Letters / Microplastics the real issue
I regularly read the online newspapers Shetland News and Shetland Times to keep me updated on political matters on the islands. I am a bit surprised of the “low” levels of the inter-islands ferry economy debate and also the “one time plastic bottles dumped along the road” debate.
The problem with wasted plastic along the roads and coastline, is visibly bad, but can be fixed by cleaning it up.
The real problem is something that is out of sight, and often regarded as small and invisible: How to clean up these small fragments? Is it even possible? How to establish a sustainable way of living before it is too late?
A strong debate about these questions is welcome and most necessary, if we want to teach people to accept that our welfare and health will not survive if we continue to gorge in easy solutions and throw them out of the window once used.
I hope to see this subject high up on the political agenda in our country Norway, as well as in Shetland: we are all ‘in the same boat’ and it concerns all people everywhere.
I leave to the politicians and to the scientists to explain what happens when the plastic is getting into our food chain. For Norway’s and Shetland’s seafood industries this will surely be catastrophic.
Øystein Kjerpeseth
Bergen
Norway
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.