I READ with dismay the letter Popular plastic written by Thierry Le Fevre for the Augusta-Margaret River Mail's opinion section.
I realise everyone is entitled to an opinion but when one encased in NIMBYism ("not in my backyard"), narrow-mindedness and disregard for the world environment, it makes me wonder if all opinion is warranted or fruitful?
To base your opinions on the retention of single-use plastic bags in shops due to the fact they're free, you have never seen a plastic bag floating in the ocean in all your dives in the South West, and what will you line your bins with if not plastic, is disconcerting.
You have never seen any plastic bags in your dives? You are fortunate.
- Cowaramup resident Michelle Gabelich
I suggest you take a walk around any suburban neighbourhood, car park or roadside.
In fact, make a visit to a tip site on a windy day and note what you see on the boundary fences ready to take flight.
I would imagine you'd be hard pressed not to find any single use plastic bags at any of those places.
Everything will ultimately end up in the ocean. Simple geography.
You have never seen any plastic bags in your dives? You are fortunate.
I regularly conduct beach cleanups in this area, as do friends of mine, and believe it or not, plastic bags were found floating in the water (along with many other kinds of single-use plastic items). Also, plastic bags break up into micro plastics and release toxins (hard for the eye to see).
Do you dive or go to the beach in winter? If not, it may be eye opening.
I suggest you contact Tangaroa Blue if you require hard facts regarding what is being found washed up on our shores.
You are correct in saying turtles do not inhabit the South West but they have been known to come down this far on occasion due to changing currents.
Please also research the work of Dr Jennifer Lavers in regard to marine life ingesting plastic off our coast.
On the point of currents, I suggest you also look up 5gyres.org. This will inform you about the connectivity of our oceans, the role currents, waves and wind play in displacing materials which find their way into the ocean and then on to distant shores and, more disturbing, into giant garbage 'islands' in the ocean.
Remember we are all connected and even though you may not see something with your own eyes doesn't mean it does not exist somewhere else.
Yes, I agree manufacturers need to be called to task regarding their ridiculous amount of plastic used in manufacturing and final display.
The plastic industry is a powerful group.
It is not going to back down when money can be made. Yes, some plastic is useful and beneficial but, as you say, the over-wrapping of items is becoming serious.
It is up to the consumer to make wise choices. The consumer has power.
We can refuse to buy an item because of the nature in which it is packaged or of its amount of use.
I consider a bit of extra time looking for an alternative, carrying your own containers/ bags, and changing aspects of our lifestyle a small ask if we can help create a cleaner, safer environment for all. It all starts with a single bag.
Let's be a part of a solution not a problem.
Michelle Gabelich, Cowaramup
