Readers have some tips on cutting down on plastic waste, and some skepticism about industry moves to fix the problem.
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Good morning.
Since it’s Friday, some feedback.
The word “plastics” still carries the punch it did in Dustin Hoffman’s day–although for different reasons. I wrote about the plastics pollution problem this week, and got enough email to pack a landfill. A sampling:
“Thanks for spreading the awareness about plastics. It is virtually impossible to eliminate plastic from our lives, but it is relatively easy to avoid one of the biggest offenders of single use plastic—beverages. There are plenty of alternatives like aluminum, glass and paper… Will you consider taking the pledge and helping us spread the word?”
-S.H.
“Until we recognize that the global plastic ocean pollution problem isn’t largely caused in the U.S. where we have excellent trash management practices, but in other nations with poor practices where we enjoy the lower costs of those practices. How much more would be willing to pay for our iPhones made in Asia if the cost of managing the trash in the countries where they are made was incorporated into that cost?”
-C.N.
“I would like to think that the Alliance to End Plastic Waste is sincere—but believing that based on a $1.5b investment is false hope. You didn’t mention that they currently have $250b+ invested in a massive global expansion of petrochemicals for plastic production. Without any real plan for how to deal with all the single use plastic waste.”
-E.D.
And separately, Fortune is taking submissions for our annual Change the World list, which is focused on companies that have made measurable progress addressing social problems or needs. You can find past honorees here—and note that multiple companies on that list have been recognized for addressing the plastic waste problem. If you want to recommend a company, you may do so here.
News below.
Alan Murray
@alansmurray
alan.murray@fortune.com
