Lowell Statement:

Whereas incinerators for medical, municipal and hazardous waste threaten human health and the environment through the production and release of toxic substances including dioxin, mercury and other toxic pollutants;

Whereas dioxin acts as an endocrine disruptor with adverse effects on reproduction, development, and the immune system and has been classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer and by the United States Environmental Protection Agency;

Whereas the United Nations Environment Programme has identified dioxin as one of twelve persistent organic pollutants requiring priority global action;

Whereas incineration disperses toxic substances over the planet and pollution control devices merely shift this pollution to solid waste residues and waste water which continue to threaten the environment and public health;

Whereas incineration drains local communities of financial resources, wastes energy and materials, thwarts local economic development and undermines rational approaches to waste management;

Whereas strong public opposition to incinerators exists in northern countries and increasingly around the world, international incinerator pushers are scouring the globe - especially targeting Third World countries - in search of new markets;

Whereas in all countries incinerators are disproportionately sited in low income communities and communities of color;

Whereas many incinerator proposals have been linked to corruption scandals and undemocratic decision-making processes;

Whereas alternatives to incineration exist which are proven, safer and economically sound;

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, call upon our governments to halt proposals for new incinerators and phase out existing incinerators. Instead we call for the implementation of production and waste management systems which are based on the principles of clean production and environmental justice. These include toxics use reduction; waste reduction, re-use and recycling; guaranteed public access to information and public involvement; and sustainable, equitable and just consumption patterns.

We are fully aware that the means to implement more sustainable methods of production and waste management exist. We consider this an opportunity for political leaders to take forward our proposal and demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of future generations.

Please print this statement, collect signatures of agreement, and mail to a GAIA member listed below.

Czech Republic:
Premysl Macha and Jindrich Petrilk
Deti Zeme
Frydek-Mistek, Na kopci 2685
738 01 Frydek-Mistek,
Czech Republic

India:
Madhu Dutta
Toxics Link
H-2 Jungpura Ext.
New Delhi 110014
India

Mexico:
Olinca Marino LaNeta
Alberto Zamora
126 Col. del Carmen
Coyoacan
04100 Mexico DF

Philippines:
Von Hernandez
Greenpeace SE Asia
121 D Tuazon St
Sta Mesa Hts, Quezon City
Philippines

South Africa:
Linda Ambler and Bobby Peek
groundWork
P.O. Box 2375
Pietermaritzburg, 3200
South Africa

USA:
Neil Tangri
Essential Action
P.O. Box 19405
Washington, D.C. 20036
USA

Ann Leonard
Multinationals Resource Center
P.O. Box 19405
Washington, D.C. 20036
USA