Why ban plastics?

Al Evans noticed some calls to ban or tax plastics products, so he wrote a letter to Stuart, Fla.'s TCPalm.com asking "Why, when plastics yield so many benefits?" "Having worked for the plastics industry for 17 years, I feel compelled to respond to all those opposed to plastics in any form," he wrote. "Take a look in your kitchens and consider the products this material has replaced, as well as the interior and exterior of your appliances, flooring, furniture, all at significant savings because of their light weight and convenience." "In construction products, think about plastics pipe and fittings, vinyl siding, and roofing materials, etc. The greatly reduced labor costs of handling plastic pipe alone are very significant." Evans goes on to highlight the benefits of using plastics in automotive, packaging and medical applications. It's rare to see anyone from the industry sit down and write a letter defending plastics. Perhaps Evans' effort will inspire more of the same.