What is worse than an oil spill?

[Dr. Bob]

Here's an article with some shocking observations that every litter bug should read.

[jmtjet]

Sad, we are destroying the planet we live on.

[lgbpop]

Not destroying it yet, just defacing it....pigs. I remember Mr. Stratton (our Scoutmaster) making one kid jump off the sailboat we were on during one outing to retrieve the paper he threw overboard. Then he made him swim for five minutes chasing the boat before he hauled up and let him back on board. The rest of us learned the lesson as well.

Few people care anymore.

[maxximilian]

I have no doubt we are wrecking the oceans and to me...it's a subject that should be taken more seriously than any global warming nonsense. I used to be a member of Greenpeace....

However...I couldn't help but notice the author of that article....Paul Watson.

Paul Watson claims to be a founder of Greenpeace and that is disputed. What is also disputed is whether he left or was kicked out for his radical beliefs and actions. At any rate...he went on to found his own group called Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. That's when things went haywire. They purchased a ship which they modified for ramming. Having re-inforced the bow, they also loaded it up with concrete so the bow was low in the water. They then proceeded to ram other ships....sinking several. Watson has been called a terrorist and has been tried in abstentia in several countries for crimes including attempted murder and piracy. His small fleet actually flies a modified "jolly roger"....

In this day and age....unless you are an eskimo family needing to feed and cloth your family...there really is no need to kill whales anymore. All whale products are easily and cheaply substituted now...from oil to blubber...

But it does beg a classic question....does the end justify the means? Watson is no doubt a character...and a dangerous one to boot. But his cause is commendable...and the only reason he isn't behind bars. How far do you go? Tough question....

[Dr. Bob]

I'm not familiar with the background of the article's writer and as with any information it is only of importance if it's true. It is always important to look for confirmation of any fact from other independent sources so if anyone will find any I'd be interested in a link.

Talking about global warming. You really should try to get your hands on a copy of the documentary broadcast in March by Channel 4 in the UK called "The Great Global Warming Swindle". It has since (of course) become the subject of controversy and although the final word most certainly has not been spoken on the matter it is really quite interesting material.

[maxximilian]

I'm sure that Watson is using worst case examples and maybe even exaggerating a bit...but his point on the permanance of plastic is well taken. The stuff is forever. It won't go away on it's own like other pollution...

There is such a thing as biodegradable plastic....made from plant material. However...it is more expensive, so manufacturers aren't using it much. And the permanent nature of plastic is what makes it so useful for many exterior items. I have a poly-vinyl (plastic) fence in front my house now because I got tired of replacing wooden ones that rotted and needed constant maintanance. So replacing all plastics with bio-degradable types isn't the way to go either. I would say using biodegradable plastics for disposable items make a whole lot of sense, though. Garbage bags, food containers, diapers, etc....

[JPnyc]

I thought recycling was a fair approach to the problem. I certainly have to separate all my refuse