PHA-Exchange> Fw: IMPORTANT: Global Day of Action on Waste 2004 Follow-up

[PHM-Secretariat]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Gigie Cruz 
To: phmsec at touchtelindia.net 
Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2004 2:32 PM
Subject: IMPORTANT: Global Day of Action on Waste 2004 Follow-up


Dear Freinds from People's Health Movement,


Hope you are keeping well.


We write to make a follow-up for this year's Global Day of Action on Waste. We hope that you have received the updates sent by Manny regarding the activity through the Gaia list. 


There are currently 135 organizations from 39 countries that have signified their participation on September 1, 2004.  The activities vary from information dissemination activities like seminars and symposia, protests actions and helping out coordinating with the local media in sending out the GDAW Press Release.


In this regard, we would like to make a follow-up and ENCOURAGE your PARTICIPATION on the Global Day of Action on Waste and convey our opposition to the incessant use of dirty technologies like incinerators and landfills to address garbage problem.


I have provided below the Press Release template that you may use to promote the activity.  We will be sending out updates regarding the exact count of participants once in a while.


Thank you very much and looking forward to your solidarity.


All the best,


Gigie Cruz
GAIA Secretariat










Warm greetings from the GAIA Secretariat.


    It is our pleasure to provide you with the model press
    release for the forthcoming Global Day of Action on Waste
    on 1 September 2004. You are requested to insert a
    description of your activity somewhere in the middle of the
    press release, or you can put your activity in the lead
    paragraph if you prefer and the Global Day of Action on
    Waste becomes a supporting event.


    Please do not forget to furnish the Secretariat (abi.gaia at no-
    burn.org or gigie.gaia at no-burn.org) with the following as
    soon as they are ready:
    1)  Description of your activity for GDAW
    2)  Press release
    3)  Photos if any (in high resolution please for our website)


    Thank you very much for your participation.


    Manny C. Calonzo


    Embargoed until 1 September 2004
    Press Release
    September 1, 2004


    GLOBAL DEMONSTRATION AGAINST WASTE AND POLLUTION LAUNCHED
    Protest highlights human health impacts of waste and pollution


    Manila / Your City - An international coalition of activists today launched the 3rd Global Day of Action against Waste
    (GDAW) citing the increasing health impacts of polluting waste disposal practices which affect mainly children
    throughout the world.


    More than a hundred groups from 39 countries participated this year in what has become an annual day of protest
    against unsustainable and dangerous waste disposal systems.  Coordinated by the Global Alliance for Incinerator
    Alternatives (GAIA), this year's protest highlighted recent evidence from the World Health Organization which
    indicates that more than 3 million children under the age of five are dying each year because of polluted air and water
    and exposure to other environmental hazards.


    "To be really blunt about it, the worsening levels of pollution worldwide are killing children. Governments are
    obviously failing to protect children and the human population at large from harmful chemical assaults resulting
    from unsustainable and irresponsible practices such as incineration," according to Von Hernandez, Co-
    Coordinator, GAIA.


    Incinerators are linked to serious environmental health threats. Incineration alone is responsible for 69 percent of
    global emissions of the notorious pollutant dioxin which is linked to cancer, immune and reproductive system disorders,
    birth defects, and other health threats. Incineration is also a primary source of mercury, a potent neurotoxin, which
    builds up in the environment - especially aquatic ecosystems- and affects the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver. It is
    especially harmful to pregnant women and children.


    (Insert your venue and description of your activity here;and possible quote)


    In addition to the immediate pollution they create, incinerators and landfills also perpetuate wasteful and
    unsustainable production and consumption systems.  Incinerators destroy resources, which would be better
    conserved for future use given the increasing pressure to harvest finite natural resources.


    "Available evidence worldwide from various academic, governmental and international institutions indicate that
    many of the chemicals coming out of dumpsites, landfills and incinerators have also now been found in the human body.
    The fact that everyone is now contaminated with these harmful pollutants proves that we are now dangerously
    skirting the edge of the ecological precipice. How much harm are we willing to accept before we abandon these
    deadly ways of managing society's discards," added Hernandez.


    GAIA is an international coalition of community-based organizations, research and policy advocacy institutions,
    citizen pressure groups and other nonprofit organizations and individuals working together to promote clean
    production, zero waste and sustainable discard management systems. GAIA members which now number 470 in 75
    countries are committed to ending waste incineration and advancing real solutions to the waste crisis


    For more information, please contact:  ________________(please write name and phone number of your media liaison)
    or the GAIA Secretariat (ask for Abi or Gigie at +632-9290376 or 436 4733).
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