The things we buy matter. Over half of local

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1 PUBLI OMMNT DRAFT The things we buy matter. Over half of local consumption-based carbon emissions (see Figure 13, page 36) come from the purchase and use of food and goods (e.g. clothing, electronics and furniture). Recycling and composting are helpful steps in reducing carbon emissions associated with the things we buy. These actions reduce disposal emissions, but the majority of carbon emissions are generated before we even purchase the products. lose to 70 percent of the carbon emissions from the food and goods that we buy are associated with producing, transporting and selling of those products (see Figure 35). To achieve carbon reduction goals, individuals, businesses, governments, and other organizations not only need to recycle and compost but also make more sustainable production and purchasing decisions. While Portlanders are generally good recyclers and composters, many opportunities remain to improve existing solid waste programs. For example, more than 40 percent of all Portland households rent rather than own, and renters often do not benefit from the same access to program information and services as homeowners. Access to and use of recycling and composting programs also tends to be lower for under-served and under-represented communities, particularly linguistically isolated groups. Identifying and remedying service and access disparities while targeting outreach to renters and households with limited nglish proficiency can help remove barriers to participation in recycling and waste reduction programs. Making the goods we use generates the majority of consumption emissions Wholesale and retail 4% Pre-purchase transportation 7% Use 32% Post-consumer disposal < 1% Production 57% Figure 35. Multnomah ounty consumptionbased carbon emissions by lifecycle phases (2011). Source: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability More than half of all consumption-based carbon emissions are generated during the production phase of the lifecycle. The transportation and sale (wholesale, retail) phase adds an additional 11 percent. On average, 68 percent of a product s lifecycle emissions are generated before a consumer begins to use it. 89

2 onsumption and Solid Waste onsumption and Solid Waste 2030 OBJTIV 8 Reduce consumption-related emissions by encouraging sustainable consumption and supporting Portland businesses to minimize the carbon intensity of their supply chains. Portland residents, businesses and other organizations can reduce the upstream carbon emissions associated with the goods they use by making simple changes in the way they choose to meet their needs. This may include renting, sharing, fixing and reusing goods as well as choosing products with lower emissions across the entire lifecycle. Portland-based manufacturers have an additional opportunity to examine their supply chains and potentially reduce the carbon emissions associated with their products. 8A Assistance for Producers xplore partnerships and seek opportunities to support local businesses in reducing the carbon intensity of their supply chain. ity: BPS Mid-term 8B Be Resourceful ampaign Use the Be Resourceful campaign to connect residents to information and resources to get the things they need. Key strategies include: a ) Buy smart (plan before purchasing, buy local, give gifts of experience, purchase durable goods). b ) Reuse. c ) Borrow, share and rent items. d ) Fix and maintain. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing Potential impact Magnitude of carbon emissions reduction support jobs and prosperity advance equity Significant improvement in local environmental quality improve health 90

3 LIMAT ATION PLAN 2015 PUBLI OMMNT DRAFT 8 8D 8 8F Product Stewardship Participate actively in the process to develop state and federal product stewardship programs and legislation. Support opportunities for producers to develop responsible manufacturing, product and package design and reuse of recovered materials. Materials Management ontinue to work in partnership with public agencies including Metro and the Oregon Department of nvironmental Quality to implement the Materials Management in Oregon: 2050 Vision and Framework for Action. Rehabilitation and Adaptive Reuse Promote rehabilitation, adaptive reuse and energy and seismic upgrades of buildings to conserve natural and historic resources, reduce waste and improve public safety. Space-fficient Housing ontinue to work with regional and state partners to promote space-efficient housing options such as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Review possible barriers and disincentives and identify any needed changes. 8G Performance Metrics a ) Partner with the Oregon Department of nvironmental Quality to identify metrics to analyze and track the carbon intensity of the goods and materials produced in Multnomah ounty. b ) xplore tools, strategies and performance measures to quantify economic, equity and environmental benefits of services that displace the need for new goods through reuse, repair and sharing. c ) ontinue to work with the Oregon Department of nvironmental Quality on inventorying consumption-based carbon emissions for Multnomah ounty. ity: BPS ity: BPS ity: BPS, BDS ounty: OS ity: BPS, BDS ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing xisting and/or ongoing Near-term xisting and/or ongoing Mid-term 91

4 onsumption and Solid Waste onsumption and Solid Waste 2030 OBJTIV 9 Reduce total solid waste generated by 25 percent. Total solid waste generated refers to all of the materials discarded by residents and businesses not just what goes to landfills, but also composted food waste and the materials that are recycled. Given expected population growth, to reach the goal of a 25 percent reduction in total waste from 2009 levels means that residents and businesses must reduce the amount of waste generated per person by more than onethird in 2030 compared to today. 9A Waste Prevention Increase awareness of and participation in targeted waste-prevention practices, and research and encourage strategies for reducing use of paper, plastics and other materials. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 9B Food Waste Prevent food waste: a ) ncourage strategies that reduce the volume of food waste generated such as proper food storage and meal planning. b ) Support gleaning and donation of unused and excess food to organizations that feed hungry people. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 9 Deconstruction and Salvage Promote alternatives to traditional building demolition such as relocation, deconstruction and salvage, including identifying and removing barriers and disincentives. ity: BPS, BDS xisting and/or ongoing Potential impact Magnitude of carbon emissions reduction support jobs and prosperity advance equity Significant improvement in local environmental quality improve health 92

5 LIMAT ATION PLAN 2015 PUBLI OMMNT DRAFT Waste generated by Portland businesses and residents has declined significantly in recent years % 30% Total tons of waste Percent change from 1996 level 20% 10% 0% 10% Pounds per person 20% Figure 36. Percent change in waste generation in Portland (relative to 1996). Source: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability The amount of waste generated in Portland has significantly declined since

6 onsumption and Solid Waste onsumption and Solid Waste 2030 OBJTIV 10 Recover 90 percent of all waste generated. Portland s recovery rate is among the highest in the U.S. with 70 percent of all waste generated in Portland recovered through recycling, composting or anaerobic digestion. Portland has established a citywide objective of recovering 75 percent of all waste by 2015, but with current technology, it is possible to recover more than 90 percent. Because close to 80 percent of all the waste in Portland is generated in the commercial sector, including multifamily residential buildings, Portland businesses are a critical part of the solution. Since 2008 Portland businesses have been complying with a requirement to recycle all paper and containers generated in the workplace. 10A omposting xpand participation in Portland s composting program: a ) ontinue to encourage Portland residents to Include the Food in their green Portland omposts roll carts. b ) Increase voluntary participation in commercial food scrap collection by identifying businesses that face barriers to participation and providing direct outreach and assistance. c ) Implement mandatory commercial and voluntary multifamily food scrap collection when sufficient regional food scrap processing capacity is developed. d ) nsure low-income populations and communities of color are not disproportionately burdened by localized impacts such as odor or truck trips. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 10B Technical Assistance Through the Sustainability at Work program, provide technical assistance and resources to at least 500 businesses per year to improve waste prevention and toxics reduction practices and to meet the requirement to recycle paper, metal and glass. Prioritize and customize technical assistance to benefit under-served and under-represented business owners. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 10 onstruction and Demolition Debris Provide technical assistance and resources to contractors to meet Portland s construction and demolition debris requirements, giving priority to salvage and reuse activities. ity: BPS, BDS xisting and/or ongoing 10D Portland Recycles Plan Review and update the Portland Recycles Plan, incorporating a focus on reducing the upstream impacts of the materials and goods produced and consumed locally. Identify options to reduce waste and increase recovery from residential, multifamily and commercial sectors. ity: BPS Near-term Potential impact Magnitude of carbon emissions reduction support jobs and prosperity advance equity Significant improvement in local environmental quality improve health 94

7 LIMAT ATION PLAN 2015 PUBLI OMMNT DRAFT 10 Be art Smart Promote recycling and composting through the Be art Smart campaign. ustomize communications and engagement strategies for audiences including large families, residents with limited nglish proficiency, renters and landlords to ensure that they have equitable access to information and services. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 10F ommercial Recycling Work with Metro to identify commercial garbage loads with a high level of recyclable materials and work with haulers and businesses to strengthen recovery programs. ity: BPS Near-term 10G Multifamily Provide technical assistance and resident waste reduction resources to multifamily property owners, managers, maintenance workers and onsite staff to reach 50 percent of multifamily households annually. Prioritize and customize outreach efforts to engage under-represented and under-served populations. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 95

8 onsumption and Solid Waste onsumption and Solid Waste 2030 OBJTIV 11 Reduce the carbon impacts of the waste collection system by 40 percent. Since 2007, Portland has required haulers to use 20 percent biodiesel in diesel vehicles used to collect waste in Portland. Waste collectionrelated carbon emissions can be further reduced by exploring routing efficiencies to reduce miles driven by garbage and recycling trucks and by converting to even cleaner transportation fuels and emission control technologies. 11A Hauler Fleets Implement strategies that reduce carbon emissions from the garbage and recycling collection fleet, including: a ) ontinue to require the use of 20 percent biodiesel for all diesel vehicles. b ) ontinue to require regular replacement of fleet vehicles to ensure they meet the most recent emissions standards. c ) valuate opportunities for further emission reductions from garbage and recycling fleet. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing 11B Route efficiency Support hauler rerouting to optimize efficiencies. ity: BPS xisting and/or ongoing Potential impact Magnitude of carbon emissions reduction support jobs and prosperity advance equity Significant improvement in local environmental quality improve health 96

9 LIMAT ATION PLAN 2015 PUBLI OMMNT DRAFT apturing the methane from landfills has been key to reducing carbon emissions from the waste we generate % 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Figure 37. Percent of methane recaptured at landfills serving Multnomah ounty. Source: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability apturing the methane generated by landfills that serve Multnomah ounty is an important strategy for reducing overall emissions associated with waste disposal. The capture rate has increased significantly since 1990 and is approaching 70 percent. 97

10 98 FOOD AND AGRIULTUR