Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Recycling is no longer high on the menu for the Republicans John Birdsall/Press Association Images via PA images

Environmentalists see red as Republicans scrap green initiatives

Environmentally-friendly items – including biodegradable cutlery and recyclable cups – set to be changed by Republicans.

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE done much to raise the ire of environmentalists, and their latest move is certain to displease those with a green conscience.

A number of initiatives introduced by the Democrats have been reversed since the Republicans took charge of the US House of Representatives, reports The Guardian.

When the Democrats held the house, the cafeterias were at the centre of a plan to reduce the carbon footprint of Congress.

In 2008, a healthier menu was introduced, polystyrene packaging was replaced with items made of biodegradable corn starch, and recycling stations were installed.

But Dan Lungren, chair of the house administration committee, said of a $475,000 per year composting programme brought into the Congress Building’s coffee shop:

After a thorough review of the house’s composting operations, I have concluded that it is neither cost effective nor energy efficient to continue the programme.

To date, the Republicans have reintroduced plastic cups and even moved to repeal a government decision to replace lightbulbs with energy-efficient versions.

As expected, environmental organisations have condemned the return to plastic.

Read more at The Guardian.>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joan Featherstone
    Favourite Joan Featherstone
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 1:54 PM

    This would break your heart. God rest Harry if there is a higher place you’ve earned your spot you little love.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute isabelle
    Favourite isabelle
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 1:46 PM

    #RIP Harry

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon McGrath
    Favourite Simon McGrath
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 1:47 PM

    RIP

    87
    gary
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute gary
    Favourite gary
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 3:04 PM

    very sad ,rip

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Deborah McCarthy
    Favourite Deborah McCarthy
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 3:44 PM

    Sleep tight Harry.

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute isabelle
    Favourite isabelle
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 7:39 PM

    Why would people give a thumbs down for the above comments!!!!???

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noddy Mooney
    Favourite Noddy Mooney
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 8:10 PM

    RIP Harry, I dont understand why thumb down responses aren’t required to submit an accompanying text response. Anyone at The Journal care to explain why?

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jacqui Round
    Favourite Jacqui Round
    Report
    Oct 9th 2011, 10:55 PM

    RIP Harry – your family must be so proud to have had such an inspirational son

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Declan Ryan
    Favourite Declan Ryan
    Report
    Oct 10th 2011, 12:43 AM

    There can be some sick sad people out there ,i cant believe some animal wouud give a thumbs down,when people are paying respects,really makes me angry,very sad sad sick i wouldnt even describe them as human,evil is what they are. R i p young man

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Noel Peare
    Favourite Noel Peare
    Report
    Oct 10th 2011, 8:24 AM

    When I am scrolling through comments on my phone I frequently hit the "report comment" button by mistake. This button requires a confirmation before proceeding so I can cancel the mistake. I could be hitting the "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" button with the same frequency but would never know as no further confirmation is required.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Beggan
    Favourite Paul Beggan
    Report
    Oct 10th 2011, 7:50 AM

    Dear journal. Switch the thumbs down off on this type of story. While I don’t submit to one poster’s claim that down thumbers are evil, I do think they’re idiots.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Debi-Nikita Rathbone-Rentzke
    Favourite Debi-Nikita Rathbone-Rentzke
    Report
    Oct 10th 2011, 7:07 AM

    It’s always sad to hear or read about the death of some-one, whether one knew a person or not. But when hearing of a death of a child, well that’s just soul wrenching.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds