Disqus - Latest Comments for Paul

Re: US Plastic More Expensive To Make, Will Have Higher Carbon Footprint Under Cap & Trade

Paul — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:27:00 -0000

Their argument seems to be:
1) Electric companies will burn more natural gas than coal, which reduces emissions drastically but also drives up gas prices.
2) The higher price of natural gas will make plastic production in the US from gas potentially so cost-ineffective that buyers will switch to European-based plastic production. This will increase emissions moderately.

It seems like they're focusing entirely on point 2, while point 1 will be the biggie. It's a large emissions drop versus a possible small boost if . This makes sense, because point 2 affects their industries, but as a result they're not looking at the larger picture.

Of course, this analysis doesn't even mention the fact that Europe is slowly clamping down on carbon emissions through their own schemes, which could also feed into higher plastic prices.

It reminds me a bit of Utah, which relies on coal for 90% of its electricity, screaming that cap & trade will hurt them immensely. Well, YEAH... that's kind of the point. When we charge coal closer to its actual environmental and health impacts, it will be resoundingly priced out the market. But, as with any market shift, there are winners (well-placed players) and losers (areas that rely on coal for 90% of their electricity). The same applies in this case.

Re: More Reason to Drinking Bottled Water

Paul — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:39:59 -0000

Gotta disagree with you on this one, Daniel. The level of 'drugs' in the public water supply is so minuscule as to be completely meaningless. Come on - parts in a TRILLION? This is shameless fearmongering by AP, and I'm surprised and saddened that you bought into it.

Re: More Reason to Drinking Bottled Water

Paul — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:39:59 -0000

Re: Do You Buy Green or Cheap?

Paul — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:34:42 -0000

I buy green by not wasting time and resources with children.