Earth Share of Washington

Making Electronic Waste Recycling a Reality

- By Mo McBroom, Policy Director from ESW organization Washington Environmental Council

A personal journey to turn your support into a groundbreaking law

When I first came to WEC in July of 2005, I never would have guessed that just 9 months later I'd be standing behind the Governor as she signed into law the most groundbreaking electronics recycling legislation in the country. I also never would have imagined that our efforts here would be highlighted in the New York Times, covered internationally, and draw accolades and congratulatory emails from across the country. Let me tell you a little about this journey that I've taken.

After years of work by a coalition of dedicated activists, last fall the Department of Ecology issued an analysis and recommendations to address the mounting tide of toxic electronic waste – the millions of old computers and televisions that are piling up in our homes and landfills because we don’t have a good system for recycling them. The time was ripe for change.

Washington Environmental Council, Washington Conservation Voters, and Washington Citizens for Resource Conservation came together to create a strong campaign, and to win the support we needed to make this one of the Priorities for a Healthy Washington. As one of the Priorities, the campaign was supported by over a dozen conservation organizations that work together to promote a focused agenda before the legislature. Our coalition spent countless hours building relationships with the business community, and labored through many late nights as we crafted the language for the bill.

I knew what we were doing was innovative, and I knew that if we were successful it would fundamentally change the way our state deals with the mass consumption and disposal of the high tech tools we’ve come to so dearly rely on.

But it wasn't until the first day of the legislative session that I realized just how big this is. Bolstered by the energy and hard work of our prime sponsor Senator Craig Pridemore (from Vancouver), the "e-waste bill" secured 35 Senate co-sponsors in the first 24 hours after it was introduced – probably a record number for an environmental bill. I think that legislators were excited about the bill because they knew that it addressed an environmental issue that directly affects every single one of their constituents -- almost every household in Washington has a TV or computer.

As session progressed, I started receiving emails from around the country, and I realized that the nation was watching. Almost 20 other states were following our progress as they struggled to enact policies of their own. The bill we proposed was groundbreaking because it called on producers of electronics to be responsible not only for the production of the goods, but also for the recycling. This approach will reduce the use of toxic chemicals because manufacturers that are responsible for recycling their products save money when they design them in a less toxic way.

We had a very hard fight. Once the big corporations like Panasonic and Sony realized the bill stood a chance, they hired on a team of lobbyists to defeat it. But by then we had a strong coalition. Charities such as Goodwill Industries, retailers, and local governments were all lobbying for the law. Hewlett Packard, a company that is at the forefront with its recycling policies, broke ranks with other manufacturers and was a major champion behind the bill. The media picked up on the hubbub. When action alerts sent by the community had a record number of respondents, legislators’ offices were literally flooded with emails and phone calls in support.

In the end, I believe that this public support was crucial in getting the bill passed. WEC has long assumed that if we choose the right environmental issues, the public will be behind us, and we’ll show that we have the momentum and power to make change. This issue, more than almost any other, really proves that.

Fostering Sustainability by Building Coalitions

Mike Petersen is the Executive Director of Earth Share of Washington organization The Lands Council, based in Spokane, WA. Mike recently spoke at a United Nations event on sustainability. The following is a modified transcript from his talk.

Forests, water and urban living – how does what we do here in Spokane and the Northwest help protect the ecology of our region? Are we being effective? I believe it is valuable to examine our own activism and see if what we do is a model for how the rest of the world might act and to share what we have learned.

How do we take on the issues of sustainable forests, urban areas and water in a way that empowers people?

In the Spokane region a diverse group of people are working to protect a watershed that not only provides drinking water for a half million people, but also has the most amazing display of whitewater in any city in America. Our goal is to bring urban resources to the whole watershed, including the forested headwaters, by working with citizens, businesses and elected officials. We are engaged in a unique collaborative process moving us in that direction.

Wastewater treatment, water conservation, re-use, and non-point sources of pollution are being addressed in this collaborative process. The draft plan that Ecology put out last week still needs work, but it incorporates several unique restoration concepts, including having urban water users pay for upstream restoration. This coming together of diverse interests and finding common ground could be a model to break the gridlock of disputes and litigation.

What about Forests?

A couple of years ago, The Lands Council helped start the Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition, which has brought together timber companies, rural leaders and conservationists to protect rural communities from wildfire and to seek common ground for managing the Colville National Forest. Building trust with people that you have been at odds with for 20 years is not easy but after 4 years our collaboration is working.

Collaboration is incredibly time consuming, lots meetings, travel, field trips and reading dense documents. There IS a certain irony in that the appeals and litigation of the past created so much divisiveness that a space/opportunity was created for coming together to seek common ground. Creating the opportunity to empower people and communities may play out differently, depending on the tools one has available.

At the international level it might take place when villagers cut down power lines to a polluting mine, such as in Papua New Guinea and force the corporation to take their concerns seriously and negotiate. Or empowerment recently took place when Latinos marched a half million strong in Los Angeles for immigration reform and the newspaper pundits suddenly declare them a force.

Perhaps we have something to learn from developing countries and even the underserved populations of Americans who have far less than we do. That power comes from the people who have passion and are willing to defend their rights by collectively expressing themselves. That power comes from conviction and sacrifice and leaving the comfort of our homes. It comes from organizing at the grassroots level.

Here in Washington we are facing a test that has huge implications for our forests, water and urban areas. Initiative 933 will strip away the ability of government to regulate land use, and zoning will be a thing of the past. Are we powerful enough to stop this corporate takeover of our communities? Perhaps we need to look at those developing countries to find the spirit and passion to get active, and empower ourselves, so we can give power to others.

Have Wildlife Questions? PAWS Has Answers!

- By Kevin Mack from ESW organization PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

Over the past few weeks you have likely noticed a change in the behavior of the wild animals on your property. Birds are singing and gathering nesting materials. Squirrels are chasing each other and peeling thin strips of bark off of trees. You may have been woken up in the night by snarling raccoons or the pitter-patter of little feet in your attic. The spring breeding season has arrived, and many species of wildlife are making the necessary preparations to bring the next generation into the world.

In the coming days, weeks and months, you may have a direct interaction with breeding wildlife. If there is access available, it’s possible that an animal will take up residence in your attic or crawlspace. A bird may decide to build its nest near, on or in your house. You may come across a young animal and wonder if it is in need of help. The breeding season can be a trying time for both wildlife and their human neighbors alike, but whenever an issue arises help is only a phone call or a mouse click away.

PAWS offers a variety of resources online at www.paws.org. Are you having a conflict with Raccoons? Some other species? Click on the wildlife tab and check out the “Resources and Fact Sheets� section. It contains detailed information on a variety of common species that people encounter. Have you found an injured or orphaned wild animal? Click on the “Injured/Orphaned Wildlife� tab to determine how to proceed.

If you don't find what you are looking for on the website, don't hesitate to call the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center directly at 425-787-2500 ext. 817. Our experienced staff members can offer valuable advice on just about any wildlife issue that may arise. They will be happy to help you find the most effective and humane solution for your particular situation.

Summer hours for the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, beginning in April, are from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days a week. If you have a wildlife related issue or question, we would love to help in any way that we are able. Stop by the website or give us a call!

Green Business - Corporate Initiatives In Focus - IKEA

Anders Berglund is the co-owner of IKEA Seattle, the popular Swedish-based home furnishing retailer. Earth Share of Washington (ESW) recently interviewed Mr. Berglund regarding IKEA's leadership in the areas of sustainable design, resource conservation, & forestry, and IKEA Seattle's strides to become a better corporate steward of the natural world.

IKEA is probably best known for its cutting edge home furnishings at affordable prices, featuring modern designs with a Scandinavian flair. Perhaps lesser known are IKEA's social and environmental initiatives. Their focus is on designing products that use fewer raw materials and create less waste. By working in close cooperation with their suppliers, they can monitor all aspects of a product's life, from choice of raw material through production and distribution. IKEA does not accept wood from intact natural forests or from forests with a clearly defined high conservation value. Instead, they source all wood from verified, well-managed forests that have been certified according to a forest management standard.

This spring, Earth Share of Washington linked IKEA Seattle with the NW Biodiesel Network, so that they can begin to recycle the waste cooking oil from their cafe and turn it into biodiesel, a clean and renewable vehicle fuel.

ESW: Tell us about IKEA's environmental philosophy. How did it evolve?

Anders Berglund: As a corporation, IKEA realizes the role of business is changing, that our customers, stakeholders, suppliers, and coworkers expect more from us. With these expectations comes the responsibility of taking an active role by influencing social and environmental issues wherever we are present. At IKEA we believe it is possible to make traditional business objectives and social and environmental responsibility work together-and well.

This philosophy is good for business and will contribute to long term profitability-because our customers will feel reassured that they are doing business with a company that shares their views and values.

We know that we are only in the beginning and have a long way to go before our work is a natural integrated part of our day-to-day business.

These values and philosophies have evolved over time with different events consistently heightening our awareness. From 1943 on, our goals to cut costs and become more efficient has pushed IKEA towards creating a better environment long before we, or anyone else, became actively interested in the issue.

A favorite example of this is our flat packing. It reduces cost, and minimizes the amount of transport involved, which lessens the environmental impact.

Read the entire interview on the Earth Share of Washington website:
http://www.esw.org/giving/ikea.html

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities

• May 4 - Puget Sound Lecture Series - Spineless Wonders of Puget Sound - Giant orange slugs, flying devils and coral forests - 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, WA - Part of People For Puget Sound’s 2005-2006 Speaker Series – Presented by speaker James A. Murray, University of Central Arkansas - The invertebrates of Puget Sound rival the diversity and color found in tropical reefs. Puget Sound also harbors some of the largest invertebrates, including giant mollusks such as slugs, octopus and chitons. Jim Murray, a researcher at the University of Washington Friday Harbor Labs, shows great pictures and talks about the giant orange slugs that live in underwater forests of feathery corals, the ecological role of currents in nutrition and reproduction, and how marine invertebrates have been instrumental in biomedical research. Admission $8 in advance; $10 at the door. $2 discount for members and students. For reservations, purchase online or call (206) 382-7007.
• May 6 - Washington State Environmental Community Activist Boot Camp - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM - Seattle Pacific University - Otto Miller Hall - Be a part of the amazing progress the environmental community has made in Washington State. Learn the skills to be an effective, year-round environmental activist. A $20 registration fee will be collected on the day of the event. This includes lunch, and post-training reception with candidates and environmental leaders (scholarships are available). RSVP to Washington Conservation Voters Field Organizer, Nigel Herbig (nigel@wcvoters.org or 206-374-0760 ×103), by Tuesday May 2nd.
• May 6 - Mud Bay Habitat Restoration - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - 4937 Mud Bay Rd. W., Olympia, WA - Join People For Puget Sound, Capitol Land Trust and Sound Stewards at our Randall restoration site on Mud Bay. Volunteers will be removing invasive weeds such as Himalayan blackberry, poison hemlock and morning glory where they threaten to overtake native plants. No experience necessary. Children 10 and under must have one to one adult supervision. Bring sturdy footwear, dress for the weather (event takes place rain or shine). Bring your own snacks and plenty of water. If you have tools and work gloves, bring them along, but if you don’t they will have some to spare. For more information, please contact Bronwyn Dexter at stewardship@pugetsound.org or by calling (206) 382-7007.
• May 13 - Fifth Annual CCEJ Conference: Community Based Solutions for Environmental Health and Justice – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Piggott Auditorium, Seattle University - The conference highlights environmental injustice issues in the Northwest and beyond and provides communities with effective tools to create environmental justice. This unique conference features the work of people of color and low-income people who lead environmental justice organizations throughout the region. This year’s theme is "We Are Still Standing: Our Movement Is Strong". Our keynote address is called "After the Storm: the Environmental Justice Implications of Hurricane Katrina," by Vernice Miller of the National Black Environmental Justice Network. For more information please contact conference organizers Nate Moxley or Kate Villarreal at (206) 720-0285 or send an email to natem@ccej.org or katev@ccej.org.
• May 13 - Annual Lake Union Sweep - South Lake Union Park, Seattle - Please join Puget Soundkeeper Alliance for their annual Lake Union Sweep on Saturday, May 13th. Volunteers are needed for on-water cleanup with kayaks and small boats. Free rental kayaks and rowboats available or bring your own. Please call Chris Wilke for additional information or to sign up at 206-297-7002 or email volunteer@pugetsoundkeeper.org.
• May 20 - Hamm Creek Habitat Restoration - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - 10000 W. Marginal Pl. S, Seattle, WA - Join People For Puget Sound and Sound Stewards at our Hamm Creek restoration site on the Duwamish River. Volunteers will be removing invasive weeds such as Himalayan blackberry, Scot’s broom, butterfly bush and reed canary grass where they threaten to overtake native plantings. No experience necessary. Children 10 and under must have one to one adult supervision. Bring sturdy footwear, dress for the weather (event takes place rain or shine). Bring your own sack lunch and plenty of water. If you have tools and work gloves, bring them along, but if you donít we will have some to spare. For more information please contact Brian Craig at brian.a.craig@boeing.com or by calling (206) 382-7007 - People For Puget Sound.
• May 20 – Lake Union Ship Canal Clean-up - Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is partnering with the Seattle Marine Business Coalition and others. Volunteers will pick up trash from the Ballard Locks to the Fremont Bridge in Seattle. If you would like to volunteer or for more information, please call 206-297-7002 or email volunteer@pugetsoundkeeper.org.
• *May 27 - Vashon/Maury Island Low-Tide Festival - 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM - Point Robinson Lighthouse, Easternmost Tip of Maury Island, Vashon, WA – Celebrate the Shoreline with People For Puget Sound during this extremely low tide! Bring the whole family to Point Robinson on Vashon/Maury Island for this -3.04 tide predicted for 11:45am. The event includes a guided beachwalk, birding, and a lighthouse tour to name just a few fun family activities. For more information, please contact Daoud Miller at DMiller@pugetsound.org or by calling 206-382-7007.
• June 8 – Book Talk - Saving Puget Sound: A Conservation Strategy for the 21st Century - 7:30PM – Mountaineers Clubhouse in Seattle, 300 Third Avenue W - The Center for Environmental Law and Policy and other Seattle-based environmental groups are co-sponsoring a talk about an exciting new book to be published in the Fall of 2006: Saving Puget Sound: A Conservation Strategy for the 21st Century, by author John Lombard. John brings a unique background to the book--a high-level employee in local government, citizen activist, riparian property owner, consultant with Steward and Associates, journalist and public speaker.
  
  Saving Puget Sound develops a practical proposal to conserve the Puget Sound region's most important ecosystems in the face of long-term population growth, drawing lessons that are relevant across the Northwest and other parts of the country. John’s book looks beyond salmon to consider the rest of the region's natural heritage, including forests, rivers, Puget Sound itself and its shoreline, and distinctive habitats such as the south Sound prairies. It synthesizes a long-term vision for conservation across the regional landscape, drawing from the best available studies, and proposes a strategy for how to get there, including how we (realistically) pay for it and how we cross the urban/rural political divide to build a consensus for conservation that can endure. See http://www.savingpugetsound.com/home.htm for more details and background on the book.
• SAVE THE DATE - Saturday, July 29 – Earth Share's Day in the Park 2006 – Mark your calendars for Earth Share's annual volunteer event! Day in the Park will expand from Seattle this year to 4 parks around Puget Sound. Stay tuned for more information and how to signup at www.dayinthepark.org.