| While no one is actively trying to use and throw away more stuff on purpose, some of us more than others are succeeding in reducing, reusing and recycling the physical items that come into our lives and this reduction in waste is great. But where do you aim your efforts to really make a dent in creating less waste, knowing that the impacts of our waste already cast a long shadow on our shared world? |  |
How about zero? Montgomery County is joining some other metro regions that have already pledged to move toward zero waste. It starts with getting the data and brainstorming and researching ideas. The recently released Solid Waste Plan notes that Montgomery County currently has a 55% recycle rate and projects to be at 70% by 2023.
To that end, we are happy to serve on the County's Zero Waste Task Force in partnership with other local leaders. The work to be done here dovetails with the on farm composting plans we helped guide with the County earlier this year. There is also a push to close the "waste-to-energy" facility in Dickerson that is long past it's planned life and a safety concern given the Covanta fire last year. MCA's board received a presentation from Mike Ewall of The Energy Justice Network about how all the promotion of incineration as a "clean and green" option for non-recyclable waste is not accurate and hides some very toxic byproducts. Landfills of course are not much better- it's time to reduce our waste at its source as there are currently no good options for these non-recyclable materials.
To that end, we are happy to serve on the County's Zero Waste Task Force in partnership with other local leaders. The work to be done here dovetails with the on farm composting plans we helped guide with the County earlier this year. There is also a push to close the "waste-to-energy" facility in Dickerson that is long past it's planned life and a safety concern given the Covanta fire last year. MCA's board received a presentation from Mike Ewall of The Energy Justice Network about how all the promotion of incineration as a "clean and green" option for non-recyclable waste is not accurate and hides some very toxic byproducts. Landfills of course are not much better- it's time to reduce our waste at its source as there are currently no good options for these non-recyclable materials.
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Part of implementing any bold plan is getting feedback as you go to make course corrections. To that end, we want to hear from you on how our waste disposal systems are currently working and what your household would be willing to do to reach the zero waste goal.
