npr, All Things Considered 04.07.08

As more and more cities and states consider plastic bag bans and tax proposals, companies are beginning to weigh their options. Biodegradable plastic bags are designed to quickly break down. But where does the plastic go?... The story also cites a staggering statistic: every year US plastic bag consumption = nine billion pounds. Listen to story…

Our Take: The plastic polymers are still there, but they are out of sight! These may become a popular choice for big brand companies/marketers looking to reduce negative exposure when their bags are hooked in trees and laying on sidewalks. While on the surface biodegradable bags may seem like a good idea, there’s a host of problems associated with them (e.g.  A proliferation of biodegradable plastic bags will really screw up recycling efforts, they don’t get at the heart of the problem: consumption, etc. – click here for more…) This is a perfect example of a seemingly good idea that truly does more harm than good.)
 
 
Link: Manufacturers Push Biodegradable Plastic Bags

 

ReusableBags.com founder Vincent Cobb interviewed by ABC News about IKEA implementing a charge for plastic bags, BYOB (bring your own bag) trends in the U.S. and other "banning the plastic bag" initiatives.

Link: Video interview - ABC News.

Delhi Newsline

THE Environment Ministry of the Delhi government has made it mandatory for all five-star, four-star hotels, restaurants with more than 100 seats and hospitals to use degradable plastic bags.

‘‘The plastic bags, which are used now-a-days, not only pollute the environment but are also harmful to animals if swallowed. The degradable bags, when exposed to sunlight, lose their form and mix with the soil. We have written to these units to start using degradable plastic bags,’’ said an Environment Ministry official.

Link: Degradable plastic bags must for hospitals, start hotels

 

ABC Wide Bay Queensland

In ten years time, the rolling paddocks of sugar cane throughout the Wide Bay could be fifteen percent plastic.

"Sugar is a perfect crop for genetic modification,"

Sugarcane containing plastic, unlike cereal crops modified to have higher protein levels or chemical resistance, has no potential to affect humans, since it won't be ingested.

Link: Plastic sugarcane - the crop of the future?.