Plastic bags (again)

[Chickenlady]

Hmm. This is an interesting piece, although I think the argument is pretty flawed:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4836766.stm

What do you think?

[LSP]

Have you seen the members of the 'Council' she represents?

http://www.incpen.org/

(look under 'Who we are')

The corporates are not stupid. They spend pots of money to form nice-sounding 'Councils', even one with 'Environment' in its name to push out PR materials like this.

They have vested interests, and more importantly, they can afford to.

Would like to know what others think.

[LSP]

Had a closer look at the site. The 'factsheet' on dioxins (released when plastics are burned) concludes that:

"It cannot be "proved" that dioxins do not cause harm any more than it can be proved that tea or fruit juices do not cause harm. The analytical sensitivity of modern equipment means that many substances can be detected in previously undetectable quantities. The results of this level of investigation have to be put into some sort of perspective and reactions to the results based on some realistic scale.

The current shift away from paper products bleached by chlorine is a direct response by commercial interests to media pressure. It certainly must be sensible to avoid the use of potentially polluting processes. If alternatives are more compatible with the environment, the results will be beneficial but there is a need to avoid hasty response until the impact of the alternatives has also been investigated."

Looks like this Council is paying scientists and writers very well to prove that the cheaper, disposable way is the best way forward.

[Chickenlady]

It is really scary, as this kind of argument gives people a good reason to be stupid and lazy, and just continue gathering millions of plastic bags.

The argument that plastic bags are ok because they don't do as much damage as, say, flying, is a bit pathetic!!!

[herbwormwood]

It is really scary, as this kind of argument gives people a good reason to be stupid and lazy, and just continue gathering millions of plastic bags.

The argument that plastic bags are ok because they don't do as much damage as, say, flying, is a bit pathetic!!!

The excess in plastic bags does not annoy me because of the environmental impact their production has but becaause of what happens to then when they are littered. They get stuck in trees and line the side of railway lines. The Newcastle to Middlesbrough line is particularly horribly littered. They also choke wild animals and seabirds.

[m1ke4ngel]

the answer is simple- execute all people who drop litter, especially those that throw their fast food litter out of the car window!

[Wombat]

Oh yeah!