Perspectives on Sustainable Development
Environmental justice and climate change are driving decarbonization across industrial sectors and throughout everyday life. There are many nuanced issues that planners will face as they try to sustainably reshape our world. This podcast will focus on climate and EJ but also bring on associated experts to speak about how these issues affect their fields. From city planning, economic development, transportation, education, national security, mental health, manufacturing, supply chain...we should all be considering how climate and EJ considerations will affect our decision paradigms.
Join me every two weeks as we discuss critical issues with thought leaders who know them best.
Logo credit and general assistance: Uzziah Davis
Perspectives on Sustainable Development
S2 - E5 - Solid Waste Management: Challenges, Technology, and Environmental Impact
In 2018 the US processed roughly 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW), or 4.9 pounds/person per day, which equates to an increase of 93% from 1980. Of that amount, 69 million tons were recycled and 25 million composted. In 2021 the US recycled 58.6 million tons of metals, iron, steel. These figures have only increased over the last few years, and project continued increases in coming years due to population growth. It is a massive problem and responsibility for those leading solid waste and scrap recycling facilities. Historically, many of these sort of facilities have also been sited in overburdened communities.
My guests this week, Dr. Jyoti Agarwal (Director of Environmental Programs, Reworld) and Andrew Cooley (Senior VP of Strategy, EMR USA) know these issues well, and dig into root causes, impacts, and drivers for the industry. Solid waste management is a crucial public health, environmental, and climate topic. This podcast was started to hear from multiple perspectives on these critical issues, and to learn from experts in each field. This week's episode is a great example of that mission. I learned a few things, and hope you all will as well. Enjoy!
