What is the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)?

About Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA):

• It is a worldwide alliance of more than 1,000 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations and individuals. It aims to power a transition away from our current linear and extractive economy and towards a circular system that supports people’s right to a safe and healthy environment. 
• It envisions a just, zero-waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.
• This entails fighting pollution and building regenerative solutions in cities through local campaigns, shifts in policy and finance, research and communication initiatives, and movement building.
• They work on four primary points of intervention: incineration, zero waste, plastic, and climate.

What is Incineration?

• Incineration is the process of burning hazardous materials at temperatures high enough to destroy contaminants.
• Incineration is conducted in an “incinerator,” which is a type of furnace designed for burning hazardous materials in a combustion chamber.
• Many different types of hazardous materials can be treated by incineration, including soil, sludge, liquids and gases.
• Although it destroys many kinds of harmful chemicals, such as solvents, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and pesticides, incineration does not destroy metals, such as lead and chromium.
• Modern incinerators include air pollution control equipment (e.g., fabric filters, scrubbers and electrostatic precipitators) to remove fly ash and gaseous contaminants.