by Emily Hjulstrom | Apr 9, 2025 | Clean Energy, Economy, Environmental Impact
This article highlights trends that are likely to occur through 2050. The organization presenting the information is Resources for the Future (RFF), an independent, nonprofit research institution in Washington, DC. The mission of RFF – a 501(c)(3) – is to improve environmental, energy, and natural resource decisions through impartial economic research and policy engagement with 5 core values
- Improving both environmental and economic outcomes.
- Adhering to the highest scientific and professional standards.
- Preserving nonpartisanship, integrity, and trust.
- Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.
- Leading to better public- and private-sector decisions.
by Emily Hjulstrom | Apr 9, 2025 | Construction, Economy, Zoning Requests
New policy decisions around data centers could serve as a model for the South.
Virginia has 300 data centers with another 12 planned in a single location.
SELC is urging leaders to fight the data centers proposed for the site in Pittsylvania County.
by Mary Eiserman | Jan 7, 2024 | Citizen Activism, Economy, Recycling
Deposit return systems and bottle bills contribute to higher rates of recycling.
Report: Bottle bill states recycle more, provide models (resource-recycling.com)
Nine of the 10 states with the highest recycling rates have deposit return systems, and that bottle bill states also contribute a higher percentage of packaging that is recycled in the U.S.
The 10 states with the highest recycling rates, excluding fibers and flexible plastics, in 2021 were: Maine (65%); Vermont (51%); Massachusetts (48%); Iowa (45%); Oregon (45%); New York (44%); California (41%); Michigan (40%); New Jersey (39%); and Connecticut (39%).
The 10 states with the lowest recycling rates were: West Virginia (2%); Louisiana (4%); Tennessee (5%); Alaska (6%); South Carolina (6%); Mississippi (6%); Oklahoma (8%); Alabama (8%); Texas (8%); and Colorado (11%).
If you would like more fiber for thought;
Research finds recoverable fiber lost to US landfills (resource-recycling.com)
Findings that a larger share of fiber is landfilled than is typically reported suggests an opportunity to increase capture. Data could serve as a wake-up call for the economic opportunity presented by increasing fiber capture rates. “Not only are we throwing away valuable resources, we are paying for it in tipping fees,” Milbrandt said.
