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I don’t know where else to put this to raise awareness. Originally posted on Reddit on r/environment by u/impishrat titled: ”How Big Oil Misled the Public Into Believing Plastic Would be Recycled“ https://www.npr.org/2020/09/11/897692090/how-big-oil-misled-the-public-into-believing-plastic-would-be-recycled most viral edit: thank you all so much! Please reach out to your representatives and demand change and hold big oil accountable. This planet needs our help, future generations need our help. We must be better.
Seventytonsofmettle
A corporation lied to protect profits? No, surely not!
L1ota
Stop buying them
nccomputermechanics4
There is no big business that exists to help only to sell a product that might coencadently help in a singular way while harming in others.
TriggerHappyKitten
A plastic bag in Sweden is now like one usd to make us use reusable bags.
massaka123
On top of that BO is ramping up plastic production like stupid to counter expected losses over e-vehicles.
fredsneed
9/11
barnwolf
TLDR?
RVME
The Public Relations manager from Exxon led George Bush's scientific inquiry into global warming. Guess what the outcome's gonna be?
FoxPesdassi
Now go to the grocery store and try to find something NOT wrapped in single-use plastic.
Cheomesh
Apples.
FoxPesdassi
And before you take them to the cashier to buy them, you put them in . . . . ?
Cheomesh
You are moving the goalposts. It's not wrapped in plastic if I don't choose to wrap it in plastic.
MarjoryStewartBaxtersStrapOn
Thank you for sharing this with the world x
nevergoingtogiveyouupnevergoingtoletyoudown
Canada is starting to put the breaks on this by putting a stop to plastics that can't even BE recycled or are too difficult to.
OhNoDontTouch
brakes*
SnailMail1
That sounds like a fantastic program
nevergoingtogiveyouupnevergoingtoletyoudown
Have literally no idea why someone downvoted this comment. Think you got a asshole downvoting your comments. I've had a few over the years.
notreallyhereatall
We need to do the same. Too many "recyclables" are lab done only, not feasible for production. 90%+ of the plastic marked recyclable isn't.
VodkaReindeer
Wish I had put in a tldr instead of who posted it on reddit and begging.
davebeastly
EpilatorAlligatorBothReduceGrowth
If you want to have a proper depressing moment, watch the Netflix documentary on plastics in the ocean. It feels very hopeless.
Haveyoutriedunpluggingandrepluggingyourrouterquestionmark
As much as i'm concerned, I can't afford it right now
TheFastpaws
MacFarlin1920
States make that choice. CA recycles. Internationally look at Japan. Our choice to recycle or not.
MoonBoots92
Something around 7-9% actually get recycled. We are so stupid for blindly believing this.
iwantyoutothrowmeaway
Jesus Tap Dancing Christ. Glass and aluminum it is then.
AllTheGoodOnesWereGone
If you actually look into the requirements for your recycling stream they probably don't want any plastic in there. It's all rubbish.
KiteFlyingPianist
Read the story. Jesus.
Ghostlogicz
I mean with chemical recycling we could reuse most of the plastic if it wasn’t cheaper for companies to just dump it to crumpit
Jamesstin
ban that type of dumping then. pretty simple but dumping into landfills really isnt that bad. Theyre quite self contained if built right
Ghostlogicz
Landfills are bad for plastics cause how long it takes to break them down but yea the easy solution is the government subsidize plastic
Ghostlogicz
Recycling using tax money from plastic producers , but good luck passing that bill
dslrErik
lancell
NLOVNI
Exactly. Humans be like that. They do.
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
The developed world does recycle plastic and doesn't need American anti-recycling propaganda.Just because you don't have your shit together…
Jamesstin
lmao. more americans recycle by a long shot than any individual dick smoking eurobean
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
You mean, you separate your waste. You do not personally recycle it. And according to the above article, nobody does it for you.
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
PS: Cut out the homophobic insults, will you? Way to prove how advanced you really are.
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
doesn't mean waste separation is pointless. There are already too many people around here who parrot this "it all ends up on the same dump"
Deadsyy
Over 90% of the WORLDs plastic has never been recycled. Not America. The World. Source:the article.
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
What part of "The developed world" was unclear? I know that China, India and the US don't recycle, among other shitholes. Again, for those …
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
slow on the uptake, that does NOT mean it's futile to separate your waste if you live in a developed country that actually recycles. E.g., …
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
Germany recycles close to half of its plastic packaging. And at the risk of repeating myself, I hear people parrotting your defeatist ...
FiftyShadesOfBroccoli
anti-recycling bullshit all the time. We don't need this negativity. We need to do better, not become apathetic. You and all the other ...
Sapphirewolf
I remember the switch from paper to plastic bags, a s being told it was better for the environment. That was the miss 90s, and I was a kid
Sapphirewolf
Before that, I remember seeing paper bags all the time in grocery stores
junkgoof
Switched to reusable now.
Cheomesh
Yeah I remember seeing ads for the switch (ask for plastic).Didn't make sense to me as a kid since I knew paper could rot.
Cyberpope67
U were supposed to reuse the platic bags as often as possible,then recycle them(here they get mixed with shredded tires to make playgrounds)
Cyberpope67
I was told, in '70s that paper was better. I can't carry 14 paper bags of groceries 2 milers home, so plastic for me.
Nunyajonesinc
They are now finding microplastics in human placentas, more often than not. Yay
tidepool
I thought that said microchips and chuckled. Not funny now.
hstein3
Source?
MyGFMightLikeTitsMoreThanIDo
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412020322297
illtrytocomeupwithsomethingwittylater
And on top of the Everest! I heard Mars is next!
Targe0
I mean we have been dumping stuff on mars for quite awhile. All those probes and rovers and the protective coating on their wiring.
SmooveDoober
Is it like how Teflon is in everything, now?
DeanSledgehammer
I thought it was more like "always" and "everywhere" in the food chain already, and not just some?
NePb
Well, you're right but most people dont think of the placenta as part of the food chain.
Nunyajonesinc
It's where a fetus receives its nutrition from, So I guess if you're an idiot it isn't a problem
BikiniSamuraiBun
You are right. It often transfers from the food and drink packaging and straight into our system. Look up Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals.
NZSheeps
And the air https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/04/microplastics-pollution-falls-from-air-even-mountains/
BikiniSamuraiBun
They impact brain development from fetus stage all the way to end game.
MaxieMooo
I dont feel any stupider yet ist porbalby fin ee
SgtLoveCrimes
And they are finding placentas in plastic.
Nunyajonesinc
Now with 30% more placenta. ABSOLUTELY FREE. Act now cause supplies are running the fuck out!
Jamesstin
With what sort of harm?
Nunyajonesinc
Really? What harm?
Targe0
Honestly we don't know the full extent yet, but some animals get such high build up it kills them. Nothing is evolved to handle it.
quzar
Source? I wasn't aware of any animal death being attributed to microplastic buildup.
Targe0
Its mostly been filter feeding sea life.
N00k
I know it's not the only reason but isn't this part of why coral reefs are getting bleached?
BikiniSamuraiBun
Lower IQ, brain development, potential increase in autism, some suspected breathing disorder. But the long term effect aren’t fully known.
xDEIx
It will be hard to move away from oil. There is too much money to buy politicians. Too many businesses invested.
xDEIx
I have seen everything from state universities to local hospitals owning stakes in the industry.
tacticalbox
Which is why it's dumb af that we've let it go on this long. it was only ever supposed to be a transitional power source, but then money
neeners
A transitional source? That’s a new one to me.
tacticalbox
It's a finite power source, it was never supposed to power our entire future.
neeners
You’re moving the goalposts. It wasn’t known what its limitations were. Renewable energy is still a recent concept.
tacticalbox
we've known for over 100 years what oil is and have been clamoring for a nuclear future since the late 1800s.
Vernbo
Now point your blinkered, cross eyed gaze on the lies of green energy. Watch ‘Planet of the Humans’ by Michael Moore. They’re all at it.
TheCuntCrusader
.
MarjoryStewartBaxtersStrapOn
Greenwashing happens everywhere. If you really want to make a change just focus on one thing at a time and dont get overwhelmed by it all
DavidBrooker
For credits sake, this film is by Jeff Gibbs, not Michael Moore
delpharseven
And don't forget the fusion fantasy: https://youtu.be/FrUWoywZRt8
DavidBrooker
Which lies are you referring to?
[deleted]
[deleted]
DavidBrooker
I appreciate your condescension, but it is misplaced. You asked me to spend 100 minutes watching a film to get an answer you could 1/2
DavidBrooker
provide in 20 seconds, and instead of doing so, you spent the same time to repeat yourself. I don't know if being am asshole is one of 2/3
DavidBrooker
your goals, but in my experience it doesn't help endear people to your views. 3/3
[deleted]
[deleted]
DavidBrooker
So you're saying when I asked you what lies were exposed in the movie, and you told me to watch the movie, you weren't talking to me? 1/2
DavidBrooker
(I'm also curious how you feeling the need to delete your comment is consistent with me being the idiot for how I interpreted it)
StenYngve
Meanwhile in Sweden we recycle so good we need to buy Norways trash to meet our needs.
grand305
Sweeden needs tp buy american trash. We have plenty. Bulk prices to.
StenYngve
We're good with ours and Norways at the moment. That's the trash of about 15 million people. We'll probably share technology with u though.
ratfinkfuck
Sweden is such a little garbage slut
cobacalao
You are making it worse, they like to be talked dirty.
StenYngve
We're covered in it
Imissmycats
Turns out you can do great things when you have a plethora of natural resources, a not idiotic governament and less than 100m people.
junkgoof
Not sure the resources or the population matter. Sane government is a powerful thing, though.
WhattaYaLookingFor
The excuse of the US for not doing shit right. Every time, all the time. Now I’ll show you the door.
StenYngve
Where are you from? I'm asking because I'm not sure you're right. What does having resources have to do with recycling them? Also, what 1/2
Imissmycats
Natural resources = basic economic security, not idiotic governament = wants to preserve them, less than 100m people = much easier to govern
StenYngve
Would you cite source on this please? I don't mean to be an ass and I'm not saying that you're wrong. I am just not convinced. Also, wyf?
seentoomuchdeath
Yeah, doesn’t seem to apply to Canada.
StenYngve
2/2 does the size of a population have to do with it?
whataboutsmee
I would focus more on that last one... The US is not short on natural resources by any stretch...
updootmcsnoot
Yeah, we as a society need to move away from plastics as much as possible. Systemic changes need to be made.
scummos
I think this plastic problem is way over-represented. Just burn the plastic waste properly. Other things matter way more.
jinbee
No - we need to choose the right materials for the right jobs while considering their environmental impact. Plastics are great sometimes.
bostwickenator
This. People who say no plastic still want MRIs and headphone jacks and a million other things we need plastic for. We need BETTER plastic.
Yenkosky
And there already is biodegradable plastic available for one time use.
TH3S33KER
Up for some societal and economic reforms?
RandomDutchDude
Yeah, we as a society need to move away from big money and mega companies that only care about more money. Systemic changes need to be made.
mindstorm8191
In a way, yes; big business can't squeeze any more efficiency out of anything w/o making ppl struggle
RandomDutchDude
Well, some can and will with automation. But that'll cut out people all together leaving less jobs. People should care more about people.
tidepool
Hemp plastic?
famousmcfly
Lemme guess. End systemic plasticism?
Howdoilife
HEMP.
METROlD
We need to guillotine all our senators and get new ones that are not 90 years old.
Willizxy
It's already too late really
fennecbutt
Biodegradable plastics are still fine. You made a statement, but did you make it knowing a lot about the subject? Or just what you've bn tld
updootmcsnoot
I work in product design and sourcing. It’s a topic I think about a lot and deal with on a weekly basis. Plastics are amazing and it’s...
updootmcsnoot
...Hard to replace them. Most biodegradeables are not what they promise but we are getting closer. It usually takes more effort and money...
updootmcsnoot
To replace them. While the whole using recycled plastic movement in the industry over the last few years is good, it treats a symptom and...
updootmcsnoot
Is not a solution to the core problem. Most plastics are not recycled and/or hard to recycle. Even the ones that can be typically can only..
abyssfiend1
But plastic is such an awesome material... We managed to make something that's so resilient and long lasting, I think it's great.
updootmcsnoot
They are but most don’t get recycled or can’t be. I think we always will use plastic but we need to be more judicious in how and when.
darkrob13
We can recycle it (reclaim) but companies (packagers) won't buy it. They don't like the look/feel of it. So they buy virgin resin packaging.
dinosnore
I like the steps CA grocery stores made. Charge 10c for each plastic bag to encourage you to bring your own reusable bags
FarkasMacTavish
Systemic changes about synthetics.
JohnSnot
Meanwhile countries are banning...straws.
TrueNorthernLights
Yeah. I face palmed at this. They literally found a plastic bag at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, but let's ban straws!
ShapeShiftingCats
Straws are mostly unessential, hence the focus on them. We should phase out all plastics eventually.
icyanddicey
Is redd herring a suitable phrase in this context?
pandro
You find ONE turtle sniffing coke through a straw, I swear ...
DavidBrooker
I think single-use plastics are the bigger issue than plastics generally. Packaging, food containers, etc. The environmental difference 1/2
DonL9
Agreed, David. I've had reusable plastic water bottles for years, while Karen needs two new disposables every yoga or pilates session.
Covidnineteen
This is why I exclusively buy my drugs in recyclable tin
timewizardtreats
This is something I always said to. Medical supplies should be the only single use plastic.
SIGMA920
A lot of foods will need it to as will anything that could expire but is 1 use only.
timewizardtreats
Good point
mattituuude
It's so important for hygienic food packaging. Just need it to be easily biodegradable.
PunkassUnicorn
Plastic shouldn't be used in any product which is guaranteed to become trash within 2 years. The amount of trash we generate is astounding.
idonthaveanyideawhatthehelliamtalkingabout
don't just look at the bad side of plastic, plastic has also saved billions of tons of food for going bad, plastic isn't all bad, its
idonthaveanyideawhatthehelliamtalkingabout
what we do to it, that is bad.
tillie350
The amount of nappies people use baffles me. Modern and traditional cloth are both great with so many benefits why put trash on your baby.
StuieG
Plastics made from oil that comes from under the ground. If plastic goes into landfill we're just returning it to the ground...
TrueNorthernLights
Yes....in like 30,000 years. Meanwhile it poisons everything while it sits there ...or do you think oil isn't toxic?
StuieG
Doesn't plastic break down in 500 to 1000 years..
Covidnineteen
Oil lubricates nature helping it fit into tight areas like cities and such.
DavidBrooker
in durable goods - say, a Makita drill with a plastic body rather than metal - is very marginal. 2/2
DavidBrooker
(when, say, all-paper packaging versus all plastic can be a huge difference)
BurntAioli
JUST got into 3D printing. Making a small replacement can cause way less waste than buying a new *whatever* but refillable spools would be
BurntAioli
An amazing, cheaper end alternative. 2/2
astrangehop
You're right... But now I want a wooden body drill so bad.
rallybug
See hand drill or brace & bit. Slower, but can still get the job done.
ServerMonkeyKing
Fire bad!!!
vonkeswick
Ohhhh that would be so cool
ministryofpeace
Wood_drill.jpg
DavidBrooker
To be economically recyclable, it has to cost a lot to produce and not lose value when recycled. Metals are perfect for recycling. 1/2
Cyberpope67
you can convert plastic to oil
DavidBrooker
Plastics are crap. Second-cycle plastics are good for packaging and not much else. 2/2
DonL9
Generally, yes, though I have jackets and a backpack made with some recycled content.
Ghostlogicz
2nd hand plastics using mechanical recycling are shit , chemical recycling are reusable but not economically worth it
FailedCrate
Chemcycling is hazardous to the environment too. So depends also on HOW you recycle. Reducing use of plastics is a must at this point.
dohcohv
My decking plant uses 500,000lbs of recycled plastic per day.
TimeFoDat
Glass is awesome too, adding it to the manufacturing process reduces energy consumption b/c it requires lower temps to melt.
fredsneed
Glass used to be reused in soda and beer bottles.
ExTechOp
Glass raw materials though are about as inexpensive as sand, the best reason to recycle it is that broken glass is incompatible with humans.
ShapeShiftingCats
I am all for phasing out single-use plastic But, Glass is heavy Transporting glass alternatives is more carbon intensive. Heavier=more fuel
TimeFoDat
I guess it depends on the energy saved vs. the energy used by the extra weight. I haven’t personally don’t the math, sounds complicated.
OsakaHugger
There may be a balance where it's viable, although as long as plastic waste isn't treated as a "loss factor" nothing will change I guess
icyanddicey
Shorter distances (local economy) means less waste from transport.