OLCV Talk

The debate paper vs. plastic is more aptly named plastic vs. anything is better

While away in Seatle, the person ahead of me in line at Pike's market - the only person ahead of me in a deep line that didn't have a cloth bag over their shoulder - sheepishly looked around and answered, "Yes, I need a bag."

I laughed a little inside my head. Wow, times have changed. He is actually so embarrassed that he didn't bring his own bag that he can't make eye contact with the clerk!

 

Still, the debate continues locally:

Paper or plastic?

Where does that plastic bag come from?

Plastic is a petroleum product - it comes from oil.

Plastic is a by-product of oil refining and accounts for 4% of the worlds total oil production. It is a 'biogeochemical' manipulation of certain properties of oil, into polymers. Plastic polymers are manufactured into five main types; plastic bags are made from polyethylene. Polyethylene, as a raw material, can be manipulated into any shape, size, form or color. It is watertight and can be made UV resistant. Anything can be printed on it and it can be reused.

For the most part, the whole process of making plastic bags requires only electricity (minus the large, fuel burning heavy machinery required to acquire the oil). The electricity used in the actual production and manufacturing of plastic bags comes from coal fire power plants, which, it is interesting to note, 50% of that electricity is generated from the burning of old tires (made from rubber which is essentially, plastic).

Learn more about paper vs. plastic at greenfeet.net.

Maybe if we didn't waste so many of our resources on such an unnecessary evil, we'd have cheaper prices at the pump, cleaner air and feel a little better not having to answer paper or plastic.

There are many alternatives to plastic bags: you can bring your own bag (BYOB - the most environmentally friendly choice) or urge your store to start using biodegradable or compostable bags.

But remember - the best way to shop is with your own reuseable bag. There are tons of styles out that and you'll look really cool doing it.

 

It is long overdue for Portland to shift from plastic. Let's make it happen!

Nalgene Ingredients Becoming Easier to Pronounce

Those of you in the outdoors environmental community have likely run into the discussion around the potential toxicity of Nalgene plastic bottles. Nalgene announced today that it will stop making bottles with bisphenol-a. Instead, they'll be making them with Tritan copolyester.

The announcement coincides with news that, as the New York Times reported:
"Canada’s chemical review program said this week that the government had decided to list the compound as a toxic substance under the country’s environmental protection act."

From a press release:

On Tuesday, the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) reversed its earlier findings and declared evidence of links to cancer from bisphenol A. The NIH statement was issued after a Congressional investigation spurred by Environmental Working Group revealed that only studies from the chemical industry were recognized in FDA’s bisphenol A’s evaluation despite dozens of scientific studies linking the chemical to an array of illness, including obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer and schizophrenia.

Many environmental groups, including the Oregon Environmental Council, have raised concerns about bisphenol-a in products from baby bottles to beer cans, and are looking at state legislation to address it.

On the federal level, Congresswoman Darlene Hooley has joined Senator Chuck Schumer in pursuing legislation.

Read the New York Times story.

Top 5 environmental victories of 2007

What were the top 5 environmental victories of 2007?

1.) Measure 49

OLCV E-bulletin subscriber, Stan Seleen, said it best, "The passage of Measure 49 must be the most important success in 2007.  It is a tremendous relief to know that Oregonians have once again shown their support for our land use planning."

2.) Passage of SB 838, the renewable Energy Standard

The 2007 Legislature passed legislation setting a new renewable energy standard that is among the best in the country.

3.) Passage of all five Oregon Conservation Network's (OCN) Priorities for a Healthy Oregon

You can find out what these priorities are and what they mean for you at OCN's website

4.) More positive pro-environment bills became law in 2007 than in the period from 1991-2005 combined

The record number of environmental bills passed through the Legislature can be attributed to strong leadership fueled by the urgent need to take responsibility to combat global warming, promote energy independence, and a strong wish to protect our children from toxic pollution in our air and water.

The passage of legislation requiring municipal water quality enforcement in Oregon, a major breakthrough in an area where we have had few major victories since the heyday of the 70s, is just one example of such legislation. Thanks to OLCV E-bulletin reader, Chuck Johnson, for this contribution.

5.) The average scores in both the House and Senate climbed to heights not seen since 1977.  The average Senate score was 73% and the House was 69%.

Voters have made the environment a priority and they are choosing to vote for people that understand this.  Expect to see even more environmental leaders elected locally and statewide in 2008.

You can find out how your elected officials voted on the environment in OLCV's Environmental Scorecard for the 2007 Legislature.

What were your top five?