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Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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Published on Wednesday, July 21, 2004 by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Plastic Left Holding the Bag as Environmental Plague
Nations around world look at a ban
by Joan Lowy
Imagine a world without plastic shopping bags. It could be the future.
There is a growing international movement to ban or discourage the use of plastic bags because of their environmental effects. Countries from Ireland to Australia are cracking down on the bags and action is beginning to stir in the United States.
The ubiquitous plastic shopping bag, so handy for everything from toting groceries to disposing of doggie doo, may be a victim of its own success. Although plastic bags didn't come into widespread use until the early 1980s, environmental groups estimate that 500 billion to 1 trillion of the bags are now used worldwide every year.
Critics of the bags say they use up natural resources, consume energy to manufacture, create litter, choke marine life and add to landfill waste.
Bags add tons to state landfills; recycling comes up short
Every year in Washington state, people throw away about 270,000 tons of plastic bags and wrappings.
That's nearly 5 percent of all garbage going to landfills and incinerators in the state, according to Gretchen Newman, recycling coordinator for the state Department of Ecology.
And plastic bags are a major part of Washington's litter problem, cluttering streets, sticking to trees and polluting water, she said, adding, "It's dangerous for wildlife."
Despite the lightness of their weight, plastic bags and wrappings made up 3 percent of the volume of all litter on state roads and in state and county parks in 2000, the last year tracked by the state, according to an Ecology report. That's 283 tons of bag litter statewide.
Seattle and Bellevue are among the larger cities that collect plastic bags for recycling. In 2001 and 2002, Seattle residents recycled 287 tons of plastic packaging, said Brett Stav of Seattle Public Utilities.
But not everyone bothers to recycle, and in 2002 nearly 5,000 tons of plastic bags went to Seattle's landfill, he said.
King, Pierce and Snohomish counties do not offer plastic bag recycling to their unincorporated-area residents. Although Brooke Bascom of King County's solid waste agency blamed the market, saying there's not enough demand for recycled bags, Seattle's Stav said, "China is a huge developing market. ... There's not a problem with demand." The used bags are made into decking and building materials, he said.
The Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer are major contributors to the area's volume of bags. The Seattle Times Co., which handles delivery of both newspapers under a business partnership, estimates it uses 300,000 plastic bags a week -- covering roughly 10 percent of what's distributed, said Times spokeswoman Kerry Coughlin.
The bags are mainly for keeping newspapers dry. Sometimes they carry advertising, she said.
"They can be recycled, and we encourage it," Coughlin said.
"Every time we use a new plastic bag they go and get more petroleum from the Middle East and bring it over in tankers," said Stephanie Barger, executive director of Earth Resource Foundation in Costa Mesa, Calif. "We are extracting and destroying the Earth to use a plastic bag for 10 minutes."
The foundation is calling for a 25 cent tax on plastic bags in California.
A bill that would have imposed a 3 cent tax on plastic shopping bags and cups was sidelined in the California Legislature last year after heavy opposition from the retail and plastics industries.
The plastics industry took a "proactive stance" by working with retailers to encourage greater recycling, rather than "putting on taxes to address the problem," said Donna Dempsey, executive director of the Film and Bag Federation, a trade association for the plastic bag industry.
The tax proposals are loosely modeled on Ireland's "PlasTax," a levy of about 20 cents that retail customers have had to pay for each plastic bag since March 2002. The use of plastic bags in Ireland dropped more than 90 percent following imposition of the tax, and the government has raised millions of dollars for recycling programs.
Similar legislation was introduced in Scotland last month and is being discussed for the rest of the United Kingdom.
Consumers seem agreeable to giving up the bags, said Claire Wilton, senior waste campaigner at Greenpeace-UK.
"There certainly hasn't been an angry uprising of shoppers (in Ireland) saying we want our bags for free," Wilton said. "I think a lot of people recognize they are wasteful. That's why they try to save them to use again, although they often forget to bring them with them when they shop."
In Australia, about 90 percent of retailers have signed up with the government's voluntary program to reduce plastic bag use. A law that went into effect last year in Taiwan requires restaurants, supermarkets and convenience stores to charge customers for plastic bags and utensils. It has resulted in a 69 percent drop in use of plastic products, according to news reports.
One of the key concerns is litter. In China, plastic bags blowing around the streets are called "white pollution." In South Africa, the bags are so prominent in the countryside that they have won the derisive title of "national flower."
The plastics industry says the solution to bag litter is to change people, not the product.
"Every piece of litter has a human face behind it. If they are a harm to the environment in terms of visual blight, then people need to stop littering," said Rob Krebs, a spokesman for the American Plastics Council.
One of the most dramatic impacts is on marine life. About 100,000 whales, seals, turtles and other marine animals are killed by plastic bags each year worldwide, according to Planet Ark, an international environmental group.
Last September, more than 354,000 bags -- most of them plastic -- were collected during an international cleanup of costal areas in the United States and 100 other countries, according to the Ocean Conservancy.
The bags were the fifth most common item of debris found on beaches.
CRACKING DOWN
Some countries are cracking down on the use of plastic bags. Here's a look at the issue:
# About 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used worldwide every year, according to Vincent Cobb, founder of reuseablebags.com.
# Countries that have banned or taken action to discourage the use of plastic bags include Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, Italy, South Africa and Taiwan. Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, also has banned the bags.
# Australians were using nearly 7 billion bags a year, and nearly 1.2 billion bags a year were being passed out free in Ireland before government restrictions, according to government estimates.
# Plastic industry trade associations were unable to provide estimates of plastic bag use in the United States. However, based on studies of plastic bag use in other nations, the environmental group Californians Against Waste estimates Americans use 84 billion plastic bags annually.
# The first plastic sandwich bags were introduced in 1957. Department stores started using plastic bags in the late 1970s and supermarket chains introduced the bags in the early 1980s.
# Overall, the U.S. plastics and related industries employed about 2.2 million U.S. workers and contributed nearly $400 million to the economy in 2002, according to The Society of the Plastics Industry.
© 2004 Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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Monday, December 29, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
New Year`s Eve 2008 at The Vines
The band is getting busy at The Vines to celebrate the end of 2008.
Contact the venue for more deatils and come and party with us.
We'd love to see you there and hope to see you in 2009.
Stay well and safe over the festive season.
Contact the venue for more deatils and come and party with us.
We'd love to see you there and hope to see you in 2009.
Stay well and safe over the festive season.
Tod Johnston on 6pr Perth
Great to be back on the radio over the summer season and getting the chance
to talk to the listeners of 6pr - I admit that the BigWeekend is very differnt
to the normal programing but it is the weekend and I do love a relaxing
moment - that comfortably knumb feeling on a hot summer afternoon.
.
Thanks to Peter my producer for his efforts and time.
He is now on holidays to two weeks and working with me, he needs it.
Good luck to James, the next one to line up.
.
If you would like to come and play on the weekend, give us a call
on 92211882 or SMS on 19999677.
You can email the show on..............
bigweekend@6pr.com.au
tod@6pr.com.au
to talk to the listeners of 6pr - I admit that the BigWeekend is very differnt
to the normal programing but it is the weekend and I do love a relaxing
moment - that comfortably knumb feeling on a hot summer afternoon.
.
Thanks to Peter my producer for his efforts and time.
He is now on holidays to two weeks and working with me, he needs it.
Good luck to James, the next one to line up.
.
If you would like to come and play on the weekend, give us a call
on 92211882 or SMS on 19999677.
You can email the show on..............
bigweekend@6pr.com.au
tod@6pr.com.au
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Tod Johnston And Peace Love This Week
Hey this week........
Saturday @ Ess Bar
Yes we are there.............................
Saturday @ Ess Bar
Yes we are there.............................
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tamworth Information
 | At www.TamworthCountryMusic.com.au you will find information all year round about Tamworth and the Tamworth Country Music Festival. |
Some Australian Country
Australian Country Music Links Page
| Our Mates Websites | |
|
| It's a remarkable story of talent and dedication and the most remarkable part is that Carter and Carter have only just started. |
| Troy Cassar-Daley |
|
| Kasey Chambers |
|
| Graeme Connors |
|
| Slim Dusty |
|
| Michael Fix |
|
| Since 1997 Wayne Horsburgh has been based half the year in Branson, Missouri (the new home for live Country Music in the USA with 7 million visitors annually). |
| The Country Music Association of America has honoured our Australian country singer Lee Kernaghan with its first Global Artist Award. His sister Tania Kernaghan is our real country sweetheart. | |
| Labels and organizations who share our vision | |
| Bellbird Music One of Australia’s oldest and most substantial Country Music catalogues, Hadley Records, has been purchased by our new company, Bellbird Music who are reissuing these classics. |
| Compass Bros Records home of Adam Brand, Melinda Schneider, Brendon Walmsley and Michael Carr, a Golden Guitar winning stable of artists. |
|
| The Country Music Association of Australia, The Peak body representing Australia's professional Country Music Industry. |
| | Skaggs Family Records |
| Our thanks to the following artists who link to our site for online sales | |
|
| Johnny Ashcroft, wrote and recorded "Little Boy Lost". Over fifty years ago, Johnny Ashcroft transformed himself from a yodelling, guitar-strumming hillbilly recording artist, into Australia’s foremost modern country music singer / songwriter / entertainer and with Gay Kayler formed Australia’s most formidable modern country duo. |
|
| 'Since the release of his self titled debut in July 1998, Adam Brand has quickly become one of Australia's favourite country music artists. He has received platinum and gold albums, and 8 Golden Guitar Awards. |
|
| Mike Carr is one of Australia's most prolific, respected & in-demand songwriters in country music today and is increasingly attracting attention as a singer, as well as songwriter and larrikin live performer. |
|
| One of Australia's most enduring recording artists Johnny Chester began his career in 1961 on the Melbourne based W&G label. Since then he has recorded twenty eight albums, over fifty singles and notched up sales in the hundreds of thousands |
|
| North Coast of NSW's Cedar Creek Band performs various styles of music, including its unique blend of Western Swing, Contemporary Country and Country Rock |
|
| Darren Coggan, was named 'Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year' at the '2003 Telstra Southern Stars Australian Independent Country Music Awards' held in Mildura, Victoria |
 | Dianna Corcoran is an artist of great promise. Little Bit Crazy is just the beginning for this talented, determined and remarkable young woman. New Talent Golden Guitar winner 2004. |
|
| Pat Drummond A balladeer and songwriter whose songs about real people capture the Australian spirit. Most recently he has been producing the Naked Poets collections. |
| | Tamworth born and bred, Felicity Urquhart has emerged as a highly competent song stylist bringing her own distinctive musical stamp to everything she does. |
|
| Donna Fisk and Michael Cristian are a driving force in the future of Australian Country Music – world class songwriting, musicianship, production and vocals with an amazing diversity from pure country to contemporary |
|
| Her music comes from the heart and brings with it a soulful understanding that draws her audiences near. Originally from Western Australia, Nicki Gillis' commitment & passion to her profession saw her relocate to the East Coast to help develop her career. |
|
| January 2003 Frank Ifield was elevated to the Roll of Renown and acknowledged as "...one of our earliest successful country artists...among the first from Australia to gain widespread international fame.". |
|
| Find out all about Karen Lynne the Country/Folk singer ... The Pat Drummond & Karen Lynne" Duo .and a great Bluegrass band. This site also includes a short Biography and other information. |
|
| In 1997, Karen O'Shea co-wrote and recorded "I Can Fly" with Star Maker winner Lyn Bowtell. Now together with Kate Ballantyne they have formed Bella, 2 times Winner Duo Golden Guitar 2004 & 2005. |
|
| Shane Flew was a 'singing' drummer in an original country rock band and in the past 25 years, has performed with John Williamson, The Flood, Graeme Connors, Felicity, Troy Cassar-Daley, and more. |
|
| Until now we've had to accept Jim Haynes's story that he born in a "well-worn, white washed, weatherboard shack in Waratah St, West Weelabarabak, with a well- watered wattle by the window at the back!" |
|
| Dean Perrett is one of the leading artists on the traditional side of Australian Country Music, having established himself as one of bush balladry’s shining singer/songwriters with strong lyrics and catchy melodies for songs written from Dean’s experiences in the cattle industry. |
|
| Melinda Schneider's journey across an engaging emotional terrain - continues with album four, Stronger - her first recordings since taking out the two most prestigious gongs at the Tamworth Country Music Awards... |
|
| The Sensitive New Age Cowpersons is a four piece comedy bluegrass band from Perth, Western Australia Since 1994, the band has gone on to become firm favourites at major music festivals Australia wide |
|
| Sara Storer is unique. Her music embodies the heart of the Australian bush and its people; it is fresh, appealing, honest and compelling. Beautiful Circle, is a 7 time Golden Guitar winner! |
|
| The Sunny Cowgirls’ songs are authentic stories of outback life and bloody hard work, coupled with universal themes of longing for love and romance while keeping your favourite Ute on the road - all told with their unique, sisterly sense of humour. |
|
| Mark Tempany is a multi award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer. Sweet, pure melodies with emotive and intimate lyrics, making his live and recorded performances absolutely unique |
|
| “It was an absolute pleasure to hear the result of what has gone on in the last 12 months of Alex Watt’s life. The development of his craft through a lot of hard work has resulted in a good album” Nick Erby CMR Network. |
|
| Jeanette Wormald is inspired by the land's people, environment and colours. Her fresh, feminine style has won awards and critical acclaim for its celebration of Australia's colonial and indigenous heritage. |
|
| One of our country's finest singer songwriters, multi Golden Guitar winner Brendon Walmsley has now honed and developed his music over three critically acclaimed and successful albums |
|
| John Williamson has released more than 20 albums, and 4 DVDs. John was the first Australian artist to consistently bring songs of the bush to city audiences as well as traditional country followers and was elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown in January 1997. |
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Tod Johnston and 6pr Big Weekend
November 15
Now that was a big one for me.
The band performed on Friday at teh Old Bailey - Saturday at the Ess Bar.
6pr was just a hoot with the elemant of madness with the singing on Sunday's show.
Brilliant.
Now for thios week coming....
The band will; be performing at corporate functions over the next week with Christmas events.
We will be back at the Ess Bar on November 29 - hope to see you there.
What ever happens, enjoy the week and start your shopping now!!!
Cheers
Tod
Now that was a big one for me.
The band performed on Friday at teh Old Bailey - Saturday at the Ess Bar.
6pr was just a hoot with the elemant of madness with the singing on Sunday's show.
Brilliant.
Now for thios week coming....
The band will; be performing at corporate functions over the next week with Christmas events.
We will be back at the Ess Bar on November 29 - hope to see you there.
What ever happens, enjoy the week and start your shopping now!!!
Cheers
Tod
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Ess Bar takes a break..............
The Ess Bar as a regular Thursday is no more for Sue and Tod.
Jerry "THE Shucker" has also been given a rest.
*
The food there is wonderful and the staff brilliant.
Our thanks to the Ess Bar TEAM>>>>>>>>>
Jerry "THE Shucker" has also been given a rest.
*
The food there is wonderful and the staff brilliant.
Our thanks to the Ess Bar TEAM>>>>>>>>>
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Tod Johnston and the band "Peace Love & All That Stuff"
Hey, the holidays were so good - hard to come back to the real world......... but now,
I have bills to pay; so lets go-----------------------------
The band is now recording some original material that will be available on the net shortly.
We have some ideas for next year and the shows and booking s are coming in thick and fast.
.
I have also been invited back to 6pr to play for BIG WEEKEND on a Saturday and a Sunday
from 12noon till 4pm - so the weekends are now full of work that will help me lose sleep......
.
Email address for 6pr is : bigweekend@6pr.com.au
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : tod@6pr.com.au
.
THIS WEEK FOR THE BAND "PEACE LOVE and ALL THAT STUFF"
.
FRIDAY . . . . . . OLD BAILEY TAVERN
SATURDAY. . . ESS BAR IN SUBIACO VILLAGE ( Remember Henry's?)
.
.
Hey, back to work or sleep for me - I'm still making up my mind zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I have bills to pay; so lets go-----------------------------
The band is now recording some original material that will be available on the net shortly.
We have some ideas for next year and the shows and booking s are coming in thick and fast.
.
I have also been invited back to 6pr to play for BIG WEEKEND on a Saturday and a Sunday
from 12noon till 4pm - so the weekends are now full of work that will help me lose sleep......
.
Email address for 6pr is : bigweekend@6pr.com.au
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : tod@6pr.com.au
.
THIS WEEK FOR THE BAND "PEACE LOVE and ALL THAT STUFF"
.
FRIDAY . . . . . . OLD BAILEY TAVERN
SATURDAY. . . ESS BAR IN SUBIACO VILLAGE ( Remember Henry's?)
.
.
Hey, back to work or sleep for me - I'm still making up my mind zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Tod and Peace Love THIS WEEK
We hope to see you on FRIDAY NIGHT at The Old Bailey tavern in Joondalup.
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