used for:Can be used for:1. Poverty relief1. Poverty relief

2. Job training (Burlington, 2. Job training (Burlington, Vermont, see video)Vermont, see video)

3. Support High St. Charity Shps3. Support High St. Charity Shps

4. Community building (recreate 4. Community building (recreate the village within the city)the village within the city)

RREEUUSSEE

REPAIRREPAIR

JOBJOBTRAININGTRAINING

COMMUNITCOMMUNITYY ACTIVITIESACTIVITIES

BUILDING BUILDING MATERIALSMATERIALS

YARD YARD

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY COMPOST/COMPOST/COMMUNITY GARDENSCOMMUNITY GARDENS

Reuse center Resource Recovery Reuse center Resource Recovery ParkPark

San FranciscoSan Francisco Population = 850,000Population = 850,000 Very little space Very little space 50% waste diverted by 200050% waste diverted by 2000 63% waste diverted by 200463% waste diverted by 2004 70% waste diverted by 200870% waste diverted by 2008 72% waste diverted by 200972% waste diverted by 2009 GOAL:75% waste diverted by 2010GOAL:75% waste diverted by 2010 GOAL:100% by 2020GOAL:100% by 2020 (or very close!) (or very close!)

ItalyItaly

Over 2000 communities in Italy Over 2000 communities in Italy are achieving over 50% diversion are achieving over 50% diversion using “door to door” collection using “door to door” collection systemssystems

Over 200 communities achieving Over 200 communities achieving over 70% diversionover 70% diversion

Comunità in LazioComunità in Lazio che hanno che hanno riciclato più del riciclato più del 50%50% dei rifiuti dei rifiuti attraverso il sistema di raccolta attraverso il sistema di raccolta porta-a-portaporta-a-porta in in un solo anno!un solo anno!

52%4,700Castelforte

50%1,670Bassiano

54%3,029Monterosi

65%4,200Lenola

64%7,000Sermoneta

54%7,154Sonnino

% rifiuto

differenziato PopulazioneComune

ItalyItaly

Villafranco d’AstiVillafranco d’Asti (Piedmont, population (Piedmont, population = 30,000) has = 30,000) has reached reached 85% diversion85% diversion

SpainSpain

Usurbil in Basque Usurbil in Basque CountryCountry

Has gone from Has gone from 28% 28% toto 86% 86% inin 7 months 7 months

Please NotePlease Note

Mass burn incineration only gets Mass burn incineration only gets 75% diversion from landfill.75% diversion from landfill.

For every For every 4 Tons4 Tons of waste of waste burned you get at leastburned you get at least 1 Ton 1 Ton of of Toxic Ash.Toxic Ash.

IncinerationIncineration

75% 75% reductionreduction25% toxic ash25% toxic ash San San FranciscoFrancisco

72% 72% reductionreduction28% residuals28% residuals



FacilityFacility

1 2 3

ResiduaResiduallFractionFraction

ResiduaResiduallFractionFraction

We have to minimize We have to minimize the residual fraction the residual fraction with…with…1) Waste reduction 1) Waste reduction initiativesinitiatives

2) Economic incentives2) Economic incentives

6. Waste 6. Waste ReductionReductionInitiativesInitiatives

Undesirable packagingUndesirable packaging

Four options:Four options:Ban itBan itTax itTax itPut a returnable deposit on Put a returnable deposit on

ititAvoid itAvoid it

IrelandIreland

Government put a Government put a 15 15 cent cent tax on plastic tax on plastic shopping bags shopping bags

reduced use reduced use by 92%by 92% in in one year!one year!

ItalyItaly

In time collection of In time collection of food from food from supermarkets and supermarkets and restaurantsrestaurants

Prof. Andrea SegreProf. Andrea Segre

Agriculture Dept., Agriculture Dept.,

U. of BolgnaU. of Bolgna

[email protected]@unibo.it

ItalyItaly

Several supermarket chains Several supermarket chains are providing dispensers are providing dispensers which allow customers to which allow customers to refill refill shampooshampoo and and detergentdetergent bottles… bottles…

As well asAs well as wine, water wine, water andand milkmilk

ItalyItaly

EFFECORTA,EFFECORTA,

CapannoriCapannori

95% of products come95% of products comefrom within 70 km of from within 70 km of

storestore

60 dispensing systems for 60 dispensing systems for solidssolids

60 taps for liquids60 taps for liquids

No plastic used for No plastic used for shopping bagsshopping bags

•Un pizzico di Un pizzico di creatività a creatività a

monte può far monte può far risparmiare risparmiare

milioni a vallemilioni a valle

Waste reductionWaste reduction Disposable diapers – reusable diapersDisposable diapers – reusable diapers Disposable Plastic bags – reusable cloth bagsDisposable Plastic bags – reusable cloth bags Disposable containers – refillable containers Disposable containers – refillable containers

and supermarket dispensing systemsand supermarket dispensing systems Canteens, disposable cutlery/plates etc – Canteens, disposable cutlery/plates etc –

washing machines for china, glass etcwashing machines for china, glass etc Bottle washing plantsBottle washing plants Cardboard baling at supermarketsCardboard baling at supermarkets Deconstruction (not demolition) companiesDeconstruction (not demolition) companies Water fountains to refill water bottlesWater fountains to refill water bottles

7. Economic7. EconomicIncentivesIncentives

1 2 3

The “ Pay by bag” systemThe “ Pay by bag” system

Also called “Pay as you throw” Also called “Pay as you throw” systemsystem

1 2 $

freefree freefreeThe moreThe moreyou make,you make,the morethe moreyou pay!you pay!

The “ Pay by bag” systemThe “ Pay by bag” system



FacilityFacility

ResidualsResiduals??

Reuse & RepairReuse & Repair

1 2 $

& Deconstruction& Deconstruction

WasteWasteReductionReductionInitiativesInitiatives

8. Residual8. ResidualSeparation &Separation &

ResearchResearchFacilityFacility

RESIDUAL SEPARATION &RESIDUAL SEPARATION & RESEARCH FACILITY RESEARCH FACILITY

1. Built at entrance to landfill1. Built at entrance to landfill 2. No material can enter landfill 2. No material can enter landfill

without it being separated and without it being separated and screenedscreened

3. More material recycled3. More material recycled 4. Toxics removed and identified4. Toxics removed and identified 5. Dirty organics biologically 5. Dirty organics biologically

stabilizedstabilized 6. Non-recyclable materials STUDIED6. Non-recyclable materials STUDIED

MORE TOXICS

NON-TOXIC, NON-BIODEGRADABLE FRACTION

RESIDUAL SCREENING & RESEARCH& RESEARCH FACILITY

MORE RECYCLABLES

DIRTYDIRTYORGANIC ORGANIC FRACTIONFRACTION

INTERIM LANDFILL

BIOLOGICAL STABILIZATION

RESEARCH RESEARCH CENTERCENTER

NON-RECYCABLE MATERIALS

Local Local UniversityUniversity

Or Or Technical CollegeTechnical College

RESEARCH RESEARCH CENTERCENTER

RESEARCH CENTERRESEARCH CENTER TASKS:TASKS: ImproveImprove capture rate capture rate of reusables, of reusables,

recyclables and clean compostablesrecyclables and clean compostables Recommend improved Recommend improved waste avoidance waste avoidance

strategiesstrategies for local citizens and businesses for local citizens and businesses Develop Develop local useslocal uses for some materials for some materials Recommend better industrial Recommend better industrial

designs to industry on packaging designs to industry on packaging and productsand products

Research for CLEAN ProductionResearch for CLEAN Production

NON-RECYCLABLE MATERIAL

1) CAN IT BE AVOIDED?1) CAN IT BE AVOIDED?2) CAN IT BE USED 2) CAN IT BE USED LOCALLY?LOCALLY?

3) CAN IT BE RE-DESIGNED?3) CAN IT BE RE-DESIGNED?

NON- RECYCLABLE MATERIALS & OBJECTS

ZERO WASTEZERO WASTERESEARCH CENTERRESEARCH CENTER

PLASTICS & PLASTICS & COMPOSITECOMPOSITESS

HOUSEHOLHOUSEHOLDD

TOXICSTOXICS

DIRTYDIRTYORGANIC ORGANIC FRACTIONFRACTION

THE RESIDUAL SEPARATION THE RESIDUAL SEPARATION AND ZERO WASTE RESEARCH AND ZERO WASTE RESEARCH CENTER CENTER

COMMUNITY RESPONSABILITY

INDUSTRIALRESPONSABILITY

WITH THE ZERO WITH THE ZERO WASTE 2020 WASTE 2020 STRATEGYSTRATEGY

WE CONVERT WE CONVERT 3 TONS OF TRASH3 TONS OF TRASH

intointo: :

1 ton of compostables1 ton of compostables

1 ton of recyclables1 ton of recyclables

andand

1 ton of EDUCATION for 1 ton of EDUCATION for SUSTAINABILITY!SUSTAINABILITY!

The Message to The Message to Industry:Industry:

• If we can’t If we can’t reuse itreuse it, , recycle itrecycle it or or compost itcompost it,,

• Industry shouldn’t be making it Industry shouldn’t be making it

• We need better industrial design for We need better industrial design for the 21st Centurythe 21st Century

• We need to design for sustainabilityWe need to design for sustainability

TOXIC ASH TOXIC ASH LANDFILLLANDFILL

++

RESIDUAL RESIDUAL SEPARATIOSEPARATIO

N N FACILITYFACILITY

ZERO ZERO WASTEWASTE

RESEARCRESEARCHH

CENTERCENTER

INTERIM LANDFILL INTERIM LANDFILL FOR STABILIZED FOR STABILIZED

“DIRTY”“DIRTY”ORGANIC FRACTIONORGANIC FRACTION

FEEDBACK FOR WASTE REDUCTION FEEDBACK FOR WASTE REDUCTION AND BETTER INDUSTRIAL DESIGNAND BETTER INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

TWO MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF TWO MODELS FOR TREATMENT OF RESIDUALSRESIDUALS

RESIDUAL SEPARATION & RESEARCH RESIDUAL SEPARATION & RESEARCH FACILITIES. Progress Report:FACILITIES. Progress Report:

1. Residual separation facilities 1. Residual separation facilities operating in Nova Scotia (see video)operating in Nova Scotia (see video)

2. Zero Waste Research Center 2. Zero Waste Research Center announced for Capannori, Italy Jan announced for Capannori, Italy Jan 23, 201023, 2010

3. Residual Separation and Research 3. Residual Separation and Research Facility being developed in Trapani, Facility being developed in Trapani, Italy, February, 2010.Italy, February, 2010.

4. Coventry meeting Feb 2, 20104. Coventry meeting Feb 2, 2010

FRAZIONE RESIDUA - - Capannori Porta a Capannori Porta a PortaPorta

1.1. Tessili e cuoloTessili e cuolo 16.52 %16.52 %

2.2. PannoliniPannolini 13.95 %13.95 %

3.3. Materiale organico da cucinaMateriale organico da cucina 10.56 %10.56 %

4.4. Altra plastica: non imballoAltra plastica: non imballo 9.98 %9.98 %

5.5. Imballaggi cellulosici Imballaggi cellulosici poliaccopiatipoliaccopiati

8.05 %8.05 %

6.6. Imballaggi poliaccopiati in Imballaggi poliaccopiati in plasticaplastica

7.45 %7.45 %

7.7. Imballaggi flessibili in plasticaImballaggi flessibili in plastica 6.81 %6.81 %

8.8. Materiale organico da Materiale organico da giardinogiardino

4.64 %4.64 %

9. 9. Imballaggi rigidi in plastica Imballaggi rigidi in plastica (non (non bottiglie)bottiglie)

3.23 %3.23 %

1100

Giornali (quotidiani e riviste)Giornali (quotidiani e riviste) 2.54 %2.54 %

• FRAZIONE RESIDUA – – CapannoriCapannori

2.54 %Giornali (quotidiani e riviste)10

3.23 %Imballaggi rigidi in plastica (non bottiglie)

9.

4.64 %Materiale organico da giardino8.

6.81 %Imballaggi flessibili in plastica7.

7.45 %Imballaggi poliaccopiati in plastica

6.

8.05 %Imballaggi cellulosici poliaccopiati

5.

9.98 %Altra plastica: non imballo4.

10.56 %Materiale organico da cucina3.

13.95 %Pannolini2.

16.52 %Tessili e cuoio1.

Questa e’ l’analisi del Questa e’ l’analisi del 17%17% che rimane dopo la che rimane dopo la

separazione dell’ separazione dell’ 83%83% del materiale del materiale

raccolto porta a portaraccolto porta a porta

Un’esperienza Un’esperienza sicilianasiciliana

GLI GLI IMPIANTIIMPIANTI

13 centri per il conferimento individuale13 centri per il conferimento individuale

PARTANNAPARTANNA

In esercizioIn esercizio

C.BELLO DI C.BELLO DI MAZARAMAZARA ChiusaChiusa

CASTELVETRANCASTELVETRANOO

LE DISCARICHELE DISCARICHE

CompletatoCompletato

IMPIANTO DI IMPIANTO DI COMPOSTAGGIOCOMPOSTAGGIO

In costruzioneIn costruzione

IMPIANTO IMPIANTO SELEZIONE E SELEZIONE E

VALORIZZAZIONVALORIZZAZIONE FRAZIONE E FRAZIONE

SECCASECCAIn costruzioneIn costruzione

OPERE DI OPERE DI URBANIZZAZIONE, URBANIZZAZIONE,

AUTORIMESSA, AUTORIMESSA, CENTRO DI RICERCACENTRO DI RICERCA

IL POLO TECNOLOGICOIL POLO TECNOLOGICO

I CENTRI DI RACCOLTAI CENTRI DI RACCOLTA

SaturaSatura

IL “MODELLO” DI BELICE IL “MODELLO” DI BELICE AMBIENTE SPAAMBIENTE SPA

Raccolta porta a portaRaccolta porta a porta Un centro di raccoltaUn centro di raccolta

Un angolo del Polo TecnologicoUn angolo del Polo Tecnologico

LA LA RICERCARICERCA

LO STUDIO E L’ANALISI PER UN “MODELLO LO STUDIO E L’ANALISI PER UN “MODELLO SICILIANO”SICILIANO” LO STUDIO E L’ANALISI PER UN “MODELLO LO STUDIO E L’ANALISI PER UN “MODELLO SICILIANO”SICILIANO”

One stop shopping!One stop shopping!

The Resource Recovery ParkThe Resource Recovery Park


MaterialsRecovery

Facility (MRF)


Center for Hard-to-RecycleMaterials (CHARM)


Reuse & Repair Center


CompostingFacility

The Resource Recovery ParkThe Resource Recovery ParkComposting

Facility


C & D

Construction & Demolition Construction & Demolition wastewaste

(C & D) (C & D)


Residual Screening&

Research Center

Household hazardous wasteHousehold hazardous waste

Eric Lombardi, Eco-CycleEric Lombardi, Eco-Cyclewww.ecocycle.orgwww.ecocycle.org

Successful Successful ZERO WASTE ZERO WASTE DisposalDisposal

Southeast Precautionary Principle ConferenceSoutheast Precautionary Principle ConferenceNovember 2007 November 2007

Dr. Daniel KnappDr. Daniel KnappProduction by Mary Lou Van DeventerProduction by Mary Lou Van Deventer

©2007 Urban Ore, Inc.©2007 Urban Ore, Inc.

MSD = Municipal Supply of MSD = Municipal Supply of DiscardsDiscards12 Master Categories & Their Handling Methods12 Master Categories & Their Handling Methods

““Parco” per il recupero e la valorizzazione delle risorseParco” per il recupero e la valorizzazione delle risorsenella Valle del Simetonella Valle del Simeto

Impianto di compostaggio e/o digestione anaerobicaImpianto di compostaggio e/o digestione anaerobicaImpianti per la selezione ed il trattamento della frazione secca riciclabileImpianti per la selezione ed il trattamento della frazione secca riciclabileImpianti per il trattamento della frazione residuaImpianti per il trattamento della frazione residuaCentro per la manutenzione e riparazioneCentro per la manutenzione e riparazioneIstituto di ricerca “Rifiuti Zero”Istituto di ricerca “Rifiuti Zero”

9. 9. IndustrialIndustrial

Responsibility Responsibility

Industrial Industrial ResponsibilityResponsibility

1. 1. Design for sustainabilityDesign for sustainability

2. 2. Clean productionClean production

3. 3. Extended Producer Responsibility Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)(EPR)

EPR- EPR- packagingpackaging

• The Ontario (Canada) Beer industry has used refillable glass bottles for 50 years

• 98% recovered

• Each bottle reused 18 times

• It saves the company money

• 2000 jobs in collection and cleaning

• No cost to municipality

EPR- EPR- productsproducts

XEROX CORPORATION EUROPEXEROX CORPORATION EUROPE

Recovers copying machines from 16 Recovers copying machines from 16 different countriesdifferent countries

Takes them to huge warehouses in the Takes them to huge warehouses in the Netherlands, where the machines are Netherlands, where the machines are stripped down for re-useable parts and stripped down for re-useable parts and recyclable materialsrecyclable materials

95% of materials recovered! 95% of materials recovered! ANDAND This is saving Xerox This is saving Xerox $76 millions a year$76 millions a year!!!!

Solid waste is the Solid waste is the visible face of visible face of inefficiency!inefficiency!

For more examples of For more examples of Industrial Industrial ResponsibilityResponsibility Contact Gary Liss at Contact Gary Liss at

[email protected] For more information on EPR For more information on EPR

initiatives contact Bill Sheehan atinitiatives contact Bill Sheehan at [email protected]@productpolicy.org

10. An interim 10. An interim landfill for landfill for biologicallybiologically

stabilized dirty stabilized dirty organic fractionorganic fraction

10. An interim 10. An interim landfill for landfill for biologicallybiologically

stabilized dirty stabilized dirty organic fractionorganic fraction

Interim landfillInterim landfill 1. The interim landfill needs to be owned by 1. The interim landfill needs to be owned by

the local community – not by a private the local community – not by a private companycompany

2. We need to shift the profit from waste 2. We need to shift the profit from waste disposal to genuine resource recoverydisposal to genuine resource recovery

3. Incinerators and mega-landfills are in the 3. Incinerators and mega-landfills are in the corporate interest of multi-national waste corporate interest of multi-national waste corporations – zero waste is in the public corporations – zero waste is in the public interest (and the planet’s interest!)interest (and the planet’s interest!)

4. Key question: will political leaders side with 4. Key question: will political leaders side with corporate interest or the public interest?corporate interest or the public interest?

SUMMARYSUMMARY10 steps to Zero Waste10 steps to Zero Waste

Waste Waste ReductionReductionInitiativesInitiatives

RecyclingRecyclingReuse, Repair Reuse, Repair & Community& Community

CenterCenter

SourceSourceSeparationSeparation

Door to DoorDoor to DoorCollectionCollection CompostingComposting

Residual Residual Separation & Separation &

ResearchResearch CenterCenter

EconomicEconomicIncentivesIncentives

Temporary LandfillTemporary Landfill 20202020

Industrial Industrial Responsibility Responsibility

Iniziative Iniziative RiduzioneRiduzione

rifiutirifiutiRiciclaggioRiciclaggio

Separazione Separazione alla alla

sorgentesorgente

RaccoltaRaccoltaPorta a PortaPorta a Porta

CompostaggioCompostaggio

ResidualResidual Separation &Separation &

ResearchResearchFacilityFacility

Industrial Industrial Responsibility Responsibility

IncentiviIncentiviEconomiciEconomici

INTERIM LANDFILLINTERIM LANDFILL20202020

RiutilizzoRiutilizzoRiparazione eRiparazione eCentro per la Centro per la

Comunita’Comunita’

70 - 80%70 - 80% COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITYCOMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

Iniziative Iniziative RiduzioneRiduzione

rifiutirifiutiRiciclaggioRiciclaggio

Separazione Separazione alla alla

sorgentesorgente

RaccoltaRaccoltaPorta a PortaPorta a Porta

CompostaggioCompostaggio

Separazione Separazione del residuo edel residuo e

Centro diCentro di ricercaricerca

migliore migliore design design

industrialeindustriale

IncentiviIncentiviEconomiciEconomici

INTERIM LANDFILL INTERIM LANDFILL 20202020

RiutilizzoRiutilizzoRiparazione eRiparazione eCentro per la Centro per la

Comunita’Comunita’

70-80%70-80%COMUNITY RESPONSIBILITYCOMUNITY RESPONSIBILITY

20-30%20-30%INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL

RESPONSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY

3. Progress towards 3. Progress towards Zero Waste around the Zero Waste around the worldworld

www.zwia.org (Zero Waste (Zero Waste International Alliance)International Alliance)

www.GRRN.org (Grass Roots (Grass Roots Recycling Network)Recycling Network)

www.CRRA.org (California Resources (California Resources Recovery Association)Recovery Association)

www.no-burn.org (Global Alliance (Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives)for Incineration Alternatives)

CaliforniaCalifornia

As a result of a state law passed in As a result of a state law passed in the early 1990’s hundreds of the early 1990’s hundreds of California cities exceeded over 50% California cities exceeded over 50% diversion from landfills and diversion from landfills and incinerators by 2000incinerators by 2000

Some communities said why stop at Some communities said why stop at 50%, why not aim for 60%, 70%…?50%, why not aim for 60%, 70%…?

Why not aim for Zero Waste?Why not aim for Zero Waste?

Canberra,Canberra, AustraliaAustralia““No waste by 2010 No waste by 2010 Law”Law”passed in 1996passed in 1996

San FranciscoSan Francisco Population = 850,000Population = 850,000 Very little space Very little space 50% waste diverted by 200050% waste diverted by 2000 63% waste diverted by 200463% waste diverted by 2004 70% waste diverted by 200870% waste diverted by 2008 72% waste diverted by 200972% waste diverted by 2009 GOAL:75% waste diverted by 2010GOAL:75% waste diverted by 2010 GOAL:100% by 2020GOAL:100% by 2020 (or very close!) (or very close!)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (pop. 4 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (pop. 4 million)million)

NEW ZEALANDNEW ZEALAND

Over 70%Over 70% of communities of communities have declared have declared a Zero Waste a Zero Waste

strategystrategy

Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island, CanadaCanada Whole island has door-to-door Whole island has door-to-door

collection of recyclables and collection of recyclables and compostablescompostables

Nova Scotia, Canada (video) Nova Scotia, Canada (video)

50% diversion in 5 years 50% diversion in 5 years (Halifax ~ (Halifax ~ 60%)60%)

10001000 jobs created collecting and jobs created collecting and treating discarded materialstreating discarded materials

Another Another 20002000 jobs created in the jobs created in the industries handling the collected industries handling the collected materialmaterial

Nearly all the separated materials are Nearly all the separated materials are re-used in Nova Scotia’s own re-used in Nova Scotia’s own industries.industries.

ItalyItaly

Over 2000 communities in Italy Over 2000 communities in Italy are achieving over 50% diversion are achieving over 50% diversion using “door to door” collection using “door to door” collection systemssystems

Over 200 communities achieving Over 200 communities achieving over 70% diversionover 70% diversion

ItalyItaly

Novara Novara - (a city near Turin, - (a city near Turin, population = 100,000) population = 100,000) achieved achieved 70% diversion in 70% diversion in just 18 months!just 18 months!

ItalyItaly

Salerno Salerno (near Naples, pop (near Naples, pop 145,000) 18% to 72% 145,000) 18% to 72% in one in one year!year!

ItalyItaly

The The TrevisoTreviso region - 22 region - 22 communities averaging communities averaging 76% diversion76% diversion (Priula (Priula consortium)consortium)

ItalyItaly

Villafranco d’AstiVillafranco d’Asti (Piedmont, population (Piedmont, population = 30,000) has = 30,000) has reached reached 85% diversion85% diversion

SpainSpain

Usurbil in Basque Usurbil in Basque CountryCountry

Has gone from Has gone from 28% 28% toto 86% 86% inin 7 months 7 months

4. Arguments Against 4. Arguments Against IncinerationIncineration

Incineration is not Incineration is not sustainablesustainable

• Incineration does not challenge the Incineration does not challenge the over-consumptionover-consumption of finite of finite resources.resources.

• Every time we burn something we Every time we burn something we have to return to the beginning of have to return to the beginning of the extraction, manufacture and the extraction, manufacture and consumption system.consumption system.

• Incineration wastes the opportunity Incineration wastes the opportunity to really fight global warmingto really fight global warming

• IN SHORT: Incineration sabotages IN SHORT: Incineration sabotages genuine moves towards genuine moves towards sustainabilitysustainability

OTHER OTHER arguments arguments against incinerationagainst incineration

1) It is a waste of energy1) It is a waste of energy

2) It is a poor economic investment 2) It is a poor economic investment

3) Very few jobs created for very large 3) Very few jobs created for very large capital investmentcapital investment

4) It wastes valuable time4) It wastes valuable time

5) It is very inflexible and stifles 5) It is very inflexible and stifles innovationinnovation

OTHEROTHER arguments arguments against incineration against incineration (continued)(continued)

6) It generates a toxic ash 6) It generates a toxic ash 7) It doesn’t get rid of landfills7) It doesn’t get rid of landfills8) It produces toxic air emissions8) It produces toxic air emissions9) Incineration is extremely unpopular 9) Incineration is extremely unpopular

with the publicwith the public

10) There is a far better and 10) There is a far better and sustainable alternativesustainable alternative

1. Incineration is a waste 1. Incineration is a waste of energy!of energy!

About 4 X more energy saved by About 4 X more energy saved by reusing, recycling and composting the reusing, recycling and composting the various components in the discard various components in the discard streamstream

Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Morris, Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Morris,

[email protected]@zerowaste.com

Energy Comparison: Energy Comparison: RecyclingRecycling versus versus incinerationincineration (ICF consulting, 2005)(ICF consulting, 2005)

materialmaterial Energy Energy savings from savings from recyclingrecycling

GJ/tonneGJ/tonne

Energy Energy output from output from incinerationincineration

GJ/tonneGJ/tonne

Energy Energy savings savings recycling recycling

versus versus incinerationincineration

NewsprintNewsprint 6.336.33 2.622.62 2.42.4

Fine Fine paperpaper

15.8715.87 2.232.23 7.17.1

CardboarCardboardd

8.568.56 2.312.31 3.73.7

Other paperOther paper 9.499.49 2.252.25 4.24.2

HDPEHDPE 64.2764.27 6.306.30 10.210.2

PETPET 85.1685.16 3.223.22 26.426.4Other Other plasticplastic

52.0952.09 4.764.76 10.910.9

2. Incineration is a 2. Incineration is a poor investmentpoor investment• Most of the money spent on Most of the money spent on

incinerators goes into complicated incinerators goes into complicated machinery and leaves the machinery and leaves the community (and even the country)community (and even the country)

• Over half the money spent on a Over half the money spent on a modern incinerator goes into air modern incinerator goes into air pollution control equipmentpollution control equipment

3. Incineration creates 3. Incineration creates very few jobsvery few jobs

An incinerator in Brescia, An incinerator in Brescia, ItalyItaly

The Brescia incinerator The Brescia incinerator cost cost 300,000,000300,000,000 Euro Euro and has created just and has created just 8080 jobs. jobs.

In contrast, the money In contrast, the money spent on the spent on the alternatives goes into alternatives goes into jobs and stays in the jobs and stays in the community.community.

Nova Scotia program (Canada)Nova Scotia program (Canada)(pop. Approx. 900,000)(pop. Approx. 900,000)

1000 jobs created 1000 jobs created in collection and in collection and treatment of recyclables and treatment of recyclables and compostablescompostables

Another 2000 jobs created Another 2000 jobs created in the in the industries handling the recovered industries handling the recovered materialsmaterials

4. Incineration wastes 4. Incineration wastes valuable time!valuable time! It takes about 25 years (or It takes about 25 years (or

more) to pay off the massive more) to pay off the massive capital investment costs capital investment costs involved with building an involved with building an incinerator.incinerator.

We don’t have 25 years to We don’t have 25 years to waste on a non-sustainable waste on a non-sustainable solution!solution!

5. 5. Incineration stifles Incineration stifles innovationinnovation

• ““An incinerator needs to be fed An incinerator needs to be fed for about 20 to 30 years and in for about 20 to 30 years and in order to be economic needs an order to be economic needs an enormous input from quite a enormous input from quite a region, so for 20 to 30 years you region, so for 20 to 30 years you stifle innovation, you stifle stifle innovation, you stifle alternatives, just in order to feed alternatives, just in order to feed that monster which you build”that monster which you build”

• Ludwig Kraemer, former Head of EU Waste Ludwig Kraemer, former Head of EU Waste Management, BBC 1 Panorama Documentary Management, BBC 1 Panorama Documentary “Rubbish”“Rubbish”

6. Incinerators 6. Incinerators produce a toxic ashproduce a toxic ash

For everyFor every fourfour tons of tons of waste burned you getwaste burned you get one ton of ash (or more)one ton of ash (or more)

That nobody wants!That nobody wants!

CHUTE

SECONDARYCHAMBER

TURBINE

BOILER

ELECTRICITY

STEAM

TRASH

BOTTOM ASH FLY ASH

TEMP< 200oC

SEMI-DRYSCRUBBER

FABRIC FILTER

WET SCRUBBER

DE-NOX

ACTIVATEDCHARCOAL

Ca(OH) 2 SUSPENSION

AMMONIAINJECTION

GRATES

For every 4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ashFor every 4 tons of trash you get about one ton of ash

90%90% 10%10%

Incinerator ash- SwedenIncinerator ash- Sweden

Ash is toxic and Ash is toxic and difficult to get rid ofdifficult to get rid of

In Germany & Switzerland In Germany & Switzerland fly ashfly ash put into nylon bags and placed in put into nylon bags and placed in salt minessalt mines

In Japan some incinerators vitrify In Japan some incinerators vitrify the ashthe ash

In Denmark…In Denmark… They send all the ash to Norway!They send all the ash to Norway!

7. Incineration does 7. Incineration does not get rid of landfillsnot get rid of landfills

You still need a landfill You still need a landfill for the toxic ash for the toxic ash

8. Incinerators put many highly 8. Incinerators put many highly toxic and persistent substances toxic and persistent substances

into the airinto the air

AIR EMISSIONS

CO2 + H2O

ACID GASES:HCI, HF, SO2

NOx

TOXIC METALS:Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Cr etc

NEW COMPOUNDSNEW COMPOUNDS::

PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDDs (DIOXINS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCDFs (FURANS)PCB’sPCB’sETCETC

NANONANOPARTICLESPARTICLES

Size of Size of Particle Particle

regulatedregulatedin incineratorin incinerator

emissionsemissionsNANOPARTICLESNANOPARTICLES

Incineration, Incineration, nanoparticles & Healthnanoparticles & Health

Statement of EvidenceStatement of Evidence

Particulate Emissions and Health Particulate Emissions and Health ProposedProposed

Ringaskiddy Waste-to-Energy FacilityRingaskiddy Waste-to-Energy Facility

Professor C. Vyvyan Howard Professor C. Vyvyan Howard MB. ChB. MB. ChB. PhD. FRCPath. PhD. FRCPath. June 2009 June 2009

[email protected]@googlemail.com

Incineration andIncineration and nanoparticles nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are not Nanoparticles are not efficiently captured by air efficiently captured by air pollution control devicespollution control devices

Travel long distancesTravel long distances Remain suspended for long Remain suspended for long

periods of timeperiods of time Penetrate deep into the lungsPenetrate deep into the lungs

BLOODBLOOD

Nano particles are Nano particles are so small theyso small they

can easily crosscan easily cross the lung membranethe lung membrane

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

Once nanoparticles Once nanoparticles have entered the have entered the bloodstream they bloodstream they can easily cross the can easily cross the membranes of membranes of every tissue in the every tissue in the body.body.

Nano PathologyNano Pathology

They can even cross the blood They can even cross the blood brain barrierbrain barrier

Aggregati di PiomboAggregati di Piombo, , BarioBario, , CromoCromo, , FerroFerro e e SilicioSilicio in in CervelloCervello..

www.stefanomontanari.net

Dioxins and Dioxins and IncinerationIncineration

(more detailed ppt(more detailed pptavailable)available)

Dioxins - major concernsDioxins - major concerns• Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.Dioxins accumulate in animal fat.• One literOne liter of cows’ milk gives the of cows’ milk gives the

same dose of dioxin as breathing air same dose of dioxin as breathing air next to the cows for next to the cows for EIGHT MONTHSEIGHT MONTHS (Connett and Webster, 1987). (Connett and Webster, 1987).

• Dioxins steadily accumulate in Dioxins steadily accumulate in human body fat.human body fat.

• The man cannot get rid of them The man cannot get rid of them BUT BUT A woman can…A woman can…

• ……by having a baby!by having a baby!

Dioxins: the highest Dioxins: the highest dose goes to the fetusdose goes to the fetus

In nine months In nine months much of the much of the dioxin which dioxin which has has accumulated in accumulated in the mother’s fat the mother’s fat for 20-30 years for 20-30 years goes to the goes to the fetusfetus

Dioxins can disrupt fetal Dioxins can disrupt fetal and infant developmentand infant development

Dioxins act like fat soluble Dioxins act like fat soluble hormoneshormones

Disrupt at least 6 different Disrupt at least 6 different hormonal systems: hormonal systems:

malemale and and femalefemale sex hormonessex hormones;; thyroid hormonesthyroid hormones;; insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.insulin; gastrin and gluocorticoid.

Dioxins interfere with fetal Dioxins interfere with fetal and infant developmentand infant development

Linda S. Birnbaum (Linda S. Birnbaum (Health Effects Health Effects Research Laboratory, US EPA) Research Laboratory, US EPA) Developmental Effects of DioxinsDevelopmental Effects of Dioxins Environmental Health PerspectivesEnvironmental Health Perspectives, , 103103: 89-94, 1995: 89-94, 1995

Our Stolen FutureOur Stolen FutureHow Man-made Chemicals are How Man-made Chemicals are Threatening our Fertility, Threatening our Fertility,

Intelligence and SurvivalIntelligence and Survival

Theo ColbornTheo Colborn

John Peterson MyersJohn Peterson Myers

Dianne DumanoskiDianne Dumanoski

19941994

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003

Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds Dioxins and Dioxin-like Compounds in the Food Supplyin the Food Supply

Strategies to Decrease ExposureStrategies to Decrease Exposure

July 1, 2003July 1, 2003

Institute of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, 20032003 ……The committee recommends that The committee recommends that

the government place a the government place a high public high public health priorityhealth priority on reducing DLC (dioxin on reducing DLC (dioxin like compounds) intakes by girls and like compounds) intakes by girls and young women young women in the years well before in the years well before pregnancy is likely to occur.pregnancy is likely to occur.

(by) (by) Substituting low-fat or skim milk, Substituting low-fat or skim milk, for whole milk, for whole milk, (and)…(and)… foods lower in foods lower in animal fat…animal fat…

Dioxins & Incineration Dioxins & Incineration (conclusions)(conclusions) We have too much dioxin in our foodWe have too much dioxin in our food We have too much dioxin in our We have too much dioxin in our

bodiesbodies We have too much dioxin in our We have too much dioxin in our

babiesbabies We shouldn’t be putting any more We shouldn’t be putting any more

dioxin into the environment if we dioxin into the environment if we can possibly avoid doing socan possibly avoid doing so

Incineration is an AVOIDABLE source Incineration is an AVOIDABLE source of dioxinof dioxin

THE CHAIN OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTIONTHE CHAIN OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROTECTIONHAS THREE LINKS. HAS THREE LINKS.

STRONG STRONG REGULATIONSREGULATIONS

ADEQUATEADEQUATEMONITORINGMONITORING

TOUGHTOUGHENFORCEMENTENFORCEMENT

IF ANY LINK IS WEAK THE PUBLIC IS NOT PROTECTEDIF ANY LINK IS WEAK THE PUBLIC IS NOT PROTECTED

“Even if we made incineration safe we would never make it sensible.It simply does not make sense tospend so much money destroying resources we should be sharing with the future.” (PC)

9. Incineration is very 9. Incineration is very unpopular with the unpopular with the publicpublic

Between 1985-95 over 300 incinerator proposals Between 1985-95 over 300 incinerator proposals rejected in the USA.rejected in the USA.

No new incinerator permitted since 1995.No new incinerator permitted since 1995. Incinerators are so unpopular with the public they Incinerators are so unpopular with the public they

use different names - resource recovery facilities, use different names - resource recovery facilities, waste-to-energy, thermal valorization etc etc waste-to-energy, thermal valorization etc etc

The latest phase is to call them gasifiers, The latest phase is to call them gasifiers, pyrolyzers, molecular dissociation, or plasma arc pyrolyzers, molecular dissociation, or plasma arc facilitiesfacilities

10.There is a far better 10.There is a far better alternative that moves alternative that moves us towards us towards sustainabilitysustainability

5. Linking Zero Waste to 5. Linking Zero Waste to SustainabilitySustainability

Can become the Can become the “University-Community “University-Community

laboratories for laboratories for sustainability”sustainability”

The Zero Waste The Zero Waste Research Centers Research Centers

Institute forInstitute for Zero Waste &Zero Waste &SustainabilitySustainability

Zero Waste Research CentresZero Waste Research Centres

Institute forInstitute forZero Waste Zero Waste

andandSustainabilitySustainability

1) Research for better industrial 1) Research for better industrial designdesign

2) Linking zero waste with other key 2) Linking zero waste with other key developments needed for developments needed for

sustainabilitysustainability

Zero Waste 2020

EducationFor

Sustainability

SustainableEconomic

development

SustainableAgriculture

SustainableCommunity

development

SustainableEnergy

Sustainableindustries

& Jobs

SustainableArchitecture

Zero Waste 2020

EducationFor

Sustainability

SustainableEconomic

development



development

SustainableEnergy


& Jobs


CompostingComposting Research CenterResearch Center

DeconstructionDeconstruction

AnaerobicAnaerobicDigestionDigestion

BetterBetterIndustrialIndustrialDesignDesign

Incineration is Incineration is not not sustainable sustainable energy!energy!

Zero Waste 2020

EducationFor

Sustainability

SustainableEconomic

development



development

SustainableEnergy


& Jobs


CompostingComposting Research CenterResearch Center

Reuse &Reuse &RepairRepairCentersCenters 100’s of “green boxes”100’s of “green boxes”

DeconstructionDeconstruction

AnaerobicAnaerobicDigestionDigestion

BetterBetterIndustrialIndustrialDesignDesign

6. Back to the Big 6. Back to the Big PicturePicture

Consumption of materialsConsumption of materials

Standard of livingStandard of living

Current situationCurrent situation

Consumption of fossil fuelsConsumption of fossil fuels

Solar EnergySolar EnergyChange 1Change 1

Consumption of materialsConsumption of materials


Zero WasteZero Waste



Zero WasteZero Waste

Quality of LifeQuality of Life


We have to separate the We have to separate the Quality of life Quality of life from the from the material consumptionmaterial consumption

Quality of lifeQuality of life

Material consumptionMaterial consumption

Reducing waste Reducing waste

Reducing consumptionReducing consumption

To fight over-consumptionTo fight over-consumption

We need to swap a life We need to swap a life built around acquiring a built around acquiring a series of objects…series of objects…

To To a life built around a a life built around a series of expanding human series of expanding human relationshipsrelationships

Consume lessConsume lessEnjoy more!Enjoy more!

Less moneyLess moneyMore meaning!More meaning!

““Make Make LoveLove, , Not Not WarWar””

In the In the 1960’s1960’s

““Make Make FriendsFriends, ,

Not Not WasteWaste””

In the In the 2000’s2000’s

AA threatened threatened community is a community is a strengthenedstrengthened community if people community if people work together.work together.

EFFECTING CHANGEEFFECTING CHANGE

Is like driving a nail Is like driving a nail through a piece of through a piece of woodwood

EFFECTING CHANGEEFFECTING CHANGE

Experts may Experts may sharpen the sharpen the pointpoint

But you need the hammer of But you need the hammer of public opinion to drive the nail public opinion to drive the nail homehome

Suggestion for Suggestion for GuernseyGuernsey Stop trying to solve your waste Stop trying to solve your waste

problems with magic machines and problems with magic machines and consultants from engineering consultants from engineering companiescompanies

Set up a joint task force (Sustainable Set up a joint task force (Sustainable Guernsey) of local government Guernsey) of local government officials with concerned citizens and officials with concerned citizens and look for practical things you can do look for practical things you can do togethertogether

Three final messagesThree final messages 1. 1. To citizensTo citizens - don’t let the - don’t let the

experts take your common experts take your common sense awaysense away

2. 2. To politiciansTo politicians - put your - put your faith back in peoplefaith back in people

3. 3. To activistsTo activists - - HAVE HAVE FFUUNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Has HUMAN APPEALHas HUMAN APPEAL

Cheaper, Cheaper,

cleaner, cleaner,

more more

convenientconvenient, ,

more fun more fun

(yes, fun).(yes, fun).

MSD = Municipal Supply of MSD = Municipal Supply of DiscardsDiscards12 Master Categories & Their Handling Methods12 Master Categories & Their Handling Methods

GodGodrecycles,recycles,The devilThe devil

burnsburns

zero waste: a stepping stone to a sustainable guernsey paul connett, phd paul connett, phd executive...

Documents

waste progress

local waste crisis

centuryresource management

global crisis global

causethe global crisis

symptom overconsumption

paul hawken

overconsumptionthe world