From Alan Daniells
Bristol
Fred Pearce’s article makes interesting reading for environmentalists who
believe that environmental policy should be based on sound scientific
analysis.
However, I am concerned that people may seize upon such views as an excuse
not to bother with taking responsibility for their waste. Paper still needs to
be separated so that it is not burned along with waste that would cause
unacceptable pollution, such as batteries or chlorinated plastics. This kind of
separation is best done in the home before waste is collected. Similarly, recent
publicity pointing out the negative impact of car journeys to bottle banks was
cited by the media as a good reason not to recycle rather than a good reason to
promote kerbside collection schemes.
We should be putting much more pressure on the world’s manufacturers and
producers to stop over-packaging and to discourage one-use disposable,
nonrepairable products.
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