So I was reading Beyond Plastic Missouri/Wisconsin’s Facebook Page …

First thing I had to think was what an odd combination of states, as neither one touches each other, as illustrated by the map I posted this morning of the Midwestern states. I knew that somewhere in my mind, but still I had to check and make up a map in the process so I could fully visually the relation of those states that often get blended together a bit in my mind. Illinois is south of Wisconsin, while Iowa is south of Minnesota. Not completely but in general.

The next thing I was reading was about the problematic nature of the plastic mesh bags that a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables come in, especially from a zero waste and recycling perspective. They’re plastic, they don’t break down if you landfill or litter them and don’t burn them. Honestly though, I’ve always just tossed them into a white garbage sack or in with papers, burnt them up and didn’t really even notice them as they’re such a tiny part of garbage that burns quickly, and completely and doesn’t stink when burned or take up much space.

I’m all for recycling, but this form of plastic waste is so miniscule compared to all the plastic we’re using and discarding everyday, often that is much more substantial – and noxious to burn or landfill. You know, the PVC poison plastic, the Styrofoam, the polypropylene containers and even ABS plastics. It’s oil but a trivial amount of oil compared to what we burn in our cars and trucks, or to heat, cool and electrify our houses. Especially if those fruits and vegetables are healthy for our environment, the cores and peels saved for compost. It’s not like fruit or vegetables or even paper breaks down significantly in a landfill due to the lack of oxygen.

I get it, not everybody lives out in the country in the Midwest, on a farm or rural homestead where things like that are easily burned on up in a burn barrel or bonfire. A lot of trash ends up landfills or becomes litter. But of all things to go after, this seems one of the silliest.