problem is polymers are really useful, single use is ideal if that use is eternal, "disposable" single or even a few reuse cycles still leaves a load of waste most of which is dumped on land or "lost at sea" and has a huge by pollution foot print
the microplastic bits that result from the world mangling the stuff seem to be present in every environment, in most critters and of unknown long term effects
they do provide a very good geological marker for dating the 6th major extinction, them and plutonium is a clearer line than the KT boundary
Last edited by dpack on Fri Feb 16, 24 7:31 am; edited 1 time in total
I gave a talk yesterday evening about 'Coppice and its Craftsmen'. The cutting or coppice fell dramatically in the 1960s at the time when we started to use plastics to a very large extent. I am glad to say that amongst some parts of the population there is a reaction to the use of plastic and some of the old products are making a come back; there is certainly more interest in using natural products than there was.
Recycling is a problem, so reuse for as long as possible helps a bit. I reuse plastic bags until they become totally unusable and try to avoid using them or buying things wrapped or packaged in plastic, but it is almost impossible to avoid them all together.
jema Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 28232 Location: escaped from Swindon
Posted: Fri Feb 16, 24 7:56 am Post subject:
I wonder a lot about the idea that all products when you buy them should include the cost of proper disposal of that product?
It would kill a lot of plastic overnight.
A good idea. It would make people think if things were really necessary, and not just plastic. I would also like to see more things packaged in paper or other suitable material. The main problem is things like liquid or semi-liquid; yoghurt and similar spring to mind, as the amount and size used would make glass difficult to recycle. In particular things like sterol or immune boosting drinks have to be in a set size to give the right dose. I try to put most of my stuff for recycling, and already have several bags separating the different things, which go in different directions; kerbside, soft plastic recycle, aluminium recycle, glass recycle. Our waste bin doesn't go out very often as a result.
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