Plastic Floating in the Pacific!

[Mike Vandeman]

http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
--
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!

http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

 

[pmh]

On Feb 7, 8:05 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
> --
> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
> humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>
> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!
>
> http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

Probably put there by mountain bikers! lol

PMH

 

[Stormin Mormon]

I'm not going to support any project unless it has a mountain bike trail.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..


"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
http://marine-liter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
--
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

 

[Bruce Jensen]

On Feb 7, 5:05 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf

Beyond this discussion, Mike, is there any other documentation, or
discussion of the estimated costs for cleanup?

 

"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> skrev i en meddelelse
news:[email protected]...
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf


Scaring !!
Ill stay in the woods.....

/t

 

[Jeff Strickland]

I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.

Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns -- paper
eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use plastic
and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I generally
answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic, please."

Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.

Environmentalism comes with a wealth of unintended consequences -- we save a
tree but spoil the water, make electricity from wind but chop up a bird,
(leaping forward a few decades ... ) drive fuel cell cars and flood the side
of the road -- that seem to be worse than the problem we wanted to remedy
when we embarked on the environmentalist agenda.

Having said that, it is refreshing to see Vandeman get excited about a real
issue ...






"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
> --
> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
> humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>
> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are
> fond of!
>
> http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

 

[Seth Hammond]

"Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:mQ2rj.79$x%3.71@trnddc06...
>I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>
> Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
> so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns --
> paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use
> plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I
> generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic,
> please."
>
> Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.
>
> Environmentalism comes with a wealth of unintended consequences -- we save
> a tree but spoil the water, make electricity from wind but chop up a bird,
> (leaping forward a few decades ... ) drive fuel cell cars and flood the
> side of the road -- that seem to be worse than the problem we wanted to
> remedy when we embarked on the environmentalist agenda.
>
> Having said that, it is refreshing to see Vandeman get excited about a
> real issue ...

Down here in the Sonoran Desert, we blame Messicans for all the plastic bags
blowing free. Some call them Messican Tumbleweeds - even the ones found 250
miles from the border....

 

[boulder]

"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
> --
> (I spent the previous 8
> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>
you could have had a life instead.

 

[Jeff Strickland]

"Seth Hammond" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:mQ2rj.79$x%3.71@trnddc06...
>>I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>>
>> Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming
>> rate, so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL
>> concerns -- paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment,
>> so let's use plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments
>> go, and I generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with,
>> "plastic, please."
>>
>> Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.
>>
>> Environmentalism comes with a wealth of unintended consequences -- we
>> save a tree but spoil the water, make electricity from wind but chop up a
>> bird, (leaping forward a few decades ... ) drive fuel cell cars and flood
>> the side of the road -- that seem to be worse than the problem we wanted
>> to remedy when we embarked on the environmentalist agenda.
>>
>> Having said that, it is refreshing to see Vandeman get excited about a
>> real issue ...
>
> Down here in the Sonoran Desert, we blame Messicans for all the plastic
> bags blowing free. Some call them Messican Tumbleweeds - even the ones
> found 250 miles from the border....
>
>


That's luggage. Well, not luggage per se, but a suitcase. If there are two
from the same store, that's matching luggage. You have yourself a high class
migrant there (with matching suitcases) ...

 

[Mike Vandeman]

On Fri, 8 Feb 2008 08:20:15 -0800 (PST), Bruce Jensen
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Feb 7, 5:05 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
>> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
>
>Beyond this discussion, Mike, is there any other documentation, or
>discussion of the estimated costs for cleanup?

I don't know, but I'd like to help. I even bought my own trash
picker-upper. Good for picking up things that fall off of mountain
bikes.
--
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!

http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

 

[Mike Vandeman]

On Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:20:34 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>
>Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
>so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns -- paper
>eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use plastic
>and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I generally
>answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic, please."
>
>Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.

Just like a mountain biker: blame the environmentalists. No one forced
you to use plastic.

>Environmentalism comes with a wealth of unintended consequences -- we save a
>tree but spoil the water, make electricity from wind but chop up a bird,
>(leaping forward a few decades ... ) drive fuel cell cars and flood the side
>of the road -- that seem to be worse than the problem we wanted to remedy
>when we embarked on the environmentalist agenda.
>
>Having said that, it is refreshing to see Vandeman get excited about a real
>issue ...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]...
>> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
>> --
>> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
>> humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
>> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>>
>> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are
>> fond of!
>>
>> http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande
--
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!

http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

 

[Siskuwihane]

On Feb 8, 9:46 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:20:34 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
>
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>
> >Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
> >so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns -- paper
> >eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use plastic
> >and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I generally
> >answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic, please."
>
> >Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.
>
> Just like a mountain biker: blame the environmentalists. No one forced
> you to use plastic.
>

No one forced you to take a jet to an international environmental
conference, DUH!

 

[Siskuwihane]

On Feb 8, 9:44 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 8 Feb 2008 08:20:15 -0800 (PST), Bruce Jensen
>
> <[email protected]> wrote:
> >On Feb 7, 5:05 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> >>http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
>
> >Beyond this discussion, Mike, is there any other documentation, or
> >discussion of the estimated costs for cleanup?
>
> I don't know, but I'd like to help.

Maybe you could fly over the area in a jet that is spewing toxins into
the air.

 

[V-for-Vendicar]

"Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote
> Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
> so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns --
> paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use
> plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I
> generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic,
> please."

Virtually all of my groceries come home in cloth (probably hemp) bags, and
have done for the last 15 years. Same bags every time.

They are great because they clasp shut and can be carried on the sholder.
They are the perfect size, capable of holding about 20 lbs each - extremely
strong, durable, washable, and usable for a variety of other purposes.
Unfortunately they have become worn and I can't find similar replacements.

A few days ago I picked up a reusable tarp like plastic bag. Inferior but
still reusable and made from 100% recycled materials.

Bag cost me a buck.

 

[[email protected]]

On Feb 7, 8:05 pm, Mike Vandeman <[email protected]> wrote:
> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
> --
> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
> humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>
> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!
>
> http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande

Mikey....

Maybe you can help me with something you specialize in....everytime I
read your posts I get sick to my stomach and puke. Since your true
specialty has nothing to due with real science or ecology or
naturalism...and deals with being a dietary lunchlady...I figured you
might be able to help me.

~Magua~

 

[Mike Romain]

I agree Jeff, plastic was the way to save trees, now look at it. LOL

We use re-usable 'woven tarp like' plastic bags made from recycled
plastic for groceries. They hold a lot and seem to last a long time.

Mike

Jeff Strickland wrote:
> I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>
> Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming
> rate, so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL
> concerns -- paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment,
> so let's use plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments
> go, and I generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with,
> "plastic, please."
>
> Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.
>
> Environmentalism comes with a wealth of unintended consequences -- we
> save a tree but spoil the water, make electricity from wind but chop up
> a bird, (leaping forward a few decades ... ) drive fuel cell cars and
> flood the side of the road -- that seem to be worse than the problem we
> wanted to remedy when we embarked on the environmentalist agenda.
>
> Having said that, it is refreshing to see Vandeman get excited about a
> real issue ...
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> http://marine-litter.gpa.unep.org/documents/World's_largest_landfill.pdf
>> --
>> I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
>> humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
>> years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)
>>
>> Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you
>> are fond of!
>>
>> http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande
>

 

[Jeff Strickland]

"Mike Vandeman" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:20:34 GMT, "Jeff Strickland"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I would like to direct your attention to the '70s, if I may.
>>
>>Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
>>so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns --
>>paper
>>eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use plastic
>>and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I generally
>>answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic, please."
>>
>>Now, I am the bad guy again because plastic floats.
>
> Just like a mountain biker: blame the environmentalists. No one forced
> you to use plastic.
>


There was no force, there was an option. Now, because I exercised the
"environmentally promoted" option and selected plastic over paper -- in an
effort to save the trees -- I am now demonized by a different set of
environmentalist concerns.

Which do you prefer, paper or plastic? Paper descimates the forest, plastic
floats on the water. An obvious solution is to buy a few dozen canvas - or
other material - bags to go shopping, then only use paper or plastic for the
occasional trip to the market that does not begin from the house where the
canvas bags are stored between uses. This would cut down on both paper and
plastic.

But, as always, you miss the point, several points actually, while making up
false and entirely irrelevent poiints.

 

[Jeff Strickland]

"V-for-Vendicar" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]...
>
> "Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote
>> Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming
>> rate, so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL
>> concerns -- paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment,
>> so let's use plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments
>> go, and I generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with,
>> "plastic, please."
>
> Virtually all of my groceries come home in cloth (probably hemp) bags, and
> have done for the last 15 years. Same bags every time.
>
> They are great because they clasp shut and can be carried on the sholder.
> They are the perfect size, capable of holding about 20 lbs each -
> extremely strong, durable, washable, and usable for a variety of other
> purposes. Unfortunately they have become worn and I can't find similar
> replacements.
>
> A few days ago I picked up a reusable tarp like plastic bag. Inferior but
> still reusable and made from 100% recycled materials.
>
> Bag cost me a buck.
>


That's great. I can see this -- canvas bags -- happening at my house soon
as well.

The point I was making though is the unintended consequence of Paper or
Plastic. Paper takes trees, and this is an environmental concern and the
customary way to get groceries home for more than half of my life, and all
of my grand parent's lives. We recognize one environmental problem, and
remedy it by going to a different material at the checkstand. The remedy has
an unintended consequence that is just now being recognized, 20-ish years
later.

 

[Siskuwihane]

On Feb 8, 11:03 pm, "V-for-Vendicar"
<[email protected]> wrote:
> "Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote
>
> > Back then, the problem was paper bags eating up trees at an alarming rate,
> > so they came up with plastic bags because of ENVIRONMENTAL concerns --  
> > paper eats trees, eating trees is bad for the environment, so let's use
> > plastic and save the trees. Not a bad argument as arguments go, and I
> > generally answered the question, "paper or plastic?" with, "plastic,
> > please."
>
> Virtually all of my groceries come home in cloth (probably hemp) bags, and
> have done for the last 15 years.  Same bags every time.
>
> They are great because they clasp shut and can be carried on the sholder.
> They are the perfect size, capable of holding about 20 lbs each -  extremely
> strong, durable, washable, and usable for a variety of other purposes.
> Unfortunately they have become worn and I can't find similar replacements.
>
> A few days ago I picked up a reusable tarp like plastic bag.  Inferior but
> still reusable and made from 100% recycled materials.
>
> Bag cost me a buck.

While I am no fan of Wal-Mart, reps came to my childrens school and
gave a propaganda speech and each child recieved a reusable shopping
bag that is (according to the tag) "100% recylable, is made from 85%
recyled materials, is made from approximately 4 plastic soad bottles,
can replace 50 shopping bags and can carry the same weight as2-3
plastic shopping bags". Wal-mart states they have "a goal of zero
waste by 2025 in all Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores." It's a start I
guess.

 

[V-for-Vendicar]

"Jeff Strickland" <[email protected]> wrote
> The point I was making though is the unintended consequence of Paper or
> Plastic. Paper takes trees, and this is an environmental concern and the
> customary way to get groceries home for more than half of my life, and all
> of my grand parent's lives. We recognize one environmental problem, and
> remedy it by going to a different material at the checkstand. The remedy
> has an unintended consequence that is just now being recognized, 20-ish
> years later.

God I'm getting old. I remember when Paper bags were the only thing
availble (at the grocery)

They worked poorly, ripping regularly and dumping their content on the
floor. Plastic was an improvement -
at least initially - new plastic bags are so thin that they are about as
unreliable as the paper - so much for corporations providing optimal
products.

In any case, it was patently obvious as the plastic bags became more
popular that they were and would continue to be a burden on the environment.
The solution of course is to recycle them. But at the time no
infrastructure existed for recycling anything but metals.

Today, the Grocery store I go to has a nice little cylindrical container
into which old plastic bags can be placed, and that is where the plastic
bags that I receive - automatically - go.

If you find a source for some appropriate canvas bags that can be carried
on the sholder, let me know. After 15 to 20 years the ones I have now are
not long for this world.