Today the global league of activists, IndyACT, launched its “Zero Waste” exhibition which will tour the Lebanese territories to recommend the principle of “Zero Waste” as a solution to Lebanon’s waste problem. The exhibit also displays the possible risks of incineration technologies that the Lebanese government is planning to establish.

The exhibition will visit several districts and governorates and will include awareness illustrations on the danger of incineration and the feasibility of the “zero waste” principle (environmentally and economically), as well as films and educational games, and sections that show how recycling, sorting and manufacturing products from waste could take place.

“The zero waste principle needs the support of local communities to be implemented, which is why we are doing this exhibition, but these communities will not be able to do so without the support of the government through a solid waste management law”, said Wael Hmaidan, Executive Director of IndyACT.

The Ministry of Environment has been trying to pass a law on this issue since the middle of this year, but the law is still caught in the legislative process. IndyACT supports the efforts of the Ministry of Environment concerning the law, but at the same time sees that incineration is a dangerous technology that could cause economic, social and environmental problems in Lebanon.

It is scientifically proven that incinerators are a main source of dioxins. Dioxins are the most dangerous human-made carcinogens that cause congenital malformations at birth and respiratory and lung diseases. Incinerators also produce a large mixture of other toxic materials such as nanoparticles and heavy metals. Incineration is also the most expensive method to treat solid waste.

“The Lebanese government has a golden opportunity to be among the first leading nations in this field and to be an example to be followed by nationally adopting the principle of zero waste and ensure maximum utilization of resources existing in our waste”, added Hmaidan.

More than fifty civil society NGOs in Lebanon have decided to join the “Lebanese Coalition towards zero waste” to press the Lebanese government to adopt the principle of “zero waste” as a substitute for waste incinerators that are meant to be established.

http://www.indyact.org/news_details.php?news_id=MTEw