Paper or plastic? How about neither
The heat is on to cut back on the 100 billion plastic bags we use each year
by By Marni Pyke | Daily Herald Staff
When it comes to plastic bags, the answer is not blowing in the wind. The problem is blowing in the wind, environmental advocates say.
Clogging sewers, harming wildlife, hogging space in landfills, using up fossil fuels and littering the landscape, the ubiquitous totes have no shortage of critics. But recently, the chorus of disapproval has started moving from words to action.
"They're a product we really don't need," said Mark Westlund, a spokesman for San Francisco's environmental department. "We didn't use them before the mid-1970s and people got along just fine without."
Read much more here
Monday, February 11, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
China bans plastic bags!
China announces plastic bag ban
The Chinese government says it is banning shops from handing out free plastic bags from June this year, in a bid to curb pollution. Production of ultra-thin plastic bags will also be banned, the State Council said in a statement.
Instead, people will be encouraged to use baskets or reusable cloth bags for their shopping, the council said. The move comes amid growing concern about pollution and environmental degradation in China.
China was using huge quantities of plastic bags each year, the State Council, China's cabinet, said in its directive, posted on the main government website.
"Plastic shopping bags, due to reasons such as excessive use and inefficient recycling, have caused serious energy and resources waste and environment pollution," it said.
Read the full story from BBC NEWS
The Chinese government says it is banning shops from handing out free plastic bags from June this year, in a bid to curb pollution. Production of ultra-thin plastic bags will also be banned, the State Council said in a statement.
Instead, people will be encouraged to use baskets or reusable cloth bags for their shopping, the council said. The move comes amid growing concern about pollution and environmental degradation in China.
China was using huge quantities of plastic bags each year, the State Council, China's cabinet, said in its directive, posted on the main government website.
"Plastic shopping bags, due to reasons such as excessive use and inefficient recycling, have caused serious energy and resources waste and environment pollution," it said.
Read the full story from BBC NEWS
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Marine Debris & Plastics: Environmental Concerns, Sources, Impacts and Solutions
Marine Debris & Plastics: Environmental Concerns, Sources, Impacts and Solutions; Journal of Polymers and the Environment; S. B. Sheavly and K. M. Register
(1) Sheavly Consultants, 3500 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 212, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
(2) Clean Virginia Waterways, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909, USA
Abstract Marine debris (marine litter) is one of the most pervasive and solvable pollution problems plaguing the world’s oceans and waterways. Nets, food wrappers, cigarette filters, bottles, resin pellets, and other debris items can have serious impacts on wildlife, habitat, and human safety. Successful management of the problem requires a comprehensive understanding of both marine debris and human behavior. Knowledge is key for consumers to make appropriate choices when it comes to using and disposing of waste items. Education and outreach programs, strong laws and policies, and governmental and private enforcement are the building blocks for a successful marine pollution prevention initiative. The plastic industry also has a role to play in educating its employees and customers, and searching for technological mitigation strategies.
Keywords Marine debris - Marine litter - Environmental impact - Plastic debris
Download the full article HERE
(1) Sheavly Consultants, 3500 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 212, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
(2) Clean Virginia Waterways, Longwood University, 201 High Street, Farmville, VA 23909, USA
Abstract Marine debris (marine litter) is one of the most pervasive and solvable pollution problems plaguing the world’s oceans and waterways. Nets, food wrappers, cigarette filters, bottles, resin pellets, and other debris items can have serious impacts on wildlife, habitat, and human safety. Successful management of the problem requires a comprehensive understanding of both marine debris and human behavior. Knowledge is key for consumers to make appropriate choices when it comes to using and disposing of waste items. Education and outreach programs, strong laws and policies, and governmental and private enforcement are the building blocks for a successful marine pollution prevention initiative. The plastic industry also has a role to play in educating its employees and customers, and searching for technological mitigation strategies.
Keywords Marine debris - Marine litter - Environmental impact - Plastic debris
Download the full article HERE
Monday, November 26, 2007
Paper or Plastic?
The new documentary film by Jimmy Wardell on our addiction to plastic and its consequences for our ocean planet, "Paper or Plastic?", will premiere at the Sundance film festival in January 2008. Keep an eye out for the exact time and venue and for it to come to a festival near you.
MORE HERE
MORE HERE
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