Memo1: Waste to Energy; Sweden vs NYC

Posted on February 14, 2013 by Narciso Correa

To: Professor MacBride
From: Narciso Correa
Date: 2/14/13
Re: Memo #1

In my research paper, I will try to determine the reasons for why, despite its large success, has a waste to management system yet to be implemented in one of the largest waste producing cities in the world, NYC. To find the answer to this question, I will thoroughly profile Sweden’s Ecocycle program, one of the most efficient waste to energy systems currently in operation in the world. By studying Swedish government data and private research data, I will provide a detailed explanation of the program’s implementation and expand on the program and logistics of running such a system. I will then try to determine aspects of the waste to energy system in Sweden that might make it incompatible with NYC, paying special attention to NYC politics, culture and economy.

I plan on using data from the Swedish government to find out more about their Ecocycle program. One problem that I might encounter is that their data may be in Swedish and I may have to resort to secondary sources. With regard to obtaining data about NYC politics/economy I will consult the various arrays of data filled government websites available to the public. To determine cultural implications on waste to energy in NYC, if time permits then I may conduct a survey. But if not I will rely on the numerous surveys about environmentalism that are available through Baruch’s Databases.

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One Response to Memo1: Waste to Energy; Sweden vs NYC

  1. Samantha MacBride says:
    February 16, 2013 at 10:32 am

    Narciso
    Needless to say I’m thrilled with your choice of topic. Here are some pointers:

    1. for background on why NYC has not gone the way of Sweden, check out Matthew Gandy’s _Concrete and Clay_, Benjamin Miller’s _Fat of the Land_, and Julie Sze’s _Noxious New York_.

    2. focus on a big city in Sweden (Stockholm, for example) so that you can compare city to city

    3. Google translate can help you get an idea of what Swedish documents are saying, but a lot of the information will be in English anyway, I expect.

    4. Sweden is part of the European Union, so check out this source of information about Waste Directives and other EU level legislation.

    Let me know as questions come up!
    SM

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