tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.comments2023-02-14T07:29:50.441-08:00rise above plasticsJim Moriartyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05482155877431490907noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-34237291588405643452008-09-29T18:07:00.000-07:002008-09-29T18:07:00.000-07:00Couldn't find a link for leaving a post...but I wo...Couldn't find a link for leaving a post...but I would like to put this out there.<BR/>Last Saturday, we were part of the Coastal Cleanup - a great volunteer opportunity to be involved in getting trash and plastic off the beaches. Unfortunately the California Coastal Commission provides volunteers with large, heavy-duty, plastic bags to put the trash and recyclables into. This was a little weird for me considering what I was there to do. It seems that the companies that make bio-compostable plastic trash bags would be a natural partner to have for the Cleanup. I also have a blog focused on sustainable living. Please check it out and send your stories. www.friendsforagreenworld.blogspot.comZettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13116141940101575877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-3327552971033591962008-08-16T09:02:00.000-07:002008-08-16T09:02:00.000-07:00So does this count as corruption, or a "mistake," ...So does this count as corruption, or a "mistake," or what? <BR/><BR/>As a citizen of this country, I think I'm going to make a habit of inhaling paint fumes. May as well.Your Fabulous Singing Mongoosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10992693158539716037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-75437620947868929562008-08-15T00:30:00.000-07:002008-08-15T00:30:00.000-07:00Jim, Looks like CNN has also taken an interest in ...Jim, <BR/><BR/>Looks like CNN has also taken an interest in the Algalita research as well.<BR/><BR/>Halie<BR/>Huntington/Seal Beach Surfrider Chapter<BR/><BR/>http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2008/08/13/the-pacific-toilet-bowl-that-never-flushes/<BR/><BR/>SciTechBlog <BR/>August 13, 2008<BR/>The Pacific “toilet bowl that never flushes”<BR/>Posted: 12:48 PM ET<BR/>You’ve heard about it — that huge floating mass of garbage in the Pacific Ocean.<BR/><BR/>This odd looking vessel is raising awareness about the toxic plastic soup in the Pacific Ocean. Photo courtesy Algalita Marine Research Foundation<BR/><BR/>Depending on whose sister’s brother-in-law you believe, this trash heap is as big as (pick one):<BR/><BR/>Massachusetts<BR/>The continental United States<BR/>Pluto<BR/><BR/>The correct answer: no one is exactly sure.<BR/><BR/>While the story may sound as far-fetched as reports of hundreds of alligators wandering the New York City sewer system, unfortunately, the great Pacific Garbage Heap tale is true.<BR/><BR/>What’s difficult for most of us land-based creatures to understand is that this is not one solid mass of junk that can be photographed by satellites or tracked with remote cameras. No scientist can say, with precision, “It is 450 square miles and weighs a hundred million tons.” It’s more like an enormous, amorphous, nasty soup that stretches for hundreds of miles.<BR/><BR/>“Discarded fishing nets are the noodles; bottles, buoys and all kinds of larger items are the vegetables and meat, and basically the entire Pacific is this broth of plastic soup,” said Anna Cummins, education adviser at the Algalita Marine Research Foundation in Long Beach, California. The non-profit foundation has studied plastic marine debris in the North Pacific for the past decade.<BR/><BR/>Cummins is one of the coordinators of an Algalita project to educate consumers about how trash, especially plastic, is fouling the marine ecosystem.<BR/><BR/>Her colleagues Marcus Eriksen and Joel Paschal are in the midst of a voyage from California to Hawaii on a boat made of 15,000 plastic bottles and parts of a Cessna 310. Their mission is to raise awareness about the plastic that’s killing marine life up and down the food chain. Both are experienced sailors, though in far more traditional sailing craft.<BR/><BR/>To quote the JunkRaft blog:<BR/><BR/>“The North Pacific Gyre is a clockwise rotating mass of water roughly twice the size of the U.S. where currents and winds slow down. It’s like a toilet bowl that never flushes.”<BR/><BR/>You can follow their journey, which began June 1 from the Long Beach Aquarium, at http://junkraft.blogspot.com.<BR/><BR/>Eriksen is a science educator, weather expert, and Marine veteran of the 1991 Gulf War.<BR/><BR/>Paschal is a filmmaker who previously worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration studying marine debris. He is chronicling the JUNK voyage for a documentary.<BR/><BR/>“We want to gently educate about the problem, and get consumers to move toward re-usables, ” said Cummins.<BR/><BR/>The plastic junk comes from all over the world, primarily Asia, Europe, and the United States.<BR/><BR/>The detritus has been found in fish as small as an inch long. And when dead seabirds such as the albatross were necropsied, scientists sometimes found more than half their stomach contents was human trash-from bottle caps to plastic pen caps to fishing bobbers. Plastic that never degrades also kills turtles and whales.<BR/><BR/>“The best solution now is to try to prevent the problem from getting any worse,” said Cummins. “It’s hard to conceptualize how to fix it. Logistically, it would be like sifting the Sahara Desert.”<BR/><BR/>The sailors expect to arrive in Hawaii sometime late this month.<BR/><BR/>So, any ideas from the brains of our astute blog readers? How would you fix this? Outlaw single use plastic items? Push for plastics that biodegrade? Put a litter cop on every ocean-going vessel? Teach your kids to respect the planet?<BR/><BR/>– Marsha Walton, CNN Science and Technology ProducerHalieWahinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00651901963871427773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-65850077528251646692008-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:002008-08-06T11:17:00.000-07:00Although my newspaper subscriptions stop shortly- ...Although my newspaper subscriptions stop shortly- I am shifting to internet only news reading to reduce my impact and to save $$$- the newspaper bags serve as perfect dog poop scoopers. Although the bags are bad, so would be polluting my local words with dog feces.Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04863919510259326502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-34930890270248391542008-08-06T08:19:00.000-07:002008-08-06T08:19:00.000-07:00Hey Jim:It's getting even more heated. We're wri...Hey Jim:<BR/><BR/>It's getting even more heated. We're writing a novel on plastic on the Wend blog.stivhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16431444982091848576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-34108700765772648702008-07-30T12:01:00.000-07:002008-07-30T12:01:00.000-07:00what if i could get a petition at the next industr...what if i could get a petition at the next industrial hemp fest legalization campaign in seattle?? this could be financed by the energy subsidies that already made the ethanol farmers wealthy.... the industrial hemp bags could be provided after a certain amount of purchases...the 25 cent bag could be offset by the savings safeway and others claim you save by using there card 703-437-6366revoltinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12087566325020209719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-21852360488509141452008-07-30T10:25:00.000-07:002008-07-30T10:25:00.000-07:00Many stores today are selling the reusable bags ri...Many stores today are selling the reusable bags right at the front of the store and giving a $.05 - $.10 rebate each tim eyou use them. The cost I believe is $1.00 so in 10 to 20 trips depending on the store, they are paid for and after that, pay you back.<BR/><BR/>Whole foods gives a $.10 rebate for each reusable sack you bring in as well.<BR/><BR/>Hopefully we can get more of the major stores to do this as well.<BR/><BR/>Obviously it's not the stores but the bag companies who are fighting this. What they should be thinking about is getting with the times and making better bags and reusable as they are just going to see themselves go out of business in the future.<BR/><BR/>I just moved from CA, but still feel that I will send a letter to help using my old address - what CA is doing is great and I hope it spreads to the rest of the US.<BR/><BR/>Cheers!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02058226397994021874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-57168675101414968142008-07-24T14:32:00.000-07:002008-07-24T14:32:00.000-07:00Good news, but not a change in action yet -- as th...Good news, but not a change in action yet -- as the 'law' would only go into force if AB 2058 doesn't.<BR/><BR/>So, let's hope that this sets a good precedent and we can have a statewide law (we throw away 6 billion bags in LA County, but 19 billion in CA).<BR/><BR/>There's some good info here <A HREF="http://spoutingoff.wordpress.com/2008/07/22/bagging-a-big-win/" REL="nofollow">Bagging a Win</A>.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for getting the word out Elizabeth/Johnny(?)NHBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07520419045030604137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-41335170031100612082008-07-13T23:29:00.000-07:002008-07-13T23:29:00.000-07:00...and apparently, the mistake wasn't SIGG's - it ......and apparently, the mistake wasn't SIGG's - it was the bottle artist's "typo".<BR/><BR/>As for where you get 'em...maybe the show has sold out? I know that both SIGG & KleanKanteen are out of stock since the BPA-plastics scare.<BR/><BR/>So Sorry!scott harrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18023706031055823523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-28629911622714491662008-07-04T11:39:00.000-07:002008-07-04T11:39:00.000-07:00Ewww...that's so gross! There's so many better, n...Ewww...that's so gross! There's so many better, natural-based, bio-degradable alternatives. People should try Astara, Aveda, Kiss My Face, Alba Botanica, Avalon Organics, Natre's Gate, or Origins. There's about a billion more vegan, eco-friendly products that can easily be found in most supermarkets, on-line, and even in malls (Origins).The Vegan Snorkelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06958270399264954662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-1003729246241745302008-07-04T11:31:00.000-07:002008-07-04T11:31:00.000-07:00Wow! That is amazing! Thanks for the post!Wow! That is amazing! Thanks for the post!The Vegan Snorkelerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06958270399264954662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-80394260267571243642008-07-02T18:51:00.000-07:002008-07-02T18:51:00.000-07:00I just picked up a SIGG water bottle and quit buyi...I just picked up a SIGG water bottle and quit buying plastic water bottles. I would say that I reduced the number of plastic bottles ending up in landfills and recycles by about 25 a week - makes me feel pretty good doing my part to help.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02058226397994021874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-66586652591542475092008-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:002008-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00The majority of people who signed the pledge are f...The majority of people who signed the pledge are from the CARE2 petition site. Just thought I'd give props to the CARE2 members and to show where we got 20,214 people who signed the pledge-from this pledge site and the Care2 site.<BR/><BR/>Check it: <BR/><BR/>http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/128097118?z00m=15229743HelloI'mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02910779727201516023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-44260755364865718992008-06-26T19:23:00.000-07:002008-06-26T19:23:00.000-07:00How do I get one? I did not see them at the Show!...How do I get one? I did not see them at the Show!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-78085031282194678712008-06-25T12:25:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:25:00.000-07:00OK, well here it is, shortened:http://preview.tiny...OK, well here it is, shortened:<BR/><BR/>http://preview.tinyurl.com/46lov6Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00223070342765427458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-77253187529875394992008-06-25T12:23:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:23:00.000-07:00My previous comment didn't show the full URL. Here...My previous comment didn't show the full URL. Here it is.<BR/><BR/>http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_percent_of_the_total_world_plastics_production_are_petroleum-based_plasticsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00223070342765427458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-34992060516524385212008-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:002008-06-25T12:20:00.000-07:00Hey Jim,Can you answer this? If not, who can?http:...Hey Jim,<BR/><BR/>Can you answer this? If not, who can?<BR/><BR/>http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_percent_of_the_total_world_plastics_production_are_petroleum-based_plasticsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00223070342765427458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-85286221516917883852008-06-22T16:28:00.000-07:002008-06-22T16:28:00.000-07:00Turning water into a commodity threatens not only ...Turning water into a commodity threatens not only the environment, but health and the democratic system. <BR/><BR/>To learn more about the campaign to stop corporate control of water visit <A HREF="http://www.thinkoutsidethebottle.org" REL="nofollow">Think Outside the Bottle</A> and <A HREF="http://stopcorporateabuse.org" REL="nofollow">Corporate Accountability International</A>Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04324708026068473365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-24116522263840022072008-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:002008-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00Other alternatives to shopping bags: I want to inf...Other alternatives to shopping bags:<BR/> <BR/>I want to inform you that there are better solutions than bags. You don't need bags at all. For a permanent alternative to shopping bags see:<BR/><BR/>http://www.autocarts.net<BR/><BR/>Autocarts are collapsible shopping carts that fit in vehicles and eliminate the need for paper or plastic altogether. Transportable carts are the way of the future, not only for cost savings, pollution control and convenience but also because they make the whole shopping process more efficient and pleasant.<BR/><BR/>Most consumers erroneously think that those plastic bags are really free. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Those "free" bags are actually added to the price of the goods. Hidden costs are not really free. If we got rid of "free" bags then prices would come down as well.<BR/><BR/>It is unfortunate that most people are not aware of ALL the alternatives to plastic shopping bags.greghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01044602795206355392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-81913371068125052072008-06-16T19:14:00.000-07:002008-06-16T19:14:00.000-07:00We read about isolated success stories, getting fo...We read about isolated success stories, getting food store chains to reconsider their use of plastic bags. Deos RAP have an observation of a consistently successful strategy in the initial approach to large companies to reduce these bags? It'd be great here in Minneapolis to get Byerly's/Lund's to go for it.<BR/>JimJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02748189031931347131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-1751830101095178182008-06-14T23:48:00.000-07:002008-06-14T23:48:00.000-07:00What is a forward, yet respectable way, to tell so...What is a forward, yet respectable way, to tell someone to use less disposables or to start recycling more? <BR/>Or what about large organizations that still use tons of plastic disposables? Recently I worked at the US Open for catering and it was disgusting how all the utensils, plates, and cups where all plastic disposables. Plus the catering company did no recycling at all, even of obvious stuff like waterbottles and cans. Terrible. Or what about nice fruit at some stores is all wrapped in plastic and styrofoam. Or how to decrease all the disposable cups used by the coffee shop stores. How do you confront these large corporations, because I've asked managers before and they always say the big boss just won't change. <BR/><BR/>One more thing. When people stop getting the one use plastic grocery bags then do habits change at home? Personally, I bring a canvas bag to the store to bag my items and so without having any of the plastic grocery bags anymore, now at home I just don't line my trash can with anything and I just use a bucket that I empty right into the large trash can outside that gets picked up weekly. I know some people that live in apartments can't do this, what do you suggest their options? Just get a few grocery bags each trip to last you a couple weeks of changing the garbage can liner and contents?je pensehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17832623901819209722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-61344012193261253322008-06-10T13:00:00.000-07:002008-06-10T13:00:00.000-07:00This is outrageous. Which countries where all this...This is outrageous. Which countries where all this garbage come from? Here in Canada we are trying to do our best to recycle every plastic container that is use for everything. I am starting to see some changes but not enough. I began to use bag. I do forget them all the time but I always go back and get them. One thing I suggest for the American and Canadien Grocery Store to stop giving plastic bag to pack their groceries. The Liquor do not provide plastic bag anymore. That's one step. One thing that make me furious is the fundraiser using so much paper to do their campaign and Specialize fresh and Fruit vegetables and delicacies that use repackaging everything with plastic container rap with plastic rap. Fruit in plastic container and veggies in plastic bags... Why not paper bag like we use too and recycle paper container. Are we going to be able to grow some of those nice fruit and veggies an fresh fish once the island of plastic will take over our beaches.....Helene Garanthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05232623819743049166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-56205093578720996212008-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:002008-06-10T11:19:00.000-07:00"Thank you" works too."Thank you" works too.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17259662419671752407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-60508985720233830372008-06-10T11:18:00.000-07:002008-06-10T11:18:00.000-07:00Thank you Surfrider for adding gravitas to Encinit...Thank you Surfrider for adding gravitas to Encinitas Environment Day. The plastic bag ban is long overdue and Encinitas is just the community to do it.<BR/><BR/>Thnak you for stepping up.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17259662419671752407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3575548541593727127.post-75604203909992912122008-06-09T17:04:00.000-07:002008-06-09T17:04:00.000-07:00no online petition right now, but you can stop by ...no online petition right now, but you can stop by City Hall on Wednesday at 6 and sign a petition - just ask around for Russell Levan - he will be there presenting them to the City CouncilElizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06301870592022082770noreply@blogger.com