The 'Great Pacific Garbage Patch' myth

americanthinker.com ^ | 12/27/2015 | Thomas Lifson

[rktman]

Many, perhaps most, Americans believe that a vast accumulation of (mostly plastic) garbage is floating somewhere out in the Pacific Ocean, a non-biodegradable stain on humanity, choking and deforming fish. But apparently, that is just a myth. Kip Hansen writing in Watts Up With That? cites NOAA's Ocean Service - Office of Response and Restoration:

[rktman]

Well, if it does indeed exist, we better hope it doesn't slam in to Guam and flip it over. On the other hand, could it be routed around the tip of South America and up to the Bermuda Triangle thus solving the "problem"? Now, where did I put those satellite photos of it? Maybe if I could get some govt grants I could "re-double" my efforts to look into it.

[Crazieman]

About as realistic as a CFC-induced ozone hole.

[lurk]

All things are biodegradable. Some stuff just takes longer.

[cyclotic]

True. My favorite line is “trees are nothing but a slow growing crop.” Leaves them speechless every time.

[rktman]

When I was still working we were often exposed to the BOZOne layer. Mostly middle and upper management.

[I want the USA back]

Most plastics don’t biodegrade, ever. Most break into small particles which, in the ocean, are ingested by fish. They are indigestible. Big fish eat little fish. Etc.
My posting is right.
Being conservative doesn’t mean being stupid.

[al_c]

Amen!

[ClearCase_guy]

Whether true or not, it’s the seriousness of the baseless fear which matters. [/Liberal]

[Haddit]

http://fusion.net/story/206581/mealworms-recycle-styrofoam/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fusion
Mealworms eat Styrofoam and turn it into CO2 and fertilizer

[PIF]

The "missing 99% of the plastic in the oceans" has been eaten, mostly by bacteria and other microbes. These little critters will continue to eat the plastic and if we reduce the amount of plastic going into the oceans, they may eventually eat it all up.

Reading the article is also helpful ...

[ecomcon]

Most plastics don't biodegrade, ever.

True. They photodegrade in the ocean, which is why they are in bits and pieces. We should definitely keep it out of the ocean as much as possible, but there is no need for hysterics, guilt mongering, and blame gaming.

[X-spurt]

Don’t be confusing em with facts, their minds are already made up.

[Paladin2]

Trashing the environment is never a good idea. Using nukes for power is better than burning coal for the same purpose.

[Graybeard58]

All things are biodegradable. Some stuff just takes longer.

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An inconvenient truth.

[P.O.E.]

My cat loves to eat plastic.

[JeanLM]

Plastic breaking down into micro spheres is a theory hatched by a single Dutch study. There are micro spheres but they come from cosmetics and not ocean dumped plastic. Currents and ocean waves can’t make spheres. It’s hard enough to do this with machines designed for the purpose.

Stop ocean litter and there aren’t any plastic debris fields. Same on land.

[Carriage Hill]

In the nursery/hort business for decades, that’s they way we growers viewed all plant material: crops.

[Noumenon]

Norman, my wacky Maine Coon cat loves Velcro and spent dryer sheets. It’s a full time job keeping his large paws off that stuff.

[PIF]

Oh! So sorry! I realize the error of my ways ... its how one feels not the facts that are important. Forgive me. I’m old. I need to be put out to pasture ...

[Vaduz]

Vast accumulation of (mostly plastic) garbage can also be seen in the trail of trash from Mexico to the USA border.
If ocean plastic is so vast just burn it.