As editor of I don't think we're to this point yet, but perhaps it's almost here: At a debate in Aspen, Colo., yesterday on "Rethinking plastics," one participate made the argument that the time for debate is over -- single-use plastics should be banned.
That's the position of David de Rothschild, an environmentalist and author who in 2010 made a trip across the Pacific in a boat made from recycled plastics to raise awareness of ocean debris.
According to this report from The Aspen Times, Rothschild "said the debate is getting bogged down because the American Chemistry Council (ACC) is pumping millions of dollars annually into a campaign to warn people that the 'plastics police' will ruin the economy."
"Rothschild said the argument that banning plastic grocery bags will doom the economy is ridiculous. It will benefit imperiled ocean life and improve the food chain that threatens human health, he claimed," according to Scott Condon's report.
Rothschild was participating in "Rethinking Plastic: Design, Reuse and Recycling," a panel discussion that was part of the 4-day Aspen Environment Forum.
The plastics industry was represented at the debate by Marsha Craig, engineering polymers global business manager for DuPont Co. She's quoted in Condon's report talking about plastics recycling, adding: "I'm an optimist. I think plastics are good. I think they are going to get better."
Comments (1)
None of thermoplastics are made for single use – even not the thin shopping bags, which can be used instead of buying waste bags, can be reused at next shopping, could be easily recycled when correctly collected (as anyway necessary for all kind of waste)
Those, who argue for bans, are those not thinking in life cycle terms, not understanding, that all alternatives (if at all mentioned) are worse below the line…..
Our problem is not plastics, but “not thinking”, “not knowing”, “not behaving correctly”, not “educated properly”…….But to changes all this causes more work than a simple ban, hence it is not appreciated.
Keeping the environment clean, is all about how we handle our waste.
Could Mr. Rothschild please explain, who disposes all the waste (and not only plastics)to lakes, rivers, oceans and anywhere else ???
Has he spent one word to fight against those, disposing their mud wherever they like and just are ???
Posted by Leopold Katzmayer | June 15, 2011 4:17 AM
Posted on June 15, 2011 04:17