Too many containers are being burned, buried, littered
By Kirstie Pecci and Elizabeth Balkan
Climate change is wreaking havoc on our planet, particularly in the Northeast region. A recent report from the United Nations found that climate change is accelerating at a shocking clip. The UN’s bad news comes on the heels of research showing the Northeast is warming faster than average global temperatures, putting the region at a heightened risk of extreme weather, storms, and rising sea levels.
Time is not on our side. The environmental implications of waste-based manufacturing and overconsumption demand urgent action. Slowing global warming requires decisive movement from policymakers, a concerted effort from all Northeasterners, and new initiatives and programs. We must also invest in proven solutions to divert waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as deposit return systems, or bottle bills. Right now, modernized bottle bills are moving through legislatures in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New York.
