More plastic alternatives
- By Richard Branson -
- Aug 09, 2012
It’s great to see so many others conscious of the scale of plastic pollution. This is an issue that needs addressing and one that we can aid in limiting.
We asked online for great ideas for alternatives to secure plastic bags at high-risk airports and the response was both enlightening and shocking - as there are already so many ways in which plastic pollution can be prevented.
We’re already aware of hemp bagging and there also exists “natural fibre string bags – see through, harmless and biodegradable” (thanks @markmcan).
There were also some great new ideas, that with some scientific development and ingenuity may be able to be converted into real products. From “eco-friendly plastic bags that dissolve in salt water” (@mizgeorgieM) to “seaweed plastic” (Lulu Spears via Facebook).
Shivaji Ghosh (Facebook) suggested that: “A phased wipe out of plastic bags can be considered. Let the customers bring their own bags, while fresh sale of plastic bags can be slowly brought down.” An interesting and very plausible idea.
Yet Edward Gozalez raised a saddening but equally valid point via Google +: “The plastic problem isn't created by plastic solely; people need to be taught to pick up after themselves once they leave the beach. The problem is people.”
Whilst I somewhat agree with Edward, we also need to believe in the power of people, and with a little persuasion we can change and tackle the perils of plastic. Thank you for all of your feedback so far.
By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group
