Covid has has another effect on Emory’s waste management policy. Emory’s news center reported yesterday that “food wasted from kitchens and green bins around campus, as well as animal bedding — are being temporarily sent to landfills.”
Everyone is encouraged to sort their trash into proper bins. The goal is to divert “95% of our waste from landfills by 2025,” says Ciannat Howett, associate vice president for resilience, sustainability and economic inclusion. Methane from landfills is a significant factor in climate-change. Also, landfills contribute to systemic racism due to their close proximity to low-income, frequently African-American communities. In other words, landfills contribute to climate change and systemic racism.
Kudos to Emory for their attention to these issues and dedication to making a positive impact on global health and racism. More policies of this type are needed everywhere.
Environmental Science and Its Application to Health 