Oregon’s 2050 Vision for Materials Management

By Abby Boudouris, Policy Analyst, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Solid Waste Policy and Program Development.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, with the help of a stakeholder advisory group, has drafted a 2050 Vision and Framework for Action for Materials Management in Oregon. The document updates the state’s solid waste management plan and addresses how Oregon can reduce environmental impacts by managing materials throughout their life, including extraction, production, use and end-of-life management.

DEQ is seeking input on the draft document thru August 24. A mid-July webinar about the proposed vision was well received, drawing praise and suggestions. DEQ expects to present the revised 2050 Vision document to the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in December 2012 for approval. The document will then serve as a guide as DEQ considers ideas and develops policies and rules to govern materials management in the state.   Learn more at  http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/sw/materialsmgmtplan.htm

2050 Vision for Materials Management in Oregon

Oregonians in 2050 live well, responsibly producing and using materials, conserving resources, and restoring the environment.

1. Recognizing that Earth's resources are finite, Oregonians live within the limits of our sustainable share of the world's natural resources.  We make materials and products in a manner that maintains a healthy environment and fertile soils.  Materials and products minimize the use and release of toxins, the release of greenhouse gases and pollutants, the use of energy and water, and the extraction of non-renewable materials.
   
   
2. We use renewable resources at levels that can be sustained in perpetuity while maintaining the resiliency of natural systems.  The materials and products we purchase in Oregon similarly are made in a manner that supports human health and maintains healthy, resilient environments and communities, wherever they are made.
   
   
3. We take into account the full impacts of materials throughout their life cycle.  When materials and products are no longer useable or wanted, we recover them for their next highest and best use.  We minimize harmful disturbance of land and natural ecosystems, using resources in a responsible way only as necessary to meet human needs and maintain healthy, vibrant communities.
   
   
4. All Oregonians have access to the knowledge, capabilities, resources, and services required to use materials responsibly.  This vision provides a prosperous and clean economy that allows all people to live fulfilling lives, now and in the future.