A quick comment about plastic NOT going away. It does. Yeah it may take sometime for some types of plastic but it does eventually breakdown. Many studies have shown this fact.
Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun's radiation and ocean waves.
The problem with microplastics is that -- like plastic items of any size -- they do not readily break down into harmless molecules. Plastics can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose -- and in the meantime, wreak havoc on the environment. On beaches, microplastics are visible as tiny multicolored plastic bits in sand. In the oceans, microplasticpollution is often consumed by marine animals.
Microplastics have been detected in marine organisms from plankton to whales, in commercial seafood, and even in drinking water. Alarmingly, standard water treatment facilities cannot remove all traces of microplastics. To further complicate matters, microplastics in the ocean can bind with other harmful chemicals before being ingested by marine organisms.
-- Edited by dorian on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 09:45:51 AM
bgt said
09:50 AM Oct 14, 2020
Other studies have show that bacteria feed on plastic. So scientists at 20 yards? Pick your 'facts' and build an agrument based on those facts.
But my main point is that humans incorrectly disposing of waste is the problem. And science can make a plastic that will breakdown.
And no one has linked the current need for covid-19 hygiene with the continued use of single use plastics.
dorian said
10:02 AM Oct 14, 2020
I don't have a barrow to push. In fact I'm going to cry when greengrocers stop supplying the plastic bags that I now use to wrap my rubbish. It just seems stupid to buy purpose made plastic garbage bags when I can get them for free.
bgt said
10:33 AM Oct 14, 2020
We lived for years in the USA. Grocery stores offered you "paper or plastic" at the checkout. Heavy paper bags were fine. So why can't we here? My gripe is the lack of logic in most of the debate.
hufnpuf said
10:39 AM Oct 14, 2020
Better yet, bring your own bags or baskets, or crates. There's no need to get given bags, BYO. Back when, at the supermarket they'd put the empty cardboard boxes for reuse, the way they still do in Bunnings.
Craig1 said
02:30 PM Oct 14, 2020
Hi Craig and Maureen,
Thanks for your enquiry.
To bring the 2025 National Packaging Targets to life, APCO has developed a coordinated, whole-of-supply chain approach to promote the avoidance, reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of packaging materials. There is significant work to be delivered, with engagement and collaboration needed from across the supply chain.
APCO recognises the importance of reducing packaging materials and is working to improve this issue, through the use of the Sustainable Packaging guidelines, a document part of the co-regulatory framework established by the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (the NEPM) and the Australian Packaging Covenant (the Covenant). The NEPM and the Covenant state that the SPGs are to assist the design and manufacture of packaging that meets the sometimes conflicting demands of the market, consumer protection and the environment.
Through the waste hierarchy (pg. 8), it is indicated that reduction is to be prioritised when it comes to packaging. Material reduction is again emphasised through the reporting process, where members have to evaluate their packaging for material efficiency.
For more information about the work being delivered to bring the 2025 National Packaging Targets to life, visit our projects page.
It is also important to note that sometimes additional space may be due to controlled conditions or to avoid food waste e.g. the air in chip bag can help reduce the possibility of chips breaking as the air provides a cushioning affect.
I hope this information helps. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards, Geena
" At least a response" , but a bit wishy washy to me
-- Edited by Craig1 on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 02:31:50 PM
dabbler said
03:34 PM Oct 14, 2020
Plastic isn't one form of substance, it's a ubiquitous description of the nature of those substances. Not all plastics are equal. There are indeed some microbial agents that consume some plastics. Some, nor all. When almost all plastics break down or degrade, they just create tiny bits of plastic because it's mechanical breakdown not component breakdown. That creates a far more dangerous situation where micro plastics enter OUR food chain and it's already happening. Plastics in the most part are not biodegradable and simply don't go away. If we can discover bacteria that will biodegrade all forms of plastic, there is another problem. How do we ensure the process is contained to the plastics we are finished using and doesn't spread to the plastics we have in use ? The simpler solution is to dramatically reduce our plastic use and remove it as a consumable item in every sphere possible. There are very few novel uses of plastic in our world, it's not impossible. It's also possible to burn plastics and other waste in high temperature furnaces. The process is complicated and causes degraded air quality but can work with effort. That effort is mostly from the end-user (us) and sorting our rubbish. The plastics problem is real, it's a problem of our making and conveniently, we are the solution.
dabbler said
03:39 PM Oct 14, 2020
Various states in the US have reversed bans on single use plastic bags and outlawed reusable bags due to the Covid-19 infection risk from transference. In Australia, most if not all supermarkets stopped packing (and even handling) people's shopping bags, at least for a period. That's a far more practical solution to me.
msg said
04:36 PM Oct 14, 2020
The only way to get rid of rubbish is not to concentrate on recycling but to not create it in the first place. Unfortunately, I don't think it is possible.
I am one for having as much multi use stuff as possible and building goods to last a lifetime (well almost) Most of we oldies will remember how well our first fridges and washing machines lasted then over the latter years we seem to be replacing them every couple of years. The lounge I purchased when my son was first born and who is now 50 is still sitting in my lounge room as good a new. Admittedly it doesn't get sat on very often and I have replaced the couches in the family room several times.
One thing I don't like to have multi use is take away coffee cups. I guess it hasn't been popular from either the cafe owner's or their customer's point of view.
For the coffee shop owner there is the danger of a customer's cup being contaminated and the shop getting the blame. Also customers seem to have very large cups and want a regular coffee. lol.
From my point of view, particularly in these COVID times I would prefer a clean unused cup. Not having to worry about a carelessly washed cup. Not all of these small shops have dishwashing machines.
Wannabe nomad said
12:23 AM Oct 17, 2020
Here here,
And little pieces of plastic end up in native animals, bird and fishes guts.
I don't eat fast food very often but when do I ask for my drink without a top or a straw because mummy taught me many years ago how to drink from a cup and in those days sippy cups hadn't been invented so it was straight from the breast/bottle to a real cup. Ok there maybe a day if I live long enough that I'll need a little help and if I do I'll take in my re-usable drink bottle and ask them to fill it and sip from that.
I am passionate about thinking globally (about the environment) but acting locally. I try every couple of months to change one thing we do at home to make our footprint smaller. Then when it has become a habit. I will move onto the next thing. I would like to believe that it's not to late, and what I do might make a difference, but I know it's probably too little to late; but I'm doing it anyway: I feel I owe my grandchildren and great grandchildren that much and at least they will know I tried.
The bonus is how much money we are saving in the process.
Downsizing really opened up my eyes to how much we don't actually need and because the shack is not much bigger than a caravan, we have no room for a lot of "stuff anyway.
My one luxury (other than my little bit of chocky) is diesel to do some nomading before I kick the bucket; but I travel light which keeps it down a bit.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/microplastics/
-- Edited by dorian on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 09:45:51 AM
But my main point is that humans incorrectly disposing of waste is the problem. And science can make a plastic that will breakdown.
And no one has linked the current need for covid-19 hygiene with the continued use of single use plastics.
Hi Craig and Maureen,
Thanks for your enquiry.
To bring the 2025 National Packaging Targets to life, APCO has developed a coordinated, whole-of-supply chain approach to promote the avoidance, reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of packaging materials. There is significant work to be delivered, with engagement and collaboration needed from across the supply chain.
APCO recognises the importance of reducing packaging materials and is working to improve this issue, through the use of the Sustainable Packaging guidelines, a document part of the co-regulatory framework established by the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2011 (the NEPM) and the Australian Packaging Covenant (the Covenant). The NEPM and the Covenant state that the SPGs are to assist the design and manufacture of packaging that meets the sometimes conflicting demands of the market, consumer protection and the environment.
Through the waste hierarchy (pg. 8), it is indicated that reduction is to be prioritised when it comes to packaging. Material reduction is again emphasised through the reporting process, where members have to evaluate their packaging for material efficiency.
For more information about the work being delivered to bring the 2025 National Packaging Targets to life, visit our projects page.
It is also important to note that sometimes additional space may be due to controlled conditions or to avoid food waste e.g. the air in chip bag can help reduce the possibility of chips breaking as the air provides a cushioning affect.
I hope this information helps. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards,
Geena
" At least a response" , but a bit wishy washy to me
-- Edited by Craig1 on Wednesday 14th of October 2020 02:31:50 PM
I am one for having as much multi use stuff as possible and building goods to last a lifetime (well almost) Most of we oldies will remember how well our first fridges and washing machines lasted then over the latter years we seem to be replacing them every couple of years. The lounge I purchased when my son was first born and who is now 50 is still sitting in my lounge room as good a new. Admittedly it doesn't get sat on very often and I have replaced the couches in the family room several times.
One thing I don't like to have multi use is take away coffee cups. I guess it hasn't been popular from either the cafe owner's or their customer's point of view.
For the coffee shop owner there is the danger of a customer's cup being contaminated and the shop getting the blame. Also customers seem to have very large cups and want a regular coffee. lol.
From my point of view, particularly in these COVID times I would prefer a clean unused cup. Not having to worry about a carelessly washed cup. Not all of these small shops have dishwashing machines.
Here here,
And little pieces of plastic end up in native animals, bird and fishes guts.
I don't eat fast food very often but when do I ask for my drink without a top or a straw because mummy taught me many years ago how to drink from a cup and in those days sippy cups hadn't been invented so it was straight from the breast/bottle to a real cup. Ok there maybe a day if I live long enough that I'll need a little help and if I do I'll take in my re-usable drink bottle and ask them to fill it and sip from that.
I am passionate about thinking globally (about the environment) but acting locally. I try every couple of months to change one thing we do at home to make our footprint smaller. Then when it has become a habit. I will move onto the next thing. I would like to believe that it's not to late, and what I do might make a difference, but I know it's probably too little to late; but I'm doing it anyway: I feel I owe my grandchildren and great grandchildren that much and at least they will know I tried.
The bonus is how much money we are saving in the process.
Downsizing really opened up my eyes to how much we don't actually need and because the shack is not much bigger than a caravan, we have no room for a lot of "stuff anyway.
My one luxury (other than my little bit of chocky) is diesel to do some nomading before I kick the bucket; but I travel light which keeps it down a bit.
I'll get of my soapbox now