Plastics and reduction

[Jane Gillett]

Glad to see this belated (to me) concern with plastics in the modern world
but I don't agree with all the presentation.

To me, the main problemcomes from SINGLE USE plastic ie material you use
once and then throw away (there are other dangers, of course, but I'd
rather treat those separately). I use plastic at home but in the vast
majority of cases it gets washed and put away for future use.
Inducements/adverts in the recent campaign don't seem to see this
distinction. Plastics can be valuable materials if used appropriately.

Years ago I got incensed when, in a local smkt, I found ONE banana on a
plastic tray wrapped in plastic film and went to Customer Services to
complain. They said it was needed to put a price ticket on - bananas have
skins that would do that job ok IMO. Anyway, I saidI want to make it a
formal complaint and they said they'd remember to "pass it on" or words
tothat effect; it was a long time ago. I insisted that it got written down
in the complaints book as I felt that at least that would get it read if no
more at a "complaints" event (meeting etc). Never heard any more but didn't
see any other similar occurrences in the immediately following years.

I rarely buy anything wrapped in plastic it doesn't need, preferring to do
without. Of course, there is a valid use for single use plastics in the
medical world and we rely on it heavily for underground pipes and wires
which I would support. Ditto reusable utensils. In other cases, I feel it
is good to consider if we really need it and for what; looking back to life
when I was young ( a long time ago I admit) what did we do then? One thing
that comes to mind (ok trivial, I admit) is that we used to buy bags of
broken biscuits at reduced prices, in paper bags; now we pay full price for
them. But that's hardly a major issue.

As a matter of interest, what happens to the plastics people pick up in
beach cleans? Do they go into private bins?

Interested in your opinions.
Jane

[Brian Reay]

Post by Jane Gillett
Glad to see this belated (to me) concern with plastics in the modern world
but I don't agree with all the presentation.
To me, the main problemcomes from SINGLE USE plastic ie material you use
once and then throw away (there are other dangers, of course, but I'd
rather treat those separately). I use plastic at home but in the vast
majority of cases it gets washed and put away for future use.
Inducements/adverts in the recent campaign don't seem to see this
distinction. Plastics can be valuable materials if used appropriately.
Years ago I got incensed when, in a local smkt, I found ONE banana on a
plastic tray wrapped in plastic film and went to Customer Services to
complain. They said it was needed to put a price ticket on - bananas have
skins that would do that job ok IMO. Anyway, I saidI want to make it a
formal complaint and they said they'd remember to "pass it on" or words
tothat effect; it was a long time ago. I insisted that it got written down
in the complaints book as I felt that at least that would get it read if no
more at a "complaints" event (meeting etc). Never heard any more but didn't
see any other similar occurrences in the immediately following years.
I rarely buy anything wrapped in plastic it doesn't need, preferring to do
without. Of course, there is a valid use for single use plastics in the
medical world and we rely on it heavily for underground pipes and wires
which I would support. Ditto reusable utensils. In other cases, I feel it
is good to consider if we really need it and for what; looking back to life
when I was young ( a long time ago I admit) what did we do then? One thing
that comes to mind (ok trivial, I admit) is that we used to buy bags of
broken biscuits at reduced prices, in paper bags; now we pay full price for
them. But that's hardly a major issue.

When the recent 'concern' re plastics started- I'm referring to the
current 'episode' - there was a long term environmental expert, no a
campaigner, on the radio. They were 'more than skeptical' re the impact
of the rush to 'dump' plastics etc. She wanted a more 'measured
approach'. I've little time for environmental scare stories and even
less for 'campaigners' etc. However, this expert was a change from the
norm. Sensible points, backed up with a rationale, but still wanting to
work towards a good solution.

Post by Jane Gillett
As a matter of interest, what happens to the plastics people pick up in
beach cleans? Do they go into private bins?

I suspect it varies from area to area. Assuming the local authority
either supply, or already have, bins by the beach (and I mean BIG ones),
which isn't at all unusual, I'd assume it goes in there. From then on it
depends on what the Local Authority (or their contractor) does with it.
Some recycle more than others.

I suppose some may 'take it home', then it will go into domestic rubbish
or recycling, all depending on what services are offered.