Our field trip to the Lee County Waste to Energy Plant was interesting to say the least. Plant manager Tom Mueller was very proud of his accomplishments after 20 plus years at the plant. We felt, however, that Tom left out a few key elements concerning the environment. As much as he preached about the benefits of the plant, he never once mentioned finding ways to reduce the amount of waste. Instead, he said that when he sees a decease in Lee County's waste... he panics! Waste = Money to Mr. Mueller, and while I think he's a good-hearted man, he could use some more information on permaculture. Less waste is a good thing Mr. Mueller. I was a little confused, myself, about the ash fills. I believe I understood correctly that they're better than trash fills, and I agree, but what happens when there's no more room for the ash. I asked Mr. Mueller if there are any alternative uses for the ash... he then proceeded to tell me that because of possible toxins, the United States, unlike Europe, has not yet allowed the proposal of ash to energy (or whatever else) conversion. Hmmm... toxic is toxic is toxic... in the air or on a mountain.
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