Policy rethink for waste and energy

Perth and Kinross Council’s recycling policy now involves sending paper, plastic and cardboard 160 miles by road to the north of England.

How daft can this country get? In order to cut down on carbon emissions, householders are asked to bin their paper, plastic and cardboard separately, only to have it increase carbon emissions during its transportation south.

Everything the powersthat-be do these days seems contrary to common sense.

It would seem only sensible to approach energy-saving and waste management cautiously and gradually.

Of course we must look after our environment; of course we must try to replace fossil fuels and energy produced by nuclear fission, but the process must be managed in a controlled way.

We could shut down all our nuclear, gas, coal and oil-fired power stations tomorrow, but chaos would ensue. Power from renewables is desirable, but they cannot be relied on to supply all our needs now and the high cost of electricity produced from wind farms and solar power are already crippling our industry and rendering it less competitive in the world market when faced with goods pouring in from China, India and elsewhere where little heed is paid to the demands of the Green lobby.

As for waste disposal, the EU which so many now seem to defend has forced us to take such measures as separating waste and recycling some, only to send the latter more than 100 miles away.

As far as I know , there have been no serious health hazards from the vast landfill projects in the past such as the reclamation of part of the Zuider Zee.

Huge amounts of waste could be disposed of in landfill by reclaiming sections of the coast. Yes, we must look after our environment, our countryside and our seascapes. That is why we should halt the spread of wind turbines and their accompanying pylons. Hydro schemes have been a reliable source of electricity in the past and have, in some cases at least, enhanced the beauty of the landscape. Why not develop more of them?

Meanwhile, let’s stick with fossil fuel and nuclear power until we are sure it can be replaced by equally reliable sources of energy. And sending our waste so many miles away every week?

It’s bonkers! George K. McMillan by email