building support for zero waste lynne pledger [email protected] grrn zero waste conference,...
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BUILDING SUPPORT FOR ZERO WASTE Lynne Pledger [email protected]
GRRN Zero Waste Conference, July 30, 2011
ZW activism: state and local level Change at the state level… …needs support at grassroots
On the Local Level Which waste issues are important to YOUR community?
impacts of landfills or incinerators
jobs climate change energy crisis burden of disposal on taxpayers toxics in products loss of natural resources
RATS! Residents for Alternative Trash Solutions, Southbridge, Massachusettsstarted, spring 2008
Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition, Geneva, New Yorkstarted, fall 2008
Carlisle Zero Waste Coalition, Carlisle, Massachusettsstarted, winter 2009
EXAMPLES: 3 NORTHEAST ZW CITIZEN GROUPS
RATS! SOUTHBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS
RATS! was threatened with a huge landfill expansion and gasification plant.
Garbage comes into the Finger Lakes landfills from all over the state and from other states.
Finger Lakes Zero Waste Coalition, Geneva NY
Carlisle is concerned with global waste issues, including climate change and diminishing resources.
Carlisle, Massachusetts
ONE person can launch a Zero Wastecommunity movement:
In the Finger Lakes, Katherine reserved a room at the library and used email lists to invite concerned citizens to a meeting.
In Carlisle, Launa worked with existing local groups—recycling commission, climate action, Sierra Club, League of Women Voters-- to focus the community on Zero Waste.
GATHER THE FACTS
Question assumptions –especially yours Seek info from more than one source Network with state and national groups
Doug Knipple, PresidentFinger Lakes ZW Coalition
GET INTO THE LOCAL PAPER Cultivate a local journalist. Give that person scoops.
USE STRONG IMAGESNASA photo: earth wreathed inMethane gas
Baby bird with stomach filled with plastic
NO ONE “RIGHT” WAY TO COMMUNICATE
SOUTHBRIDGE RALLY HELD OUTSIDE BOARD OF HEALTH MEETING
CARLISLE PUBLIC FORUM WITH PANEL OF EXPERTS
PROMOTE WHAT YOU’RE FOR RATS! at a fair, teaching kids about composting
o Expect conflicto Factions are fineo EVERYONE is a potential convert to Zero Wasteo Recognize all contributions, small successeso Accept help from any source except a pollutero Be fair and respectful to all community members
GET ALONG--AGREE TO DISAGREE
Activism on state level
An alliance of Massachusetts organizations
SHIFTED MASSACHUSETTS POLICY:
College student presents petition with 16,000 signatures to Massachusetts DEP.
1. moratorium on new incinerators2. waste reduction over more waste disposal facilities
THREE OPERATING PRINCIPLES To gain support for Zero Waste
BE RIGHT
BE INCLUSIVE
BE RELENTLESS
