We’ve chosen Pinocchio to act as our ringmaster. This tiny bit of flotsam looks like he’s been at the mercy of some deep-sea toothy-ness—maybe he really was swallowed by Monstro the whale. Gnawed and sand-rubbed, he’s been on quite a journey.
And, when you think of Pinocchio, how can you not think of his telltale nose, signifying a lie? So, our little Pinocchio, even though his elongated schnoz has been chewed off, reminds us of the big lie — plastic is cheap and disposable. Where is the away as in “throw-away”?
The “free” plastic bag taken from the supermarket is not free:
• Production costs: plastic is made from non renewable fossil-fuel resources: natural gas, coal or petroleum. Costs include mining and drilling, environmental mitigation costs, transportation and manufacture of many toxic additives.
•Consumption costs: plastic bags alone account for $4 billion in costs to retailers. Who is paying that bill?
• Disposal costs: this includes litter, collection, incineration, landfill management and the added load of dangerous toxins to the environment.
How about that reusable bag left in the car—again?? We need an honest accounting for the true costs of plastic, right, P’noc? And, by Jiminy, always let your conscience be your guide.
