07-26-2011, 03:49 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Obie
MYTH: Plastic bags are a major source of litter, and banning or taxing bags will reduce litter.
TRUTH: Plastic bags make up less than one percent of all litter.
Since plastic bags are responsible for less than 1% of all litter, banning or taxing them will have no impact.
Obie, I'm not sure where you got the plastic bags make up less than one percent of all litter figure. For all I know, it could be true. But, if you are referencing that fact from the National Review online article that you hyperlinked in an earlier post, even the Review acknowledged that the source was perhaps a bit biased because the source was the director of marketing and sustainability for Hilex Poly, the largest plastic-bag manufacturer in the U.S.
Just a fact worth noting.
I'm still learning about plastic bags and their effect on the environment and their effect on us. From what I gather it is not so much about the percentage of bags as it relates to overall litter - but more about the damaging toxicity that they inflict.
Friends of mine involved in Environmental Studies at UH do heartily agree with you that we have been woefully inadequate in recycling and reusing plastic bags in a less odious nature.
I'm learning a lot about this subject, so thanks to you all...