Common Man Replaces Plastic Straws

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

And if recycling can be done where the environmental impact is reduced or better yet eliminated that's great and thus a sound solution. However to many just "assume" that if they don't see "it" then we're all good when the reality is that is not always the case. Most don't pay to much attention to what happens "behind the scenes" such as the actual recycling process used in this case.

I'm no environmentalist either, however always a proponent of doing things that are friendly to the environment when and where it makes sense to do so. The jury is out on this one, but as usual the feel good legislators think waving a magic legislative wand will do it.... well no that is simply wishful thinking and shifting the impact out of the public eye. You'd think the prudent thing to do instead of instituting a ban on something such as California has done blindly - weigh the proposed replacement option in it's entirety first! That would include the economic impact as well.

Agreed and to prove your point here in NY after recycling is collected some communities do not bother sending it all to the recycling center and it is just mixed later with the regular trash giving people the false sense it is all being recycled.

[Irish mist]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Agreed and to prove your point here in NY after recycling is collected some communities do not bother sending it all to the recycling center and it is just mixed later with the regular trash giving people the false sense it is all being recycled.

That's happening in a lot of communities. Recycling costs are becoming prohibitive.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Irish mist

That's happening in a lot of communities. Recycling costs are becoming prohibitive.

Increased labor costs and the switch to more natural products to process the paper and plastic. Still we need to start someplace but I do not know what the answer is.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Increased labor costs and the switch to more natural products to process the paper and plastic. Still we need to start someplace but I do not know what the answer is.

Let the industry develop sound, friendly and cost effective techniques. It'll happen but not necessarily on a legislated time table. There is enough interest in recycling and people across the country have shown a willingness to but it has to make sense.

Like any other alternative energy source, don't think you'll find anyone who disagrees that renewables are a fantastic way to go, but it'll take time for the technology to fully develop. Major strides have been made in this regard and the results are getting increasingly competitive with fossil fuels... but there is a ways to go yet. Taxing the hell out of fossil fuels and government subsidizing alternative sources of energy is nothing but an expensive and artificial way to close that gap. Of course tax payers and consumers (in most cases one in the same) end up getting screwed.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Let the industry develop sound, friendly and cost effective techniques. It'll happen but not necessarily on a legislated time table. There is enough interest in recycling and people across the country have shown a willingness to but it has to make sense.

Like any other alternative energy source, don't think you'll find anyone who disagrees that renewables are a fantastic way to go, but it'll take time for the technology to fully develop. Major strides have been made in this regard and the results are getting increasingly competitive with fossil fuels... but there is a ways to go yet. Taxing the hell out of fossil fuels and government subsidizing alternative sources of energy is nothing but an expensive and artificial way to close that gap. Of course tax payers and consumers (in most cases one in the same) end up getting screwed.

In the meantime, if move move more from plastic to paper the paper eventually will decompose in a very short amount of time where the plastic stays around forever.

[Rusty]

I'll just bring my own plastic straw whenever I go out to eat.....and yes I will bring it home to dispose of it.
The nonplastic straws are like a sipping straw that are used for mixed drinks, the inside diameter is too small..at least the ones of come across.