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February 10, 2022
Policymakers left too much on the table last year in terms of climate policy.
We have to make the most of this session of Congress. That includes doubling down on federal programs that are already delivering climate benefits. To help do that, our briefings are currently focused on existing federal initiatives, like USDA’s Rural Energy Savings Program, that helps households and businesses save money by reducing energy waste each and every day.
Next, we will convene experts on big-upside technologies like “green” hydrogen that have the potential to cut emissions significantly, while also examining wildfires and other climate impacts already taking a toll on communities.
You and I likely share an interest in climate justice, including Justice40, the administration’s pledge to direct 40 percent of benefits from federal investments to frontline and disadvantaged communities. We will host a special briefing in early April to take stock of Justice40 and discuss how to ensure this important commitment is realized. Details to be announced.
I could go on and on, but a conversation is even better. So I hope you will join me on Friday, April 1, at 3 p.m. EDT for a donor-exclusive Zoom call to share more updates and exchange ideas. Please RSVP at eesi.org/call.
These are always a lot of fun, and I think you would like it, too.
Thanks for sharing your commitment to advancing climate change solutions.
- Daniel Bresette, Executive Director
P.S. In case you missed it, we recently moved offices within the same building. So please be sure to update your records with our new suite number: 400.
Everything we produce has a climate impact at every stage of its life cycle, including production, transportation, and disposal. While recycling and composting are important, preventing waste from occurring in the first place does much more to curb climate change. In the case of food, for example, significant amounts of greenhouse gases are produced from wasted food—food that was produced and perhaps even transported to supermarket and then a home or restaurant, but not eaten. And part of those emissions are methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas.
Those climate implications are a reason why both the United States and the United Nations have goals of reducing food waste and loss by 50 percent by 2030. Achieving this goal would have huge climate benefits. It would also help create jobs and, most importantly, feed people who are food insecure.
Of course, individuals can—and should—do their best to avoid wasting food. Food makes up the largest share of materials deposited in landfills, with a lot coming from households.
But this is a huge, deeply-rooted societal issue that individuals cannot solve on their own. We need policy interventions to achieve impact on a massive scale—at every stage in the food production and consumption cycle.
The implications of the waste-climate connection for policymakers was discussed through EESI’s briefing series: Reduce and Reuse: How to Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Building Materials, Plastics, and Food, which you helped make possible. That series highlighted, for example, the ReFED Insights Engine, a tool for policymakers seeking to reduce food waste.
It takes so much energy to create and distribute food and other products that people buy. Diverting them from landfills will not diminish the climate impacts much. Waste prevention is a much more effective climate strategy.
Meet Alison Davis, our new Communications Associate. Alison is an important contributor to communication projects across the organization, including social media, writing, editing, and graphic design. Let's learn more:
Q: What is the environmental topic you're most passionate about?
A: I'm most passionate about the role of ecosystems in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Especially oceans.
Q: What are you most excited about your work at EESI?
A: I'm most excited to be working on a team of kind-hearted and like-minded people towards such an important and transformative goal—a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world.
Q: "When I am not at work, you will find me..."
A: ...trying to learn Spanish or reading a crime novel with my cat in my lap.
Meet Ulrich Lindqvist, our new Finance and Operations Associate. He works to carry out financial and operational processes efficiently and makes sure our wonderful donors receive thanks and tax receipts promptly. He was also instrumental in coordinating our recent office move (downstairs to Suite 400). Let's get to know Ulrich a little better:
Q: What is the environmental topic you're most passionate about?
A: Anything related to bees and sustainable agriculture. While a lot of progress has been made in addressing colony collapse disorder in honeybees, native bee populations also play a vital role in agriculture and the environment. Bee-friendly gardening and planting practices can help keep native bee populations strong.
Q: What are you most excited about your work at EESI?
A: This is my first job at a nonprofit, and I'm excited to be part of positive, measurable change.
Q: "When I am not at work, you will find me..."
A: In front of my sewing machine or on the couch with a book.
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