When it comes to trash, many Americans have adopted the policy “Out of sight, out of mind.” They wheel their extra-large trash container to the curb on pick-up day and don’t give it a second thought. However, we’re running out of room to put the trash and overflowing landfills are everyone’s problem. Our trash output has reached a critical level of a quarter of a billion tons every year.
Although higher rates of recycling and composting has helped to reduce the number somewhat, it’s not nearly enough. Of the 4.4 pounds of trash that every American generates each day, 2.89 pounds of it goes to landfills. Only 1.12 pounds get recycled and 0.39 pounds composted.
Obama Administration Initiatives to Reduce Waste
President Barack Obama was a champion of environmental causes. One measure he gave his full support to was the United States 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans discard food more than any other single item. In fact, 21 percent of the nation’s waste stream consists of various types of food. In 2015, the EPA announced a new program to reduce food waste by at least 50 percent by 2030. Making more nutritious food available and keeping it out of landfills also helps to feed more hungry people in America.
The above is just one example of President Obama’s willingness to support environmental causes and waste reduction. He also has a strong record when it comes to researching climate change, investing in a clean energy future, and protecting the nation’s natural resources by promoting land and water conservation and clean air initiatives.
The New Head of the EPA
Last month, then President-Elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Scott Pruitt as the new leader of the Environmental Protection Agency. Pruitt, a climate change denier and strong supporter of the fossil fuel industry, threatens everything the Obama administration accomplished to preserve the environment. As Attorney General of Oklahoma, Pruitt fought Obama’s climate change policies at every opportunity.
While campaigning for president, Trump repeatedly threatened to dismantle the EPA as it exists today. Many in Washington, including the current head of the Environmental Working Group, view Pruitt as a hostile administrator and a serious threat to safe drinking water, clean air, and landfill reduction.
The selection of Pruitt as the future head of the EPA is such an absurd suggestion that even Republicans such as Arnold Schwarzenegger have come out vocally against it.
Look for an Increase in Municipal Solid Waste Volumes
Within days of the November 8, 2016 election, environmental watchdog organizations expressed concern about the potential of the new administration to undo gains made during Obama’s eight years in office. One area of concern is Trump’s statement that he is not in favor of tax credits for renewable energy or any type of subsidy to promote environmental conservatism. If existing programs don’t end entirely, participants could see severe cuts that may lessen their motivation to participate.
Recycling doesn’t appear to be a huge concern for Trump. Current predictions are that he will leave its enforcement and management up to individual states. With a greater emphasis on trade policy than the previous administration, a Trump presidency could mean more manufacturing and the industrial and solid waste that goes with it. While it’s too early to panic, Americans would be wise to watch for and protest new policies that hurt waste reduction efforts and the environment.
Contact your local Governor or Senator to share your thoughts if you are concerned about the Trump administration’s dangerous disregard for our environment.