The 2011 APHA Annual Meeting theme "Healthy Communities Promote Healthy Minds and Bodies" gives APHA members an opportunity to build on the 2009 and 2010 themes of Water and Social Justice as public health priorities. The APHA Food and Environment Working Group, the Environment Section's 100th Anniversary Committee, and APHA are setting goals to reduce waste and promote a sustainable, just, and healthy food and water system. We encourage everyone at APHA 2011 to increase efforts to reduce trash, especially paper and plastic.
The Diversion Rate (the recycling/trash ratio) in D.C. at APHA 2007 was 34 percent.
The Diversion Rate in Denver at APHA 2010 was 52.75 percent.
Can we achieve a Diversion rate of 75 percent at APHA 2011?
The D.C. Convention Center’s water fountains and food service sinks provide filtered water! Bring your own refillable bottle to the conference to cut down on plastic waste. Plan events using local resources and services that encourage wise use of water and other resources. If you need advice or suggestions, contact us: apha.fewg@gmail.com. Buy food sourced from sustainable producers and distributors. Take advantage of the DC Convention Center's Green Initiatives: http://www.dcconvention.com/Planners/Large/GreenInitiatives.aspx, and learn more about APHA 2011 Environmental Initiatives: http://www.apha.org/meetings/highlights/environment.htm
The APHA Food and Environment Working Group is a multi-disciplinary collaboration across APHA Sections, housed in the Food & Nutrition and Environment Sections. Colleagues work together to protect public health by promoting and cultivating a safe, healthy, just and sustainable food system. If you would like to work with us toward these goals, contact Rebecca Klein, rklein@jhsph.edu, Working Group membership is open to all APHA members.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Resources and References ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Bottled Water Myths
http://www.storyofstuff.com/pdfs/storyofbottledwater_myth-v-reality.pdf
Bottled Water: Get the Facts
http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/water/bottled/