The plastic bag problem is real, so is all the other plastic that is not only not recyclable but environmentally a profound polluter. The plastic industry states plastic is slow to biodegrade, which sounds simple and OK, but in fact, it does not biodegrade.
Certain “biodegradable” plastics are available but can be hazardous in themselves if not composted properly.
We have become a fat, lazy, self-indulgent, complacent population. We’re used to plastic. It’s easy and cheap, and some of us reuse plastic bags, but even when they’re reused, the end result is the plastic bag goes into the garbage dump, where it does not biodegrade.
Los Angeles, the second-most populous city in this country, has banned plastic bags, perhaps that’s a good place to get more information on “how to.” Government banning comes when we, the people, do not take personal responsibility, willing to recognize the consequences of our own behaviors and when the corporations that sell the products do what’s easiest and cheapest. Plastic bags are a problem, but in the case of grocery stores, they, the grocers need to take responsibility for providing adequate bagging. Give a discount for bringing your own bag or box? But charging the customer for a bag? Or taxing for a bag?
Let’s look at our own plastic footprint, take personal responsibility and put part of the problem on the venders. String bags, reuse boxes, discounts for now, (at least one store in Durango does this) then go online to websites such as: www.epa.gov/climatechange/waste/downloads/Landfilling.pdf, to become a more informed and responsible consumer.Yes, it takes time, but the land litter, rivers, oceans, and even space, which has become a dump, will have a better chance of survival.
This planet is an awesome place to pass our life’s journey. Each of us, as well as corporate America, needs to care, so progeny and our fellow inhabiters can live as mother nature intended.
Geraldine Duffy
Bayfield
