couldn't we save MORE oil, by banning plastic garbage?

[G_j]

we have islands of it floating in the ocean already.
How much oil is used to make all that disposable crap?

[sandnsea]

1. This drilling won't produce enough oil anyway

So yes, the Republicans are going to have to deal with the REAL problems we're facing. Mountains of plastics is definitely one of the problems.

[eleny]

2. Refraining from buying plastics has a lot of avenues

When I decide I need something I try to figure out an alternative to buying something made of plastic. It's not always possible. But I was surprised how many times I can make an alternative choice when I make the effort.

K&R

[glinda]

3. It would also cut down on our purchases from China

[Winterblues]

4. Most people I know now bring their own bags to the stores where they shop.

At our local Fred Meyers store, for every bag I fill that is not theirs I get a nickle back. Not only do I not use plastic bags but I get paid for it as well..:thumbsup:

[Greyhound]

5. That would interfere with profits from several major "contributors".

It would save a significant percentage of what we use, but that is not going to be allowed in this Corporatocracy.

[Gman2]

6. I'm gonna pop down to the general store, and get supplies, help me with all the jars, OK?

Plastic, is the difference between clean foodstuffs. Long lived products, affordability, attractiveness, sanitariness, colorfastness, inertness, on and on. What, pray tell do you intend on replacing it with?

[G_j]

8. I am talking about unnecessary packaging

it is everywhere

[Johonny]

7. I don't think so

I believe in part the plastic comes from the waste in the cracking process. I know some plants use by products from both productions in the other process. I think the total manufacturing is more complex than either/or. You might end up with a lot of waste material laying around due to the ban. You have to consider less oil in all processes to avoid this due to how the industry has developed.

[Touchdown]

9. Almost all plastics are recyclable.

and a majority of it is highly recyclable. The numbers on the plastics tell how easy it is to recycle.

1 and 2. Easy and cheap to recycle. Clear cocktail cups, laundry detergent bottles, soda bottles, most blister packaging of other products.

3 & 4. costs a little more to recycle. Most polystyrene containers from restaurants... including chinese restaurants... whatever happened to their cardboard and wax boxes?

5 & on up. Pricey to recycle. Those red and white drink cups (use clear instead), many other packaging, bottle caps, etc.