Series of blunders turned plastic bag into global villain?

Ina

I was never aware that the killing of marine animals was the only reason why we ought to give up plastic bags... I also hate it when somebody states "scientists say" - which scientists, if you please? Other scientists probably say exactly the opposite... I would like to be able to check these claims!

And anyway - I'm not blind. I see when it's plastic bags that are "decorating" trees and beaches. They also still can't be made without a vast input of energy and oil, and they fill up landfill sites. All that should be reason enough to cut back on their use.

Julie

The one that bugs me is the mysterious 'they say that.....',
Who is/are 'they' and what are their credentials?

KimmiKat

Strangely I found myself here by route of a website called www.morsbags.com, after a conversation on another forum www.bookclubforum.co.uk about a programme that had been on showing the horrifying, unnecessay cruelty to marine life.
I feel I've come full circle.
Surely the cruelty to other residents of this planet should be the paramount reason for eradication,or modification. Add to that the carbon footprint in making the plastic, the time it takes to disappear, and the unsightly mess it leaves behind, and the knowledge that we have other materials which can replace it for 99% of the time...what is the argument for it's continued manufacture and use?
Susie.

Ina

Especially as it can so easily be replaced by something better?

johnhcrf · Scientists backing plastic bags

I do not respect scientists pronouncements as they would like, though they have some value. Plastic bags contribute towards the landfill total and if they are no longer used that 0.3% becomes zero! There are other components of landfill and these should be removed as well.

hcrf

JamesB

i think the point they were making that in terms of CO2 emmissions then plastic bags contribute a tiny tiny amount. They are rightly attacking the view that is.
'Im helping reduce global warning, i recycle, and reuse plastic bags' whereas that same person still contributes a whopping amount of C02 because they fly 4 times a year! Its easy to conconcentrate on the little things without realising the bigger picture.

It would be much better to use lots of plastic bags (decomposing in a tip) and not fly!

James

Series of blunders turned plastic bag into global villain?

Scientists backing plastic bags