Write a letter to editor about the bad effect of plastic
Answers
TO
Editor
This letter is in response to the May 24 letter from the American Progressive Bag Alliance of Arlington, Virginia, a bag industry trade group. Interesting. Obviously the plastic bag industry must scour the U.S. looking for plastic bag reduction initiatives as this came from an organization based in Virginia. They have attempted to stop bag reduction initiatives across the U.S. The saying “follow the money” is appropriate here. The bag industry is the only player that benefits economically. Grocery stores are generally in favor of getting rid of them due to the cost, and they need to provide recycling even though estimates of only 1 to 10 percent are recycled. According to the Sierra Club “Founded in 2005 and initially housed within the American Chemistry Council, the American Progressive Bag Alliance (APBA) has challenged plastic bag ordinances throughout the country, often through the use of state-level ‘pre-emption’ bills that simply prohibit local governments from adopting their own ban or fee. The lobbying power behind these initiatives is significant – reflecting the deep pockets and broad reach of the plastics industry in the U.S.”
I agree some folks do reuse the bags but only briefly – say, for garbage or dog poop – ending up in the landfill where they never fully degrade, their toxicity continuing to contaminate our soil, waterways and oceans. However one looks at it, these bags have a very brief consumer life – using nonrenewable fossil fuels that take hundreds of thousands of years to produce.
If you wish to learn more about these bags and our use of them, come watch the film “Bag It” at Crandall Public Library on Monday, June 5 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There is also an opportunity to discuss the initiative during the public comment period at the June 14 Warren County Board meeting at 6 p.m
your sincerly
shaurya