Mass Climate Action Network’s first climate education and steering committee meeting of 2013 will take up the topic of “Waste Policies for Reducting Climate Emissions” on February 7th at the Cary Library in Lexington.

Lynne Pledger of Clean Water Action will talk about the connection between climate change and waste. Prior to 2009, the EPA calculated climate emissions from waste only in terms of the emissions from landfills and incinerators. But now, using “systems-based accounting,” EPA calculates that 42% of GHG from the U.S. can be attributed to our accelerated production and disposal cycle.

Lynne will look at the life cycle of what’s in the trash can, and explain how climate action plans at the state and local level can reduce emissions resulting from production, transportation and disposal of food, products, and packaging.

Also at this meeting, MCAN Executive Director Rob Garrity will talk about the upcomming legislative sessions in Massachusetts and the nation’s capital and what may be in store for climate activists.

The Massachusetts Climate Action Network is a coalition of over 40 community-based organizations in Massachusetts working on climate and sustainability issues (Green Needham is an MCAN member). MCAN holds is regular steering committee meetings in member communities around the region to encourage participation and allow chapter members from different communities to meet and to share ideas and experiences. All are invited to participate. There is no cost to attend.

View information about this event on the MCAN calendar.