Even when it's recycled, plastic still produces pollution. Plus, to
create it in the first place takes petrol, something environmentalists
are not big on. It has nearly as many harmful chemicals as
styrofoam and many versions also have styrene.
The article doesn't mention that plastic containers aren't good for storing foods long-term or drinking out of. It can
add a funky flavor to that's probably not healthy considering
the above chemicals.
Topping the green list are tote bags and
other reusables like mugs at coffee houses or Tupperware at salad bars.
Regarding totes, the article says, "many grocery stores offer discounts
for bringing your own bag. There's no waste. You feel good about
yourself. It's fun."
They're also en
vogue. I have a friend with multiple totes which seems to contradict the green message they're supposed to be carrying. Design Observer sums it up: "Judging by the cost, producing one tote is roughly equivalent to
producing 400 plastic bags. That's fine if you actually use the tote
400 times, but what if you just end up with 40 totes in your closet?
Once the emphasis shifts from reusing a bag to having a bag that
reflects your status or personality, the environmental goal starts
drifting out of sight."
Reuse your totes, or you're not doing any better than someone using plastic bags.
(Image via Flickr: Idiolector)
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Faith -- no offense taken. As embarrassed as I am when we make mistakes, I'm gratified when our readers are engaged enough to correct us.
A Styrofoam cup is actually less detrimental to the environment than a paper cup. When you do the life-cycle costing of the paper Dixie cup vs. the styrofoam, you come out slighlty ahead in the carbon costing with the styrofoam. Again, people DO THE RESEARCH on environmental issues. Half-baked ideas from environmental extremists help no-one.
http://www.genexe.com/?p=296
A Styrofoam cup is actually less detrimental to the environment than a paper cup. When you do the life-cycle costing of the paper Dixie cup vs. the styrofoam, you come out slighlty ahead in the carbon costing with the styrofoam. Again, people DO THE RESEARCH on environmental issues. Half-baked ideas from environmental extremists help no-one.
http://www.genexe.com/?p=296
Sorry C.J.! I hope you weren't offended by my insensitive rudeness. I thought about my comment later and felt like a total asshole. Sometimes, I feel more comfortable with people online than I really should. my apologies to both you AND Owen.
Faith -- that paragraph was my fault. I'd try to explain what I thought I was doing there, but that would only make me look even more stupid. Thanks for pointing it out -- I think I've fixed it now -- and apologies to Owen.
I haven't had anything to comment about all day until I read this post. FanTABulous...
I agree with the removal of the body builder disgustingness, but I disagree with waiting for subscribing to comments. Want. It. NOW. Grrr!
The only comments I have about the post itself are (a) I've lived this long using styrofoam and plastic and (b) what the hell is this paragraph supposed to say?: "The article doesn't neglects to mention that neither is plastic good for drinking from or storing foods long-term, especially acidic items. It can add a funky flavor to that's probably not healthy considering the above chemicals." It makes no sense, and is about to make my head explode! GAH!
I thought this dude (an the only reason I know it's a dude because he is not wearing a bra) was a poster for "I beat rickets"
DLC you are cool with or without "Le Bag"
I'd wait two years for subscribe to comments if you make it easier to see the body builder's nipples
And by the way, I'd be willing to wait another year for subscribe to comments is someone gets that photo of that goddamned middle aged body builder off the site.
It's true. I bring my "Le Bag" with me every time I shop to show everyone how cool I am.
...having a bag that reflects your status or personality...
Funny--this is the same phenomenon that has made the Toyota Prius the hands-down hybrid sales leader. When you see a Prius, you know it's a hybrid because that's the only way they make 'em. The Civic hybrid doesn't sell nearly as well despite being a comparable car--and it's because unless people read the back of the trunk they won't know it's any different.
In other words, everybody seeing that you're doing the right thing is more important than simply doing the right thing.
when I was growing up people washed plastic bags and reused them (because there weren't any). as far as totes, I have a bunch, but never use them, the only store where I bring my own bags is Aldi since they charge for them otherwise (that's where I bought them in the first place). The charge is pretty symbolic but it's surprising how "green" people would suddenly become when they have to spend a nickel.
Where the hell is "subscribe to comments" feature
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