There’s so much becoming included in this conversation, which indicates the span of difficulty this mess really involves. But I have a few thoughts:
If we recycle and use the cardboard, aluminum, and glass the way we’re supposed to, the mines aren’t going to be nearly as critical in the production. This does mean that industry would have to work with the recycled product instead of raw materials. Guess which is cheaper and what drives that factor?
Bags may carry contaminants. If made of cloth, fine. Wash them like towels. Get the word out. We’re still in greater danger from using the same door handles, gas pumps, and sharing household space with children/other residents. Fact is still this… we do NOT do enough to strengthen our immune systems. We are TOO CLEAN and that is causing health disorders. The body needs something to attack. Period. Also, University/college/industry studies all come from controlled environments for research. They create the problem and report on it, whether it’s really MY problem or not, not to mention how statistics are easily manipulated to create persuasion.
Biodegradable… means NOTHING. When the product breaks down, it doesn’t turn to dirt. It returns to a molecular level, gets into our soil and water supply. How many people feel like eating or drinking plastic? THAT… is your “biodegradable” product.
We can improve our own environments, but it’s also a fact that China is putting far more pollutants into our oceans than anyone else. The idea that this problem is just our problem is preposterous. From a nation that cares not if it’s population reduces, I doubt we’ll see much cooperation.
Bottomline? Who are we kidding? The answers to this issue should have been addressed before WWII. Money is still the driving force of everything and the problem is already too large to think that “our little bit” is going to save any of us from being affected. The knowledge and technology is there. We have solutions. But it’s not financially lucrative, and that is what still drives the problem. Whether plastic breaks down in 1000yrs or a few months, it’s still molecular plastic getting into everything. It simply does not break down any further or naturally become something useful.
So, I do little things really, just to make myself feel like I’m doing my part in not adding to the continuation of the problem. I wash/refill my water jugs/bottles with my well water. I also use containers instead of plastic cups. I try to reuse anything I can, but outside of buying a small warehouse, I eventually run out of space. I do not fear reuseable grocery bags. If something smells funky, wipe it down or wash it. But realize, sooner or later, the mess we already have will become more than it is, whether we do these little things or not.
It’s already too late.
