On November 8th, 2017 ILSR co-director and director of the Composting for Community initiative presented to a congressional hearing on the Zero Waste Development & Expansion Act of 2017 (HR 1034), sponsored by Representative Keith Ellison (D-Minn.).
You can view the full video below, Brenda’s presentation begins at 45:30:
Along with Rep. Ellison, the panel for the hearing was brought together by the Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives (GAIA).
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.
Brenda Platt spoke as a part of the panel as well as in answer to many of the questions from the audience of congressional staffers and activists, you can view the video here, Brenda’s comments begin at 45:30.
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