Fear the Plastic Ocean: CloseTheLoop Fences

GnomeyNewt
#1. September 7th, 2007, at 5:28 AM.

Thanks for heads up on the article and the crunchyparent blog. It is scary at the amount of plastic we used. We just did a recycle run and I swear that is what we have the most of and I try to buy products that don’t have extra packaging. I am one of those people that simply don’t think recycling is the end all answer, it is to stop using products that can’t be reused! Recycling to me is not reusing, there is a lot of engery put into making something into something else. Anyhow, I can go on this for days… going to read the article now and I think it helps to get reminded daily what is going on in our environment.

Pixelhead
#2. September 7th, 2007, at 2:40 PM.

Sarah, let me know what you think about the article.
The plastic situation is all around us.I don’t think it is possible to be part of society without using it at least 100 times a day in one form or another.
From the bed I sleep, the coffee cup, coffee maker, clothes, etc. The list is endless.

GnomeyNewt
#3. September 10th, 2007, at 2:04 PM.

There were quite a few quotes I liked in that article, but here is my favorite: “just how hard we’ve bitch-slapped the planet”. I think this puts everything in to perspective quickly. There is quite a bit I learned, like for instance that there are 4-5 places in the ocean the size of Texas slopped full of plastic on the surface and in the water. That is scary, especially that poor little turtle. I think you are right that we use it at least 100 times a day and I have been evaluating all the different objects I have for my children. Toys, their cups, everything is bloody plastic. No matter how many steps we have taken to use only reusable items (maybe it is about time to remove reusable plastic items) and less packaging, there is just always room for improvement and this article is a great reminder. What is really funny though, is that I do use cloth diapers with my little ones but HELLO they do have plastic in them too! I think I should find out exactly what type now because I’m curious. Hmm, I guess it looks like we are going to have to hope their research does lead them to a non-toxic degradable plastic — or some other replacement soon. And anybody who is using those “toss out” plastic stuff, Stop! Those scared me the first time I saw them, here’s perfect example why they should be scaring you too.

Pixelhead
#4. September 10th, 2007, at 2:12 PM.

Yes biodegradable would be good. A way to change the plastic back into its raw materials would be great as well.
If they are not available at this point in time, I can see eco-tours of these plastic ocean spots occurring in the near future.

Mitesh Rami
#5. September 11th, 2007, at 10:22 AM.

One should be avoiding plastic as it can never be recycled. It’s always better to try using paper bags instead of polythene plastic bags..
Doing so will be good for for the whole world.

Neena
#6. September 11th, 2007, at 2:41 PM.

The amount of plastic waste that this society generates is shameful. While plastics do provide a modern convenience, their inexpensive price makes them easily disposable. I cringe every time my children bring home a useless kids meal toy that ends up in the trash a few days later. After reading your post, I will put a stop to this and explain to them the environmental impacts of that small action. Perhaps next time they will decline the toy with no argument. But I wish that the food chains would not even include these with the meals. I know that this is just an iota of the big problem but if everyone were like minded in helping the environment then that would be a big step.

Pixelhead
#7. September 11th, 2007, at 4:19 PM.

Mitesh, I avoid using them when ever possible. I prefer to use the reusable canvas bags or no bag at all.

Neena, sounds like a great idea…those plastic toys are such a waste. Perhaps we should start to boycott McDonald’s and/or other fast food restaurants until they come up with some solution to the plastic happy meal toys.

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#8. September 12th, 2007, at 1:58 PM.

Did you guys see the article on Yahoo Green about the burning of salt water?

Pixelhead
#9. September 12th, 2007, at 7:10 PM.

Thanks for the heads up, pretty cool article. We certainly do have a lot of salt water.

GnomeyNewt
#10. September 13th, 2007, at 3:15 PM.

My hubby and I have been doing an intense research into plastic since I read the article. We are doing a hydropondic garden this winter indoors and guess what everything is made of, darn plastic!!! I was aware that we use too much plastic in our society but now that I am hyper focused on it, it is really sad to see so much waste. Good argument to move to the middle of no where and stop buying stuff thats for sure.

@Mitesh: As Adam said, you should use canvas or other reusable bags when you shop. Here is a tip we are using to make sure use them, because I know it is hard to remember to bring them. Once we empty them from the store I walk back to my car and put them in there. Also if they are not in there, than I don’t buy my entire list only things that are needed right than.

@Neena: Instead of throwing them out maybe you can donate the toys? And yes I think you are right that we should probably not accept them in the first place and tell our children why. I am sure it will be hard at first though, but I think long term it is a good idea. Infact after reading this article and through the research I’ve been doing I’m wondering about all my kids plastic toys and plus all those recalls!

alex creative
#11. August 13th, 2008, at 5:21 PM.

IEveclose the loup is a wonderful publication i have read the newsletter for ya year

Torlon
#12. February 5th, 2009, at 3:32 PM.

Do you think the “Plastic Ocean” is full of all types of plastics, such as Torlon, Ketron, Ertalyte and other high performance engineering plastics? Or is it full of the consumer waste plastics such as Polyethylene Plastic and the like?

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#14. June 20th, 2009, at 7:32 PM.

Many plastics have been shown to have serious health consequences. Toxic substances are emitted or leeched during production, use and disposal of most plastics.

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#15. June 5th, 2010, at 12:41 PM.

Plastic is really harmful for our society and as for our environment. We should caprice about our future. If we would like to save our future without any harmfulness we have to conscious about using plastic.

Jersey
#16. July 15th, 2010, at 11:05 AM.

The amount of plastic waste that this society generates is shameful. While plastics do provide a modern convenience, their inexpensive price makes them easily disposable. I cringe every time my children bring home a useless kids meal toy that ends up in the trash a few days later. After reading your post, I will put a stop to this and explain to them the environmental impacts of that small action. Perhaps next time they will decline the toy with no argument. But I wish that the food chains would not even include these with the meals. I know that this is just an iota of the big problem but if everyone were like minded in helping the environment then that would be a big step.