This is something I copied from www.edie.net/news. It is written by Mr. Sam Bond and I really find it very interesting.
"13-5-2009
The Governor of New York has announced plans to ban the purchase of bottled water by state-owned agencies.
The ban will cover both small bottles and those used by water coolers.
State agencies will be expected to phase out their consumption of bottled water over the next six months.
Governor David A Paterson said the move would save the state money as well as having obvious environmental benefits.
The move will make New York the second state, after Illinois, to scrap the use of bottled water.
Similar initiatives have already taken place north of the border in Canada.
Bottled water will be replaced by tap water.
"Taxpayers have spent billions of dollars to ensure that we have clean drinking water supplies," said Governor Paterson.
"If we are going to make such significant investments, we should reap the benefits and use that water. Our efforts will serve as an example for local governments, businesses and residents to follow."
The Governor's Executive Order requires each agency to lay out the specific actions and policies that will be undertaken to achieve compliance with the ban, assess the capability of existing facilities to provide tap water for consumption in place of bottled water and identify reasonable improvements that can be made to ensure reasonable access to tap water for consumption.
It has been backed by New York Senator Antoine Thompson and Congressman Bob Sweeney.
Environmental NGOs have also welcomed the move.
Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, said: "A decade ago, NRDC released a comprehensive study revealing bottled water is no safer or more pure than municipal drinking water.
"In fact, New York State is home to some of the highest quality drinking water supplies in the nation.
"Governor Paterson's announcement not only makes sense when it comes to public health - it will save taxpayers money and cut global warming emissions from the manufacture and transport of bottled water." "
5.12.2009
COMING BACK FROM BRAZILIAN BEACON CONFERENCE
I just came from Brazil where I was invited to deliver a lecture on “Recycling and personal behavior” during the conference ““Waste Management towards a (re)cyclical system”, which was held in Sao Paulo by the Brazilian member of ISWA ABRELPE.
Waste Management in Brazil seems to have finished its childhood – almost 50% of the huge waste volume of the country is now driven to sanitary landfills and there is a growing interest for waste treatment facilities. Recycling makes remarkable steps forward and the tension between formal and informal sector participation should be creatively resolved because the mutual interest is dominating the real conflict (this was also a very important issue of the conference).
During a visit to the Sao Paulo newest operating landfill, my colleagues from ISWA were surprised by the quality of operation and environmental control to a landfill that receives almost 7.000 tons of waste daily. And definitely it is surprising to know that this megafill is privately operated and state of the art gradually constructed, covering an area of almost 3 km2.
Indicative of what is the current level of discussion in the country is that a new law that prohibits landfilling of every material that has economic value is on the way to be implemented.
ABRELPE has just created a very comprehensive report with the title “PANORAMA of waste management in Brazil” in which the whole picture of waste management is described with the appropriate level of detail, providing a useful tool for everyone who wants to know more.
I have to admit that I was impressed by the active participation and the interest that ABRELPE has managed to raise regarding solid waste management. Important government officials as well as decision-makers and private sector stakeholders were involved to fruitful and I hope productive discussions. ABRELPE seems to be on the right way of growth and gaining influence and as an ISWA Board member I am proud to have those guys as partners and work with them.
Last but not least: Alberto Bianchini (former president of ABRELPE) and Carlos Da Silva are not only the soul of ABRELPE but also wonderful hosts. Their hospitality was more than generous and I really enjoyed their company. Guys it is a pleasure to work with you...
Waste Management in Brazil seems to have finished its childhood – almost 50% of the huge waste volume of the country is now driven to sanitary landfills and there is a growing interest for waste treatment facilities. Recycling makes remarkable steps forward and the tension between formal and informal sector participation should be creatively resolved because the mutual interest is dominating the real conflict (this was also a very important issue of the conference).
During a visit to the Sao Paulo newest operating landfill, my colleagues from ISWA were surprised by the quality of operation and environmental control to a landfill that receives almost 7.000 tons of waste daily. And definitely it is surprising to know that this megafill is privately operated and state of the art gradually constructed, covering an area of almost 3 km2.
Indicative of what is the current level of discussion in the country is that a new law that prohibits landfilling of every material that has economic value is on the way to be implemented.
ABRELPE has just created a very comprehensive report with the title “PANORAMA of waste management in Brazil” in which the whole picture of waste management is described with the appropriate level of detail, providing a useful tool for everyone who wants to know more.
I have to admit that I was impressed by the active participation and the interest that ABRELPE has managed to raise regarding solid waste management. Important government officials as well as decision-makers and private sector stakeholders were involved to fruitful and I hope productive discussions. ABRELPE seems to be on the right way of growth and gaining influence and as an ISWA Board member I am proud to have those guys as partners and work with them.
Last but not least: Alberto Bianchini (former president of ABRELPE) and Carlos Da Silva are not only the soul of ABRELPE but also wonderful hosts. Their hospitality was more than generous and I really enjoyed their company. Guys it is a pleasure to work with you...
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