According to a recent nationwide online survey, 72 percent of the American public does not know that conventional plastic is made from petroleum products, primarily oil. Moreover, 40 percent of the respondents believe that plastic will biodegrade at some point.
The survey was conducted by InsightExpress on behalf of Metabolix, a company that manufactures a biodegradable plastic made with corn. (Bioplastics are becoming quite popular these days – you can read more about them here).
In their press release, Metabolix says “…Very few people realize that plastics are made from oil, further contributing to the problems of energy dependence, greenhouse gas emissions and depleting resources.
In fact, nearly 10 percent of U.S. oil consumption – approximately 2 million barrels a day – is used to make plastic.
November 16, 2008 at 6:24 am |
Just like you… I too am concerned by the current situation…enough so to leave an engineering position on the production side of things and jump fence to the recycling side. I intend to use my skillsets to make a difference…not my voice to create a panic.
I have been in the process of gaining data…for the purpose of building a recycling center in Michigan. One thing I know is this…I am not biased about who’s data I use…but your statement that plastics production accounts for 10% of the worlds oil consumption is blatantly incorrect…the numbers I’m seeing are in the 3-5% range…with improvements made over the last couple of years… and a trend towards making things right.
I will say that I agree with you fully..there is a very strong need to educate the public. But education is NOT defined as propaganda…it is a clear representation of both sides and ALL issues..so that educated decisions can be made based on the facts…not ropes hung in a medieval witch hunt.
I run a plastics website…and I have a section devoted to environmental concerns. This section exists for the sole purpose that I as a person who loves this planet have the same concerns regarding its misuse as you do.But the products I produce have been in your best interest…I’ve been breathing the fumes you fear for 23 years now…and I am as healthy as a horse.
Bags an issue…you betcha…marine aquatic issues…certainly…but that is why I’m here. Because I care, and want to make a difference. I am glad to help…I’m more than willing to listen. But remember…there are two sides. And they live and breathe the same air….