ARLINGTON, Va., July 25 /EMWNews/ -- Today, California Lieutenant

Governor John Garamendi announced the findings of a recent report on marine

debris. At the American Chemistry Council (ACC) we agree that even one

piece of plastic in the ocean is too many. Plastic is a valuable resource

-- too valuable to waste. Plastics do not belong in our waterways or on our

beaches; they belong in the recycling bin.



    While we agree that a solution to the problem of marine debris must be

found, proposals to ban plastic products fail to consider the impacts of

alternative materials on our environment. Additionally, taxes and fees

levied on the purchase of plastic materials are especially troubling for

their negative impact on consumers and businesses.



    Furthermore, as we consider the solutions to marine debris, it is

important to understand the scope of the concern. A recent study of marine

debris performed by Dr. Miriam Doyle, suggests that the sources of marine

debris include all sources of litter. As a matter of fact, the study found

that non-plastic debris collected during the sampling period was 63%

greater than the amount of plastic debris collected. The study further

found that the likelihood of ingestion is minimal due to the low mass and

concentration of debris particles relative to zooplankton organisms.

Clearly, more study is needed to assess impacts of ingestion on marine life

and ACC supports the development of such studies.



    We all have a responsibility to reduce litter and prevent our

coastlines and oceans from becoming repositories for waste. Although the

Lt. Governor indicates no interest in reaching out to the business

community to tackle these issues, the ACC and our member companies are

partnering with government, academia, businesses and consumers to find

solutions to the problems of litter and marine debris.



    ACC is working with a diverse group of industry representatives,

federal and state government officials, and representatives from

non-governmental organizations to find ways to prevent litter from becoming

marine debris. This effort will include programs to reduce litter and

encourage greater recycling.



    The plastics industry has been instrumental in promoting practices to

contain plastic pellets. In California last year, ACC worked with the state

Legislature to enact a new state law -- AB 258 -- that requires containment

measures to reduce the release of plastic pellets into the marine

environment.



    ACC has continually supported the implementation of California's

landmark plastic grocery bag recycling law by developing public education

materials, providing grocers and retailers at-store recycling promotional

materials, and an on-line plastic bag information website

(http://www.PlasticBagRecycling.org) allowing consumers to locate the most

convenient plastic bag recycling opportunity in their neighborhood.



    In addition, by working in partnership with the California Department

of Parks and Recreation and the nonprofit Keep California Beautiful,

plastics producers have placed new recycle bins on California's beaches to

help increase the recycling of plastics and keep them out of our oceans and

waterways. Through this and other efforts to promote plastics recycling

nationwide, we are able to give plastics a second life to create products

ranging from fleece jackets and detergent containers to carpeting and

durable outdoor decking.



    Plastics manufacturers are continuously improving plastic products and

packaging through innovation. Plastics are routinely re-engineered to

become lighter and more efficient, which means lighter loads and fewer

trucks and railcars needed to ship the same amount of product. Fewer trucks

and railcars means less oil is needed to transport products -- and, of

course, it also means fewer emissions and lower shipping costs. In fact, a

recent study shows that using plastics instead of alternative materials

helps to reduce energy consumption by 46 percent and greenhouse gas

emissions by 56 percent.



    Marine debris is a complicated problem, and finding effective solutions

will require cooperation and commitment. Plastics producers are dedicated

to being part of the solution to marine debris, and by working together,

all of us can contribute to cleaner oceans, cleaner coastlines and a

cleaner environment. We will continue to work with the state of California

and other partners to address the concerns of litter and marine debris.



    http://www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom



    The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies

engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of

chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives

better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental,

health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense

advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and

environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a

$664 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is

one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of

every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest

investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been

primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts,

working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend

against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.