The Idea Girl - Writing, Politics, Business, Green Chip Stocks and Green Inventions

ENVIRONMENT-SOUTH AFRICA: Biodegradable Label Less Eco-Friendly Than It PromisesBy Raffaella Delle Donne “Oxo-biodegradable plastic is, like other plastics, petroleum-based, with an added chemical which breaks up the product into tiny little pieces. As a result, these plastics don’t take up space in landfills but they produce toxic dust that pollutes the environment and is known to be detrimental to human health.” ”Most plastics contain harmful chemicals, such as sulphur and ethylene oxides, which can cause respiratory and reproductive problems. “ “To date, oxo-biodegradable plastics have not met the internationally-accepted standards for compostable and biodegradable packaging which ensures that a product breaks down completely in a landfill or an industrial compost heap. To be certified as biodegradable, a product must be fully tested and approved by internationally-recognised bodies, such as the Institute for Standards Research (ISR) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). “ Imagine the fact that Oxo-biodegradeable Plastic is being manufactured and called a “green product.”  In reality it’s not only harming the environment if not handled properly, it’s also harming our health as it decomposes in the landfill.  This product hasn’t been certified yet it’s being mass produced to replace other “plastic” products and is just as deadly as it’s competitor.  If something is to be considered a “Green Product” then it should benefit the environment and our health.  This product should be stopped before it’s too late.  Someone needs to research this technology and see what can be done to improve it, maybe it needs another component so that it will be more “green” friendly.  If not, then scrap the idea altogether and find something better.  Sure this product has produced many jobs in South Africa and the UK but do we want to add to our global problem?  There are lots of “green inventions out there” that have not be fully developed yet.  This is the way of the future, imagine how many jobs this technology could create?The Obama Green Team should address this issue with world policies, in doing business with other countries we should also encourage them to be more “eco friendly.”  It will be a win, win situation for all!