PORT TOWNSEND — Two Port Townsend women scheduled to give a presentation about the use of plastics at the Food Co-op on Sunday are hoping the message will reach a wider audience.
“We think the co-op is run by like-minded people who want to get away from the use of plastic in packaging,” said Amanda Leigh Rose Shafer, who with Sylvia Platt is giving the presentation.
“The co-op is small, but we want to get the ball rolling here and offer solutions that could get picked up by Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.”
The meeting, which is only open to co-op members, will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Palindrome, 1893 S. Jacob Miller Road.
“We are making a concerted effort to address this,” said Kenna Eaton, the co-op’s general manager.
“I think we are the most conscientious of all the local grocery stores, but we still have limited options. The Food Co-op is not in a position to make a difference, but our community is.”
Platt agreed, saying a customer revolt against plastic containers could catch the attention of large grocery stores.
“The food industry needs to cut its use of plastics and use biodegradable options,” she said.
“In this case, the stores will have a bigger voice than individuals.”
Platt developed the idea after her shopping at the co-op still forced her to purchase products in plastic containers.
She intends to spread all these items on a sheet for people to see and understand the volume of plastics — that even in a sympathetic environment like the co-op, customers cannot avoid them.
Plastics pose a hazard to wildlife, she said.
“Plastic never really goes away,” Platt said.
“The so-called compostable containers only break down to small pieces of plastic, which has already changed the oceans’ viscosity.”
She plans to provide the co-op with names of alternative companies from whom it can purchase plant-based packaging rather than petroleum-based products.
Some of these are already on the market, like compostable flatware and a plant-based six-pack holder that marine life can eat rather than become permanently entangled with.
This product could prompt some people to go to the beach, drink a six-pack and throw the holder into the water.
“If you are the kind of person that does that, at least it will be biodegradable,” Platt said.
“If you are not, it will end up in the compost.”
Eaton said one local drawback is the lack of a public compost area.
Platt said her purpose is to see that plastic is removed wherever possible, not only from the waste stream but also from products available for purchase.
“Our opponents are making this a human rights issue, that people on food stamps won’t be able to afford 5 cents for a bag,” she said.
“Consumers shouldn’t be held responsible; it’s the manufacturers’ responsibility.”
For more information, go to www.foodcoop.coop or http://tinyurl.com/PDN-recycle.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.