While the counties and cities in the state of California are proceeding towards formulating legislation against the use of throw away plastic bags in dining establishments and various other stores, the plastic industry lobbying group ACC (American Chemistry Council) has been able to include a section on 'the benefits of plastic bags' in the state's revised educational material. As documented in a report from California Watch, the content, that was created in 2003 as a part of environmental syllabus, is being used in 19 school districts spanning 14,000 students in one hundred forty schools. The material is going to be utilized in four hundred other school districts also.
Changes in the Educational Material
The content initially spoke only about the environmentally negative effects of plastic bags including their non-biodegradable nature, the hazard caused by them to marine animals and the damages caused to air, water and soil. Yet now it also covers the benefits of employing plastic bags. A section on the pros of plastic bags was included in the eleventh grade teacher's text by an independently hired consultant in 2009. Although the curriculum only addresses the damaging effects of plastic bags on the environment, a 5 point question on their advantages was included by the consultant in the workbook. The teacher's edition lists convenience, lower transport cost, less energy consumption during manufacturing and reusability as the advantages of plastic bags. It's not the first time that educational material has been created in collaboration with industries.
Opposition to the Move
The move yet again reflects the partial lack of responsibility on the part of school officials. Popular textbook publisher Scholastic Inc. recently pledged to restrict association with industries in crafting textbook material. This was motivated by protests conducted by education groups along with parents to avert the delivery of a fourth grade curriculum created in collaboration with coal industry. The inclusion of positive messages on plastic bags has been strongly criticized by a number of environmental organizations.
Even if the possible benefits of plastic bags are included, it must have to be made very clear to young people that the destructive effects of plastic bags significantly outweigh their merits. Based on estimations, on a yearly basis consumers use approximately 100 billion plastic bags in the US and the vast majority of of them land in garbage. Shop owners spend roughly four billion dollars on the purchase of plastic bags. If every one of the consumers and companies transition from plastic bags to recyclable bags, it can make a significant difference.
Attempts are being made not just in the cities and counties in this country, but across the world to reduce the usage of plastic bags by substituting them with eco bags. Outlawing the usage of plastic bags in addition to educating children about their unsafe effects are essential elements of the attempts taken towards environmental stability. However unless these interests are reinforced by all industries and also consumers, the increasing problem of plastic trash will not be dealt with effectively. Everyone is able to do their bit for nature by swapping plastic bags and bottles with eco-friendly ones. Reusable custom bags and seed cards are the way for businesses to promote their business and also confirm their support to the green movement.
Changes in the Educational Material
The content initially spoke only about the environmentally negative effects of plastic bags including their non-biodegradable nature, the hazard caused by them to marine animals and the damages caused to air, water and soil. Yet now it also covers the benefits of employing plastic bags. A section on the pros of plastic bags was included in the eleventh grade teacher's text by an independently hired consultant in 2009. Although the curriculum only addresses the damaging effects of plastic bags on the environment, a 5 point question on their advantages was included by the consultant in the workbook. The teacher's edition lists convenience, lower transport cost, less energy consumption during manufacturing and reusability as the advantages of plastic bags. It's not the first time that educational material has been created in collaboration with industries.
Opposition to the Move
The move yet again reflects the partial lack of responsibility on the part of school officials. Popular textbook publisher Scholastic Inc. recently pledged to restrict association with industries in crafting textbook material. This was motivated by protests conducted by education groups along with parents to avert the delivery of a fourth grade curriculum created in collaboration with coal industry. The inclusion of positive messages on plastic bags has been strongly criticized by a number of environmental organizations.
Even if the possible benefits of plastic bags are included, it must have to be made very clear to young people that the destructive effects of plastic bags significantly outweigh their merits. Based on estimations, on a yearly basis consumers use approximately 100 billion plastic bags in the US and the vast majority of of them land in garbage. Shop owners spend roughly four billion dollars on the purchase of plastic bags. If every one of the consumers and companies transition from plastic bags to recyclable bags, it can make a significant difference.
Attempts are being made not just in the cities and counties in this country, but across the world to reduce the usage of plastic bags by substituting them with eco bags. Outlawing the usage of plastic bags in addition to educating children about their unsafe effects are essential elements of the attempts taken towards environmental stability. However unless these interests are reinforced by all industries and also consumers, the increasing problem of plastic trash will not be dealt with effectively. Everyone is able to do their bit for nature by swapping plastic bags and bottles with eco-friendly ones. Reusable custom bags and seed cards are the way for businesses to promote their business and also confirm their support to the green movement.
About the Author:
Ron Williams is a greatly accomplished writer debating green and sustainability matters furthermore extending the principles to companies to use eco friendly custom grocery bags to advertise both their business and recognition for our planet.
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