Comments on: Book Review: The True Adventures of Foamy and Leafy

By: evalewis

evalewis — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 06:09:09 +0000

This is one of the major problem nowadays for this world that is use of plastic. I certeainly agree this article. I think every ones should think something about how to stop polluting environment by stop using of plastic materials.

By: Bryson

Bryson — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 02:16:53 +0000

I agree, we need to stop polluting, change our behavior as a society, and recycle and reuse the material. Plastics are, if you think about it in a warped way, a victim of their own success. The stuff is everywhere! Too much of it , right? Because it does so many things well and cheap for society. Made many things affordable that otherwise would not be for some. (The cost of some of the solutions Beth offers here, for a working class person or a person in poverty….well, that is a debate for another day.) Pollution must be solved though, no doubt about that.

By: LInda Anderson

LInda Anderson — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:52:01 +0000

Bryson, I just have to reply to your comment even though I am hesitant to promote a endless argument. I noticed that you imply fear and myths to be the basis of the issue of disposable plastics. I read your blog and, you are correct, there are many uses for modern plastic. The issue in my guest blog is that the incorrect disposal of plastic is causing a huge pollution problem in the ocean. There are many groups doing scientific inquiries into this issue including the Algalita Marine Research Foundation (algalita.org) and Sea of Change with Joel Paschal. Beth Terry and I both blog about the issues involved with the misuse of plastic. We do not base our writing on “something we heard” – we research it. Some things may be wrong but the same can be said of scientific findings.

By: Bryson

Bryson — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:01:57 +0000

Sure, I can get your basic FEAR. But a lot of mythology just keeps getting more and more woven into the fabric (no pun intended) because it gets repeated over and over again untill it seems to be truth. “I read it somewhere.” It starts in some anti-this or anti-that organization, goes unchallenged, and is spread from web site to blog to web site.

Not specific to plastics, but there is really interesting work being done by a non-partisan and non-profit group called STATS (in association with George Mason University). http://www.stats.org/index.htm

STATS sees scientific and statistical methods as the best way of analyzing and solving society’s problems. They look at major issues (including some pertaining to plastics) and news stories from a quantitative and scientific perspective. What they uncover is Interesting stuff about what is true risk and the poor job our journalists and other information spreaders do on the science/math side. Often the result is unfounded fear — innocent people truly scared over what later is shown to be scientifically untrue.

By: Pete Friedrich

Pete Friedrich — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:20:14 +0000

I agree, Beth. Wrapping yourself in plastic clothing may appear to keep you warm, but these “miracle” fabrics are all derived from petrochemicals which are known carcinogens. So no matter how you spin it, you’re skin is in contact with a cancer-producing material all day and possibly all night.
Wool and cotton and other natural materials do a better job than any synthetic, with none of the lethal side effects. And the production of these items doesn’t clog our rivers and oceans with the plastic waste stream from synthetics production, that is not-so-gradually kililng everything in its path.

By: Beth Terry

Beth Terry — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 19:33:23 +0000

Bryson, that post is so scary. The thing is, “green” is more than just saving energy. It’s also reducing toxic chemical exposure. And I fear that many of the plastic solutions we are turning to to reduce emissions are poisoning us.

By: Bryson

Bryson — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:30:27 +0000

Speaking of Leafy:
“When Autumn is in the Air, Plastics Keeps You Warm and Flu-Free”
http://www.inthehopper.org/sustainability/autumn-plastics-warm/

Just food (for caterpillars) for thought, y’know…

By: Pete Friedrich

Pete Friedrich — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 18:00:19 +0000

Hello all,
For those of you curious about the age range, I’ve taken the book to many middle schools to present it and had best luck with 5th-8th graders. The language in the storyline is appropriate for that reading level, and the more detailed info in the back is suited for the older grades and/or the teachers / parents involved. The back of the book also has a short bibliography and a list of several very good websites.
Thanks for your support and interest!

By: Sharonus

Sharonus — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 20:06:05 +0000

I’m putting in a purchase request for this at the Seattle Public Library system! :)

By: LInda Anderson

LInda Anderson — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 20:44:14 +0000

I think the reading level is middle school level. A 7 year old might need some help with it but remember a comic book has lots of illustrations which help out a lot.