Big oil is at it again – this time on plastic production. Russia, Kuwait, Audi Arabia, and other oil producing nations opposed a curb on plastic production in Seoul this past week. In a major shift the U.S. agreed to sign such a treaty; we’ll see what happens in January, of course, since the incoming administration doesn’t seem to give a hoot.
Not only are we producing more plastic than any other nation, but the ingredients in that plastic contain more than 30 harmful chemicals. We may think that these chemicals only affect low-wage workers in factories (who cares about them, anyway?) but it affects all of us. Microplastics are in our bodies, in our water, and our food.
Recycling isn’t the answer here because there are plastics that cannot be recycled, not to mention the fact that recycling workers are exposed to these chemicals. And let’s not forget the plastic toys children get at Christmas with high levels of dioxin, an organic substance linked to cancer and reproductive health problems, in addition to learning disabilities. The answer is limiting dioxin amounts, opposed by big oil.
Prayer for the Day
Enticed into better living through chemistry,
We realize that the products can harm us;
But, O Lord, we are loath to give up convenience,
For plastics make so much of our lives easier.
Wake us up, O God, so we consider the costs we pay,
And change the ways we live tor ourselves and others.
In the name of the One who walks with us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The United States generates the most plastic waste of any other country in the world, but rather than looking the problem in the eye, we have outsourced it to developing countries and become a top contributor to the ocean plastics crisis.
Nick Mallos, Ocean Conservancy
It’s so easy for delegates sitting in these conference rooms to become removed from reality. But everyone, even the participants, is exposed.
Sara Brosché, IPEN environmental scientist
Protect me, O my God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.”
As for the holy ones in the land, hey ae the noble in whom I take delight.
Those who choose another god multiply teir sorrows.
Pssa;, 16: 1-4a