Give another thought to use of plastics

Sir, – I write with regard to the article “Eco-tots inspire village to ditch plastic straws” (The Courier February 12). Some businesses in Aberdour have decided to give up plastic straws as a result of a campaign by these Aberdour youngsters.

I am always angry to see plastic washing up on our beaches and feel those responsible should be fined.

I would assume the businesses in Aberdour get Fife Council or private contractors to dispose of their rubbish in a responsible manner, and do not flush straws down their toilets?

If indeed that is the case, then the businesses of Aberdour are not responsible for the waste washing up on our beaches.

Much of the plastic waste entering our oceans actually takes place in countries in the developing world where rivers are, often, basically the local sewage and waste disposal system.

An example of this is the heavily polluted Ganges in India and Bangladesh.

This is the kind of place where the world needs to act.

We need to be telling these countries that unless they clean up their act, they may face a cut in foreign aid and other subsidies. Cutting out a few plastic straws in Aberdour is hardly going to save the planet.

We have fairly good recycling and disposal systems for plastics, and most responsible households and businesses use them.

However, can there be any improvements or changes to the process of recycling and disposing of plastics?

Locally, my street ends up covered in plastic if the plastic collection day coincides with high winds.

Could new processes be used, such as the gasification of rubbish?

I believe that this is a process similar to incineration, but not anywhere near as polluting, and it will also produce heat, light and power for local homes and businesses.

I have heard of plastic straws being used to provide a temporary airway in patients who have needed an emergency tracheotomy.

Plastics have many good uses, if used and disposed of responsibly, and it is certainly not time yet to curtail or ban their use.

Alastair Macintyre. 18 Webster Place, Rosyth.

Jamie Allan, 5, with his mum Morgana. Jamie and his friend, Jamie Neal, started a campaign to make Aberdour a straw-free village.