On Wednesday, November 8th, ILSR co-director and Composting for Community initiative director Brenda Platt will be speaking on a panel during a congressional hearing for the Zero Waste Development & Expansion Act of 2017 (HR 1034).
The hearing is open and all are welcome to come to Cannon House Building Room 122 from 2-3:30pm Eastern time.
The purpose of this briefing is to provide real-world examples of the economic, social, and
environmental benefits of recycling and reuse. Investing in Zero Waste:
- creates jobs,
- spurs the growth of domestic manufacturing,
- reduces toxic gases from landfills and incinerators,
- cleans up our waterways and protects the health of our communities,
- saves energy,
- saves money for businesses and communities, and
- grows the economy.
On average, it is estimated that recycling creates ten times more jobs than sending waste to
landfills or incinerators. A Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives report found that
2,347,000 total direct jobs would be generated with a 75% diversion rate for municipal solid
waste (MSW) and construction and demolition debris (C&D) by 2030. Diverting waste also
protects communities from the health hazards associated with landfills and incinerators, such as
climate change, pests, and air and water pollution. Diverting waste means keeping more trash out
of our oceans, great lakes, and other waters, which are important sources of food and drinking
water for our communities.
Along with Congressman Ellison, the panel will include nationwide leaders in the movement for
Zero Waste:
- Moderator Ahmina Maxey, Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives
- American Sustainable Business Council
- Janiece Watts, Eureka Recycling
- Brenda Platt, Institute for Local Self-Reliance
- Destiny Watford and Greg Sawtell, Free Your Voice and United Workers
- Adriana Gonzalez, Sierra Club
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