Sign onto the Energy Justice Platform! "Green" biomass (like
energy crops) is often a foot in the door for more toxic waste
streams. Plants that start off burning "clean wood chips" can
easily turn to burning more contaminated fuels (which may be
cheaper or even free), or get paid to take really dirty wastes
like trash or tires. Economic pressures encourage use of these
dirtier fuels.3 "Alternative" vs. "Renewable" vs. "Clean &
Green" All of the above terms are often used interchangeably,
but can mean different things. Just the term "renewable" can
mean different things in various state or federal energy bills,
laws and programs. Non-profit groups and private energy
certification programs all have their own definitions as well.
While these terms generally mean "not fossil fuels and not
nuclear," even coal technologies have been included in state and
federal "alternative" and "renewable" energy policies.4 Almost
universally, many sorts of incineration schemes have been
included in the various renewable energy