"There is a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?" That is one of the notable quotes in the 1967 Mike Nichols classic movie The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman.
Yes, I have been thinking about it - but not with such enthusiasm as Mr. McGuire had in the movie. I noticed recently that I’ve had a plastic makeup holder in my medicine cabinet for 35 years. Yes, 35 years!
Which brings me to: PLASTICS, PIXELS, OR PAPER? Earth Day is a perfect day to explore what we take for granted.
One of my Pet Peeves - whenever I see "don't print this email - Save a Tree," I want to say "don't send this email" as electronic communication is worse for the environment than paper. Every email we send (including this one!) has a negative impact on the environment and adds to our carbon footprint.
As a longtime lover of print and paper, I feel it is my duty to expose some common myths! *
MYTH: Going paperless saves forests
FACT: In North America we grow many more trees than we harvest
MYTH: Paper is bad for the environment
FACT: Paper is one of the few truly sustainable products
MYTH: Electronic Communication is more environmentally friendly than paper-based communication
FACT: E-waste (phones, computers) can be toxic, is not biodegradable, and accumulates in soil, air, water, and living things
MYTH: Digital is always the preferred means of communication
FACT: 86% of U.S. consumers believe they should have the right to choose how they receive communication
The lifespan of plastic (I know this is depressing...) is hundreds of years! So indeed we need to think about the future but now the future is plant-based plastics and the most recycled product in the world: PAPER.
In 2019, U.S. paper rate for recycling was 66.2%, for plastic 8%.
So we have lots of work to do but ... Flowers are in bloom, it is Springtime, Earth Day, and we are seeing friends and family in person.
Hope to see you as well.
