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Think you're impervious to propaganda?

Do you recycle plastics? Check to see if there's a triple arrow logo? Well, That's all propaganda from the petroleum industry, designed to discourage us from abandoning plastics for less environmentally destructive alternatives.

Turns out only around 5% of plastics are actually recycled, even when we separate and add them to our recycling bins. The rest are dumped. And those that are recycled, can generally only be recycled one time. Furthermore, the recycling process, itself, emits lots of toxic by products.

THe FTC is currently deciding whether to change the labeling on plastics so that only those that are actually recycled can get this label. The petroleum companies are fighting it.

#environment #ecology #recycling #plastic #climate #bigoil

#climate #environment #ecology #recycling #bigoil #plastic
in reply to Sarah Brown

MikeDunnAuthor
MikeDunnAuthor
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@goatsarah that's what's most of em will end up anyway. But shouldn't we be trying to reduce and shoot for a plastic free world?
@Sarah Brown
in reply to MikeDunnAuthor

Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown
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@MikeDunnAuthor We should, but I figure I'm pretty much powerless to affect that,

But I can ensure my plastic goes to landfill.

@MikeDunnAuthor
in reply to Sarah Brown

Paul McO'Smith III
Paul McO'Smith III
• •

@goatsarah what is the alternative, though? people think of plastic bottles, but what about food, esp. prepared food?

looking around the room here, there are at least 30 electrical, IT components, and domestic items made of plastic, and synthetic fibres.

the worst part is that PET bottles are among the most recyclable things in the recycling world. my gut feel is that there is not a particularly good business case for recycled PET compared to new PET. likely cost and quality.

@Sarah Brown
in reply to Paul McO'Smith III

Sarah Brown
Sarah Brown
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@Paul McO'Smith III @MikeDunnAuthor It’s very hard to process, compared to say glass and metals, which are much easier. Did the recycling plant tour when I was a councillor. Enlightening.
@MikeDunnAuthor @Paul McO'Smith III
in reply to Sarah Brown

Paul McO'Smith III
Paul McO'Smith III
• •

@goatsarah our council has basically made it impossible for us to recycle glass. live inner city, and don't own a car as the council wanted when this place was built, and no glass collection bins either. so, communal glass bins. was one 10 minutes walk away.

bin was removed because of some "anti social behaviour" (no idea what) and so the closest one is now 30 minutes away on foot. as a result all glass simply goes into the bin.

unintended consequences, etc.

@Sarah Brown
in reply to Paul McO'Smith III

Paul McO'Smith III
Paul McO'Smith III
• •

@goatsarah funny, most other apartment buildings in the street have a plastic bucket for glass. apparently we're ineligible. nobody seems to know why.

ever seen the movie Brazil? 🙄

@Sarah Brown
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