Comments on: Plastic: A Toxic Love Story Book Review

By: urbanwoodswalker

urbanwoodswalker — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 14:00:02 +0000

I took this book out of our town’s library. Its so good, I bought a gently used copy on Amazon. Thank you for diligently reviewing it Beth. I also took your book out of the library and read it too.

By: Diane MacEachern

Diane MacEachern — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:32:10 +0000

You know, it’s so easy to dismiss the plastic concern because we get reassurances on its safety and recyclability at every turn. Then books like this (and your upcoming book) come out – and wham! There’s no way you can ignore how big a problem plastic is. Thanks for sharing your review of this book, and I can’t wait until yours comes out!

By: Lori Popkewitz Alper

Lori Popkewitz Alper — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 21:01:58 +0000

I first heard Susan speak on NPR and I remember listening and reaching for a pen to write her name down. She was articulate and inspiring. I still haven’t read her book. Thanks to your review it has moved to my short list!

By: Karen Hanrahan

Karen Hanrahan — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:02:05 +0000

can’t think of anyone more perfect to be included in her book…and i really love the idea of a day by day look at the plastics around us…thank you also for sharing her view was journalistic vs a call to action – a good distinction.

By: Riley

Riley — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:26:46 +0000

Hi Bill–you’re not the only guy around, although I’ve only noticed the two of us, so far.

I’m new here, and probably in another minority, too: I think there are appropriate uses for plastic, and inappropriate. For instance, non-compostable, throw-away plastic bags are inappropriate. Depending on the impact and source, compostable ones _may_ not be. Not sure on that.

I think _appropriate_ types of plastic, made in an environmentally sound manner, are an appropriate use of petroleum. Burning a non-renewable resource that adds to global warming, and local pollution, is ridiculous! But plastic doesn’t have to contribute to pollution if used and manufactured properly. It’s not, though, to a large extent. That’s the issue.

Regarding your second question, in my opinion, permanent, food grade polyethylene containers are appropriate. They have low environmental impact, they recycle well, they are not (or should not) be discarded after one use. I store dry food goods in them. There is _no_ contamination.

That’s my 2¢ worth!

Riley

By: Bill Kennedy

Bill Kennedy — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:14:14 +0000

Thank you for this gem of a site. I am brand new to it today, but plan to come back again and again. My family sort of hates my “green” ideas. They are very much the products of convenience and I’m constantly trying to change that, though I’m not great at it myself. I’ll keep trying though. And I’m suprised that I think I’m one of very few men responding here. I didn’t read every reply to this post, but I didn’t see a single male voice as I scrolled through. We need to spread the mentality to both sexes (and no, I’m not gay).

1) Anyway, I have learned many things so far and many more things will be learned. I was shocked to read that plastic was in chewing gum. Glad I’m not a regular chewer and obviously will not be chewing anymore gum from here out.

2) My question: How do you go to the store and buy bulk items like sunflower seeds, spices, pastas, etc? Is there a non-plastic container that isn’t like dragging 40 lbs of metal around?

Keep up the great work. Final thought: How “green” is it for a cleaning chemical company to sell their “green” products in plastic bottles?

By: Alyssa Lee

Alyssa Lee — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:38:20 +0000

Of course! http://tinychoices.com/2011/01/13/tiny-choices-qa-chemical-laden-cleaning-supplies/ The overall consensus was to give away or use up except for the really toxic stuff like drain cleaners.

By: Beth Terry

Beth Terry — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:32:56 +0000

Alyssa, can you provide the link to the Tiny Choices discussion? I’d love to see what ideas other people have.

By: Alyssa Lee

Alyssa Lee — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:31:29 +0000

Like so many other people on have said, I have learned SO much from you in these past months I have been on my (never-ending) green kick. You are the premiere site that I turn to when I have a question. I guess the biggest thing that I have learned is the importance of not “buying” green and “consuming” green. The question to ask is not “What do I buy to be environmentally friendly?” It’s about reusing what you have. I love how you always encourage people to reuse what they have before moving on to a better product. I also love all your information about how to store produce without plastic and especially the kitty information because I have a kitty myself. :)

My remaining question is one that has been somewhat resolved on Tiny Choices but not really. I still have some Windex and Tile cleaners and other chemical-laden cleaning products that I don’t want to toss but I don’t want to use either. Is it better to hand them over to the Municipal Hazardous Waste Disposal? Is their disposal process environmentally friendly at all? Is it better to just use them up and then stop? In the meantime, they’re just rotting away in a cupboard where they’ll probably expire anyway. What’s a girl to do? :(

Thank you for all your help and for all your work! You are the best, Beth! :D

By: Genna

Genna — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:27:47 +0000

I’ve learned a lot about plastic from this blog. The most important is that “recycling” plastic – which, for years, I thought I was doing – is actually, in most cases, an illusion. This really has pushed me to reduce my consumption and reuse whatever plastic bags/ containers that I inevitably accumulate, even when that comes at the expense of convenience.

One question I have is: if you wear contact lenses, how can you limit or reduce your plastic consumption? I’m seriously considering getting Lasiks done because I’ve realized that it’s near impossible to take care of my eyes (and I am seriously BLIND) without going through at least a few ounces of plastic each month.