Paper or…?

by Badger Herald Editorial Board

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 00:41

Last week, Madison’s Commission on the Environment mulled over a proposal to reduce the number of plastic containers and bags in the city. While the idea is still in its earliest phase, discussion has ranged from prohibiting sale of plastic bottles at public events to banning plastic grocery bags.

While the city’s environmentalists cite several countries and American cities that have already taken similar initiatives, the committee should be cautious about proposing any sort of initiative without seriously considering the effectiveness of any plastic ban.

A consumer’s loss of choice between “paper or plastic” may seem rather negligible, but some could reasonably argue that the benefits of a plastic ban could have a similarly negligible effect on the environment.

When asked what detrimental effects plastics have, commission chair Jon Standridge told us that negative effects include recycling machinery malfunctions, estrogen release, use of oil in production and an increased carbon footprint.

While these effects are important enough to be addressed, we’re unsure a ban of plastic grocery bags in this city would provide any noticeable change. After all, plastic bags are not the only non-recyclable items accidentally mixed in with recyclable materials. And while a plastic bag ban in China resulted in saving 5 million tons of oil, taking the bags out of a city of 225,000 people won’t even make a dent in petroleum production.

So how wide does the scope have to be before it makes a difference?

Much wider than it is now. Comparing the world’s largest country to a Midwestern city, as commission member Bruce Dickie did, is disingenuous because it neglects the impact of a wide-scale initiative. The cost of taking away such a trivial consumer choice would clearly be outweighed by the benefits all of us would reap from a significantly healthier environment. However, municipal initiatives aren’t always worth it unless they lead to something bigger.

When San Francisco decided to ban plastic bags last year, it inspired some West Coast cities, including Los Angeles, to propose parallel measures. If Madison can spark a similar movement, a widespread removal of plastic may be worth the minor inconvenience to shoppers.

In the end, any proposed ban is only worth the effort if the momentum carries on. A state or federal measure would certainly be more appropriate if it had a decent shot at passing. A city ban would only work if it’s done in a way that is sensible enough for consumers and provides a model that the rest of the state will eventually follow.

Environmentalists can argue action is needed now, but rational examination should not give way to impulsive “green” fervor. Until the commission receives specific recommendations from Madison recycling coordinator George Dreckman, Madison should temper any urge to deal fatal blows to plastic — be it bag or bottle.