Re: [GreenYes] Fw: beverage container bill

[Helen Spiegelman <hspie@telus.net>]

Hi Sue,

Your daily contributions to the planet show that you take very seriously 
your personal responsibility to reduce waste. I am dazzled by the many 
creative ways you have found to reduce your 'ecological footprint'. You are 
an example to us all.

Please understand that the intent of Senator Jeffords' bill is simply to 
reward businesses who are as dedicated as you are. In the business world, 
good guys need (good) regulations.

The reason for laws like the one Senator Jeffords has introduced is to 
create a 'level playing field' in the beverage industry, so that companies 
that do the right thing are not undercut by other companies who choose not 
to recycle. Many companies would like to provide support to their consumers 
so that they can recycle their containers, but the existing rules allow 
other companies to avoid responsibility. As a result, billions of 
containers are going to waste needlessly.

We support this bill because it recognizes that forward-thinking beverage 
businesses have the know-how to design cost-effective recycling solutions 
for their containers. This bill gives them a chance to do so.

As far as your observation on milk: let me say that I totally agree with 
you. Many environmentalists who backed Senator Jeffords' bill would have 
preferred to see milk included -- and we believe that someday the dairy 
industry will be held to the same high environmental standard as other 
beverage producers. In fact, we are confident that once the other beverage 
companies have demonstrated leadership in their industry (the way you have 
in your community) the milk producers will follow their example willingly.

Thanks for taking the trouble to speak your mind,

Helen.







At 05:13 PM 04/23/2002 -0400, you wrote:
>FYI
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "Sue Peake" <sundance@d-web.com>
>To: <zerowaste@grrn.org>
>Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2002 12:00 PM
>Subject: beverage container bill
>
>
>For Mr. Bill Sheehan, executive director
>
>I just read an article wherein you (and Senator Jeffords) support forcing a
>manufacturer to be responsible for the ultimate disposal of its product
>container.     I'm no doubt wasting my time writing, but am appalled at the
>idea!!!  I hope you won't criticize me personally----criticize my ideas, but
>no "character assination" please!!   Please note that I think your ideas
>stupid---I do not call YOU 'stupid.'
>
>In America, you would FORCE a manufacturer to be responsible for the
>ultimate disposal of its product container!!!     I've listed, below, my own
>life style, which is very close to zero waste, but I'm also an American and
>am truly horrified at this incredibly invasive, unenforceable and foolish
>proposal.    The hypocrisy of excluding milk containers takes my breath
>away!!!!     I do hope it has been misreported.    You cannot possibly
>support such a stupid idea!!!           Sue Peake    California
>
>I do the following for my planet:
>Recycle newspapers, plastic, cans and glass; including re-using paper and
>plastic bags for 2-3 uses.     Take my own shopping bag (cloth) to the
>grocery store.
>
>Combine errands (including medical appointments) and use my car as little as
>once a week. (I live in a rural area so public transportation isn't near
>me.)
>
>Cut up large, used mailing envelopes to make note paper.
>Bury (compost) all my wet garbage.
>Turn on my insulated electric water heater once or twice a week for about 30
>minutes each time.
>
>Reuse my laundry water to wash 2-3 loads each time.    Dry laundry on the
>clothesline.
>Use low-flow shower heads and water saver toilet (though it often plugs up
>and needs more water to clear it out.)
>Mulch my plants, water deeply and infrequently.
>
>Make regular donations to Thrift Shops, and use my old clothing to make
>garments for my grandson.
>
>Probably other things I don't think of right now!!    And I'm so offended at
>your support for an anti-American, foolish, and unenforceable bill
>penalizing beverage manufacturers!!!   And to exclude milk containers is the
>ultimate hypocritical idea.
>
>
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