[GreenYes] Garbage is NOT Renewable Energy

[Gary Liss <gary@garyliss.com>]

Apologies for Cross-postings

> From:
> "Eric Lombardi" <eric@ecocycle.org>
> Subject: [GreenYes] please spread the word ... don't buy garbage-based
> REC's!!
> Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:38:06 -0700
>  
> 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

Gary Liss       
916-652-7850    
Fax: 916-652-0485
www.garyliss.com