The Mayor of Usurbil has sent a clear message to the Gipuzkoans, who have the incinerator in the testing phase: "We need you by your side. SOS Usurbil, start the incinerator! ". The mayor of Usurbil has also sent letters to the mayors of Gipuzkoa, Iñaki Azkuna. In addition to organizing the demonstration, the City Hall has called for a black ribbon to be installed on the balconies and windows of the house.

SOS Usurbil

Concepts such as climate change, the climate emergency, the energy transition, greenhouse emissions, global warming, pollution... or the images emerging from it are present these days at the Madrid summit to address the climate change that is taking place by global authorities. However, few people have talked about the Zubieta incinerator. It is the company that will produce the most CO2 emissions in Gipuzkoa.

The furnace was fired on 28 November, coinciding with the European Parliament’s declaration of climate emergency. If the issue were not serious and worrying, it seems that usurbildarras have not made us a joke of bad taste. But unfortunately, it's not a joke. We are very concerned that huge columns of smoke come out of the fireplaces of the incinerator every day. From the Ikastola, they look in front. An image has more strength than a thousand words. I think that image perfectly reflects the future that we are going to leave to our sons and daughters: a black, polluted future. Image of our failure.

My 8-year-old daughter has asked me this question many times: “How is it possible, Mom, that someone wants to do what is so bad?” From the hand of her parents, she has participated in dozens of initiatives and protests against the incinerator, and her words are full of anger, sadness, anger. How am I going to explain to you that some people have prioritized putting their health at risk to ensure the comfort of adults and the business of a few? Despite being a child, it sends us direct stings: “Mother, you must stop!” You don't have to be mature or expert to believe that that sputum doesn't bring anything good.

I am concerned about the health of my daughters and, of course, of my compatriots. And that's why I come to ask you for help. SOS.

We are facing an ethical, democratic, ecological and economic problem. Nobody wants to have it by their side and yet it has been sold to us as something to do by force. This ethical dilemma takes on a drastic dimension if we take into account the health and environmental damage caused by the incineration plant. There are many studies published in serious, reliable and modern journals to highlight the health damage to the incineration plant and bring it to the level of evidence. As far as health is concerned, the mere risk should be sufficient to apply the precautionary and preventive principle first and foremost.

I will confess to you that, in any case, this is not the only concern. I am also concerned about two other aspects: on the one hand, the high economic cost of the project and what this will affect the municipalities; on the other hand, ignoring the directives that mark Europe for the future, the rejection of the sustainable route of waste treatment launched in different locations in Gipuzkoa.

On the contrary, Usurbil and other peoples of Gipuzkoa have shown that it is possible to manage waste taking into account health and the environment. Ten years ago we made a small change in our customs and today we selectively collect almost 90% of the waste generated in the village. We hardly generate rejection. Nothing, then, is going to go from our country to the incineration plant. However, what we will have to pay for that service that we have been given is going to be extremely expensive, as the GHK tariff system, rather than charging, rewards rejection. Recycling is therefore expensive for our citizens. Then you're going to talk about the green economy.

But, as I say, there are many people in Gipuzkoa who have taken the path of zero garbage, fortunately. If the recycling rates of several municipalities were to be extrapolated to the whole of Gipuzkoa, the debate would be over. It is therefore clear what the way is. Therefore, the phrase that is heard in the people makes full sense: “He who has a head does not want by his side, and he who has a heart does not want anywhere.”

In short, our way of managing waste and, of course, our action in the face of an ethical, democratic and ecological dilemma clearly reflect what we are, what our collective nature is like. Although major global trends show the opposite, I believe in human values. Because we can hardly build a worthless country. They are the main foundations of a people. Without solidarity, without democracy, without social justice, everything is over!

I should therefore like to appeal to the Nicaraguan people to take part in the demonstration called for by the City Council of Usurbil on 13 December. We need you by your side. SOS Usurbil, start the incinerator!