BUILDING SUPPORT FOR ZERO WASTE Lynne Pledger lpledger@cleanwater.org

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

For more information:

Lynne Pledger lpledger@cleanwater.org