The phony war on plastic (straws)

[Anonymous]

The recent war on plastic, in particular plastic straws, is illustrative of a number of problems with the media and the ability of people to have time to think and absorb what is presented to them. Studies show that up to 95% of plastic in the oceans, and plastic pollution generally, is due to non-western nations. Of the western nations, what possible percentage of this could be contributed by Canada? Of the tiny percentage of plastic refuse Canada contributes, what possible percentage of that small amount is attributable to plastic straws? Companies that distribute straws act rationally, by removing them and replacing them with paper versions, and using the exercise as a public relations coup and enjoy the free ad boost, but presumably add increased costs to the consumer. The consumer pays more to "solve" a problem that is at best a minuscule one, and it is bad economics. Not only that, but there were studies that showed that switching from plastic to paper grocery bags was actually more environmentally detrimental. The resources would be better allocated to educating the very populous regions that are actually the source of the plastic problem. A very similar argument can be advanced with respect to the economic self-flagellation Canada subjects itself to by imposing carbon taxes, shutting down clean coal plants, and oil sands production, while the rest of the world with the bulk of the population carries on unhindered by misplaced guilt. Those are real problems with real consequences.

[Gaon]

When Israel mandated that stores charge for plastic bags, use of them dropped eighty per cent and the amount found in beach waters was halved.

[Anonymous]

Bricktop posted a link about how over 90 per cent of the plastic in our oceans comes from just 10 rivers. None of them are in North America, Europe or Australia.

[Gaon]

And here it is.

https://thebluecashew.net/post277880.html?hilit=rivers#p277880">https://thebluecashew.net/post277880.html?hilit=rivers#p277880

[Bricktop]

There is something fundamentally askew with mid-range western governments, such as Canada and Australia. We are, as nations, largely irrelevant in world affairs. Sure, we have respect, and we are generally held favourably for being peaceful, safe and good global neighbours, but It seems our governments suffer the global version of middle child syndrome.



We seem to scream for attention..."look at us...we ban plastic, we use solar, we provide for "refugees"...aren't we good???".



It's international pettiness, which shames us. Our demand for positive attention blinds us to the fact that the rest of the world sees us for what we are...just looking for praise to make us feel special. Middle nation syndrome.

[Gaon]

There is something fundamentally askew with mid-range western governments, such as Canada and Australia. We are, as nations, largely irrelevant in world affairs. Sure, we have respect, and we are generally held favourably for being peaceful, safe and good global neighbours, but It seems our governments suffer the global version of middle child syndrome.



We seem to scream for attention..."look at us...we ban plastic, we use solar, we provide for "refugees"...aren't we good???".



It's international pettiness, which shames us. Our demand for positive attention blinds us to the fact that the rest of the world sees us for what we are...just looking for praise to make us feel special. Middle nation syndrome.

That's an interesting perspective. That could be at least partially true.

[Anonymous]

When Israel mandated that stores charge for plastic bags, use of them dropped eighty per cent and the amount found in beach waters was halved.

That's sensible environmental legislation....it encourages conservation..



Most supermarkets do it voluntarily....Safeway still doesn't charge for bags.

[Bricktop]

Pretty much eliminated here. We're saving the planet.

[Gaon]

Pretty much eliminated here. We're saving the planet.

How much do they charge for plastic grocery bags?

[Bricktop]

ac_dunno



No clue.



Everybody uses re-usables.

[Anonymous]

ac_dunno



No clue.



Everybody uses re-usables.

They charge five cents per bag here..



I reuse them and bring them back to the store....sometimes I forget to bring them and buy more.

 ac_blush

[Bricktop]

We use these...



https://proxy.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecocitizenaustralia.com.au%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2011%2F10%2Fgreen-bag.jpg&f=1">

[Berry Sweet]

Pretty much eliminated here. We're saving the planet.

How much do they charge for plastic grocery bags?

We pay 5 cents per bag here in BC.  I generally have my own in my purse but sometimes I do buy one.  They should really eliminate them all together.  People will have  no choice but to bring their own bags.  If you dont have one, then the only option SHOULD BE to purchase a paper bag.



We need to change our ways of living.  No more plastic and unnecessary products to live by.  People think they are saving the planet buy not buying bottled water anymore but using those soda streams.  And they just throw away the co2 cartridges, which is even worse.

[Anonymous]

Pretty much eliminated here. We're saving the planet.

How much do they charge for plastic grocery bags?

We pay 5 cents per bag here in BC.  I generally have my own in my purse but sometimes I do buy one.  They should really eliminate them all together.  People will have  no choice but to bring their own bags.  If you dont have one, then the only option SHOULD BE to purchase a paper bag.



We need to change our ways of living.  No more plastic and unnecessary products to live by.  People think they are saving the planet buy not buying bottled water anymore but using those soda streams.  And they just throw away the co2 cartridges, which is even worse.

Paper bags are worse than plastic bags.

http://www.allaboutbags.ca/papervplastic.html">http://www.allaboutbags.ca/papervplastic.html

[Berry Sweet]

Pretty much eliminated here. We're saving the planet.

How much do they charge for plastic grocery bags?

We pay 5 cents per bag here in BC.  I generally have my own in my purse but sometimes I do buy one.  They should really eliminate them all together.  People will have  no choice but to bring their own bags.  If you dont have one, then the only option SHOULD BE to purchase a paper bag.



We need to change our ways of living.  No more plastic and unnecessary products to live by.  People think they are saving the planet buy not buying bottled water anymore but using those soda streams.  And they just throw away the co2 cartridges, which is even worse.

Paper bags are worse than plastic bags.

http://www.allaboutbags.ca/papervplastic.html">http://www.allaboutbags.ca/papervplastic.html

Interesting.



Perhaps people should bring their own baskets, like the olden days.